my profession translator essay

What Does It Take to Be a Professional Translator? Identity as a Resource

• Open Access
• First Online: 17 March 2023

Cite this chapter

You have full access to this open access chapter

• Rakefet Sela-Sheffy 5  

Part of the book series: Knowledge and Space ((KNAS,volume 18))

1531 Accesses

2 Citations

This study’s author proposes integrating the lens of identity research into critical discussions of professions, questioning the role of professionalization as a status mechanism. Addressing under-professionalized occupational domains, drawing largely from Bourdieu, she conceives “professionalism” as symbolic capital negotiated by workers, to account for the ambiguity of professional knowledge and skills. She views professional competencies as socially learned and controlled, embodied in workers’ dispositions and self-perception (and not in institutional regulation). Translators provide a quintessential (though under-researched) case of extremely under-professionalized occupation, despite being in great demand. Using in-depth-interviews and miscellaneous popular documents, the author analyzes Israeli translators’ discursive construction of professional identities as where their professional capital is produced. She shows that translation sectors engage in counter-professionalization —the deliberate rejection of formalization and standardization—as a prevailing status strategy. Locating professionalism in personal natural abilities, she reveals how this strategy helps rebutting the image of unqualified workers, providing the axis for this occupation’s status structure.

You have full access to this open access chapter,  Download chapter PDF

Similar content being viewed by others

Rethinking Professional Identity in a Globalized World

Working with Translators: Implications of the Translator’s Positionality for the Research Process and Knowledge Production

Language, Professional Expertise and Identity

• Professional identity
• Professional capital
• Professionalization & counter-professionalization
• Identity work
• Identity discourse
• Translators’ occupational field
• Translators’ professional discourse
• Elite and non-elite translators

From a culture-analysis perspective, occupations—the activities people perform regularly to secure their livelihoods—are important spheres of cultural production and identity construction. We tend to “take as axiomatic that work is a natural locale for the study of identity since we spend so much of our adult life at it” (Van Maanen, 2010 , p. 111), and because individuals often define themselves (and are defined by others) by “what they do” (Lepisto, Crosina, & Pratt, 2015 , p. 23). This cultural insight sparks a vital question: How does a profession , as a structure, correspond with workers’ perception of work and their dispositions to action? That is, how does it shape and reflect practitioners’ view of their required competencies? Researchers of professions and organizations have long expressed interest in professional identities, calling attention to workers’ agency in constructing, transforming, and adjusting their occupations (Alvesson, Ashcraft, & Thomas, 2008 ; Dent & Whitehead, 2002 ; Ibarra, 1999 ; Lepisto et al., 2015 ; Pratt, Rockmann, & Kaufmann, 2006 ; among others). Without disputing the sociological view of professions as mechanisms of institutional control and legitimacy (Abbott, 1988 ; Friedson, 2001 ), those adopting this perspective move away from a structural model of professionalization, anchored in formal traits, to explore workers’ meaning making, by which they tacitly construct their requirements and value-scales as professionals (Lively, 2001 ; Van Maanen & Barley, 1984 ). This obviously bears on understanding professionalism . Rather than defining it through standardized and systematically acquired knowledge and skills, professionalism is taken here as socially learned competencies, embodied in individuals’ performances and contingent on their self-perceptions as members of occupational communities (Ashcraft, 2013 ; Lively, 2001 ).

Researching professional identity thus offers an important lens to the current problematization of professions (e.g., Kirkpatrick, Muzio, & Ackroyd, 2011 ; Muzio, Hodgson, Faulconbridge, Beaverstock, & Hall, 2011 ; Noordegraaf, 2007 ), especially regarding the diverse occupations that proliferate despite lacking firm professionalization. These two research agendas have thus far developed in parallel without much intersection; I hereby propose integrating them in my analysis of translation as a fluid occupational domain (Sela-Sheffy, 2014 ). Although scholars of professions have, strangely enough, hardly touched on the subject of translators, I find them a quintessential case for rethinking professions and professionalism, and the limitations of professionalization. In the absence of objective reasons why full professionalization should be suspended in the domain of translation, the role of professional identities surfaces. In this and similar domains, I contend, a prevailing effect of counter- professionalization is a strategy of producing professionalism—contingent on practitioners’ discursive-identity production thereof (Sela-Sheffy, 2022 ).

Using evidence from my ongoing research on translators in Israel, I below present my view on professional identity as a pivotal force in the construction of professions. I focus my analysis around two intertwined questions: (1) What competencies must translators hold to be recognized as professional , and how are these determined? (2) How do these competencies—translators’ implied idea of professionalism—correspond with the status structure of their occupation? I proceed by briefly introducing relevant premises of the two hitherto disconnected conceptual frameworks—the symbolic approach to professions, and professional identity research—and then introduce my analysis with illustrations from the field of translators.

Professional Identity and the Construction of Professionalism

Professionalism as symbolic capital.

Scholars largely agree that professions are about status and power, yet differ in conceiving of where professional status lies. In the classical sociological view becoming a profession entails formalizing and standardizing knowledge and skills, and establishing means of control of their acquisition and implementation, to secure legitimacy and autonomy (Abbott, 1988 ; Friedson, 2001 ). In this view, professionalism lies in measurable proficiencies and ethics, determined by formal “traits” (e.g., education, certification, ranks; Ackroyd, 2016 ). Developing a strong bureaucratized professionalization apparatus is, in this model, what marks out a profession from other occupations, granting them status as modern elites (Sciulli, 2007 ).

The distinction effect of professionalization is conspicuous, not only in drawing boundaries between high and low-ranked occupations, but also in creating inner hierarchies between workers’ competencies in every occupational domain, in that formally qualified experts are being privileged over untrained workers, or amateurs. Symbolically, the deeper logic behind this mechanism is getting as remote as possible from an “anyone can do it” practice (Sela-Sheffy, 2022 ). This symbolic aspect is vital: As self-evident as it may seem, it does not always stand at the focus of research on professions. Given the prevalent view that formal traits are what define a profession, the fact is often concealed that beyond their rational function, these traits serve primarily as symbolic distinction markers. From a cultural perspective, this means that professions’ power lies not in these traits as such, but in the values workers assign them by striving for professional recognition and authority.

This understanding of professions is growingly endorsed by current approaches, applied mainly by studies of less-established or hybrid domains such as management (Fournier, 1999 ; Muzio et al., 2011 ; Noordegraaf, 2007 ), journalism (Aldridge & Evetts, 2003 ; Elsaka, 2005 ), librarianship (Garcia & Barbour, 2018 ), or data science (Avnoon, 2021 ), to mention but a few. In these occupational domains, multiple, even clashing, ideas of “being professional” are continuously contested. Embracing the symbolic-economy conceptualization of Pierre Bourdieu, Noordegraaf and Schinkel ( 2011 ), among others, have proposed that professionalism is a symbolic capital, constantly negotiated by workers, irreducible a-priori to any given institutional format. What may be called pure professionalism (Noordegraaf, 2007 ), produced by formal measures, is an ideal type, a canonical category, which is in itself normative. Accordingly, “the appeal to professionalism” (to cite Fournier, 1999 ; also Evetts, 2003 ) lies in its serving, to various degrees, as a reference point in workers’ negotiation of symbolic capital, regardless of how strictly this apparatus operates in practice.

This view problematizes the understanding of occupations, which otherwise may be viewed as cases of “incomplete” or “failed” professionalization (Denzin & Mettlin, 1968 ; Elsaka, 2005 ). In reality, the strictly defined professionalization apparatus is limited to some paradigmatic professions, notably medicine, law, or engineering. And even there, as has been often pointed out, practice is not always consistent with formal rules and knowledge is often indeterminate (Atkinson, Reid, & Sheldrake, 1977 ), or crosses disciplinary boundaries, transformed and recreated (Punstein & Glückler, 2020 ). With standards and boundaries frequently fuzzier than assumed, tensions are at play in these domains between established highly-codified methods and marginal ones—whether those of rising new trends or of traditional dated ones (with the latter often revived as new occupational trends). Such is, for instance, the tension between biomedical and alternative therapy (e.g., Barnes, 2003 ), medical and traditional midwifery (e.g., Foley, 2005 ), or between engineers and industrial designers (Punstein & Glückler, 2020 ), and examples are ample. In all these cases, different types of professionalism, as an ethos invested in workers’ action, are resources at stake in their ongoing status contests.

In emerging or “hybrid” occupations (Aldridge & Evetts, 2003 ; Colley & Guéry, 2015 ; Hammond & Czyszczon, 2014 ; Noordegraaf, 2007 ), one may conceive this situation as a transitory, embryonic phase in the evolution of a “full-fledged” profession. Yet often, such ongoing negotiations and unresolved ambiguity are necessary for maintaining professional capital (e.g., Garcia & Barbour, 2018 ; Lively, 2001 ; among others). In other words, in many occupational settings, including traditional longstanding ones (such as translation), professionalization is persistently suspended, with a blurred distinction between professionals and occasional workers always at stake (Banfield, 2017 ; Nicey, 2016 ; Stebbins, 1992 ). According to the classical view, these are all symptoms of de-professionalization, as it were, conceived as detrimental. From a culture-analysis perspective, it is precisely such cases that are most revealing of the symbolic logic of professionalism.

Identity as a Resource: Workers’ Construction of Professionalism

In the latter cases, with formal measures absent, professionalism is entirely embedded in actors’ self-perception and their intuitive ways of feeling and acting. Constructing a professional identity is crucial for gaining credit as a professional (Van Maanen, 2010 ; Webb, 2016 ). In the symbolic-interactionist tradition, following Erving Goffman ( 1959 ), actors are constantly engaged in constructing identity, oriented towards maintaining status. In this view, workers interactively perform and modify professional personas to demonstrate their aptness for the job in terms of desired competencies and ethics. The growing research on professional identity examines how practitioners ascribe meaning and value to personal dispositions and abilities, to construct their professionality oriented toward images of “a good worker”—or what Ashcraft ( 2013 ) calls a “figurative practitioner.” The focus here is on actors’ identity work , understood as the “individual projecting a particular image and . . . others mirroring back and reinforcing (or not) that image as a legitimate identity” (DeRue & Ashford, 2010 , p. 630; cf. Sveningsson & Alvesson, 2003 ). Researchers perceive this dynamic in itself as vital for forming a profession (Brown & Coupland, 2015 ; Dent & Whitehead, 2002 ; Ibarra, 1999 ; Kyratsis, Atun, Phillips, Tracey, & George, 2017 ; Pratt et al., 2006 ).

Although identity negotiation is crucial in all professional settings, in under-established occupations it emerges as the ultimate way to gain professional capital (cf. Avnoon & Sela-Sheffy, 2021 ). This view accords with Bourdieu’s ( 1983 ,  1996 ) analysis of the intellectual and creative industries and their artization status processes, serving as paradigmatic cases of non-professionalized spheres. There, as Bourdieu suggested, relying on symbolic attributes alone (giftedness, personal virtues)—countering professionalization—provides the rationale for what otherwise appears as amorphous (e.g., unregulated education and career trajectories, worker-employer rapport, or conditions and pay), often serving as a moral justification for lack of diplomas and ranks and economic insecurity (what Bourdieu called the ethos of “disinterestedness”). The same logic, I contend, applies in other under-professionalized professions, such as translation.

The Profession of Translation

Translators provide a quintessential example because of their enduring ambiguous status as a profession. Although translation and interpreting (both written and oral) have been in high demand throughout history for their indispensable intercultural mediation functions (Delisle & Woodsworth, 1995 ), they are still permanently under-professionalized. This holds even for the more prosperous translation markets today (e.g., the Danish market; Dam & Zethsen, 2010 , 2011 , and more). True, academization of translation has intensified in recent decades (Dybiec-Gajer, 2014 ; Furmanek, 2013 ), which is a typical sign of professionalization. Ever since the 1970s, theories of translation have proliferated and translation studies is gaining momentum worldwide. Yet, this progress in academia is often much ahead of the reality in the translation markets (Dybiec-Gajer, 2014 ; Furmanek, 2013 ; King, 2017 ; Pym, Grin, Sfreddo, & Chan, 2012 ). Graduates of translation programs do not necessarily expect a career in translation, and praxis is still largely impacted by chance and opportunity. Theoretical learning is not obligatory for practice, which usually requires neither training nor a diploma, and regulation is almost as good as non-existent. Scholars are increasingly concerned with constructing a pedagogy of translation teaching (in Western as well as in recently modernizing cultural settings; e.g., Abu-ghararah, 2017 ; Mizab & Bahloul, 2016 ). They all admit, however, that the market is flooded by “unqualified workers,” who mostly work as freelancers, often part-time or a second job after retirement, with neither formal trajectories and ranks nor explicit standards of work and pay. Although recent attempts to professionalize receive increasing scholarly attention, their overall impact is still scant.

Apart from certain specialist niches (notably, sworn translation; Pym et al., 2012 ; or, to a lesser degree, conference interpreting; Duflou, 2016 ), the status of translation thus resembles that of freelancers, or service and care jobs, where professional competencies are negotiated within loose professional logics (Fournier, 1999 ; Lively, 2001 ). These competencies are mostly, sometimes only, socially acquired (Lave & Wenger, 1991 ; also Billett, Harteis, & Gruber, 2018 ; Punstein & Glückler, 2020 ), supervised through informal social control (Van Maanen, 2010 ). Hence, workers’ competencies and idea of best practice in these domains remain largely tacit, uncodified dispositions to action that pertain to one’s habitus (Stephens & Delamont, 2009 ; cf. Sela-Sheffy, 2014 ), contingent only on social belonging and a sense of being “one of us” (Bayerl, Horton, & Jacobs, 2018 ). Despite complaints and criticism by both practitioners and scholars of translation, this situation has not yet changed dramatically.

The discrepancy between the demand on translation practices in the culture-production and service industries as well as in commerce, on the one hand, and their under-professionalization, on the other, requires special attention. Obviously, whether or not professionalization occurs depends on market incentives and governmental interests. Yet, as the history of modern professions shows, the major impetus toward self-control comes from workers’ collective efforts to capitalize on their specific competencies (e.g., Brain, 1991 ). This process often entails the creation of worker associations and other autonomous channels, striving for legal recognition and monopoly. This logic does not apply to the greater part of translation workers. Translators’ associations and journals, which have recently been multiplying in Europe, mostly still operate as social clubs, dealing with such loose notions as translators’ professional development , more than as efficient bodies fighting for union-type empowering tools, such as work conditions and fees (Pym, 2014 ). It is not that state policies always discourage such translators’ initiatives, if taken. In fact, in some cases in which translators seriously struggle towards these goals they achieve progress (Furmanek, 2013 ; Pym et al., 2012 ). Nor are objective status threats (such as manual labor or an uneducated workforce) in play that could impede professionalization efforts. Therefore, the reason for translators’ suspended professionalization must lie elsewhere. In line with Ashcraft ( 2013 ), Van Maanen ( 2010 ), and many others, I contend that, as observable in the translators’ case, an occupation’s status depends less on institutional regulation than on the professional ethos embedded in workers’ identity, which may accelerate or impede professionalization.

