What is translation? How to become a translator or interpreter

Translation plays a crucial role in breaking down language barriers and unlocking new opportunities. In this article, Thao & Co. covers what is translation and what it takes to pursue a career in translation or interpretation.

What is translation?

Translation is the process of transferring meaning from one language to another. Translating isn’t merely a mechanical task where each word is translated separately out of context.

It’s a more complex process requiring a nuanced understanding of context, cultures, as well as the intentions and emotions of the speaker or writer.

The goal is to ensure that the translated message is not only accurate but also feels natural and authentic in the target language.

What are the types of translation?

Translation generally falls into two main categories: written translation and spoken translation, also known as interpretation. Each has its unique challenges and requires different skills.

1. What is written translation?

Written translation is the process of converting written text from one language to another. This can include a wide range of materials, such as documents, books, articles, and academic papers.

Unlike interpretation, written translation is typically less time-sensitive but places a strong emphasis on precision and fluency.

Translators, therefore, have to put in a lot of work to ensure that their translations are not only accurate but also maintain the style and tone of the original texts.

2. What is interpretation?

Interpretation is the real-time conversion of speech from one language to another. Interpretation plays a pivotal role in international meetings, conferences, and events.

Interpreters must have a sharp, agile mind, along with excellent listening, speaking, and note-taking skills. This enables them to deliver smooth and precise interpretations on the spot, often under significant time pressure.

Career prospects in translation

The translation industry has been evolving hand-in-hand with the economic and cultural development of mankind. Despite concerns that translation apps, websites, and AI might replace human translators and interpreters, the job market in this field remains full of opportunities.

According to Fact.MR, the global language services market was valued at $60.68 billion USD in 2022. This figure is projected to grow to $96.21 billion USD by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.94%.

As companies and corporations expand across borders, the demand for translation services continues to increase.

In addition, the growing trend toward freelancing and remote work has opened up new avenues for translators, allowing them to reach clients worldwide rather than being confined to local markets.

However, this growth also brings challenges, including heightened competition and the need for constant skill upgrades. Advancements in machine translation have significantly raised the bar for translators.

Certain documents must be handled by professional translation services, and they require in-depth industry knowledge. To stay relevant and succeed in this dynamic field, translators must be committed to continuous learning and skill development.

How to become a translator or interpreter?

To build a successful career in translation or interpretation, you’ll need a combination of qualifications and key professional skills. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

1. Qualifications

1. ● Bachelor’s degree in language studies: A degree in your target language, such as English Language Studies or Chinese Language Studies, is a solid foundation.

1. ● Bachelor’s degree in a related field: Degrees in fields like Journalism, Linguistics, Applied Linguistics, or cultural studies (e.g., Oriental Studies or Japanese Studies) can also be advantageous.

1. ● Master’s degree: Pursuing a master’s degree in translation or interpretation provides specialized skills and knowledge, helping you become a more competent translator or interpreter.

1. ● Specialized translation certification: For certain specialized areas, certifications such as court interpreter certification or Certified Medical Interpreter (CMI) certification are required.

1. ● Language proficiency certificate: High scores on language proficiency tests, like IELTS or TOEFL for English or TOPIK for Korean, can help you stand out in the job market.

1. ● Certifications in technical skills: Proficiency in using Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools, such as SDL Trados, MemoQ, or Wordfast, is essential for modern translation work.

2. Professional skills and qualities

1. ● Good memory: A good memory enables you to memorize and accurately interpret what the speaker says.

1. ● Ability to work under pressure: This helps you to efficiently handle heavy workloads under time constraints.

1. ● Research and synthesis skills: The ability to research topics and relevant terminology ensures the accuracy and quality of your translations.

1. ● Communication skills: As an interpreter, you must make sure that the messages are clearly and accurately conveyed between parties.

1. ● Continuous learning: The language industry is constantly evolving, so it’s important for translators and interpreters to regularly update their skills and knowledge.

1. ● Time management skills: Good time management helps you juggle multiple tasks and meet deadlines consistently.

Translator and interpreter salary

Translation and interpretation jobs offer relatively high salaries compared to many other professions. Below is a breakdown of the typical pay scales:

1. English translator salary

1. ● Average salary range: 10 – 18 million VND per month
2. ● For experienced translators: 30 – 40 million VND per month

2. Freelance translator rates with agencies or publishers

1. ● Pay per word: 150 – 400 VND, depending on the complexity of the content

3. English interpreter pay rates

1. ● Average rates for conference interpretation: 15 – 40 USD per hour.

However, interpreter earnings can vary depending on various factors, including:

1. ● Market demand: Rates tend to be higher in industries with stronger demand for interpreting services.

1. ● Language pair rarity: The rarer the language pair, the higher the pay rates.

1. ● Location: Pay rates are typically higher in major cities like Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City than in other areas. . .

1. ● Experience: Interpreters with extensive experience are offered higher pay rates than freshers.

1. ● Expertise: Expertise in a specific field such as law, technology, or healthcare can significantly boost an interpreter’s value and income.

Thao & Co. – Your unique translation partner

At Thao & Co., we are committed to delivering high-quality translations that capture the true essence of your message.

By harnessing cutting-edge technology, we ensure seamless communication and collaboration throughout the translation process.

Our highly qualified linguists possess language degrees and international language proficiency certificates. You can count on our team for translation accuracy and consistency in every project.

With our proprietary platform, you can track the progress of your project in real time. Our centralized system guarantees the highest level of document security.

Moreover, we offer a range of exclusive language solutions you won’t find elsewhere:

1. ● Expert ReviewⒸ for specialized translations
2. ● Creative Translation
3. ● SEO Translation for website content
4. ● Bilingual Host for events

These unique services are what sets us apart from other translation agencies. Last but not least, we boast a vast network of linguists across over 50 languages.

So far, we’ve given you a glimpse into the world of translation, exploring what is translation, as well as the skills required to be a translator or interpreter.

In today’s world, the significance of translation across various aspects of life has become more evident than ever.

Interested in our translation services? Fill out our Get a Quote form for a free quote and consultation. We’ll respond promptly with all the details you need.