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Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator? | I think that training is good for a translator, but...

Ilary (X) — Wed, 13 May 2009 09:39:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator?
Poster: Ilary (X)
Post title: I think that training is good for a translator, but...

I voted yes because during a translation course you learn a variety of techniques you can use while translating different types of text, the CAT tools (it is a great opportunity for students because they would save the money they could spend for a separate course, unless they intend to use an upgraded version of a CAT software later, after they graduate), how to make glossaries, etc.

Training doesn't necessarily make a good translator, but I think it may help you become one. By the way, there are always people who attend translation university courses for a while, but then give up, because they realize translation is not for them... and also people who attend those courses, but it takes them a lot of time to pass translation exams (and when they do, they often get a low mark). I also know people who attended a Translation and Interpreting course with me, but ended up choosing a different MA course than those in Translation or Interpreting, or don't want to work as translators/interpreters.

I believe that a good translator knows which techniques to use when translating a particular type of text, knows his/her source and target languages and cultures very well, must be familiar with the subject matter of the text and does all the best to transfer the author's intentions to his/her translation. I also believe that a good translator shouldn't translate word for word: he/she should focus on the meaning of the original text, instead.

Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator? | Huh?

Steven Capsuto — Wed, 13 May 2009 04:41:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator?
Poster: Steven Capsuto
Post title: Huh?

[quote]Williamson wrote:
However, I wonder how well you do with a sentence of 20 lines without interpunction and a lot of subordinate clauses. I don't know about Russian, but I can quote some Spanish and French authors who are specialists writing such texts.[/quote]

Non-translators manage to read these sentences without trouble, so I'm not sure what you're getting at.

In any case, answering the poll question is very simple. Given the wording ("Is it *necessary*...?"), even one example of a good translator without formal training makes the answer "no." And as it happens, there have been many thousands of fine translators over the years with no formal training.

In some countries, the folks with translation degrees have banded together to promote protectionist policies that all but squeeze other people out of the field. This is unfortunate. Ability and skill are what matters in this profession.

Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator? | No. But languages must be learned formally!

María Eugenia Wachtendorff — Wed, 13 May 2009 02:30:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator?
Poster: María Eugenia Wachtendorff
Post title: No. But languages must be learned formally!

I don't think formal training is a must in order to become a good translator. HOWEVER, I do think you need to have acquired your languages through formal training AND be a greedy reader. I have read more books in English than in Spanish, and plan to continue to do so. Otherwise I would have no business translating into English :)

Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator? | Of course!

Marcelo Silveyra — Wed, 13 May 2009 01:29:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator?
Poster: Marcelo Silveyra
Post title: Of course!

[quote]Williamson wrote:

However, I wonder how well you do with a sentence of 20 lines without interpunction and a lot of subordinate clauses. I don't know about Russian, but I can quote some Spanish and French authors who are specialists writing such texts.

Those with a training "waste their time" during their "useless education" analysing structure and meaning of such sentences. Without it, you can give a try, but chances are that you get lost.

[/quote]

That would explain why no one can understand the works of, say, Thomas Mann, William Blake, César Vallejo, and Julio Cortázar without a degree in translation or linguistics - I never thought I would actually figure it out, but now I see that reading and understanding such works is simply unfathomable for someone with no formal, higher-level linguistic training. Oh, what will the poor engineers do when they are faced with these monstrous long-winded sentences "with a lot of subordinate clauses" but cry irremediably in despair as they witness the impregnable limitations being cast upon their meager understanding?

Continuing with the "analysing structure and meaning of such sentences" bit - if I recall correctly, a certain translator with formal training once wrote "What's up bro?" as a defining example of rap (or maybe he/she said "hip-hop" - I don't quite remember) in some forum thread. At the time, there was no point in responding, since my response wouldn't have had anything to do with the discussion at hand. However, this example has, by sheer luck, become quite relevant. At any rate, my response would have been: "Sure, that's current rap terminology if you want to look like the whitest kid around (i.e., absolutely clueless)." So I guess I'm to assume that this individual, armed with an unsurpassable understanding of meaning and subtlety, was not wrong, but rather, that the hip-hop world simply doesn't have a clue? Ok, fo' shizzle ma nizzle, but that ain't gonna fly with ma homies.

Perhaps you should read alvish's post more carefully and realize that he never even implied that those with formal training were "wasting their time during their useless education." In fact, I don't think that anyone on this thread has said that formal training is meaningless, just that it is not the be all and end all of our profession. I'm afraid that being constantly on the defensive and misreading other people's posts is not very conducive to a fruitful discussion, but then again, with no formal translation training myself, I might just not have understood your post...

[Edited at 2009-05-13 01:37 GMT]

Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator? | Not necessary, but still...

S_Angel (X) — Wed, 13 May 2009 01:12:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator?
Poster: S_Angel (X)
Post title: Not necessary, but still...

A formal training is certainly not "a must", but I think some of you are underestimating the good that can come from such courses. And saying that such training cannot give you necessary qualities such as good writing skills - well, I have to wonder what kind of academic courses you have in mind.
I think it's just a different path that leads in the same direction, although through different stages.
I have just graduated from a very good translation school, and I am well aware that this is just the beginning and that I still have a long way to go. I know that my degree and the experience of a person who has been doing this job for 20 years cannot be compared.
But do I feel more competent than my ex-schoolmates who now have a very generic linguistic degree, or who are studying medicine or engineering and want to start translating to gain some extra money? Well then of course the answer is yes.
Now I can't wait to add some experience to my degree, to start feeling complete. :)

Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator? | There are more important things than formal training

Cilian O'Tuama — Wed, 13 May 2009 00:35:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator?
Poster: Cilian O'Tuama
Post title: There are more important things than formal training

(Been in this business 20+ years and outsourcing for 15+. Receive several "applications" every day. Have zilch formal training myself.)
We prefer to see a sanoke, sorry sample, of candidates' work (or thought processes here in kudoz) before deciding whether to consider availing of their services. Formal qualifications don't really enter our equation.

There are, well, quite a few substandard translators about with impressive formal lingo qualifications. Some of them hang out here. And there are also quite a few excellent ones without. Some of them hang out here, too.

[quote]BarbaraFreitas wrote:

I believe a translator is as good as he is humble and able to question his/her own knowledge, question quality, look further and improve all the time.

Its when you stagnate and you think you know it all that you loose the plot.

[/quote]

Well said!

Cilian

Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator? | I suspect formal translation degrees are a fairly recent development

David Russi — Wed, 13 May 2009 00:34:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator?
Poster: David Russi
Post title: I suspect formal translation degrees are a fairly recent development

How many good translators have existed throughout history, never having obtained a degree? Millions? Could they all possibly have been "bad"?

A degree in translation can't hurt, but it is no protection against being a lousy translator, and the lack of one does not in any way mean one cannot be an excellent translator.

Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator? | Clearly not

Steven Capsuto — Wed, 13 May 2009 00:14:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator?
Poster: Steven Capsuto
Post title: Clearly not

I know many fine translators who never studied it formally, and I've met some appalling translators with MAs in the field. There's no clear correlation in my mind between quality of work and formal translation studies.

[quote] Most of those who say "no" have 1 language combination[/quote]

I, for one, work regularly in five language pairs.

[Edited at 2009-05-13 00:17 GMT]

Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator? | not necessarily

Marlene Blanshay — Tue, 12 May 2009 23:18:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator?
Poster: Marlene Blanshay
Post title: not necessarily

I don't know that it's necessary to have a degree in translation. I have a degree in English and in Journalism, and I can see that my background in writing is an asset. I also grew up in a bilingual society. I can see that my background in writing and journalism has been an asset for my translation. I have seen translations done by people who DO have degrees and more experience, and sometimes they are kind of stilted and sound 'translated' I have a lot of knowledge of different specialty areas that I accumulated during my years as a journalist and that has helped as well.

SO far I have done very well without the translation degree, but I admit I have considered it, for the credentials and it could always add something. For instance, I am limited because I doubt I could do literary translations, even with a degree in english and tons of reading behind me, because I know it takes a certain skill that I don't have, and that no one will hire a literary translator who does not have a degree!

And of course, I can't charge the same rates as someone who has a degree. But in general, I don't think it's ABSOLUTELY necessary. But it would probably be recommended for someone in literary translation or a very specific or technical specialty.

[Edited at 2009-05-12 23:19 GMT]

[Edited at 2009-05-13 02:39 GMT]

Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator? | Both ways translator..

Williamson — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:59:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator?
Poster: Williamson
Post title: Both ways translator..

[quote]alvish wrote:

you have to explain, why the reputable companies pay me up to $.20 / word, if I do not have that formal training? They may hire cheaper professional these days...

[Edited at 2009-05-12 17:49 GMT] [/quote]

That is not to difficult. You are the typical example of the technically skilled translator with one language combination, who became a translator by living in 2 countries and by being/having been active in a particular sector. What you translate will be the same terminology time and again. You understand the subject. If I don't understand it, I have a long list of graduates/friends/professors, specialists in the particular domain, who will explain what is meant.

However, I wonder how well you do with a sentence of 20 lines without interpunction and a lot of subordinate clauses. I don't know about Russian, but I can quote some Spanish and French authors who are specialists writing such texts.