Materials and Study Design: An Example from the Israeli Case

I base my analysis of this field on a comprehensive study I conducted in Israel. Given this country’s bi-national and multilingual sociocultural space, and its high dependency on global exchange, the Israeli translation occupations’ situation is revealing. With my study, I have aimed to reframe the question of translators’ professionalism, and their under-professionalization, from the perspective of the actors, by obtaining a closer look at their self-perception as practitioners. I ask how they understand their expertise, and what they consider to be the characteristic that makes her or him a worthy worker. I have confined my research to practitioners engaged in translating into Hebrew, namely, those targeting the local culture, leaving aside the domestic market of translation into and between other languages (notably Arabic or Russian) as well as translation activities targeted at international markets. As translation is not even registered as a profession in Israel, nor is it regulated by effective professional bodies, official data is scarce. Information can only be partially extrapolated from various popular channels (e.g., Heruti-Sover, 2008 ; Kaufman, 2011 ; Malach, 2019 ; Shwimmer, 2014 ; Translation fees: What is a translator’s salary in Israel?, n.d. ; among others). Kaufman ( 2011 ), for instance, claims that some three thousand translators have operated in this country in the last decade. Yet this is obviously an underestimation of the total number of people engaged one way or another in translation practices, in various official and unofficial capacities.

Although the largest and most unspecialized sector is that of translators of business and technical documents, it is the smallest sector of literary translation that enjoys by far the highest public exposure (via printing their names on the books’ front page, or using them to promote new publications, or via reports and interviews in magazines and the media). Therefore, information available about this specific sector is disproportionally greater than that regarding all other translation sectors. Aiming to capture as broader a picture as possible of this diversified occupational field, I have used evidence from various written and internet sources, as well as a corpus of 95 in-depth long interviews with rank-and-file translators and interpreters. The latter was compiled in a joint project I conducted 2006–2009 with my late colleague Miriam Shlesinger.

This project targeted five main translatorial sectors (with 15–20 interviews in each): commercial/technical text translation (including legal, medical, etc.), non-elite literary translation, film and TV subtitling (a thriving industry in Israel, as in other “minor cultures”), conference interpreting, and community interpreting (including courts and sign language). These categories comprise the main forms of translation practice, but they do not represent clear groupings of practitioners. Apart from the fact that the written translation market is far larger and more diverse than that of oral interpreting, the boundaries between the different sectors are often blurred, as many individual workers are engaged in more than one job type (in our sample, this applies to 41 out of 95 interviewees). For lack of data, we recruited our interviewees through miscellaneous methods, from consulting translation agencies or corporations employing translators to private ads and word-of-mouth inquiries. Although we took parameters such as gender, source languages, or nature of employment (self-employed vs. salaried) into account, our only firm guideline for recruiting interviewees was that the workers possessed at least several years of uninterrupted, full-time practicing experience.

In the tradition of situated conversation analysis (Cameron, 2001 ; Gee, 1999 ; Gumperz, 1992 ; De Fina, Schiffrin, & Bamberg, 2006 ) interviews are regarded as socially embedded speech events, in which speakers present themselves to others. To allow the workers to best reveal their self-perception through their own words and contextualization logic, we used open-ended and long interviews (90–120 min each), encouraging individuals’ narratives with minimal leading questions (Labov, 1973 ; Rapley, 2001 ). We fully recorded and meticulously transcribed the results, paying special attention to the para-lingual cues that are critical for a discourse analysis aimed at identifying the speakers’ unspoken convictions, concerns, and aspirations as translators (Gee, 1999 ; Gumperz, 1992 ; Rapley, 2001 ). Three research assistants conducted the interviews. Preliminary analysis was conducted by myself with the help of two research assistants. Utilizing a grounded-theory approach (Corbin & Strauss, 1998 ), we first analyzed each interview (by two research team members separately) and coded the material for social background, career trajectories, job preferences, and so forth. We then compared the different categories across all the interviews to tap different and similar narrative forms, attitudes to work, etc., thereby uncovering options of a figurative practitioner (Ashcraft, 2013 ).

Translators’ Professional Identity: Constructing a Sense of Professionalism

Consider, for instance, the following citation from a translator’s account of her work experience Footnote 1 :

There is some plastic factory [where] the girl (chuckling) who makes the orders speaks Russian, she is a secretary there, and usually, she tells me that, . . . she does the translations, just, ordinarily. [But sometimes] she’s just ‘overloaded with work’ (mimic tone), so I do it. But it’s ok, I don’t mind it so much (chuckling), they are nice. (Interview with Linda, a business & technical translator and a subtitler from English, and a simultaneous interpreter from Russian) Footnote 2

The embarrassment expressed in this elliptically narrated story is characteristic. In this and many similar stories, translators betray that they are chronically under threat of being seen as unqualified workers with unspecified competencies, engaged in an “anyone can do it” work. They express themselves aware of an implied competition with ad hoc natural translators (Harris, 1978 ; Toury, 2012 ), who perform translation sporadically in everyday circumstances, with neither training nor the ambition to pursue a career in it. Such natural translators are countless and often impossible to trace. They may be secretaries in commercial firms (as in the story cited above), students or other anonymous volunteers doing occasional media translation (e.g., Brand, 2009 ; Pym, Orrego-Carmona, & Torres-Simón, 2016 ), or members of underprivileged groups who find themselves interpreting out of necessity or goodwill for relatives in encounters with officials (e.g., in health clinics, banks, welfare services, etc.; Angelelli, 2010 ). All these people have the “basic ability to translate,” which amounts, according to Harris, to the “innate verbal skill” of bilingualism “within the limits of their mastery of the two languages” (Harris & Sherwood, 1978 , p. 1). In contrast to occasional translators, those who do it as a career must prove their advantage and establish their professionalism to distinguish themselves from the latter.

Various researchers have recently attempted to systematically describe the specialized translation occupation (Gouadec, 2007 ; also, Drugan, 2013 ; Tyulenev, 2015 ), seeking to identify the qualifications by which a bilingual person becomes a professional translator (Toury, 2012 ). However, theoretical endeavors (e.g., Cao, 1996 ; Sakwe, 2015 ; Snell-Hornby, 2002 ; Whyatt, 2012 ) fail to define specific requirements beyond the level of linguistic proficiencies—which all language jobs more or less share (Sela-Sheffy, 2022 ). As Toury has suggested, it is eventually through a social feedback process that a person gains recognition and self-assurance as a translator. In line with Toury, and contrary to the other scholarly efforts, I argue based on my findings that practicing translators feel they must prove their professionalism not through formal knowledge and skills, but through personal abilities and dispositions. This kind of knowhow goes beyond definable proficiencies, and consists of an envisioned persona—a figurative practitioner—that determines a legitimate translator’s reputation. In short, in translation, identity emerges as a powerful status resource, surpassing professionalization traits.

Moreover, by focusing attention to professional identity, my findings show that translators create their professionalism by allocating the highest value to the image of the natural translator. Precisely because it is de-formalized and ambiguous, rather than contesting this image, those who aspire to be recognized as professional translators are able to transform its meaning and strive to capitalize on it as their prime symbolic resource.

An Exclusive Professional Identity: Translating as a Natural Ability: Or the Artization of Translation

Contrarily to occupational domains where an expert elite leads the charge in pursuing professionalization, in translation it is an elite group that rejects professionalization. Highbrow literary translator propagate a translator “by nature” rather than by formal qualifications as the ideal figurative practitioner. This fact surfaces in publications about translators that have appeared in Israeli literary and cultural magazines throughout recent decades. Surveying these materials, one gleans that dozens of famous literary translators demonstrate a strong sense of personal agency as individuals, sharing and propagating their vision of translators’ professionalism (Sela-Sheffy, 2010 ; cf. e.g., Allen & Bernofsky, 2013 )—a vision that entails a natural predisposition to translating, regardless of formal professionalization markers. As I have elaborated on previously (Sela-Sheffy, 2010 , and elsewhere), in doing so they play by what Bourdieu ( 1996 ) calls “the rules of art,” which consist of denying standardization and regulation. In their discourse, they thus reverse and elevate the notion of a natural translator. Instead of implying a lack of requirements and restrictions on practice, here this notion conveys the mystique of professionalism, which lies entirely in the person, as a higher threshold, giving scope for recognition only to those few endowed with certain undefined abilities and inclinations.

Using available discursive channels, acclaimed translators jointly construct a counter- professionalization ethos as their professional capital, describing doing translation as a natural disposition that has developed with their inner self: “I translate as I breathe. Naturally. I have been doing this since I was born,” says Nitsa Ben-Ari (in Katz, 2016 ), one of the most prolific senior figures in the contemporary literary translation scene, who translates from French, German, English, and Italian, working as an editor and a scholar of translation. Like many of her peers with similar reputations, she associates this natural disposition with two main elements in her self-presentation: a habitus-based multilingualism and love for languages, as a child of a multicultural family, and a profound literary sensitivity. Being so inherently disposed to translating, she explains, she experiences translation as a metaphysical process of self-transformation, in which she intimately connects with the original texts and their authors, to the point of completely merging into them:

Translating literature is the most relaxing and most exciting practice I know, as absurd as it may sound. It allows me to get into the minds of great writers, follow the course of their thoughts, browse through their associations, see through their eyes and live their lives as well. That way I can change identities and enjoy more lives. (ibid.)

Along the same line, translators describe themselves as performer artists who “embody the author by virtue of their authenticity” (Shira Hefer in Shwimmer, 2011 ). In its extreme form, this self-perception includes the idea that a professional translator must be a natural virtuoso, endowed with giftedness and passion that can be neither taught nor analyzed (cf. Subotnik & Jarvin, 2005 ). The higher one’s position as a literary translator, the more strongly one rejects standard training and praises an autodidactic self-refinement, where skills and methods are obscured by the notions of inspiration and creativity. This has been formulated most clearly by the late Nili Mirsky, crowned as Israel’s queen translator ever since the 1980s, whose reputation of having perfected “a style of Hebrew translation” seems uncontested. Throughout her career, as a translator of German and Russian classics and an editor, she had propagated this view in numerous reports and interviews, asserting her mistrust in academic learning and her conviction that translation requires the personal abilities and mindset that render it a “mission impossible” for a layman (Sela-Sheffy, 2010 ). Translators of the younger generation have echoed this mantra, similarly feeling that a translator’s competence lies in a mix of obscure exceptional sensibilities (linguistic, cultural, emotional), as expected from artists:

A good translation requires above all a sensitive ear to the language, its nuances, layers, registers, a lot of experience, cultural knowledge, curiosity, willingness to work hard and, yes, talent. And a lot of love, because translation is done with love, or not at all. (Merav Sachs-Portal in Shwimmer, 2011 )

Pertaining to this idealized idea of a natural translator is the feeling of being predestined to this vocation and devotion to it from birth. Often, translators’ narratives of becoming include an early-life revelation, in which inborn abilities magically find expression with such compelling effect that one “becomes addicted to it” (Mirsky in Melamed, 1989 , p. 32).

All of the above go hand in hand with the ethics of “disinterestedness” (Bourdieu, 1983 ), typifying the idea of art for art ’s sake . Both senior and younger aspiring translators make a point of proclaiming that a good translator operates by no principle other than artistic judgment. The novices among them sometimes complain that they are unable to make a living by translating because of their strict artistic ethics (Shwimmer, 2014 ). Yet even the most celebrated ones, those well paid for their work, equally deny all forms of practical and economic considerations, declaring commitment to pure artistic guidelines. Let me cite, for instance, Rami Saari, a poet and a prominent figure in the contemporary Hebrew literary translation, who is admired for his translations from a range of languages, from imperial ones, such as Spanish, Portuguese, Greek, and Turkish, to these of smaller nations, such as Hungarian, Catalan, Finnish, Estonian, and Albanian:

I would not hesitate to say to a publisher, “Thanks very much, I do need money and want to work, but I will not translate this book, because I do not translate books that are not good in my opinion. Economic considerations are not my considerations”. (Saari in Blass, 2012 )

Finally, although they deny formal ranks and power positions, these translators’ vocational ethos includes an assumed social responsibility, either as guardians of culture or as cultural brokers, or as both. In the former case, a good translator must have profound knowledge of the domestic language and culture, and commit to educating the readers about their own linguistic lore. The latter case requires cosmopolitanism, assuming the task of “a cultural delegate” (Zevi Arad in Moznayim, 1983 , p. 26) who salvages the domestic culture from provincialism. High-status translators often combine both of these public-intellectual responsibilities in their discourse, forming a declaredly elitist message. The late Aminadav Dyckmann, a praised translator of Greek and Latin classics as well as of French and Russian poetry, and a professor of translation, accentuated this highbrow dual position:

Translation is a mediation, and there is a dimension of responsibility for this mediation … I am not prepared to measure culture by the degree of ignorance of its receivers … Hebrew translation is an integral part of Hebrew literature. Without it, Hebrew literature would be a very strange creature. (Dyckmann in Hirshfeld, 2019 )

This professional identity is distinctly constructed by a small group of acclaimed translators, most of whom are recognized actors in the literary field, where they act simultaneously in one or more additional capacities, as writers, critics, lectors and editors, or academics. Holding strong positions in the literary industry, they also enjoy the visibility of intellectual personas in the public sphere at large. In this sense, they are part of what Bourdieu ( 1985 ) calls “the small-scale field of production,” where producers (the translators, in this case) and consecrating-agents (critics, academics, publishers, etc.) interact and jointly construct their symbolic capital, with their back to the public. Translators thereby gain both autonomy and closure. In relation to their clients, they disavow the role of service givers, demanding artistic license (in selecting the corpus to be translated and developing their own translation norms), and being in a position to negotiate their salaries and terms of work. Publicizing their professional identity, they also draw a line between themselves and the masses of rank-and-file translators, whom they deny the identity of “real translators.” With respect to the latter, they apply the popular connotation of natural translators in the negative sense, as unqualified workers, whose only skill is some knowledge of another language in addition to Hebrew (most commonly English). Using the logic that “it is very easy to translate from English and anyone can do it ” (Merav Sachs-Portal in Shwimmer, 2011 ; emphasis added), they accuse the latter of undermining the status of the translation profession as a whole.

An exclusive, yet vague, self-image as natural professionals in the artistic sense is thus the only measure by which a distinction is drawn between elite translators and mere language conduits—anyone who can perform inter-lingual exchanges. In their case, I contend, counter-professionalization, which builds on natural competencies, outweighs formal professionalization as professional capital, precisely by blurring standards of knowledge and learning.

The Ambivalent Professional Identity of Rank-and-File Translators: Translators’ Unified Symbolic Market

Whereas a small group of highbrow translators promote the above-described artist-like professional identity, the majority of rank-and-file practitioners in the various translation sectors are less confident in their professional identity, showing confusion about their proficiency (Fraser, 2000 ; among others). It is this confusion that scholars face while attempting to formalize “the translators’ profile” (Bajčić & Dobrić Basaneže, 2016 ; Gouadec, 2007 ; Sakwe, 2015 ), usually concluding that translators’ proficiency is hard to define.

As specialization is not the name of the game for thousands of anonymous workers—apart from small niches such as conference, court and sign language interpreting, or localization—their competencies vary according to their different translatorial jobs. Moving between diverse media and formats (written translation, oral interpreting, or subtitling), subject to different market structures and worker-client rapports, they have no common platform for creating a distinct sense of vocation to claim occupational self-control. At the same time, despite differences in sector requirements, in reality workers do not tend to specialize in one job type, leaving no clear boundaries discernible between them as professional communities divided by knowledge and skills. When asked to reflect on their profession, practitioners express this ambiguity: They fail to specify their proficiency, betraying ambivalence about their professional status. Eventually, the only model of a respected proficient translator that surfaces from their talk as a reference point in presenting their multitasking professional self is the one propagated by highbrow literary translators.

Non-elite translators thereby affirm and reproduce the same figurative practitioner, or idealized translator, as their ultimate resource of professional capital. Yet non-elite translators are very mindful of the gap between this symbolic worker and the reality of their occupational life, applying various strategies of avowing and disavowing this professional identity. Their constant negotiating and readjusting of it, I contend, is what maintains the structure and hierarchy of this occupation, which otherwise appears as amorphous, and the position of highbrow literary translators at the top. Translators manifest this in various ways in accounts of their work.

Ambiguous Vocational Ethos

Even the most experienced and confident workers in the diverse translation sectors are usually careful not to sound too “artistic.” They, too, play with the idea that being a good translator requires natural giftedness and creativity, but they never go so far as to center their self-presentation on these attributes. When they reflect on their work, they do not hide their economic and pragmatic concerns and the constraints with which they must comply. Their narrative of becoming is typically demystified. They usually tell stories of chance and compromise, of “one thing led to another,” in which translating ranks as one of many opportunities that may fit their abilities (mainly linguistic) and education, among other considerations. Clara, a translator of business and technical documents from English and Russian, typically downplays her aspirations in narrating her successful professional trajectory:

I was a student of English, so there’s a huge demand at the university for translating articles and stuff like that. And then … I mean, this is an area I really like, dealing with texts in general. Then I went to learn language editing. I can’t remember anything specific, I worked at the same time as a hire for—how many years? almost three, in some research project of … an American university, and they needed a contact person here [in Israel] with [command of] three languages. Uh… it was in fact not related to [my] field at all. It was public health … so they needed someone who mastered these languages, and I was also fitting in other respects too. Uh and so, in fact, a big part of my job was transcribing interviews … [Gradually] I started to introduce myself as [a translator]. I’d say that it’s just in the last six months that I’m really starting to make a living [out of translating].

Nevertheless, as indecisive as their narratives appear, these translators do betray their tacit ideal of a professional self (Webb, 2016 ), hinting at what they feel are unique personal dispositions required for a professional. For instance, although many of them would expand on the pragmatic benefits of working at home (especially for the young mothers among them), they would at the same time highlight the symbolic benefits they expect from their loosely structured and multitasking working routine. These symbolic benefits usually include moral gratifications, such as personal advancement and individual freedom, which they often present as their prime justifications for becoming a translator. Emma, a translator of business and technical documents, a subtitler and a conference interpreter from English, idealizes her occupational life as fitting her personal sensitivities, as do many of her peers:

First of all, the benefits are that you gain immense knowledge. From my personal point of view, it’s fantastic, it suits me terribly, because, like I said, … I am less interested in getting into the depth of a very narrow field. I am more interested in expanding throughout my life, I love to get knowledge, I love to learn. So, translation really allows me to collect lots of stuff, lots of fields [of interests] … Beyond that, the nature of my job, as a freelancer, it gives me freedom… almost completely, to choose, who I work with, who I don’t work with, how long [performing a certain job] will take, what will be the degree of stress I put myself in, what comes at the expense of what, how the family and work [fit together]. Uh… I mean, there are always these dilemmas … But I’d rather have the choice … All the time you have to make decisions, you get up in the morning, and you ask yourself, “What will I do first, laundry or translation?” I have the opportunity to change every day.

Some translators even talk about their artist-like creativity, if only as a fantasy or as an inspiring sideline activity. Nina, a technical translator and a subtitler from Russian, draws a line between what she does for a living and her true passion: “I don’t work for free, no way … To translate is my profession. I’m sorry, don’t do unpaid work … unless it is poetry translation which I do for fun for myself.” Others say that they make concessions in earning because their personality is not of the “business-oriented” kind. Esther, a translator of business and technical documents, and occasionally of fiction, maintains professional dignity by navigating between these two prestige resources—her allegedly objective market prospects and her unconventional personality:

If I had the [appropriate] character, I would have been able to make money of [my abilities]. Listen, I know the translator who got a million sheqels [Israeli currency; RS] … Don’t get me wrong, it is not impossible to make money off these things, [it’s] just that I don’t have the right personality.

This dual self-perception is especially noticeable among practitioners who, in addition to various other translatorial jobs, translate popular fiction (e.g., romances, thrillers, science fiction, and other popular forms), or non-literary genres like popular science and help books, but who have no prospects of joining the club of highbrow literary translators (Sela-Sheffy, 2010 ). The strong impact of the vocational ethos of the latter is reflected in the dual-identity work of the former. Expressing frustration with their humble position in the text-production industry, second-rate book translators make a point that this is the system’s fault, which is oblivious of their own professional abilities and inspirations. Aware of their weak personal agency, they nevertheless invoke the artist-like ethos expected from literary translators, as Esther does very clearly: “Of course it is a kind of creation … otherwise why would I have insisted that my voice be preserved [in the output] and bother so much to polish up every detail?”

Indifference to Formal Markers of Professionalism

In line with the above, although business and technical translators usually do not hide their concerns about work conditions and fees, they hardly strive to establish means of self-control to secure these conditions. Most of them are not members of The Israeli Translators Association, which for decades has remained a powerless body maintained by several dozens of activist translators . Quite similarly to their elite peers, some of my interviewees expressed mistrust in the association (without clear reasons), whereas others were even unaware of its existence. Nor can they specify what necessary training an accomplished translator would undergo. These practitioners usually have academic education in the humanities or the social sciences, but not specifically in translation studies. Although diploma programs and extra academic workshops are available (and some of my study’s participants have attended one in the past), these training courses hardly feature as a milestone in their life-narratives. Eventually, although they are forced to much greater compliance with market demands than elite literary translators, they, too, express the attitude of “free spirits” and pursue their careers as autodidacts. Overall, they embrace a very vague notion of professionalism, rejecting the potential of professionalization as a status resource. Linda’s hesitation is typical:

I [do] think that a professional should do the translation, but it never happens [this way]. Really, everybody translates, apparently … I don’t mean specifically people who studied translation in particular, but … Oh, I don’t know what it takes [to be a translator] (giggles) … You need knowledge of languages. I think that, I think it certainly wouldn’t do harm if you study the profession, because there are things that… [But] maybe with the years you can also achieve them anyway.

Undefined Expertise

As mentioned, rank-and-file translators are usually disinclined to specialize. Not only do many of them perform more than one translatorial job, but they often also report performing other writing-related jobs, such as editing, transcribing, and so forth. Consequently, they avoid specifying an expertise for which they can claim monopoly on work. Some of them mention virtues that are expected from service providers, such as meticulousness, efficiency and reliability, or technological literacy, as well as modesty and good communication with clients. Nevertheless, all of them place a far greater emphasis on linguistic competencies . It is evidently talent and love for foreign languages, as well as for writing, that these translators feel more confident to present as their forte (cf. Heino, 2017 ). Moreover, they often associate their linguistic abilities with a passion for literature and for cultures in general, as their true reason for becoming translators: “Even before I was a student,” says Sarah, a senior translator of popular fiction and business documents from English, French and Italian,

I discovered my talent for languages, and my greatest love is the love for literature, for books. So I connected between them, or I thought I was connecting between them. So I went to study English and French first … I also like Hebrew very much, and this is where the other things emanate from, too.

When they speak about their passion for languages, some translators frequently borrow emotional vocabulary and life narratives that are specifically used by elite literary translators. Iris, a translator of business and technical texts as well as fiction from English, expands on her natural multilingual disposition:

It comes from a natural gift for languages, … from my attraction to languages, even today I have enormous interest in languages … I can pick up languages very easily, I can chat in Italian, German, in Spanish, without even having ever learned them in my life … When I was a child … I learned French at one point … My dream was to learn French. If my parents had money then I would have told them to send me also to … I wanted French lessons so badly.

At the same time, rank-and-file translators are no less aware than their elite peers that knowledge of languages in itself is insufficient for claiming professional expertness. This is particularly true in an immigration country like Israel. There, knowledge of foreign languages—especially of the most commonly learned or spoken ones (notably English and Russian) —may appear in itself trivial, unless one demonstrates elaborate command of the language beyond that of the average speaker (see the above quotation from Sach-Portal in Shwimmer, 2011 ). To refute this devaluation effect, when translators talk about their linguistic abilities, they usually strive to frame them as part of a dignified cultural and educational background, whether that of a bi-cultural immigrant or transnational families, or as relating to former careers in other intellectual professions. Notwithstanding, they eventually fail to provide a coherent idea of their advantage as qualified translators even in terms of language abilities. This fact often emerges from their responses to the question, “What makes one a good translator in your opinion?” Here is how Ina, a prolific translator of business and technical documents, and occasionally of popular fiction from English, in addition to working as interpreter from Russian, struggles with this question, indecisively negotiating several options:

Well (chuckling) a good translator, it is first and foremost someone who has a perfect command of the languages with which they work, and it’s not scientific, after all I am not in the position to determine, but as far as I can tell … Actually [they] should be languages that you think with, not just languages that you know very well. So not the range of languages [is what counts] … of course also being in command, not just command of the language, but also of its grammatical rules, of the tongue. Eh… and … a sort of literary sensitivity, a way, an ability to express yourself, not just to translate, like a dictionary, to feel the language.

Disavowal of Cultural Agency

Finally, there is no doubt that the work of business and technical translators, as well as of oral interpreters of all types, has far greater direct consequences for everyday life than that of literary translators. Nevertheless, “ordinary” translators hesitate to claim the same cultural role as the latter, tending to disclaim the title of cultural mediators. When they are explicitly asked to comment on this potent image, they usually acknowledge it, but deny its relevance to their own personal experience. Esther, a prolific and experienced non-elite translator of fiction, discloses this ambivalence:

Eh… certainly, indeed, the issue of culture transmission, that is, to give the broad audience the ability to get to know other cultures, of course it has enormous ideological significance. [Yet] I personally, eh… am not so much into it, so from my own viewpoint it’s not so eh …

By invoking and disputing the ideal of artist-like professional persona, non-elite translators, in their diverse jobs, perform complex identity work, affirming and reproducing this figurative practitioner as the professional capital at stake in their occupations. By constantly negotiating and readjusting this professional identity, keeping it ambiguous, they are implicitly granted the prestige of intellectual or creative workers without fully enduring the implications of artization rules to which highbrow translators are committed.

Concluding Points

I have discussed the translation occupations here as a paradigmatic case for exploring the role of identity in constructing professionalism in occupational fields that lack formal professionalization. I proceed from the seeming paradox that although those who build their careers as translators are acutely aware of the need to refute the occupation’s “anyone can do it” reputation, they resist standardizing their competencies, and reject the formal means of acquiring and controlling these competencies that are common in established professions. Despite theoretical and pedagogical attempts to systematize translators’ expertise, in practice, translators’ job requirements hardly extend beyond the basic linguistic abilities that allow a lay person—or what scholars call a natural translator—to perform translation tasks occasionally. According to the classical model of modern professions, this non-professionalization culture may seem detrimental. Ostensibly, those who seek recognition as translators have no way to mark their distinction and claim legitimacy and status.

However, as shown through the translators’ case, professional status is not entirely dependent on formal professionalization. Understanding professionalism as symbolic capital brings to the fore the normativity of professionalism, the content of which is contingent on actors’ negotiations. With this cultural lens, the focus shifts from the given traits of a profession to the professionals (Lively, 2001 ), the actors and their perception of being professional as opposed to non-professionals. Seen thus, formal professionalization is a canonical type of professional capital, but not the only one. Identity—namely, the kind of a person one identifies with—emerges as a key resource of professionalism (Van Maanen, 2010 ). Analysis of translators’ self-imaging discourse, reveals how they build their professionalism, however tacitly, on personal dispositions and ethics, by which they draw distinction and construct hierarchies. My contention is this: Translators’ professional identity is not only independent of professionalization—its function as a higher form of capital lies precisely in the ethos of counter- professionalization . In light of this, I must emphasize two points about how to conceive of translators’ professional identity:

(1) As much as translators rebut the status of a natural translator, rather than rejecting this image they embrace it as a higher symbolic resource; they transform its meaning from signaling an unqualified workforce to implying a mystified, embodied artistic-like sense of professionalism. Avoiding definition of their expertise, they promote a vague notion of natural aptness, in contrast to which systematically acquired knowledge and skills appear as irrelevant, if not demeaning. With this imagery, they bring forward a sense of professionalism that lies entirely in the person. Avoiding rational standards, their reputation as worthy workers depends solely on individuals’ display of personal virtues, such as giftedness, intuition, and devotion, like those of artists. In other words, translators build their professional distinction by blurring the very idea of measurable competencies. In this field, obscuring workers’ proficiency, rather than standardizing them, is the name of the game.

(2) The wide impact of this mystique of professionalism across translation sectors means that, as amorphous and diversified as this field may be, it is nevertheless structured by a market of symbolic goods , to use Bourdieu’s much-cited metaphor ( 1985 ). In this symbolic market, profession identity is the only capital by which workers gain occupational authority and autonomy (vis-à-vis other occupations, as well as clients). Professional identity also provides the logic of this occupation’s inner boundaries and hierarchy (regardless of objective technical categories, such as written vs. oral or text translation vs. subtitling). This tacit logic is that of artization . In the field of translation, the smallest sector of highbrow literary translators nurtures it as a weapon of exclusion. This limited circle extensively sanctions the rules of art, disallowing whatsoever rational bureaucratized formats (accreditation, standards, tariffs, etc.) members of other translation sectors may strive towards. They thereby draw a distinction between the elite sector and all other translators. As an identity discourse, however, masses of translators accept a counter-professionalization logic across the board, even though they are denied access to highbrow cultural spheres. Given that many practicing translators converge between more than one job type, the artist-translator self-image appears to be the only common ground uniting translators as an occupation, despite the diverse interests, methods, and constraints their different working spheres impose. Those who work at the intersection between the text production industry and the miscellaneous translating markets, serve, although with ambivalence, as especially effective transmitters of the artization ethos across this occupation.

Finally, as professional-identity researchers are currently discussing, a similar dynamic is common in every occupation, including the more established ones (e.g., Brown & Coupland, 2015 ; Kyratsis et al., 2017 ; Prat et al., 2006 ). There, this dynamic either serves as a channel for negotiating defined expertise and value-scales, or gives rise to alternative ones. As scholars have already pointed out with reference to other professional domains, workers are evaluated predominantly by their performed professional identities (Webb, 2016 ). However, in the domain of translation, as in other extremely under-professionalized occupations, this identity dynamic appears to be the major status generator, one that provides the actors with occupational credit without committing them to formal regulation and institutionalized settings (cf. Avnoon & Sela-Sheffy, 2021 ). In this field, displaying natural abilities and personal self-refinement replaces professionalization, so that its members deem this process unworthy.

These findings support attempts to rethink professionalism and question the pivotal role attributed to professionalization traits. By locating professionalism in identity rather than in formally defined and regulated expertise, one conceives the distinction between professionals and non-professionals not as dichotomous, but as vacillating along a scale that the actors themselves constantly re-negotiate. Understanding workers’ perspective, one can thus dissect the logic of what otherwise seems unexplained—namely, the persistent under-professionalization of translation and other non-professionalized occupations, despite their crucial social function and high demand (and despite some attempts made towards professionalization). This is not a case of failed professionalization, but of counter-professionalism , wielded as an alternative and forceful status strategy, structuring occupational fields.

Ellipses and underlines in the quotations stand either for hesitation or for omissions, pointing at unspoken sensitive information.

All names are pseudonyms. All translations from the Hebrew are mine.

Abbott, A. (1988). The system of professions: An essay on the division of expert labor . Chicago, IL: The University of Chicago Press.

Google Scholar  

Abu-ghararah, B. A. (2017). The gap between translator training and the translation industry in Saudi Arabia. Arab World English Journal for Translation & Literary Studies, 1 (4), 107–118. https://doi.org/10.24093/awejtls/vol1no4.8

Ackroyd, S. (2016). Sociological and organisational theories of professions and professionalism. In M. Dent, I. L. Bourgeault, J.-L. Denis, & E. Kuhlmann (Eds.), The Routledge companion to the professions and professionalism (pp. 15–30). Abingdon: Routledge.

Aldridge, M., & Evetts, J. (2003). Rethinking the concept of professionalism: The case of journalism. The British Journal of Sociology, 54, 547–564. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-4446.2003.00547.x

Allen, E., & Bernofsky, S. (Eds.). (2013). In translation: Translators on their work and what it means . New York, NY: Columbia University Press.

Alvesson, M., Ashcraft, K. L., & Thomas, R. (2008). Identity matters: Reflections on the construction of identity scholarship in organization studies. Organization, 15, 5–28. https://doi.org/10.1177/1350508407084426

Angelelli, C. V. (2010). A professional ideology in the making: Bilingual youngsters interpreting for their communities and the notion of (no) choice. Translation and Interpreting Studies, 5, 94–108. https://doi.org/10.1075/tis.5.1.06ang

Ashcraft, K. L. (2013). The glass slipper: “Incorporating” occupational identity in management studies. Academy of Management Review, 38, 6–31. https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.2010.0219

Atkinson, P., Reid, M., & Sheldrake, P. (1977). Medical mystique. Work and Occupations, 4, 243–280. https://doi.org/10.1177/003803857700400301

Avnoon, N. (2021). Data scientists’ identity work: Omnivorous symbolic boundaries in skills acquisition. Work, Employment and Society, 35, 332–349. https://doi.org/10.1177/0950017020977306

Avnoon, N., & Sela-Sheffy, R. (2021). Counter-professionalization as an occupational status strategy: The production of professionalism in Israeli child-care workers’ identity work. Journal of Professions and Organization, 8(3), 311–328. https://doi.org/10.1093/jpo/joab014

Bajčić, M., & Dobrić Basaneže, K. (Eds.). (2016). Towards the professionalization of legal translators and court interpreters in the EU . Newcastle upon Tyne: Cambridge Scholars.

Banfield, J. (2017). Amateur, professional and proto-practices: A contribution to ‘the proficiency debate.’ AREA, 49, 130–136. https://doi.org/10.1111/AREA.12294

Barnes, L. L. (2003). The acupuncture wars: The professionalizing of American acupuncture: A view from Massachusetts. Medical Anthropology, 22, 261–301. https://doi.org/10.1080/01459740306772

Bayerl, P. S., Horton, K. E., & Jacobs, G. (2018). How do we describe our professional selves? Investigating collective identity configurations across professions. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 107, 168–181. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2018.04.006

Billett, S., Harteis, C., & Gruber, H. (2018). Developing occupational expertise through everyday work activities and interaction. In K. A. Ericsson, R. R. Hoffman, A. Kozbelt, & A. M. Williams (Eds.), The Cambridge handbook of expertise and expert performance (pp. 105–126). Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781316480748.008

Blass, I. (2012, March 26). תייר בחיים: ראיון עם המשורר והמתרגם רמי סערי [A traveler in life: Interview with the poet and translator Rami Saari]. Retrieved from https://www.haaretz.co.il/gallery/literature/1.1671813

Bourdieu, P. (1983). The field of cultural production, or: The economic world reversed. Poetics, 12, 311–356. https://doi.org/10.1016/0304-422X(83)90012-8

Bourdieu, P. (1985). The market of symbolic goods. Poetics, 14, 13–44. https://doi.org/10.1016/0304-422X(85)90003-8

Bourdieu, P. (1996). The rules of art: Genesis and structure of the literary field (S. Emanuel, Trans.). Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press. (Original work published 1992)

Brain, D. (1991). Practical knowledge and occupational control: The professionalization of architecture in the United States. Sociological Forum, 6, 239–268. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01114392

Brand, A. (2009, August 18). אבודים בתרגום [Lost in translation]. Retrieved from https://www.globes.co.il/news/article.aspx?did=1000490981

Brown, A. D., & Coupland, C. (2015). Identity threats, identity work and elite professionals. Organization Studies, 36, 1315–1336. https://doi.org/10.1177/0170840615593594

Cameron, D. (2001). Working with spoken discourse. London: Sage.

Cao, D. (1996). Towards a model of translation proficiency. Target, 8, 325–340. https://doi.org/10.1075/target.8.2.07cao

Colley, H., & Guéry, F. (2015). Understanding new hybrid professions: Bourdieu, illusio and the case of public service interpreters. Cambridge Journal of Education, 45, 113–131. https://doi.org/10.1080/0305764X.2014.991277

Corbin, J., & Strauss, A. (1998). Basics of qualitative research techniques. Thousand Oaks: Sage.

Dam, H. V., & Zethsen, K. K. (2010). Translator status: Helpers and opponents in the ongoing battle of an emerging profession. Target, 22, 194–211. https://doi.org/10.1075/target.22.2.02dam

Dam, H. V., & Zethsen, K. K. (2011). Status of professional business translators on the Danish market: A comparative study of company, agency and freelance translators. Meta: Translators’ Journal, 56, 976–997. https://doi.org/10.7202/1011263ar

De Fina, A., Schiffrin, D., & Bamberg, M. (Eds.). (2006). Discourse and identity . Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.

Delisle, J., & Woodsworth, J. (Eds.). (1995). Translators through history . Amsterdam: John Benjamins.

Dent, M., & Whitehead, S. (Eds.). (2002). Managing professional identities: Knowledge, performativity and the ‘new’ professional. London: Routledge.

Denzin, N. K., & Mettlin, C. J. (1968). Incomplete professionalization: The case of pharmacy. Social Forces, 46, 375–381. https://doi.org/10.2307/2574885

DeRue, D. S., & Ashford, S. J. (2010). Who will lead and who will follow? A social process of leadership identity construction in organizations. Academy of Management Review, 35, 627–647. https://doi.org/10.5465/AMR.2010.53503267

Drugan, J. (2013). Quality in professional translation . London: Bloomsbury.

Duflou, V. (2016). Be(com)ing a conference interpreter : An ethnography of EU interpreters as a professional community . Benjamins Translation Library: Vol. 124. Amsterdam: John Benjamins. https://doi.org/10.1075/btl.124

Dybiec-Gajer, J. (2014). Going professional: Challenges and opportunities for the contemporary translator educators. inTRAlinea, Special Issue: Challenges in Translation Pedagogy . Retrieved from http://www.intralinea.org/specials/article/2104

Elsaka, N. (2005). New Zealand journalists and the appeal of ‘professionalism’ as a model of organization: An historical analysis. Journalism Studies, 6, 73–86. https://doi.org/10.1080/1461670052000328221

Evetts, J. (2003). The sociological analysis of professionalism: Occupational change in the modern world. International Sociology, 18, 395–415. https://doi.org/10.1177/0268580903018002005

Foley, L. (2005). Midwives, marginality, and public identity work. Symbolic Interaction, 28, 183–203. https://doi.org/10.1525/si.2005.28.2.183

Fournier, V. (1999). The appeal to ‘professionalism’ as a disciplinary mechanism. The Sociological Review, 47, 280–307. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-954X.00173

Fraser, J. (2000). The broader view: How freelance translators define translation competence. In C. Schäffner & B. Adab (Eds.), Developing translation competence (pp. 51–62). Benjamins Translation Library: Vol. 38. Amsterdam: John Benjamins. https://doi.org/10.1075/btl.38.06fra

Friedson, E. (2001). Professionalism: The third logic . Chicago, IL: Chicago University Press.

Furmanek, O. (2013). Professionalization of interpreters. In C. A. Chapelle (Ed.), The encyclopedia of applied linguistics (pp. 1–8). Chichester: Blackwell. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781405198431.wbeal0959

Garcia, M. A., & Barbour, J. B. (2018). “Ask a professional—ask a librarian”: Librarianship and the chronic struggle for professional status. Management Communication Quarterly, 32, 565–592. https://doi.org/10.1177/0893318918776798

Gee, J. P. (1999). An introduction to discourse analysis: Theory and practice . London: Routledge.

Goffman, E. (1959). The presentation of self in everyday life . New York: Anchor Books.

Gouadec, D. (2007). Translation as a profession . Benjamins Translation Library: Vol. 73. Amsterdam: John Benjamins.

Gumperz, J. J. (1992). Interviewing in intercultural situations. In P. Drew & J. Heritage (Eds.), Talk at work: Interaction in institutional settings (pp. 302–327). Studies in Interactional Sociolinguistics: Vol. 8. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.

Hammond, C., & Czyszczon, G. (2014). Home-based family counseling: An emerging field in need of professionalization. The Family Journal: Counseling and Therapy for Couples and Families, 22, 56–61. https://doi.org/10.1177/1066480713505055

Harris, B. (1978). The difference between natural and professional translation. Canadian Modern Language Review, 34, 417–427. https://doi.org/10.3138/cmlr.34.3.417

Harris, B., & Sherwood, B. (1978). Translating as an innate skill. In D. Gerver & W. H. Sinaiko (Eds.), Language interpretation and communication (pp. 155–170). Oxford: Plenum. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-9077-4_15

Heino, A. (2017). Contemporary Finnish literary translators and symbolic capital. In N. Keng, A. Nuopponen, & D. Rellstab (Eds), Ääniä, Röster, Voices, Stimmen (pp. 52–63). VAKKI Publications: Vol. 8. Vaasa: Vakki.

Heruti-Sover, T. (2008, December 12). מצב המתרגמים בישראל: שעות העבודה רבות; תשלום מזערי ויחס מבזה; אפילו ג'יי קיי רולינג לא עונה [The situation of translators in Israel: Long hours, low pay, and contemptuous treatment; even J. K. Rowling does not answer]. Retrieved from http://www.themarker.com/career/1.499398

Hirshfeld, A. (2019, January 29). "העבודה שלי לא בנויה על ויתורים לקורא" [“My work is not built on concessions to the reader”: An interview with Prof. Aminadav Dyckmann]. Retrieved from https://www.makorrishon.co.il/judaism/110433/

Ibarra, H. (1999). Provisional selves: Experimenting with image and identity in professional adaptation. Administrative Science Quarterly, 44, 764–791. https://doi.org/10.2307/2667055

Katz, Y. (2016, August 9). שאלון בנושא תרגום עם פרופ' ניצה בן-ארי (מתוך גיליון מס. 13 של כתב העת "הו!") [A survey about translation, with Prof. Nitza Ben-Ari (from issue No. 13 of the journal “Oh!”)]. In Reading Books . Retrieved, from https://www.korebasfarim.com/2016/08/09/שאלון-בנושא-תרגום-עם-פרופ-ניצה-בן-ארי-מ

Kaufman, Y. (2011, July 30). יש עבודה: מדריך קריירה למתרגם המקצועי [A career guide to a novice translator]. Retrieved from https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-4099796,00.html

King, H. (2017). Translator education programs & the translation labour market: Linear career progression or a touch of chaos? T & I Review, 7, 133–151.

Kirkpatrick, I., Muzio, D., & Ackroyd, S. (2011). Professions and professionalism in management consulting. In T. Clark & M. Kipping (Eds.), The Oxford handbook of management consulting (pp. 187–206). Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199235049.013.0009

Kyratsis, Y., Atun, R., Phillips, N., Tracey, P., & George, G. (2017). Health systems in transition: Professional identity work in the context of shifting institutional logics. The Academy of Management Journal, 60, 610–641. https://doi.org/10.5465/amj.2013.0684

Labov, W. (1973). Language in the inner city : Studies in the black English vernacular. Philadelphia, PA: University of Pennsylvania Press.

Lave, J., & Wenger, E. (1991). Situated learning: Legitimate peripheral participation . Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.

Lepisto, D. A., Crosina, E., & Pratt, M. G. (2015). Identity work within and beyond the professions: Toward a theoretical integration and extension. In A. M. Costa e Silva & M. T. Aparicio (Eds.), International handbook of professional identities (pp. 11–37). Rosemead: Scientific & Academic Publishing.

Lively, K. J. (2001). Occupational claims to professionalism: The case of paralegals. Symbolic Interaction, 24, 343–365. https://doi.org/10.1525/si.2001.24.3.343

Malach, D. (2019, January 3). חיה בסדרה: הצצה לעולם שמאחורי הכתוביות [Live in the series: A peek into the world behind the subtitles]. Retrieved from https://www.makorrishon.co.il/%d7%9e%d7%95%d7%a6%d7%a9-%d7%a0%d7%95%d7%a2%d7%a8/104139/

Melamed, A. (1989, December 1). תרגום: נילי מירסקי[Translation: Nili Mirsky]. Hadashot (Saturday addition) , 32–33.

Mizab, M., & Bahloul, A. (2016). The integration of professional translators’ 21st century profile in teaching translation at Batna University. Arab World English Journal Special Issue on CALL, 3, 187–209. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2822992

Moznayim, Translators’ survey. (1983). על מצבו של התרגום העברי: שאלון מתרגמים: [On the condition of the Hebrew translator: A translators’ survey]. Moznayim, 6, 22–31.

Muzio, D., Hodgson, D., Faulconbridge, J., Beaverstock, J., & Hall, S. (2011). Towards corporate professionalization: The case of project management, management consultancy and executive search. Current Sociol o gy, 59, 443–464. https://doi.org/10.1177/0011392111402587

Nicey, J. (2016). Semi-professional amateurs. In T. Witschge, C. W. Anderson, D. Domingo, & A. Hermida (Eds.), The Sage Handbook of Digital Journalism (pp. 222–235). London: Sage. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781473957909.n15

Noordegraaf, M. (2007). From “pure” to “hybrid” professionalism: Present-day professionalism in ambiguous public domains. Administration & Society, 39, 761–785. https://doi.org/10.1177/0095399707304434

Noordegraaf, M., & Schinkel, W. (2011). Professional capital contested: A Bourdieusian analysis of conflicts between professionals and managers. Comparative Sociology, 10, 97–125. https://doi.org/10.1163/156913310X514092

Pratt, M. G., Rockmann, K. W., & Kaufmann, J. B. (2006). Constructing professional identity: The role of work and identity learning cycles in the customization of identity among medical residents. Academy of Management Journal, 49, 235–262. https://doi.org/10.5465/AMJ.2006.20786060

Punstein, A. M., & Glückler, J. (2020). In the mood for learning? How the thought collectives of designers and engineers co-create innovations. Journal of Economic Geography, 20, 543–570. https://doi.org/10.1093/jeg/lbz019

Pym, A. (2014). Translator associations: From gatekeepers to communities. Target, 26, 466–491. https://doi.org/10.1075/target.26.3.06pym

Pym, A., Grin, F., Sfreddo, C., & Chan, A. L. J. (2012, July). Studies on translation and multilingualism: The status of the translation profession in the European Union . Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union.

Pym, A., Orrego-Carmona, D., & Torres-Simón, E. (2016). Status and technology in the professionalisation of translators: Market disorder and the return of hierarchy. The Journal of Specialised Translation, 25, 33–53.

Rapley, T. J. (2001). The art(fulness) of open-ended interviewing: Some considerations on analysing interviews. Qualitative Research, 1, 303–323. https://doi.org/10.1177/146879410100100303

Sakwe, G. M. (2015). The standard profile of the 21st century translator and its impact on translator training. International Journal of English Language & Translation Studies, 3 (3), 86–104.

Sciulli, D. (2007). Professions before professionalism. European Journal of Sociology, 48, 121–147. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0003975607000318

Sela-Sheffy, R. (2010). ‘Stars’ or ‘professionals’: The imagined vocation and exclusive knowledge of translators in Israel. MonTI : Applied Sociology in Translation Studies/Sociologia aplicada a la traducció, 2, 131–152. https://doi.org/10.6035/MonTI.2010.2.7

Sela-Sheffy, R. (2014). Translators’ identity work: Introducing micro-sociological theory of identity to the discussion of translators’ habitus. In G. M. Vorderobermeier (Ed.), Remapping habitus in translation studies (pp. 43–55). Approaches to Translation Studies: Vol. 40. Amsterdam: Brill. https://doi.org/10.1163/9789401210867_005

Sela-Sheffy, R. (2022). The translation profession. In K. Malmkjær (Ed.), The Cambridge handbook of translation (pp. 160–180). Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.

Shwimmer, Y. (2011, July 8). אנשי הדממה: על עולמם הנשכח של המתרגמים [The silent people: On the forgotten world of translators]. Retrieved from https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0 ,7340,L-4088332,00.html

Shwimmer, Y. (2014, April 9). על תרגום ורגישות: מתרגמים עצמאיים בשטח [On translation and sensitivity: Independent translators in the field]. Retrieved from https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-4517146,00.html

Snell-Hornby, M. (2002). Back to square one? On the troubled relations between Translation Studies and Linguistics. Logos and Language, 3, 21–30.

Stebbins, R. A. (1992). Amateurs, professionals, and serious leisure . Montreal, Canada: McGill-Queen’s University Press.

Stephens, N., & Delamont, S. (2009). ‘They start to get malicia’: Teaching tacit and technical knowledge. British Journal of Sociology of Education, 30, 537–548. https://doi.org/10.1080/01425690903101031

Subotnik, R. F., & Jarvin, L. (2005). Beyond expertise: Conceptions of giftedness as great performance. In R. J. Sternberg & J. E. Davidson (Eds.), Conceptions of giftedness (pp. 343–357). Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.

Sveningsson, S., & Alvesson, M. (2003). Managing managerial identities: Organizational fragmentation, discourse and identity struggle. Human Relations, 56, 1163–1193. https://doi.org/10.1177/00187267035610001

Toury, G. (2012). A bilingual speaker becomes a translator: A tentative developmental model. In G. Toury, Descriptive translation studies and beyond (pp. 241–258). Amsterdam: John Benjamins. (Original work published 1995) https://doi.org/10.1075/btl.4

Tyulenev, S. (2015). Towards theorising translation as an occupation. Asia Pacific Translation and Intercultural Studies, 2, 15–29. https://doi.org/10.1080/23306343.2015.1013206

Van Maanen, J. (2010). Identity work and control in occupational communities. In S. B. Sitkin, L. B. Cardinal, & K. M. Bijlsma-Frankema (Eds.), Organizational control (pp. 111–166). Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.

Van Maanen, J., & Barley, S. R. (1984). Occupational communities: Culture and control in organizations. Research in Organizational Behavior, 6, 287–365.

Webb, S. A. (2016). Professional identity and social work. In M. Dent, I. L. Bourgeault, J.-L. Denis, & E. Kuhlmann (Eds.), The Routledge companion to the professions and professionalism (pp. 355–370). Abingdon: Routledge.

Whyatt, B. (2012). Translation as a human skill: From predisposition to expertise . Poznań: Wydział Anglistyki, Adam Mickiewicz University. Retrieved from www.academia.edu/14900302/Translation_as_a_human_skill._From_predisposition_to_expertise?email_work_card=view-paper

תרגום שכר - מתרגם שכר מהו? [Translation fees: What is a translator’s salary in Israel?]. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.universities-colleges.org.il/P44186/

Download references

Author information

Authors and affiliations.

Unit of Culture Research, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel

Rakefet Sela-Sheffy

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Rakefet Sela-Sheffy .

Editor information

Editors and affiliations.

Department of Geography, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany

Johannes Glückler

School of Education, Communication and Society, King#x2019;s College London, London, UK

Christopher Winch

Formerly associated with Department of Geography, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany

Anna Mateja Punstein

Rights and permissions

Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License ( http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ ), which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

The images or other third party material in this chapter are included in the chapter's Creative Commons license, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the chapter's Creative Commons license and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder.

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2023 The Author(s)

About this chapter

Sela-Sheffy, R. (2023). What Does It Take to Be a Professional Translator? Identity as a Resource. In: Glückler, J., Winch, C., Punstein, A.M. (eds) Professions and Proficiency. Knowledge and Space, vol 18. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-24910-5_5

Download citation

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-24910-5_5

Published : 17 March 2023

Publisher Name : Springer, Cham

Print ISBN : 978-3-031-24909-9

Online ISBN : 978-3-031-24910-5

eBook Packages : Social Sciences Social Sciences (R0)

Share this chapter

Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content:

Sorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article.

Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative

• Publish with us

Policies and ethics

• Find a journal
• Track your research

Translation is a tool that bridges people and cultures. It’s a very rewarding profession that allows you to connect people through the written word. Translation is one of the fastest-growing careers in the nation, and the translation and localization industry is expected to grow by 20% between 2019 and 2029.

This e-book is for anyone new to the translation profession. Whether you’re currently studying translation, a recent graduate, or making a career change, this e-book will help you start off on the right foot and set you up for success in this dynamic and exciting field.

The intention of this e-book is not to teach you how to translate, but to help you build a strong launchpad for your new translation career.

This e-book was created by ATA's Membership Committee.

Join the ATA community

The demand for translators and interpreters continues to grow. Become part of a community that supports your goals as a language professional.

More Resources for Newcomers

Starting Your Career

Translation and interpreting are exciting yet challenging careers. ATA has everything you need to get your career started right.

Student Resources

Translators and interpreters are in demand but being bilingual is not enough. ATA offers resources for those considering a career as a language professional.

The Savvy Newcomer

Find resources written by working translators and interpreters who have been where you are right now.

Translation management

How to Start a Translation Career: A Guide for Students

The language services market has doubled in size over the last 10 years—from $28.34B in 2011 to $56.18B in 2021. This makes a translation career not only fulfilling, but a potentially lucrative career option for students and recent graduates.

Becoming a successful translator requires more than speaking two or more languages, a reality also endorsed by Univ.-Prof. Dragoș Ciobanu, Professor of Machine Translation and Computational Terminology at the University of Vienna.

In his previous role of Associate Professor in Translation Studies at the University of Leeds, UK, and in his current role at the University of Vienna, Prof. Ciobanu welcomed the opportunity to join the Phrase Academic Program .

The reason, according to him, was very simple: He is a long-standing advocate of exposing trainee translators to authentic tasks involving the wide range of translation technologies used in the industry. We asked for his insights into what it takes to build a successful translation career.

What makes a translation career?

Being successful as a translator depends on many factors. First and foremost, the language combination a translator decides to work with can forecast how much demand there may be for translation services.

According to Prof. Ciobanu, sometimes, it may be easier to find in-house project management jobs than in-house translation jobs. That’s why students should think strategically and tactically about their language choice.

Moreover, the professional setting a translator gets involved in can be decisive for the type of translation needed. Some prefer working at a government institution interacting with the international community, others at an enterprise on track for global growth.

At the same time, a career as a translator is attractive for many who appreciate the flexibility of working as a freelancer from anywhere and at any time. This kind of autonomy allows them to decide on (almost) every aspect of their translation career from the start.

No matter what path they choose, translators should always look out for opportunities to grow. Prof. Ciobanu puts a lot of emphasis on the translator’s innate drive to learn: “Those happy to go beyond their comfort zone and be professional in every circumstance will always be in high demand, regardless of the industry involved.”

What does it take to become a translator?

Becoming a translator takes both talent and perseverance to be truly successful. Prof. Ciobanu confirms that he’d “never had a student who was genuinely keen, made the most of their training program and professional networking opportunities available to them, and didn’t have a job or a promising freelance career before graduating.”

Since in-house translation jobs can be scarce, translators often work on a freelance basis. This often requires being proactive and mastering networking skills in order to find opportunities and build a career.

“The number of professional associations actively welcoming trainee translators—at local, national, but also international level—has grown a lot in recent years. It has never been easier to connect with other members of the language services industry, learn about the latest trends and the knowledge and skills most in demand, see how various domains and language pairs have been impacted by the rise of machine translation, and generally work on a strategy to join the industry,” argues Prof. Ciobanu.

What to study to become a translator?

There are several things that young translators starting their careers need to bear in mind if they’re hoping to be successful.

Market and CAT tool knowledge

According to the European Language Industry Survey 2020 (ELIS), new graduates are still seen as lacking market awareness and process knowledge when it comes to translation services. Likewise, almost half of the language service companies surveyed scored translation technology skills in graduates as insufficient or non-existent.

It goes without saying that any translation work would require impeccable language skills, excellent cultural knowledge both on the source and target side, alongside a deep understanding of the latest technologies and market trends. It’s therefore worthwhile to invest in all three from day one. Leveraging technology will not only ensure that your translations are accurate and error-free, but it can also save you time by automatically translating text that you’ve translated before.

Rather than seeing yourself as the most important piece of the puzzle, a more useful perspective comes from becoming familiar with translation and localization workflows from start to finish, as well as the key players impacted by your work.

Such workflows involve lots more contributors than some translators imagine: Localization managers, terminologists, other translators, revisers, or designers are just a few of the additional roles that depend on individual translators completing their work on time. This enables them to continue working on a translation or localization project.

Focused domain specialisms

Translators never work in a vacuum. Oftentimes, you’d need to translate the latest findings and reports in a certain industry. For example, if you provide medical translation services, you should follow scientific breakthroughs in medicine on a daily basis. This specific knowledge will guarantee that your ability to deliver the message in the target language is on point.

Prof. Ciobanu recommends students to focus on one field of study initially, and then add to it as their career progresses. Choosing your niche will depend on many factors—from your personal interests to market demand. The ELIS survey reports that some of the highest-growth industries are manufacturing, life sciences, and software. On the other hand, retail, publishing, and the public sector show some slowing trends.

Understanding client needs

This might not sound like the most intuitive thing to study, but it’s crucial to being a successful language professional. Regardless of whether you work as a freelance translator or you’re employed in-house, understanding the needs of your customers will ensure that you always deliver a high-quality end product.

This requires asking great probing questions, as well as doing your own due diligence at the outset of the project. There’s a difference if you work directly with a client or you’re hired via an agency. When you have direct access to the client, make sure you ask for clear instructions and don’t be afraid to challenge them if something doesn’t make sense. Sometimes, clients might be misguided, and it’s your job to offer the best solution without being rude or patronizing.

Language service providers (LSP) usually do this for you and have a clear understanding of the client’s needs. However, make sure you read the fine print in your contract on what happens in case of customer dissatisfaction. If you’re the only one held responsible should a customer complain or be unhappy with a product, then you might be better off finding another translation agency to work with.

Likewise, aim to translate as if there were no reviser, proofreader, or editor on the other end to check your work. Different translation agencies have different revision and review standards, as well as feedback cultures. While some might not even do the minimum amount of revisions agreed on with their clients, others might do a mere spell-check rather than a detailed text revision. On the other hand, clients themselves can be swept up by the latest technological hype, expecting computers to perform better than humans on every task. Don’t feed the hype by delivering sloppy work! Quality, as defined by the project brief, should always be your top priority!

How to become a translator?

According to the ELIS survey, about 40% of those entering the profession have done so after having a previous career in another field, while 44% became translators immediately after graduating in translation and interpreting studies.

In general, a translation career has no age barrier to enter, and past experience in another industry can be an asset in your role as a translator. At the same time, this doesn’t mean that providing translation services is accessible for all. Some of the best-known ISO standards in the translation industry include very useful suggestions on the training and/or experience required from linguists in order to deliver a high-quality product.

Overall, a translation career requires a lot of dedication and investment in time and resources to learn your target languages, master the source and target cultures, as well as your domain specialisms, set yourself up as a business, and learn the latest language technologies.

Connect with the wider professional community

Both interpreters and translators depend on their wider network to find clients and stay up to date with the latest developments in the industry. If you’re thinking about becoming a translator, it’s a good idea to follow the best translation blogs and find the local and national organizations available in your community to learn their professional codes of conduct. These communities often exchange ideas, opportunities, and provide advice to fellow translators. So make sure you’re an active member of the community.

Social media is also a great place to connect to other translators where you can ask questions, network, and even find new job opportunities. Proz.com , for example, is a dedicated community and workplace for language professionals where you can create your own profile and start looking for jobs. Several Twitter accounts—like TranslationTalk —or hashtags, e.g., #xl8, #t9n, #l10n, will open up a world of useful insights into (alongside passionate debates about) the industry.

