Rahul Bajpai has tips for those who wish to become translators
Merely knowing two languages doesn’t mean one can translate. Translation is so much more and many people are often perplexed by this fact. But if you have the requisite skills, there is a lot in store for you in this profession.Good translators specialise in only few different but related areas. Remaining up-to-date on changes in the industry and abreast of current trends is important.
Translating from one language to another — for instance from Spanish to English — is not same as translating in the reverse direction (from English to Spanish). Needless to say, you need vast knowledge of your commanding language.
In the present scenario, many big companies allow their translators to work from home with full salary. But that doesn’t mean professionals can take deadlines lightly. There is enough scope for those who want to translate to bring home the bacon. You need not be a member of any organisation and all you need is a penchant for your job.
Good and experienced translators usually charge a high fee, stick to their standard charges and don’t take up projects that remunerate poorly. On the other hand, inexperienced translators settle with any payment because they wish to gather experience.
In this field you must have a deep knowledge of various subjects, impressive writing skills, good command over the target language and strong vocabulary. You must be able to handle lengthy translations, think creatively, have an impressive concentration power and must know how to manage time.
Most translation degree programmes are offered at the master’s level. Some colleges and universities offer bachelor’s and doctoral translation degrees also. Usually, completing a college-level foreign language coursework is required for entry into a translation or bachelor’s degree programme. To become a translator, a candidate should be a post-graduate diploma holder.
Institutes offering degrees or diplomas in translation are:
Aligarh Muslim University, Uttar Pradesh, Ignou, New Delhi, Gujarat University, Gujrat, Government College for Girls and Chandigarh, among others. Remember, getting a job with perks is easy but you would have to put up with slow growth.
With Thanks To:
The Statesman
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