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September 2002 | ||
The Translation E-Buzz |
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Employee of the Month -
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September 30 is International Translation Day, because it is the feast day for St. Jerome, who is the patron saint of translators and interpreters. RMTC will once again celebrate its role and accomplishments in the industry on this day; events will include an inhouse reception, games and prizes for employees throughout the day, and a special client promotion. In honor of the occasion, we extend a special thanks to all our translators for their good work, long-standing relationships with our staff, and dedication to their craft.
RMTC is very pleased to introduce the latest addition to our staff, Rob
Krpoun, as Systems Administrator/
Programmer. Rob earned an electrical
engineering degree with a minor in computer science from Montana State
University in 1994. He has since worked in the software industry doing
software programming, network administration, hardware and software
installation, technical support, and training. Rob is also a Microsoft
Certified System Engineer.
RMTC offers translation, localization, and consecutive interpreting services. How these closely related services differ can be confusing. The following is a clear explanation of what is involved in translation and interpretation, with mention of the emerging need for localization as well.
The text is excerpted from the article
"Interpreters and Translators," which was published in the
summer edition of the Occupational Outlook Quarterly. Full text of the
article is available on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website at:
http://www.bls.gov/
opub/ooq/2002/summer/art02.pdf
by Elka Jones
Linguaphiles of the 21st century can choose from an expanding selection of occupations. Among them are interpreters of spoken and signed language and translators of written language. These highly skilled workers enable the cross-cultural communication necessary in today's society.
What skills do interpreters and translators need? For starters, knowing at least two languages is a prerequisite. But it takes more than bilingualism to succeed in these occupations. On the following pages, you'll learn about the work of interpreters and translators, including what they do, where they work, how much they earn, and how they prepare for these careers.
Defining the profession
Interpreters and translators convert one language into another. But they do more than simply translate words¾they relay concepts and ideas between languages. They must thoroughly understand the subject matters in which they work so they are able to convert information from one language, known as the source language, into another, the target language. And they must remain sensitive to the cultures associated with their languages of expertise.
Same goal, different methods
Interpreters and translators are often discussed together, as they are in this article, because they share some common traits. For example, both need a special ability, known as language combination. This ability enables them to be fluent in at least two languages: a native, or active, language and a secondary, or passive, language. Their active language is the one they know best and into which they interpret or translate, and their passive language is one of which they have near-perfect knowledge.
Although some people do both, interpretation and translation are different professions. Each requires a distinct set of skills and aptitudes, and most people are better suited for one or the other. While interpreters often work into and from both languages, translators generally work only into their active language.
Interpreters
Interpreters convert one spoken language into another¾or, in the case of sign language interpreters, between spoken communication and signed language. This requires interpreters to pay attention carefully, understand what is communicated in both languages, and express thoughts and ideas clearly. Strong research and analytical skills, mental dexterity, and an exceptional memory also are important.
The first part of an interpreter's work begins before he or she arrives at the jobsite. The interpreter must become familiar with the subject matter the speakers will cover, a task that may involve research to create a list of common words and phrases associated with the topic. Next, the interpreter usually travels to the location where his or her services are needed. Physical presence may not be required for some work, such as telephone interpretation. But it is usually important that the interpreter sees the communicators in order to hear and observe the person speaking and to relay the message to the other party.
There are two types of interpretation: simultaneous and consecutive. Simultaneous interpretation requires interpreters to listen and speak (or sign) at the same time. In simultaneous interpretation, the interpreter begins to convey a sentence being spoken while the speaker is still talking. Ideally, simultaneous interpreters should be so familiar with a subject that they are able to anticipate the end of the speaker's sentence. Because they need a high degree of concentration, simultaneous interpreters work in pairs, which each interpreting for 20- to 30-minute segments. This type of interpretation is required at international conferences and is sometimes used in the courts.
In contrast to simultaneous interpretation's immediacy, consecutive interpretation begins only after the speaker has verbalized a group of words or sentences. Consecutive interpreters often take notes while listening to the speakers, so they must develop some type of note-taking or shorthand system. This form of interpretation is used most often for person-to-person communication, during which the interpreter sits near both parties.
Translators
Translators convert written materials from one language into another. They must have excellent writing and analytical ability. And because the documents they translate must be as flawless as possible, they also need good editing skills.
Translators' assignments may vary in length, writing style, and subject matter. When they first receive text to convert into another language, translators usually read it in its entirety to get an idea of the subject. Next, they identify and look up any unfamiliar words. Translators also might do additional reading on the subject matter if they are unclear about anything in the text. However, they also consult with the text's originator or issuing agency to clarify unclear or unfamiliar ideas, words, or acronyms.
Translating involves more than replacing a word with its equivalent in another language: sentences and ideas must be manipulated to flow with the same coherence as the source document so that the translation reads as though it originated in the target language. In addition, translators also must bear in mind any cultural references that may need to be explained to the intended audience, such as colloquialisms, slang, and other expressions that do not translate literally. Some subjects may be more difficult than others to translate because words or passages may have multiple meanings that make several translations possible. Not surprisingly, translated work often goes through multiple revisions before final text is submitted.
Localization
Translators who work in localization are part of a relatively recent and rapidly expanding specialty. Localization involves the complete adaptation of a product for use in a different language and culture. At its earlier stages, this work dealt primarily with software localization, but the specialty has expanded to include the adaptation of Web sites and products in manufacturing and other business sectors.
Translators working in localization need a solid grasp of the languages to be translated, a thorough understanding of technical concepts and vocabulary, and a high degree of knowledge about the intended target audience or users of the product. The goal of these specialists is that the product appear as if it is originally manufactured in the country in which it will be sold and supported. Because software programming often is involved, it is not uncommon for people who work in this area of translation to have a high-tech background.
Employment and outlook
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data indicate that interpreters and translators held about 22,000 jobs in 2000. Employment in the occupation is expected to increase steadily as most of these industries expand. A growth rate of about 24 percent is projected for the occupation over the 2000-10 decade¾faster than the average for all occupations. In addition to overall growth in the industries employing interpreters and translators, higher demand is expected to result from increased international ties and increased numbers of foreign language speakers in the United States. Both of these trends are expected to continue, according to data from the World Trade Organization and the U.S. Census Bureau.
Elka Jones is an economist in the Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections, BLS, (202) 691-5719.