If you’re a fan of podcasts, you can easily find relevant ones, starting with GloballySpeaking . Also, initiatives such as Translators without Borders or Translation Commons are a great way to gain more experience while giving back to the community.

“While these diverse sources of information make it challenging to stay up to date without feeling you’re missing out on something, somewhere, you also need to keep in mind that the information you access is not always applicable to your linguistic and cultural context. So keep an open mind and always look out for useful suggestions, but at the same time, don’t feel bad if a guest speaker’s view of the industry or accomplishments make you feel rather inadequate—there is always much more to every story and your work still matters,” Prof. Ciobanu adds.

Finally, it’s important to keep investing in yourself and your knowledge through courses, webinars, and industry conferences. Aim to always compete with quality rather than price. To stay competitive, and still keep your rates where you want them to be, make sure you leverage language technologies that can speed up the translation process. This will save you and your clients time and money.

Many computer-assisted translation tools ( CAT tools ) and machine translation software also come with linguistic quality assurance features to help you deliver as accurate translation output as possible: “At the same time, in the age of data and analytics, make sure your translation tools help you make a convincing case for working in one environment, with a specific tech set-up, than in another; meeting the required quality standard also depends on where and how we work!”

How can a translator stay competitive in the long run?

Successfully graduating from a translation program and getting your first client is only the stepping stone to a successful translation career. Many translators are self-starters who aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo but also challenge themselves and their own knowledge.

Prof. Ciobanu shares these quick tips on how translators and localization specialists can stay competitive in the long run:

Keep investing in your domain specialism

Regardless of your target language, you need to stay abreast of the latest developments in your areas of focus. Attending meetings with your local special interest group or industry-specific conferences will keep you informed of current achievements and trends that can be relevant to your work as a translator. It’s a good practice to attend at least one industry conference per year, so check with your associations or network to find what’s available.

Likewise, taking relevant MOOCs can enhance your technical and linguistic know-how, which can help you maintain high standards throughout your career. Other than online courses, translation management technology providers like Phrase offer formal training through certification programs and on-demand webinars packed full of useful information about the latest trends in language technology.

Follow thought leaders

In line with the previous point, make sure you subscribe to newsletters from key thought leaders in the industry to get a wide scope of understanding around what’s going on. You have many options to choose from—from the Phrase Newsletter and The Tool Box Journal to industry news aggregators such as Slator . If you have some budget to invest, it’s worthwhile subscribing to the Multilingual magazine, one of the leading print sources of language industry news, events, and trends.

Build your brand

Social media plays a big role in how we perceive and interact with others. This is especially true for freelancers who often need to invest in building their own brand before they can become thought leaders in their industry. Leverage different social media channels to share relevant news and updates with your community and potential clients. This can help you build your credibility and find new work opportunities.

Always practice critical thinking

The translation services industry abounds with fads claiming to be the “next big thing” in translation. Take this news with a grain of salt and always do your own research to find out what works and what doesn’t work for you and your clients. Do the same for any new technical developments, and see if they add any real value or are just using a buzzword that might disappear overnight.

A successful translation career requires a lot of commitment and inquisitiveness from the translator in order to last the test of time. Language professionals, and translators in particular, need to remain open to change and always keep learning and upgrading their knowledge. They need to welcome constructive criticism and avoid forming strong opinions that can interfere with their work. Translators thrive in communities, so a spirit of knowledge sharing and goodwill is key.

Finally, don’t take yourself too seriously, but remain absolutely professional when it comes to delivering to your clients. Follow these steps and you’ll be well under way towards building a strong translation career.

Last updated on September 20, 2023.

Stay one step ahead

Software localization

Software Localization with ChatGPT

A Guide to Date and Time Localization

Localization strategy

Technology Is Your Ally: Accelerating Manufacturing Growth with Effective Localization Management

Keep exploring.

How to Translate a Web Page: Top 3 Website Translation Methods to Use

How to Automate Your Translation Workflow: A Phrase Guide

Translation technology: a look at its past, present, and future.

What it takes to become a translator

Whether you’re choosing what to study after high school, stepping into the job market for the first time, or looking for a career change, translating for a living could be just the thing for you. It’s never too late or too early to get into this amazing profession if you have what it takes. Just make sure you know exactly what you’re getting into before taking the plunge!

Before you even start thinking about a career in translation you need to know the absolute basic requirements. Here we go:

You have solid language skills

You love languages and are good at them. Kudos to you if you speak many languages, but it’s more about quality than quantity. Some people think that you need at least two foreign languages to become a translator, but that’s simply not true. French-to-English translator Corinne McKay did not study translation at university because she was told she couldn’t become a translator with “just” one foreign language. Luckily, she came back to translation years later, became ATA-certified, and is now one of the most prominent and successful translators in her field. Oh, and did I mention that she is the president of the American Translators Association ? So, if you speak two languages well, i.e. your mother tongue and a foreign language, you can absolutely build a career in translation.That being said, speaking two languages isn’t sufficient. You need to work on your language skills (both source and target languages), get the right training, and gain plenty of experience before you can call yourself a good translator.

You are culturally aware

You can have all the language skills in the world, but if you’re lacking in cultural awareness, you’re going to find this career path very challenging. Fortunately, language and culture go hand in hand. Language is only meaningful within its cultural context, and you need to be fully aware of the context of the original text to accurately portray it in the translation. That’s why it makes such a huge difference if you live or have lived in a country where your second language is spoken.

You love words

Read, write, and translate. Rinse and repeat. If any of these activities make you feel empty inside, then that’s a pretty clear indication that translation is not for you. It’s that simple. This also means that you have to be a good writer. Surprisingly, many translators do not consider themselves writers, even though translation is writing. The only difference is you don’t have to come up with the content — which might be easier in some sense — but on the flip side, you have to be faithful to the tone, purpose, and message of the original while ensuring it makes perfect sense as a standalone text in the target language. No easy feat! > Surprisingly, many translators do not consider themselves writers, even though translation is writing.

What about qualifications?

Now that we’ve got the basic foundation out of the way, what about the building blocks? Do you need to study translation or is experience enough? Well, the very short answer is that you can become a translator without studying translation. Except for specific job positions and certain types of translation, like sworn translation, nobody can stop you from working as a translator. However! Even though it is possible, it does not mean you should go without any translation-specific training or certification.

The reality is that many successful professional translators do not have qualifications in translation — some have degrees in languages or linguistics, but others have completely unrelated degrees and use them to their advantage by making them their field of specialization in translation. How do they compete with the fully qualified? Experience. So, the bottom line is, not having a translation qualification does not mean you can’t become a translator, but it will most likely help!

One way of getting formal training is by becoming certified with a translation association. For example, if you live and work as a translator in the US you might want to consider becoming ATA certified , a highly regarded credential that can boost your authority and improve your chances of finding high-quality translation work in the US. Certifications and associations vary from country to country so it’s worth doing some research to see what certifications exist where you are and what will work best for you. Find your country’s association here .

Aside from degrees and certifications, it’s important to understand that learning is a lifelong endeavor in the life of the professional translator. Continuing professional development, or CPD, should be top of mind at all times. One of the perks of today’s content economy , is how easily accessible education is — much of it for free — in the form of conferences , courses, sessions, workshops, webinars , and other resources offered by highly recognized and established translators such as Corinne McKay , Tess Whitty , Paul Urwin , Chris Durban , Karen Tkaczyk , and Nicole König .

Business and marketing skills

Working on your translation skills is vital, but if you know next to nothing about business and marketing you’ll have a hard time finding actual translation jobs . Unless you get lucky and find an in-house position you absolutely love and never want to leave, you’re going to want to learn to market yourself. Whether focusing on direct clients or working for language service providers (LSPs), it’s important that you’re willing to put yourself out there and have, at the very least, a basic online presence. This doesn’t mean you have to be on all social networks and post every day, but having an online profile and being visible, whether on LinkedIn, translation platforms, or your own website will greatly improve your chances of finding work and building a reputation.

Unless you get lucky and find an in-house position you absolutely love and never want to leave, you’re going to want to learn to market yourself.

Should you specialize?

One way of rising above the competition is by specializing. This could be something you have studied or a field of interest to you — e.g. a hobby — and enjoy translating. Many translators are reluctant to take this step in fear that they will lose business. This may happen in the short term, but the long-term benefits can be well worth the wait because people start seeing you as an expert in your field. And the fact that your target market is much smaller actually gives you an edge over the generalists — it becomes much easier to position yourself, focus on what your clients need, and ultimately, become a better translator.

We’ve already mentioned how important certifications can be in general, but these become a huge plus if you’re thinking about specializing in fields like medical, legal, or financial translation. These are large, profitable markets, but there are many other areas you can specialize in — some as niche as mountain climbing, veganism, or clocks. What’s important is that you find that sweet spot between what you enjoy translating and what people want. And you do not need a huge target market as long as you focus on becoming “the go-to translator” for that clientele.

Technology is your friend

One thing translators have to get to grips with is the increasing presence of technology in the language industry. But instead of seeing this as a threat, it’s much easier to embrace it and use to your advantage to improve your translation workflow. There have been all sorts of tech developments in recent years in the field, but the biggest player by far is the CAT (computer-aided translation) tool , a special type of editor for translators. A CAT tool is basically the modern equivalent of having your desk piled up with dictionaries, notepads full of terms and phrases, and stacks of documents with all your previous translations. The difference is you don’t have to rummage through it all when you need to find out how you previously translated a certain term and where it could possibly be among all your notes and translations. The CAT tool instantly retrieves it and lets you reuse it.

A CAT tool is basically the modern equivalent of having your desk piled up with dictionaries, notepads full of terms and phrases, and stacks of documents with all your previous translations. The difference is you don’t have to rummage through it all when you need to find out how you previously translated a certain term and where it could possibly be among all your notes and translations. The CAT tool instantly retrieves it and lets you reuse it.

As you can see, unless you only translate literary, marketing texts, or similar creative content, you’re going to find using a CAT tool a huge productivity booster and timesaver. If you do decide to become a translator, get on the technology bandwagon as soon as possible and start harnessing the power of software tools to move you forward in your career.

Experience is everything

We all have to start somewhere, but the quicker you get some experience under your belt, the better your chances of finding and keeping the right clients. Nobody is born a great translator, so get into the habit of translating as much as possible from the get-go. You won’t really know if translation is for you until you start doing it anyway.

Once you’re feeling more confident, move on to applying to translation jobs. If you’re struggling to get paid jobs — very normal when you’re starting! — you can always work on volunteer translation projects so you can start building a portfolio and asking for testimonials. Remember, the more experience you have and the more clients can vouch for you, the more likely a prospective client will choose you over another applicant.

"Newbie tip: Get your profile up and running on Smartcat and start getting orders from real customers around the world."

Ignore the naysayers

“Machine translation is replacing human translators!”, “With so much competition it’s a race to the bottom!”, “The growing gig economy means no security for freelance translators!”, “Nobody appreciates the work of translators!”, and so on and so forth. You get the gist.

Yes, we can be a cheerful bunch! But if the translation profession is in such a bad state, then why are there so many successful translators making a decent income and saying it’s the best job ever? Their existence proves that it’s possible to do well in the business if you work hard and know how to go about it.

Competition could not be greater but so is the demand for translation and language services — you’ve just got to find a way to stand out. If you focus on finding your unique selling point (USP) and becoming an invaluable resource, nobody will replace you — robot or human! So, don’t let the negative vibes — inside or outside the business — get to you. You can definitely make a great career out of translation if that’s what you really want to do.

We hope that this article gives you a basic idea of what you need to become a successful translator. If you’re worried you’re not good enough, remember that you don’t have to be perfect to start with. In fact, here’s a little secret — you never get perfect. You simply get better. Translation is a challenging career path, but also immensely rewarding when you see how it impacts others and, very often, how grateful your clients are for your help.

If you’re worried you’re not good enough, remember that you don’t have to be perfect to start with.

Over to you! Any questions?

We’d love to hear from you — what stage are you at in your career path or thought process? Let us know in the comments below. You can also ask us any questions you might have about a career in translation or the language industry and we’ll do our very best to help!

Becky Pearse

Simple, fast AI translation of any file type, like XLIFF, PDF, and more

What AI, ChatGPT, and Automation Mean for Localization and Translation

• Employability Skills

5 Questions to Develop Your Career and Skills as a Professional Translator

Search SkillsYouNeed:

Employability Skills :

• Finding a Job
• Finding a Job: Using Platforms and Marketplaces
• Applying for a Job
• Job Applications and Disabilities
• Writing a CV or Résumé
• Writing a Covering Letter
• Using LinkedIn Effectively
• Managing Your Online Presence
• Interview Skills
• Presentations in Interviews
• Personal Development
• Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
• Networking Skills
• Top Tips for Effective Networking
• Developing Commercial Awareness
• Transferable Skills
• The Importance of Mindset
• Lifelong Learning
• Critical Thinking
• Reflective Practice
• The Skills Gap
• Soft Skills

The Skills You Need Guide to Self-Employment and Running Your Own Business

Subscribe to our FREE newsletter and start improving your life in just 5 minutes a day.

You'll get our 5 free 'One Minute Life Skills' and our weekly newsletter.

We'll never share your email address and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Not everyone knowing more than one language has what it takes to be a language translator.

We'll look at what it takes to get paid for translation and how to become a professional translator, either as a freelancer or as part of a translation agency. We'll discuss how to prepare your profile and portfolio, and how to price your services, as well as how to market yourself.

1. How Do You Find Work in Translation or Interpretation?

The question often arises whether an academic degree or certification is needed to become a professional translator for a translation company . The answer goes something like this: a degree in linguistics or a translation certificate doesn’t hurt, and a translation agency may choose a certified translator in head-to-head competition with those who lack certification. But the direct answer is no, it’s not required. If you can prove that you do a great job, then lacking pieces of sheepskin, or their digital equivalents, won’t stop you!

The internet is the great equalizer. There are general freelance marketplaces like Upwork, Freelancer.com and Fiverr, each with active translation categories, where anyone with skills can compete for translation work. While the selection of freelancers is selective, there are thousands of professional translators out there competing for jobs. There are also translation-focused marketplaces like TextMaster and MyTranslation. Register and see the jobs roll in.

2. How Do You Present Yourself to Potential Professional Translation Clients?

In all marketplaces, you create a professional profile, set rates, earn rating and reviews. The usual business model is for the marketplace to take a percentage, usually 10 to 20%, from the income you earn. They also collect money from clients, holding it in escrow until the client approves your work. Some also provide time-tracking mechanisms, though most translation jobs are priced according to the number of words in the source document.

You need to create an attractive and substantive profile, then exemplify your best works in a portfolio. It’s a good idea to keep your rates highly competitive until you build a sustainable client base or a strong trust relationship with a translation company. You can then increase your rates as your ratings improve. Translators start at $0.01 per word or even lower and go up to $0.10 per word or even more with the range depending on the language pair, and your specialization.

