Profession translator

Translators transcribe written documents from one or more languages to another ensuring that the message and nuances therein remain in the translated material. They translate material backed up by an understanding of it, which can include commercial and industrial documentation, personal documents, journalism, novels, creative writing, and scientific texts delivering the translations in any format.

Personality Type

• Artistic / Social

Knowledge

• Information confidentiality

  The mechanisms and regulations which allow for selective access control and guarantee that only authorised parties (people, processes, systems and devices) have access to data, the way to comply with confidential information and the risks of non-compliance.

• Grammar

  The set of structural rules governing the composition of clauses, phrases, and words in any given natural language.

• Office software

  The characteristics and functioning of software programs for office tasks such as word processing, spreadsheets, presentation, email and database.

• Spelling

  The rules concerning the way words are spelled.

Skills

• Maintain updated professional knowledge

  Regularly attend educational workshops, read professional publications, actively participate in professional societies.

• Revise translation works

  Compare and perform bilingual editing by reading the translated work and comparing it to the original text.

• Develop a translation strategy

  Perform research to better understand the subject material and formulate the right questions to get the information needed.

• Consult information sources

  Consult relevant information sources to find inspiration, to educate yourself on certain topics and to acquire background information.

• Review translation works

  Read thoroughly translated works in order to ensure accuracy and achievement of the purpose.

• Speak different languages

  Master foreign languages to be able to communicate in one or more foreign languages.

• Comprehend the material to be translated

  Read and analyse the content and themes of the material to be translated. The translator must comprehend what is written in order to best translate the content. Word-for-word translation is not always possible, and the translator must navigate the language to best maintain the sense of the text.

• Translate texts

  Translate text from one language to another, conserving the meaning and the nuances of the original text, without adding, changing or omitting anything and avoiding the expression of personal feelings and opinions.

• Observe confidentiality

  Observe the set of rules establishing the nondisclosure of information except to another authorised person.

• Master language rules

  Master the techniques and practices of the languages to be translated. This includes both your own native language, as well as foreign languages. Be familiar with applicable standards and rules and identify the proper expressions and words to use.

• Follow translation quality standards

  Comply with agreed standards, such as the European standard EN 15038 and the ISO 17100, to ensure that requirements for language-service providers are met and to guarantee uniformity.

• Translate tags

  Interpret and translate tags from one language to another striving for accuracy in the target language.

• Follow an ethical code of conduct for translation activities

  Carry out translation activities according to accepted principles of right and wrong. This includes fairness, transparency, and impartiality. Do not use judgement or allow personal opinions to affect the quality of the translation or interpretation.

• Proofread text

  Read a text thoroughly, search for, review and correct errors to ensure content is valid for publishing.

• Preserve original text

  Translate texts without adding, changing or omitting anything. Make sure the original message is conveyed. Don't express your own feelings and opinions.

• Update language skills

  Research or practice language skills to stay current with language changes in order to best translate or interpret.

• Provide written content

  Communicate information in written form via digital or print media according to the needs of the target group. Structure the content according to specifications and standards. Apply grammar and spelling rules.

• Use dictionaries

  Use glossaries and dictionaries to search for the meaning, the spelling, and synonyms of words.

• Translate different types of texts

  Comprehend the nature of the type of text to be translated, for example commercial and industrial documentation, personal documents, journalism, novels, creative writing, certificates, government documentation, and scientific texts.

• Apply grammar and spelling rules

  Apply the rules of spelling and grammar and ensure consistency throughout texts.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB