Due to globalization, the need for translators is ever-increasing. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are currently over 69,400 translators, and that number is expected to grow by 20% by 2031. According to another survey, there are a total of 7,139 languages spoken around the world, and English is the most spoken language (42%), followed by Chinese.
As per CSA research, 65% of non-native English speakers prefer the product or service in their native language. By looking at these numbers, we understand the growing importance of translation. You must know some essential skills and tips if you are willing to become a translator or thinking of hiring one for your product or service.
When delving into the realm of translation, whether for personal or professional endeavors, leveraging AI translation services can be a game-changer. While AI translation tools have made significant strides in recent years, it’s crucial to use them judiciously and in conjunction with human expertise. One of the best tips for maximizing the effectiveness of AI translation services is to utilize them as a starting point rather than a final solution.
What are the top 7 skills a translator must have?
For better understanding one should know skills below explained some of them:
1) Language Specialization Skills
The translator should be fluent in both the source and target languages. Native language translators are preferred to get best output. For this, you should be outstanding in your language. Language service providing companies prefer native speakers for professional translation work. To upgrade your translation skills, you must live in or spend more time in the country or city where that language originated.
Try to learn or understand the cultural references of the source and the target language. As a learner, you should analyse the cultural differences between the languages. It will give you an extra edge to be a specialist in a particular language. You can also obtain a prior degree or other education to become a professional translator so that you will be most preferred linguist.
2) Observation and listening
To understand the language, you should listen carefully. You will be able to develop your tone by learning to listen to different people and observing their accents.
3) Grabbing the topic and reading between the lines:
The translator should be fluent in spoken English but also in reading and comprehension skills so that the customer understands the translation. Fluency in a source language can be obtained by living or spending time in the country where the language originated or is spoken, watching and reading books, and meeting people from various cultural backgrounds.
It will be practical to get professional training. So that you will be able to learn the communication and accent skills of a particular language. With listening, understanding is equally necessary for adopting expressions and emotions; such skills can also be developed while reading, watching, or traveling.
4) Software knowledge
The translation is dependent not only on linguistic skills but also on superior time-management abilities. So to go ahead, one should have basic software knowledge related to word processing. It is useful for translators to cope with the required format. Another requirement is that you have a good command of the tools of translation; this plays a significant role in accuracy, grammar mistakes, and workflow.
5) Writing Skills
You should be a good writer in addition to being a good listener. If you are a good writer, you can easily express your feelings, ideas, and thoughts correctly because most will be lost in translation while writing in flow. Writing can also be practised by reading books to enhance your vocabulary. To be efficient in translation translator needs to enhance referring materials, typing skills, glossaries, editing, and access internet to know current trends.
6) Project Management Skills
As a translator, one has to work with the project management team to collaborate with the client on the completion of a translation project. Their role is professional. So to take care of administrative tasks, services-related tasks, note-making, schedule-forming, project completion, and discussing it with colleagues, you should follow a proper schedule and create a tension-free and distraction-free work environment.
7) Research and analysis skills
Research plays a vital role in finding out the best vocabulary for a specific language. Identify the best sources and use them effectively. Anyone without a degree can also translate but with the help of proper language and completing professional courses but not everyone who knows language cannot be a translator.
Using right terminology with effective SEO (search engine optimization) research linguist can include such terms in content to improve website traffic. Having knowledge of terms placement and to ensure text flow is proper is one more aspect a skill one translator should possess among other skills.
9 best translation tips and tricks
For easy and efficient translation, below are some tips and tricks to follow while translating a text:
1) Keep short sentences
For easy understanding and comprehension, keep sentences short 20 words or less than that. And it also increases reading flow. Short and sweet sentences are easy to read and understand.
2) Try to use standard English
Use English terminology because many people understand it. Write correct grammar, structure, punctuation, subject, and object in a proper format in source content. Because mistakes travel from source language to target language (Translated content).
3)Multilingual Facilities
One should reach audience in their language to. You should add translation facilities to your website so that it will increase traffic. While translating, always remember to convert not only words but carry context of source language. So that language translation will be easy.
4) Translate keeping in view of your target audience
Many businesses use traditional marketing methods to reach out to their target audience about their products or services. Understanding your audience needs will allow you to translate your business content and ideas accordingly to determine your target audience.
5) Use a single word to convey a single concept
While explaining the same content, don’t use synonyms for single words; use the same word every time to avoid confusion. It provides consistency in content and makes copy look professional. This is the preliminary step every standard LSP (Language service provider) follows in preparing glossary.
6) Consider local and global audiences
Try to find out what content your audience wants in which language, because the same content cannot be helpful for both levels of the audience. Also, consider multilingual translation services. Adapt your content based on your target audience.
7) Correct use of online tools
The use of modern translating tools can ease your work. Choose the right tool that makes your work easy. Based on project requirements you need to opt for one.
8) Choose tone of translation:
Every project needs different format of translation based on medium it’s being telecasted, target user, intent of publisher. Communicate all these details in advance to ensure smooth process and best output.
9) Understand the priorities
Motto of translation is to avoid language barriers. With right output you create branded impact on users. Decide on a language, tone of translation based on your marketing strategy and target audience. Poor quality of translation effects product/service value in ways one could image. Poor quality costs more than expensive translation.
You can read our blog ‘Why is Translation important- Read to know the facts’ to know more about translation and its importance.
How do I choose the best translation services?
With the growing importance of translation and localization, you should also focus on choosing the best translation agency. A few steps will ensure you have the best translation partner:
- Reach out to a partner company that works for translation and localization. Because, without localization, translation is zero.
- Confirm whether the company provides professional editing partners and quality assurance or not to avoid conflicts.
- Ask them their standard translation process, vetting of linguists and how they assure quality, how they onboard linguist for specific project?
- Your translation partner should have expertise in many fields, including marketing, financial things, administration, and technicalities.
- Does language partner firm works quickly and with correct translations, with proper strategy and focus. Do they guarantee the output they have provided?
And if you are looking for translation services for your business, we are here to help you. Naarg Data Media Service is a globally serving translation and localization company. You can reach us at info@naargmedia.com to know more about our services.