A third source of jobs are translation agencies. They are on the lookout for translation talent to join their on-call networks. They can supply you with steady work, though the compensation tends to be lower because you are their subcontractor. However, they take on the burden of finding customers, collecting and disbursing funds, and dealing with clients. You focus on translating, reporting only to your agency.

3. Do You Have the Skills It Takes to be a Professional Translator?

The market for professional translators is growing as organizations come to recognize that translating content for additional markets is more cost-effective than creating content for existing markets. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2019, employment for professional translators and interpreters is expected to grow by 19% from 2018 to 2028, much faster than most other professions.

Who needs professional translation services? Practically any company that goes beyond activities in a single language and wishes to communicate through interpreters . With current trends like globalization, that’s a huge client base!

Do you have a place in this growth curve? Let’s break down the industrial grouping cited above. What’s the difference between a translator and an interpreter? The answer is straightforward. Translators work with documents. What are interpretation skills? Interpreters work with speech. What skills does a translator need? In short linguistic skills, but also concentration and attention to detail. A love of language and word play doesn’t hurt either!

If you like to take your time converting from one language to another, translation may be preferable. Interpretation, especially simultaneous translation, requires on the spot presence of mind and the ability to listen and remember as you are rendering the spoken speech into a different language. While skills can be learned, some people have this knack while others don’t.

4. How Do You Prepare and Practice Your Professional Translation Skills?

Preparation and practice are two keys to success. First, you need to decide the languages and language pairs on which you will focus. Translators rarely can do more than one or two pairs exceptionally well, and usually go in only one direction with the requisite skill level. If you grew up in a Latin American country, and Spanish is your mother tongue, you may well be able to translate English to Spanish, but it might be much harder to translate in the other direction. It’s a rookie mistake to claim bidirectional translation skills when your skills in one direction are sub-par.

How to get professional translation experience? That one’s easy! Pursue many jobs, focusing on quick wins and exposure to a variety of opportunities.

5. Getting Found in Professional Translation: How Do You Market Yourself?

If you possess specialized knowledge in law or medicine, for example, this can give you a leg up to be a legal translator or a medical translator. If you are focusing on an industry, you’ll want to keep up with books, publications and websites in your field, so you stay on top of the latest trends.  Better still, publish articles about yourself in your field of specialization, mentioning your role as translator in the bio.

Create an impressive profile and portfolio on LinkedIn, the go-to site for first-stop references. Promote your translation capabilities on a Facebook page, or create a YouTube channel.  Twitter is a useful social media tool for getting your name and links out there. Re-Tweet!

Market yourself directly to translation agencies. There are a dozen or so top translation agencies in the world. Look for coverage that corresponds with your own professional translation skills. Present yourself in a concise pitch letter linking to your online profiles.

Good luck getting found in translation and developing your newfound profession!

Further Reading from Skills You Need

If you are thinking about running your own business, or already do so, but feel that you need some guidance, then this eBook is for you. It takes you through self-employment in easy steps, helping you to ensure that your business has more chance of success.

The Skills You Need Guide to Self-Employment and Running Your Own Business is the guide no new or aspiring entrepreneur can afford to be without!

Based on our popular self-employment and entrepreneurship content.

About the Author

William Mamane is Head of Marketing at Tomedes, a global translation and localization agency supporting more than 100 languages and 1,000 language pairs, and serving more than 50,000 business clients throughout the world.

The company manages a network of thousands of skilled linguists so that it can provide on-demand, fast-turnaround services worldwide.

Continue to: Intercultural Communication

See also: How to Improve Translation Skills? (All You Need to Know) Avoiding Common Managerial Mistakes Transferable Skills

CAREER PATHWAYS

Looking for the perfect job? Explore our Career Guides!

How to Become a Translator

By Nikita Ross

Published: April 1, 2024

As the world becomes more interconnected and smaller due to technology, companies in all industries must implement diversification and globalization strategies to survive. This means translating key content to other languages to create a global reach.

That’s where translators come in.

In this article, we’ll explore how to become a translator and answer key questions like the difference between translator and interpreter, how much do translators make, and how to become a certified translator.

Career Summary

How much do translators make.

Several factors influence how much money translators make, including education, experience level, specialization, and the type of organization they work for.

However, this is an accurate estimate based on available data :

• Entry Salary (US$43k)
• Median Salary (US$55k)
• Executive Salary (US$72k)

An entry-level translator makes significantly lower than the national average income, surpassing the national average when advancing to senior positions.

What does a Translator do?

A translator translates texts from one language to another based on a deep understanding of both languages. This understanding is essential for picking up on cultural meanings, slang, syntax, and nuanced information to avoid losing context in translation.

Translator vs Interpreter: Key differences

Translators primarily work with written text, translating content from one language to another while preserving meaning, style, and cultural nuances.

Interpreters , on the other hand, focus on spoken communication, facilitating real-time conversations between speakers of different languages.

While both roles involve language mediation, they are distinct in the medium they work with—written for translators and spoken for interpreters.

Translator Career Progression

The career path and progression of a translator can look incredibly different from one specialty or focus to the next. However, this is a high-level overview of how a translator’s career pathway might look.

• Junior Translator or Translation Assistant: Responsible for assisting senior translators with translation tasks while learning and improving translation skills.
• Translator: Responsible for independently handling translation projects and developing expertise in a specific field or specialization.
• Senior Translator or Lead Translator: Responsible for leading larger and more complex translation projects while mentoring and providing guidance to junior translators.
• Translation Project Manager : Responsible for overseeing translation projects from initiation to completion and coordinating teams of translators, editors, and proofreaders. Also acts as the go-between with clients and quality control.
• Translation Specialist or Subject Matter Expert: Responsible for being a recognized expert in a specific field or industry who can handle complex and specialized translation projects.
• Translation Director: Responsible for leading and managing a team of translators and project managers , setting translation quality standards and best practices, and making strategic decisions to enhance translation processes and efficiency.

• Language mastery.
• Cultural connection.
• Flexible work.
• Intellectual challenge.
• Making a global impact.
• Independence and autonomy.
• Variable income.
• Unpredictable workload.
• Tight deadlines.
• Potential for repetitive content.
• Demanding clients or bosses (high expectations).
• Competitive industry.

Useful Skills to Have as a Translator

• Cultural Sensitivity
• Excellent Writing Skills
• Attention to Detail
• Research Skills
• Computer Skills

Popular Translator Specialties

• Literary Translation
• Technical Translation
• Legal Translation
• Medical Translation
• Localization

How to become a Translator

Translator Education Requirements

Determining how to become a certified translator starts with exploring the various education options for this career path. Let’s explore the broad landscape of choosing the best path to becoming a translator.

Do I need a degree to become a translator?

While a formal degree is not always a strict requirement to become a translator, it is recommended . A degree can significantly enhance your credibility, skills, and job prospects in the field.

Here are a few points to consider when choosing your educational pathway:

• Bachelor’s Degree: Many professional translators hold a bachelor’s degree in languages, linguistics, translation studies, or a related field. These programs offer coursework that covers linguistic principles, translation techniques, cultural studies, and more.
• Master’s Degree: Some individuals pursue a master’s degree in translation studies or a specialized field to gain a deeper understanding of translation theory, advanced translation techniques, and specialized knowledge in areas such as legal, medical, or technical translation.
• Certifications: Even if you don’t have a degree, obtaining certification from recognized translation associations can demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the profession. Organizations like the American Translators Association (ATA) and the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL) offer certification exams.
• Specialization: If you plan to specialize in a particular field, such as legal or medical translation, having relevant education or training in that field can be highly beneficial.

Why is it important to get a degree in Linguistics or Language?

Getting a degree in translation or a related field can offer several important advantages for aspiring translators:

• Fundamental Knowledge: A formal education provides a strong foundation in linguistics, grammar, and language structure. This knowledge is crucial for understanding the intricacies of languages and effectively conveying meaning during translation.
• Translation Theory: Degree programs often include courses on translation theory and techniques. Studying these concepts helps you better understand the complexities involved in translation and learn proven strategies for producing accurate and high-quality translations.
• Cultural Competence: Many degree programs include courses on cultural studies, which help you understand the cultural context and nuances that affect translation. This understanding is essential for producing culturally sensitive and contextually accurate translations.
• Specialization: If you’re interested in specializing in a specific field, such as legal, medical, technical, or literary translation, a degree program can provide you with specialized knowledge and terminology relevant to that field.
• Networking: College and university environments offer opportunities to connect with professors, fellow students, and professionals in the industry. These connections can lead to internships, mentorships, and job opportunities.
• Certification Requirements: Some translation associations and organizations require a degree or specific educational qualifications to be eligible for certification. Being certified can enhance your credibility and job prospects.
• Professional Development: Degree programs often include practical projects, assignments, and critiques that help you refine your translation skills and receive feedback from experienced instructors.
• Industry Exposure: Academic programs may invite guest speakers from the translation industry, provide access to translation-related events, and offer insights into the latest trends and technologies in the field.
• Employment Opportunities: Many employers, especially larger organizations, prefer or require candidates to have a degree in translation or a related field. Having a degree can make you more competitive in the job market.
• Quality Assurance: Clients and employers often have higher confidence in translators with formal education, believing that these individuals are more likely to produce accurate and reliable translations.
• Personal Growth: Pursuing a degree is an opportunity for personal growth and development. It challenges you to think critically, refine your language skills, and broaden your understanding of cultures and communication.

How long does it take to get a degree in Translation?

The duration of a degree in languages, linguistics, translation studies, or a related field can vary depending on the level of the degree, the specific program, and whether you’re studying full-time or part-time.

Here’s a general overview of the typical durations for different levels of degrees:

• Bachelor’s Degree: A bachelor’s degree in languages, linguistics, translation studies, or a related field usually takes around 3 to 4 years of full-time study . Some programs offer accelerated options or allow you to take longer if you’re studying part-time.
• Master’s Degree: A master’s degree in translation studies or a related field typically takes about 1 to 2 years of full-time study after the completion of a bachelor’s degree . Some programs offer part-time options to accommodate working professionals, which could extend the time to completion.
• Ph.D. Degree: Pursuing a Ph.D. in linguistics, translation studies, or a related field can take 3 to 5 years or more of full-time study after completing a master’s degree , depending on the research and dissertation requirements.

These durations are approximate and can vary depending on factors such as the specific curriculum, the number of required courses, the institution’s scheduling options, and your own pace of study.

Additionally, some programs may offer summer sessions or intensive programs that can shorten the overall duration.

How much does it cost to study Translation at a university?

The cost of obtaining a translator certification or degree depends on the school attended and the level of education.

For context, attending a top-ranked public college in-state costs significantly less—about 74% lower—than the average expense of a private college, according to data for the 2022-2023 academic year.

State residents pay around $10,423 compared to the $39,723 average for private institutions. For out-of-state students, the average expense at public colleges is $22,953 for the same period.

Can I become a translator through online education?

Yes, you can definitely become a translator through online education.  Online education has become increasingly popular and accessible, offering a flexible and convenient way to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a career as a translator.

Here are some steps you can take to become a translator through online education:

• Choose a Specialization: Decide on the type of translation you’re interested in, such as literary, legal, medical, technical, or business translation. This will help you focus your online education efforts on relevant courses.
• Research Online Programs: Look for reputable online programs or courses that offer training in translation, language studies, or related fields. Many universities and institutions offer online courses and full degree programs in translation studies or linguistics.
• Enroll in Relevant Courses: Enroll in online courses that cover translation techniques, linguistic principles, cultural understanding, and any specialization you’re interested in. Courses might cover topics like terminology management, CAT (Computer-Assisted Translation) tools, and ethics in translation.
• Practice Translation: Practice is crucial to becoming a skilled translator. Work on translation exercises and projects to hone your skills. Many online courses provide practical assignments that mimic real-world translation scenarios.
• Participate in Workshops and Webinars: Many translation associations and organizations offer online workshops, webinars, and events to help you stay updated on industry trends, learn from experienced translators, and network with professionals.
• Build a Portfolio: As you complete translation assignments, build a portfolio showcasing your best work. This portfolio can be valuable when applying for jobs or freelance opportunities.
• Stay Current: Keep up with advancements in translation technology and industry best practices through online resources, forums, and online communities.
• Consider Certification: While not mandatory, obtaining a certification from reputable translation associations like the American Translators Association (ATA) can enhance your credibility as a translator. Some associations also offer online certification preparation courses.
• Network Online: Utilize social media platforms, online forums, and professional networks to connect with other translators, learn from their experiences, and potentially find job opportunities.
• Gain Experience: As you build your skills, consider taking on freelance translation projects or internships to gain practical experience and further develop your portfolio.

Online education can be a viable and flexible option for becoming a translator, especially if you have other commitments or prefer a self-paced learning approach.

However, make sure to choose reputable online programs or courses that offer comprehensive and relevant content to ensure you’re well-prepared for a successful career as a translator.

Web Resources to Learn Skills to Become a Translator

• MIT OpenCourseWare: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) offers free course materials for various subjects, including linguistics and translation. While you won’t receive formal certification, you can access high-quality educational content.
• ProZ.com : ProZ is a community and resource hub for translators. It offers forums, articles, webinars, and networking opportunities for aspiring and professional translators.
• American Translators Association (ATA) : ATA provides various resources, including webinars, online courses, and conference materials, to help translators improve their skills and stay updated on industry trends.
• University of Geneva Translation MOOCs : These Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) offered by the University of Geneva cover various aspects of translation, from theoretical foundations to practical skills.
• Linguistic Society of America (LSA) : LSA offers resources and information on linguistics, language study, and related fields.

Practical Experience

Remember that while educational resources are valuable, hands-on practice and feedback are essential for developing your skills as a translator.

Engaging with translation projects, seeking mentorship, and participating in online translation communities can provide practical experience and guidance to complement your learning.

What are internship opportunities for a Translator?

Internship opportunities for translators can provide valuable hands-on experience and exposure to the translation industry.

Internships allow aspiring translators to apply their skills in real-world scenarios, work alongside experienced professionals, and gain insights into the workflow and expectations of the industry. 

You can explore various channels to find internships that offer valuable industry experience. Online job platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and specialized translation websites such as ProZ and TranslatorsCafé are excellent starting points.

Don’t overlook the resources within academic institutions, such as university career services and job fairs, as they often provide tailored opportunities and guidance. Social media groups and professional associations like the American Translators Association can also be useful for networking and finding internship leads.

Direct outreach to translation agencies, legal firms, healthcare providers, and international organizations can also yield promising opportunities.

Freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr may offer short-term gigs. While not traditional internships, taking on small translation projects as a freelance translator can give you practical experience and help build your portfolio.

When seeking internship opportunities, proactively research potential organizations, contact them, and express your interest. Many internships may not be publicly advertised, so networking and contacting companies directly can be beneficial.

Internships may be paid or unpaid, so be sure to clarify compensation and expectations before accepting an offer.

What Skills will I learn as a translator?

