Most of you who are reading this now are already translators. Whether still in education or having had a few years’ solo flight time under your belts already, you probably don’t need to be reminded of how you got where you are now. But in times to come, other linguistically-minded people may stumble across these words, and it is largely to them that this information will be most useful.
However! Always remember, that you can never be too knowledgeable nor too experienced not to benefit from a refresher now and then. In every branch of industry and creative endeavour, it never hurts to go back to basics. So pack your bags and come with us on a multi-week journey from the end of high school to the lofty heights of freelance translating! (or as we call it, sitting at your desk in your underpants all day). And as always, we want to hear from you. How has your experience differed from the précis given here? Let us know, in the comments below!
Basic Fundaments
Know at least two languages. This is the bare minimum, however this doesn’t automatically make you a translator (or interpreter). Translating and interpreting are distinct skills that need to be learnt, after which it’s all about accumulating experience. Having a real interest in the culture of your second language is a terrific boon that will serve you extremely well as a translator or interpreter.
Back 2 Skool
There are several ways of attaining the formal education required:
- Linguistics degrees. In Poland, a linguistics degree is the best way, especially in Warsaw at the Instytut Lingwistyki Stosowanej, where they offer MAs in translating and interpreting. You can easily find them on the web. Linguistics degrees provide specific and detailed technical and mechanical knowledge for the potential translator/interpreter.
- Philology degrees. Although less specific than linguistics in terms of translator/interpreter skills, philology degrees offer a great deal for the potential translator/interpreter in terms of cultural knowledge and understanding. This type of knowledge can’t be underestimated, as it directly contributes a huge amount to the final quality of your translation or interpretation (particularly the latter).
- General degrees. Another route to consider is using any other sort of degree as a launchpad into translating as a specialist. For example, a biology degree can be the basis for specialising in medical translations, a degree in engineering or business can be built upon to become a specialist in translating and/or interpreting in those fields. There is always, always going to be a need for translators and interpreters in very specific fields; although some areas (like business and medicine) may be more in demand more often than others, there are really no subjects which are so marginal that with the relevant degree, some proper training and a little experience, you wouldn’t be able to pay your bills with them at the end of the month.
- Certification courses, independent schools etc. A completely viable alternative to university training is to attend specific translator/interpreter training courses at a specialist school. For example, UNESCO or TISCHNER here in Kraków, or the Centrum Tłumaczeń in Sosnowiec, over in Katowice, which offers seasonal courses and can fully train you in the principles and techniques of translating and interpreting. If you have a general degree or some sort of gift for languages, it’s well worth considering, especially as many such schools’ final exams result in recognised national and international certification from bodies such as TEPIS etc.
Beyond education
As we said yesterday, proper translating and interpreting is more than just a degree or a bunch of certificates. I’ve know many translators who had qualifications coming out of their ears, but who could make a translation of a children’s party invitation sound like a summons to a firing squad. Long after your initial formal training and education is over, an interest in and ongoing awareness of the news, politics and cultural trends of the countries of your chosen languages, is absolutely vital, beyond any question. Knowledge of history and culture are just as important as a good vocabulary and understanding of technique. For example, look how quickly language evolves – interpreting when a World War II veteran speaks, and when a Gulf War veteran speaks, goes well beyond just knowing the military terminology.
Don’t forget your roots
Hand in hand with all that, and as our friend Piotrek pointed out here, in the race to master your target language you shouldn’t let mastery of your mother tongue fall behind!
Next week we'll be leaving full-time education and looking for our own place, so start dealing with the hangover and let's meet again in seven. In the meantime, email me or leave a comment below if you want to say something about all this. :)
No comments:
Post a Comment