Those with a training "waste their time" during their "useless education" analysing structure and meaning of such sentences. Without it, you can give a try, but chances are that you get lost.

I have known people with 0-knowledge of Russian, who after 4 years in such "useless training" were able to interpret lengthy monotonous speeches of visting members of the then Communist Party of the USSR.

[Bijgewerkt op 2009-05-12 18:02 GMT]

Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator? | Not necessary but definitely useful

Cristina Saur — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:03:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator?
Poster: Cristina Saur
Post title: Not necessary but definitely useful

When we're talking about a "formal translation training" this training should not only include language and CAT tool skills as mentioned by some colleagues in this poll but also intercultural communication, literature, social sciences, etc. - or at least that's what I was taught at my university in Germany. The training should give you the language/cultural/technical awareness necessary to be good at your job, although I also agree that some translation graduates do not apply these skills and are certainly worse translators than those without a professional training.

Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator? | Agree fully

Igor Galiouk (X) — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:01:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator?
Poster: Igor Galiouk (X)
Post title: Agree fully

[quote]Williamson wrote:

Would you board an airplane if you knew the pilots did not have a formal flying training. Would you have yourself treated by an M.D. without the proper medical training.

In the case of translation: it helps. Most of those who say "no" have 1 language combination and never had to assimilate from 0 all the intricacies of a language.
Those who had such training had to choose 2 foreign languages (from 0 to a translatable level) and a target-language, which in most cases is their native language.
With interpreting it is another ballgame : no training, no conference-interpreting

[/quote]

ABSOLUTELY right!!!

Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator? | Not at all !

alvish — Tue, 12 May 2009 16:51:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator?
Poster: alvish
Post title: Not at all !

As in any profession, people, who have completed their formal training would defend it and say that it is necessary. Even more, quite often formal/informal organizations created to restrict those who have no formal training from being accepted in an industry. Those are translation, financial advise, real estate etc. etc.
I would not compare it with boarding a plane with a pilot without training. That is safety issue. But what we are talking here about is more of an art. Actually, best translators in history have never had their formal training done. Most of them were writers and poets, not professional linguists.
As to the quality of translation in particular field, I would prefer to give my trust to a specialist in that field, who has practical experience in both languages.
Unfortunately, I have edited some translations done in the field of engineering by professional translators without specific knowledge in that field. Still LOL.
Do not be offended, dear professional translators. I respect your training and skills. Never say it is not useful, though...
you have to explain, why the reputable companies pay me up to $.20 / word, if I do not have that formal training? They may hire cheaper professional these days...

[Edited at 2009-05-12 17:49 GMT]

Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator? | Yes it is

Blerta Alikaj — Tue, 12 May 2009 15:46:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator?
Poster: Blerta Alikaj
Post title: Yes it is

I think a formal translation/training education is very important as like any education, it gives us the tools necessary for the trade.
The same is with medicine. Some doctors are better than others, a few even have a talent for it, but I would never go to one who did not undergo formal training and had no license to prove it.
One can become a good translator without formal training if the circumstances allow them to "train and grow on the job" so to speak. But I'd rather go through training and get in two months what otherwise would take me years to discover.
Furthermore, certificates are very helpful and they bring business. Why not have them whenever possible?

Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator? | Well...

Ma.Elena Carrión de Medina — Tue, 12 May 2009 15:37:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator?
Poster: Ma.Elena Carrión de Medina
Post title: Well...

It´s been interesting to read the previous opinions!

Even though I don´t think "formal" (as in College/University) translation training is mandatory, I do favor "translation training" by all means.

In my own experience, my translation ability improved drastically when I started taking translation courses, even in a non-formal environment (and this was after working in the translation field for 10 years).

I think the word "formal" is not what matters, but "translation training" is what every translator, even those who already have formal translation education, should aim for.

Now, my very personal desire, and one I look forward to accomplish soon, is to get "formal" translation education... I´m quite sure the investment will be worth!! : )

Have a nice day,
Elena

Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator? | No, I don't think it's required

David Earl — Tue, 12 May 2009 15:21:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator?
Poster: David Earl
Post title: No, I don't think it's required

Like others have, knowledge of the material you're translating is more important. Skills as a researcher are helpful, but, frankly, I think its a matter of knowing how to write for the target culture.

To my way of thinking, certification is a mixed bag. It can certainly help calm the nervous customer, but it can also lead to over-confidence. "They're a certified (doctor/translator/CPA/mechanic/IT guru); just toss it at them and they'll figure it out."

