Latest update date: February 21, 09

The translation process does not depend only on the linguistic competence of the translators. Today, a successful translation career requires information processing skills and some special IT skills. As quoted by Susanne J. Jetak and Gary Massey, “it is from the early stages of the translation process, when communicating between the translator and the client, and during the processing of the source text, in most of the translations. case will affect electronics”.

Do you need to figure out how to choose the best translation service provider? Are you a translator yourself? In either case, the list below should help you understand the basic skills that all translators should master:

Basic soft skills

First of all, translators need advanced knowledge of word processing software. A few years ago, it was enough to have some knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Today, however, any translator must familiarize himself with the software of electronic prepress, speech-to-text conversion and quality assurance. These skills are becoming increasingly necessary to achieve a successful career.

Knowledge of the CAT công tool

Second, computer-aided translation tools play an important part in the translation process. They help translators increase daily volume, as well as consistency and quality. Furthermore, they assist translators in managing their time and resources more effectively. Even so, CAT tools are not the same as machine translation.

Typing skills

In third place, the ability to type quickly will save translators a lot of time and increase their productivity. Besides, having to look down at the keyboard means a higher chance of back and neck pain. However, translators who are not good at typing always have the option of using speech-to-text software.

Programming skills

Some programming knowledge is required for translators specializing in IT, games, and other fields related to coding. In the case of translators who provide website translation services, working with WordPress can be helpful, as many clients want their translations done directly on their website. Furthermore, a significant percentage of websites worldwide use WordPress.

Knowledge of project management

In the words of Dr. Celia Rico Perez, “project management is about coordination, teamwork, planning and control methods; (…) it recently got its name in the translation profession for market growth and virtual teams. When translators are subcontracted to Internet communication teams, (…) the project manager will provide the necessary tools for translation providers”.

Research skills

In a text there are many variations that need to be translated and many translators often have to quickly learn from specialized vocabulary. Therefore, finding out what we don't know has really become essential. Translators should practice well-improved research skills because that skill is related to how to find useful, relevant, and trustworthy information online. 

Deep understanding of culture

If you choose to enter this field, chances are that one of your languages ​​of expertise is your mother tongue. Naturally, you are very knowledgeable about the culture of your country. You understand what you should and shouldn't do when translating your native language to suit your customers. 

For other languages ​​too, customers are also interested in cultural factors in the translation process. It is a mistake to translate a language without understanding its society. Cultural insight helps translators understand context and switch languages ​​more effectively.

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