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Dip Trans (IoL): resource materials.

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Thread poster: Ewa Erdmann

Dip Trans (IoL): resource materials.

Paul Malone

France
Local time: 04:46

Member (2004)
French to English
+ ...

Addresses of the websites that you would have used

Nov 16, 2009

If you come across terminology that is not in your dictionaries, even specialist ones, but you know exactly where you could have found the information on the web, you should be ready to give detailed translator's notes quoting the sources (including the exact web addresses) you would have got the information from had you had internet access during the exam.

So I would advise you to take with you a list of addresses of any such specialist terminology sites you use, and be ready to quote them in your translator's notes if you need to - but only if you have no other option.

A target language thesaurus may be useful, but should not be overused.

A style guide could be used as reference material during the exam.

Any grammar books you ever find useful as reference material.

Oh, yes, and a container, the type that you can load onto a truck, plus a crane to lift it in through the exam room window, with all your dictionaries and other reference materials. You can hire these for reasonable fees (look in the Yellow Pages). Make sure you get a student discount.

Do take lots of luck with you on the day!

Best wishes,
Paul
A former Dip Trans candidate.

Carole Paquis

United Kingdom
Local time: 03:46

Member (2007)
English to French

Options

Nov 18, 2009

[/quote]

But then does the option have any effect on your specialisation later on, I mean, is it stated in the certificate and do the employers care?

[Edited at 2009-11-16 21:34 GMT] [/quote]

I don't think employers or clients really care. The options are only called 'semi-specialised'.
I found that in 'the real world', such texts would rather be considered as general texts...
In my case, I wouldn't go anywhere near a science text, even though I took the science paper and got a distinction.

Noone ever asked me to translate any science document on the basis that I had taken the science paper...

In my experience prospective employers or clients are just interested in knowing that you do hold the Dip. Trans. : everyone knows that it is not that easy.

Carole

Paul Malone

France
Local time: 04:46

Member (2004)
French to English
+ ...

Yes, the options do appear on the certificates

Nov 18, 2009

Yes, the semi-specialised options you take are shown on the certificates.

I have two Dip Trans certificates, both of which show 'Science' and 'Technology' as semi-specialised options.

I cannot say for certain whether and to what extent this information influences clients or potential clients, as I cannot speak for them. What I can say for certain, however, is that I have chosen to specialise in technical and scientific translation work and that I have no shortage of such work.

I don't share Carole's opinion about not deciding which paper you want to sit until the actual exam. I know this works for some people, but it does not work for everyone. Personally, I would give you the opposite advice, i.e. to know well in advance which papers (units) you intend to take and to prepare for taking those specific papers. This is the approach that worked for me.

In the end, after listening to the advice available from different quarters, you yourself must decide which approach you feel would be best for you personally.

Good luck,
Paul.

Tomás Cano Binder, CT

Spain
Local time: 04:46

Member (2005)
English to Spanish
+ ...

Thanks for sharing Paul!

Nov 18, 2009

Paul Malone wrote:
Yes, the semi-specialised options you take are shown on the certificates.

Wow. I had no idea. This is quite some information here. In my case, being mostly a technical and scientific translator (although I also do lots of marketing/business translation related to those areas and their companies), I reckon I might stick to technical areas in January.

However, seen from a different perspective, maybe choosing and preparing for one semi-specialised paper in a field you don't get much at work but are very familiar with can give you a more "generic" DipTrans that can serve you better in the long run. After writing this, I immediately wonder whether this is plain bad advice in the case of less-experienced translators!

Ewa Erdmann
United Kingdom
English to Polish
+ ...

TOPIC STARTER

I have already decided

Nov 18, 2009

I am preparing for 'Business' and 'Law' options. Even though I have done some technical translation before, I would like to specialise in legal translation.
Still, I think I might have a look at the other texts just to make sure Im choosing 'the right ones'.

Paul, your first post truly made me laugh out loud

Louise Souter

United Kingdom
Local time: 03:46

Member (2009)
Spanish to English
+ ...

Know your resources

Nov 18, 2009

Obviously it is important to have up-to-date resources, but I would also add that it is vital to familiarize yourself with any books you plan to take so that you can access the information you need straight away.

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