Also, I think that allowing a skilled, non-certified element in the market to exist keeps everyone on our toes. If the threat doesn't exist, companies and people become complacent.

Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator? | Translation usually requires knowledge from multiple fields

Adam Łobatiuk — Tue, 12 May 2009 14:41:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator?
Poster: Adam Łobatiuk
Post title: Translation usually requires knowledge from multiple fields

For example, who is 'qualified' to localize software for an insurance company? A person trained in insurance, software engineering, both languages, CAT tools and translation? Such people would be hard to find. So - unless you've actually graduated in translation/lingustics and another field which you limit yourself to - you usually have to learn the other skills and knowledge as you go.

Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator? | Surely not

Perfect Stranger — Tue, 12 May 2009 14:20:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator?
Poster: Perfect Stranger
Post title: Surely not

I've been doing translations for a living for 15 years, internally for a major mobility products japanese maker, dealing with every subject, from owner manuals, to computer-based publications, to marketing, to legal matters, you name it!!!

Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator? | Of course not!

Christine Andersen — Tue, 12 May 2009 13:34:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator?
Poster: Christine Andersen
Post title: Of course not!

Over the generations there have been thousands of very good translators who did not have the chance of a formal training.

In fact the training courses, grammar books, dictionaries and theories are based on their hard-won experience.

But it really IS hard-won experience. Having it collected rationally and passed on in a form that others can benefit from is a great help. A formal understanding of one's own language is necessary to produce the kind of quality that is expected in most situations. But not necessarily a training in translation per se. Some people never learn it, and others seem to know it instinctively.

I think a certain natural 'ear' for languages is also necessary.
My father's family have lived in multilinugal communities for several generations. Some find languages far easier than others. My grandmother loved languages and my grandfather found them a battle. My father himself could read seven or eight languages more or less fluently, and spoke several at different periods of his life. He was more or less functionally bilingual for many years.

My sibs are all thankful that they did not end up as ex-pats forced to live through another language! I feel I have finally found my niche in life.

:-)

PS I'm more than grateful to the college lecturers and experienced colleagues who trained me - and also to my father, who was one of those who really did break new ground and write the books as he taught his own students. At 88 he can still give good advice or tell some fascinating tales.

[Edited at 2009-05-12 20:51 GMT]

Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator? | yes and no

m_temmer — Tue, 12 May 2009 13:08:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator?
Poster: m_temmer
Post title: yes and no

I'd say formal translation training isn't necessary, but formal linguistic training in one's mother tongue is. I can only speak for my own mother tongue, but so many Dutch native speakers don't really know their own language anymore (grammar, spelling, etc.), even people with a degree in translation...

Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator? | Not necessary

Edward Turner — Tue, 12 May 2009 13:07:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator?
Poster: Edward Turner
Post title: Not necessary

A formal qualification is certainly not necessary. I am a qualified engineer and also a freelance translator. I have seen translations done by qualified translators that are so wide of the mark it is incredible. However, there also engineers who despite their training are at best average and more a liability. Detailed subject knowledge and sound language skills are more important. I agree, I wouldn't board a plane with an unqualified pilot at the controls or let an unqualified doctor cut away at me, however, I've seen companies with qualified business people at the helm go bankrupt due to incompetence, I’ve seen people with no formal qualifications build great companies because they are clever in other ways. It’s like so many things, even with the ‘correct’ training you’ve still got to have the desire to succeed and always be prepared to learn.

Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator? | That old discussion....

Williamson — Tue, 12 May 2009 12:47:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator?
Poster: Williamson
Post title: That old discussion....

Would you board an airplane if you knew the pilots did not have a formal flying training. Would you have yourself treated by an M.D. without the proper medical training.

In the case of translation: it helps. Most of those who say "no" have 1 language combination and never had to assimilate from 0 all the intricacies of a language.
Those who had such training had to choose 2 foreign languages (from 0 to a translatable level) and a target-language, which in most cases is their native language.
With interpreting it is another ballgame : no training, no conference-interpreting

Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator? | yes, it is

Marika Costantini — Tue, 12 May 2009 11:56:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator?
Poster: Marika Costantini
Post title: yes, it is

perhaps it is not "compulsory" (many translators are good translators even though they don't have a linguistic education) but a degree or a specialization are not a "plus" or just "a piece of sheet"!! in my opinion, the fact that you live or lived for a while in a specific country (not yours, of course) is not sufficient to declare that you perfectly know the language. just an example: a friend of mine is married with an Englishman. her pronunciation is absolutely perfect but she stated many times that she would not be able to become a translator 'cause speaking and writing are very different matters (there's a lot of difference between an interpreter and a translator). so, I think it's not compulsory but very very important to have a specific linguistic education, together with experience, obviously, that is fundamental.

Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator? | Discussed before - no it's not

Latin_Hellas (X) — Tue, 12 May 2009 11:47:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator?
Poster: Latin_Hellas (X)
Post title: Discussed before - no it's not

This was discussed several months ago as a forum question. Of course not scientific, but the overwhelming consensus among a good number of people discussing the question, almost all with many years of experience, was that formal translation training is not necessary, and not even formal language training.

With the information system and telecommunications revolution in the 1990s, coupled with globalization, more and more people have realized that they can enter into the translation business, featuring low barriers to entry. In tandem, the number of formal training courses has proliferated.

The answer to the question may differ according to age and experience.

Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator? | formal training = formal credential

betta_splendens — Tue, 12 May 2009 09:55:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator?
Poster: betta_splendens
Post title: formal training = formal credential

Certificates provide you better opportunities.

Translation is a skill. All skills require practice, frequency, and time. Of course, training, formal or not, is a sort of practice. But being a 'good' something, I think it's a combination of skill and responsibility.

IMO, the practice that improves translation skill best is a kind of editing, whether it takes place in class or in your own house, whether you practise it by yourself or with a mentor.

[Edited at 2009-05-12 10:47 GMT]

[Edited at 2009-05-12 10:51 GMT]

Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator? | I wouldn't call it crucial ...

Sonja Köppen — Tue, 12 May 2009 09:48:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator?
Poster: Sonja Köppen
Post title: I wouldn't call it crucial ...

... as good but untrained translators exist as well as trained but bad ones.
(As the "but"s indicate, I wouldn't basically call it a bad idea to have some training though.)

Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator? | Every once in a while...

Theo Bernards (X) — Tue, 12 May 2009 09:25:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator?
Poster: Theo Bernards (X)
Post title: Every once in a while...

this question pops up in the translation industry. In my honest opinion a formal translation training is a nice-to-have, not a must-have (not my expression, by the way, it came from a German to English translator).

I consider myself a very capable translator and, more important, my clients seem to think so, too, otherwise they wouldn't keep coming back for more. The fact that I make a living from freelance translating in my language pair is proof of the fact that one can survive in the translation world without any formal training, as long as one uses that all-important muscle between the ears. There seems to be merit in having enjoyed a formal translation education and those who have done so rightfully say that not everybody with a good command of two or more languages is a translator, but to claim that without formal translation training one cannot translate properly, as I have seen happen on other websites, is way off the mark. In translation, as in almost any other field where brains are the main tool for generating business, there is a lot to be said for experience. Degrees only show that you have successfully completed an education and rarely show how your attitude towards life and work is. As an employer I would be more interested in the latter than in a piece of paper saying you completed such and such education.

Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator? | Not entirely

neilmac — Tue, 12 May 2009 09:24:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator?
Poster: neilmac
Post title: Not entirely

I don't believe that a translation degree or certificate per se is necessary, although it is useful, especially when the market/prospective client demands it. I see translation as a matter of linguistic and cultural competence and a convincing track record rather than formal qualification.
Nowadays, university translation courses focus on the use of CAT and other technological aspects which are increasingly important in the business. This is obviously a good thing. However, I believe that translation is as much an art as it is a science, and that a degree in translation (and knowledge of the toolkits available) does not necessarily make for a good translator.
I find it quite frustrating when posters stipulate that their offers are only open to translators with "credentials" and I find myself unable to apply for them, although I consider myself perfectly capable.

Then there is the question, in Spanish context anyway, of "official" or "sworn" translators. A "Traductor jurado" in Spain is an official title, which gives the holder the authority, similar to that of a notary, to certify (stamp/seal) the integrity of the finished product (i. e. that it is a faithful rendering of the original). I have worked for several of them (I do the work, they pay me the standard rate, then stamp it, and charge the client 3 or 4 times more). Most of the ones I know, in my opinion, are not very good translators themselves, although they have studied and passed an exam to gain their qualification.

Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator? | It can help, but it's not necessary

Caro Maucher — Tue, 12 May 2009 09:13:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator?
Poster: Caro Maucher
Post title: It can help, but it's not necessary

In fact I agree absolutely with Qutub's answer!

Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator? | It's not

Qutubuddin Khan — Tue, 12 May 2009 09:11:00 +0000

Forum: Poll Discussion
Topic: Poll: Is it necessary to have formal translation training to be a good translator?
Poster: Qutubuddin Khan
Post title: It's not

I think it is not necessary to have a formal translation training, though I myself have.

Actually, I have found that many without formal training are doing better than some who have it. I think a flair for language and lots of reading help a translator.

Qutub