Translator

Translators convert the written word from one language to another. They have good knowledge of one or more foreign languages. They translate materials such as textbooks, instruction manuals and research papers.

Work activities

Translators convert written text from one language to another. They make sure that they keep the correct meaning of the original text, while making the text appropriate to the target readership. Most opportunities are in technical, scientific and commercial translation, working with materials such as textbooks, instruction manuals, business reports, research papers and advertising brochures. This work generally requires knowledge of a specialised field such as law, finance, engineering or technology. Some translators work on media translation, such as film scripts and subtitles. Others work on travel guides or educational books. An increasing amount of translation is of website content and software.

Translators need to know technical and specialised terminology and jargon. Technical translation is not about creating literature, but about conveying a meaning in terms that the reader can understand. In the translation of a foreign book, poem or play, translators need to convey the spirit of the work. They need flair for the appropriate turn of phrase. They also need an understanding of the author’s style and, perhaps, the period they were writing in. Sometimes, literary translators work from a rough translation prepared by another person, which they refine into a more acceptable form. Few people make a living from literary translation as it can take many years to build a reputation. It’s usual to combine literary translation with other work. Translators usually work on their own. They use reference books, specialist dictionaries and internet resources in their work.

Personal qualities and skills

As a translator, you’ll need:

• An in-depth knowledge of at least one foreign language.
• Excellent English language skills.
• Knowledge of the culture of the countries in which the target language is spoken.
• Attention to detail.
• The ability to write clearly.
• To remain impartial and free of bias.
• To be prepared to work mainly on your own.
• Good communication skills when dealing with clients.
• Patience, persistence and good concentration, as the work can be complex.
• Excellent keyboard skills and familiarity with computers.
• To be able to work at speed in order to meet deadlines.
• Good research skills, including online, to find and check the accuracy of information.

If you specialise in a particular field of translation, you must be prepared to keep up to date with any advances in that area. In some cases, you could be translating confidential information, so you need to be discreet and trustworthy.

Pay and opportunities

Earnings for translators vary depending on whether they are employed or work as freelance translators. Pay is variable, but Glassdoor estimates the average annual income for a translator in the UK is £31,000 (based on 330 salaries).

Translators may work 37-39 hours per week. You might need to work late and at weekends, especially as deadlines approach.

Most translators are self-employed freelancers. Organisations that employ translators include large industrial and commercial companies. The BBC and the Civil Service employ translators full-time. Major cities have translation companies that employ staff on a full-time and freelance basis. Some local authorities employ people with knowledge of one or more ethnic minority languages to work as community translators. There are limited opportunities for translators to join organisations such as the European Court of Justice and the United Nations.

Freelance translators tend to specialise in particular areas, such as medical or legal work.

What’s happening in this work area?

Competition for work is strong. The profession is dominated by freelance translators, with few full-time jobs advertised each year.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in local/national newspapers and on specialist language recruitment agency websites and job boards. The Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) and Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL) also advertise vacancies on their websites. Members of the ITI and IoL can enter their names on searchable online directories, allowing clients to search for and select freelancers.

Entry routes and training

The usual route is to begin by completing a degree course in modern languages. There are also some degree courses that combine translation studies with one or more languages. Postgraduate training is useful. Some courses allow you to specialise in areas such as scientific, technical, medical, literary or audio-visual translation. Please check course details carefully.

The Chartered Institute of Linguists Educational Trust (IoLET) provides the Diploma in Translation. This is a postgraduate-level qualification. You can find a list of course providers on the Chartered Institute of Linguists’ (CIOL) website; some centres run the Diploma by distance learning.

There is currently no apprenticeship route into translating.

Translators might combine their work with interpreting services. Some go into teaching or training roles. There are opportunities to set up recruitment or consultancy services, selecting and recruiting other translators to meet a client’s needs.

Rehabilitation of Offenders: This career can be an exception to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 if the work involves matters of national security. Where this is the case, this means that you must supply information to an employer about any spent or unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings, if they ask you to. This is different from other careers, where you only have to reveal information on unspent convictions if you are asked to. This may apply in certain roles within the Civil Service or the security services.

Qualifications

For entry to a degree course in a modern language, the usual requirement is:

• Two A-levels including the modern language(s) relevant to the course.
• GCSEs at grades 9-4 in your A-level subjects.
• A further two to three GCSEs at grades 9-4, including English.

Alternatives to A-levels include:

• Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 Nationals
• International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma.

Course requirements vary, so please check prospectuses carefully.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Some entrants have had work experience abroad, for example, in a translation service or company.

If you don’t have the qualifications you usually need to enter a degree course, you might be able to start one after completing a college or university Access course. You don’t usually need any qualifications to start an Access course, but you should check individual course details.

Many colleges and universities offer degree courses in translation at all levels, often combined with linguistics. Many courses involve spending time abroad.

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