As a translator, you will develop a wide range of skills essential for effectively conveying meaning and maintaining content integrity across different languages. 

These skills go beyond mere language proficiency and encompass various aspects of communication, cultural understanding, and problem-solving.

Here are some of the key skills you will learn as a translator:

• Language Proficiency: Mastery of at least two languages is fundamental. You’ll refine your grammar, vocabulary, syntax, and idiomatic expressions in both the source and target languages.
• Translation Techniques: You’ll learn various techniques for accurately transferring meaning between languages while accounting for cultural differences and linguistic nuances.
• Cultural Awareness: Understanding cultural contexts and nuances is vital for producing culturally sensitive and appropriate translations for the target audience.
• Contextual Understanding: Translators need to grasp the context of the original content to ensure the translated version conveys the intended meaning accurately.
• Research Skills: Translators often encounter unfamiliar terminology or specialized subject matter. Effective research skills help you find accurate and appropriate translations or explanations.
• Critical Thinking: You’ll develop the ability to analyze and interpret complex texts, allowing you to make informed decisions about translating ambiguous or unclear passages.
• Adaptation: Translators adapt content to fit the target language’s linguistic, cultural, and stylistic norms while preserving the author’s voice and intent.
• Attention to Detail: Precision is crucial in translation. You’ll learn to catch subtle nuances, avoid errors, and maintain consistency throughout a text.
• Time Management: Meeting deadlines is essential in the translation industry. You’ll develop time management skills to ensure the timely delivery of high-quality translations.
• Use of CAT Tools: Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools help translators manage terminology, maintain consistency, and streamline their work. Familiarity with CAT tools is beneficial.
• Editing and Proofreading: Translators often review their work to catch errors, improve readability, and ensure the translated content aligns with the original.
• Ethical Considerations: Translators deal with sensitive and confidential information. You’ll learn ethical guidelines and principles related to client confidentiality and accuracy.
• Communication Skills: Effective communication with clients, editors, and colleagues is crucial for understanding project requirements and delivering high-quality translations.
• Continuous Learning: Language and culture are constantly evolving. Translators must stay updated with linguistic changes, industry trends, and advancements in translation technology.

These skills collectively contribute to your ability to bridge linguistic and cultural gaps, enabling effective communication between individuals who speak different languages. As you gain experience and refine these skills, you’ll become a more proficient and sought-after translator.

What is the Work-Life Balance of a Translator?

The work-life balance of a translator can vary based on factors such as your specialization, work setting (freelance vs. in-house), project demands, and personal preferences.

Here are some considerations regarding work-life balance for translators:

• Freelance vs. In-House: Freelance translators often have more flexible work schedules, allowing them to tailor their hours to their personal lives. However, freelancers may experience periods of high workload and irregular hours due to project deadlines. In-house translators working for companies or agencies might have more structured schedules but generally less control over their work hours.
• Project Deadlines: The nature of translation work often involves meeting deadlines, especially in industries where timely communication is crucial. This can lead to periods of intense work, requiring focused effort to complete projects on time.
• Remote Work : Many translators work remotely , which can contribute to a better work-life balance by eliminating commute times and allowing you to set up your work environment according to your preferences.
• Part-Time vs. Full-Time: Some translators choose to work part-time to balance their professional and personal lives. This can allow for more time for other activities and responsibilities.
• Flexibility: Translators, especially freelancers, often have the flexibility to choose the projects they take on and the clients they work with. This can help you align your work with your personal priorities.

Ultimately, the work-life balance of a translator is influenced by individual choices, professional circumstances, and the effort put into managing workload and personal life effectively.

What’s the Career Outlook for Translators?

When exploring how to become a certified translator, it’s important to consider the career outlook and salary expectations.

Fortunately, the career outlook for translators is promising. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , translator and interpreter jobs are expected to grow 20% over the next decade—significantly higher than the average national growth of 5%.

The demand for skilled translators continues to grow as businesses and organizations seek to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.

What are the Job Opportunities of a Translator?

Translators have many job opportunities across various industries and sectors due to the increasing need for effective communication in a globalized world.

Here are some of the job opportunities available to translators:

• Freelance Translator: Many translators work as freelancers, offering their services to clients on a project-by-project basis. This approach provides flexibility in choosing projects and setting your own work hours.
• Translation Agency: Translation agencies hire translators to work on various projects for clients in different industries. Agencies may offer consistent work and access to a diverse range of projects.
• In-House Translator: Some companies hire in-house translators to handle their internal and external communication needs. In-house translators may work in various industries, including technology, healthcare, legal, and more.
• Localization Specialist: Localization involves adapting content to specific cultural and linguistic contexts. Localization specialists ensure that websites, software, and other content resonate with the target audience.
• Subtitler/Captioner: Translators can work on subtitling and captioning projects for movies, TV shows, online videos, and other multimedia content.
• Technical Translator: Technical translators specialize in translating technical documents, manuals, and specifications for industries such as engineering, IT, and manufacturing.
• Medical/Legal Translator: Translators with expertise in medical or legal terminology are needed to translate documents for the medical, pharmaceutical, and legal fields.
• Literary Translator: Literary translators translate novels, poems, and other literary works, preserving the author’s style and voice while making the content accessible to a different audience.
• Conference Interpreter: Conference interpreters provide real-time interpretation at conferences, meetings, and events, helping participants communicate across language barriers.
• Audiovisual Translator: Audiovisual translators work on dubbing, voice-over, and script adaptation for movies, TV shows, commercials, and other multimedia content.
• Education and Training: Some translators work as educators, teaching translation techniques, language studies, and related subjects at universities or language schools.
• Content Creation: Translators can create original content in the target language, such as blog posts, articles, and marketing materials.
• Proofreading/Editing: T ranslators with strong language skills can work as proofreaders or editors, ensuring the accuracy and quality of translated content.
• Language Technology Specialist: Some translators specialize in working with translation software, developing tools, and managing terminology databases.

Translators can find job opportunities in traditional fields as well as emerging sectors driven by globalization and technology.

What Type of Companies Hire a Translator?

A wide variety of companies and organizations hire translators to facilitate effective communication across different languages and cultures.

Here are some types of companies and sectors that commonly hire translators:

• Translation Agencies: Specialized translation agencies focus on providing translation services for clients in various industries. These agencies often employ a team of translators with expertise in different languages and subject areas.
• Technology Companies: Technology firms often require translation services to localize software, websites, user manuals, and technical documentation for global audiences.
• Medical and Pharmaceutical Companies: Healthcare and pharmaceutical companies need translators to translate medical documents, research papers, clinical trial documents, and patient information.
• Legal Firms: Legal translation is crucial for translating contracts, court documents, legal briefs, and other legal materials accurately and in compliance with legal terminology.
• Multinational Corporations: Large corporations with a global presence require translators for internal communication, marketing materials, employee training, and more.
• Publishing Houses: Publishers hire literary translators to translate novels, poetry, non-fiction, and other written works for publication in different languages.
• Marketing and Advertising Agencies: These agencies hire translators to adapt advertising campaigns, marketing materials, and product descriptions to resonate with local markets.
• International Organizations: Translators are employed by international organizations like the United Nations, the European Union, and the World Health Organization to facilitate communication on a global scale.
• Education Institutions: Universities and language schools may employ translators as educators, teaching translation techniques and language studies.
• E-commerce Platforms: Online retailers expand their reach by translating product listings, customer reviews, and website content for different language markets.
• Entertainment Industry: Film studios, television networks, and streaming platforms hire translators for subtitling, dubbing, and adapting content for global audiences.
• Travel and Tourism Industry: Companies in this sector translate websites, brochures, and promotional materials to attract tourists from different countries.
• Nonprofit Organizations: NGOs and nonprofits may need translation services for fundraising campaigns, reports, and communication with international partners.
• Government Agencies: Government bodies require translation for official documents, international relations, and communication with non-English-speaking communities.
• Financial Institutions: Banks, investment firms, and insurance companies use translation services for financial reports, legal documents, and client communications.

These are just a few examples of the diverse range of companies and organizations that hire translators. As globalization continues to shape business and communication, the demand for skilled translators across various sectors remains strong.

Should I become a Translator?

Becoming a translator is ideal for problem solvers with a love of language and culture. While the starting salary is lower than the national average, this in-demand career offers the potential for growth and flexibility to shape your own path.

Take some time to explore educational opportunities and salary expectations to determine if becoming a certified translator is right for you.

Careers Related to Translator

• Technical Writer

About the Author

Read more articles by Nikita Ross

Continue Reading

What is a UX Designer and How to Become One

What is a machine learning engineer and how to become one, what is a ui designer and how to become one, what is an seo specialist and how to become one, what is a recruiter and how to become one, what is a project manager and how to become one, what is a front-end developer and how to become one, what is a product manager and how to become one.

How to get fluent, with Dr Popkins

How to learn a foreign language. Methods, matrials and stories to help you maximise your effectiveness on the road to fluency

In-depth explorations, actionable tips and inspiring conversations for language learners who REALLY want to get fluent…..plus a little bit of fun along the way.

Advice for a career as a translator: a pro shares her story

By Dr Popkins 4 Comments

One of the most popular posts on Howtogetfluent is my overview of a career in interpreting .  I’m delighted that translator pro Karen Rutland has agreed to be interviewed for this new, companion piece offering advice for a career as a translator,   which I think will be just as useful.  This also follows on nicely from last week’s look at translation as a language learning method .  Karen and I got to know each other at language learner meetups a few years ago.  We both have German, Russian and Welsh as our main languages.  We’ve both learned some Hungarian, too (with Karen quite a bit ahead of me).

As we got talking for this interview, Karen shared some of the story of how she got interested in languages and why she sees them as important for work and life.  Then we get down to the meaty advice about translator training options, the importance of networking, in-house versus freelance or agency work, the value of specialisation and the impact of computer aided translations….

GP: What’s your current translation role?

KR: I have been working from home as a freelance translator now for 10 years. About 99% of my work is through agencies, and perhaps two-thirds of them are based in Germany or Austria.   This is mainly because higher rates are more acceptable there, but I’m trying to change the balance slightly now, with Brexit approaching. My main working language is German, although I do occasionally work on small Russian projects. I tend to work on my own, but I have collaborated once or twice with other translators on larger projects (through an agency or agent). I’m currently participating in one of these with one other colleague to translate a German textbook.

With Karen (second from right) and other language enthusiasts at a London meetup

GP: Before you went into translation, what was your language background?

KR: My grandparents were a great inspiration.   My granddad spoke some German and Italian.   My nan spoke French and Spanish. They did some language study as school children.   There’s also a family legend the my grandad’s interest was sparked by some logbooks from a German U-Boot that his father is supposed to have helped capture.   Both grandparents really got to grips with languages in retirement, though.  

They used to travel to Europe each year on holiday. When I was 10, Granddad started teaching me some German. He would bring me back books from the Trödelmärkte (flea markets) that we would read together. In 1990, my grandparents went to explore the former German Democratic Republic (communist East Germany) and stayed in a Pension (B&B) run by a family who had a daughter two years older than me. Sandra and I became penfriends.  We’ve been friends ever since. I was even her Trauzeugin (wedding witness/bridesmaid).

I studied German and French at secondary school (aged 11 to 16).   By aged sixteen I had the language bug and I started teaching myself Russian. Aged 16 to 18 I studied German, Geography and Business Studies for the “A-Level” school leaving exams.   I also did a Russian “GSCE” (less advanced exam), as I’d started teaching myself the language.   There was a former Prisoner of War camp in my village.   I became acquainted with one of the daughters of the former Hungarian PoWs who’d stayed on and she started to teach me Hungarian.

After my A-Levels I had no idea what I wanted to do. All I knew is that I wanted to do was use my languages and learn more. So I went to Warwick University to study German.  As I knew I didn’t want to pull apart literature for several years, I did a combined German and Business degree. I’m very glad I chose this.  The business studies have been a major help in running my own business.

For the second half of my degree “year abroad” in Germany, I did a placement as an assistant in the marketing department of a company in Germany that made medical support devices such as stockings and prosthetic limbs.   The vocabulary that I picked up as a result certainly amused my friends. This period did the most for my German, as I also moved into a WG (shared flat) with four native speakers.

GP: What were your first steps after university?

KR: After university I still had no idea what I wanted to do, apart from use my languages. I tried various graduate schemes, but I’m not really the corporate type. So I went home and found a job at Lansing Linde.   This was former British forklift truck manufacturer that had been taken over by a German company eight years previously. I worked as a Bilingual PA for nearly two years and used my German there occasionally.  

My next job was a customer services administrator for a company that did backup solutions. I would log calls, order parts, arrange for engineers to go to site, etc.  Occasionally I’d have to translate service reports and emails.  Other times I had to help on phone calls as our engineers spoke no foreign languages and sometimes our German/Austrian/Swiss guys weren’t confident in their spoken English.

I travelled to Germany once to help liaise with the customer on a particularly tricky case. Another time I managed to go to Hungary for a week to help out when we moved our repair centre to the country.   Things had gone a bit pear-shaped. My Hungarian wasn’t fluent, but the fact that I knew some and could interact a bit was helpful when all the rest of the team were monolingual Brits and Americans.

I wouldn’t say I was particularly good at languages.  I think the main thing that has made the difference to me was the ability to see what the skill had given my grandparents, what it has given me (including my friend Sandra) and seeing that languages were a real thing and not just something in a textbook.  

I’ve also seen the power of language learning in understanding other cultures and healing rifts.

On the course of their travels, my granddad even made friends with a German who had been firing on him during the Second World War when he was working as an aircraft mechanic somewhere in Italy.  My nan was bombed out in the war and lost a lot of things.  She should have been quite resentful of Germany, but she loved the place and the people.

GP: What attracted you to train as a translator?

KR: A career as a translator was never actually presented to me as an option. However, I always enjoyed translation classes at university.  I enjoyed translating the commodity reports at Linde, and the other translation work in my second company.  

While at Linde, I came across the Chartered Institute of Linguists and started going to many of their events.   They have four divisions: education, translating, interpreting, and business/government/professional.   If you’re not from the UK, be sure to check out equivalent bodies where you are.  In the USA, for example, there’s the American Translators’ Association .  There’s also an international body, the International Federation of Translators .  

I found out about the Chartered Institute of Lingists’ Diploma in Translation (DipTrans) and took a distance learning preparation course for it at London’s City University.  

At this point I had no specific plan to become a translator, but I thought the exam was interesting and would be useful whatever I decided to do.  

Unfortunately it took me the full five years to pass it, possibly because I hadn’t really had enough experience at that point. It is a notoriously tough exam.  

GP: Where did you train?  

KR: I did look into doing a post graduate “master’s” degree (MA), as my networking at CIoL events showed that this was a common option. However, I’d had enough of academia. I did not want to write about translation theory, I wanted to translate! I also thought at the time that the MA was a far more expensive option, although after the various resits of the DipTrans, it probably worked out about the same.

There are various resources available (depending of course on the langauge combination).   These include past papers, examiner reports and a handbook.   You can train for it alone but I found the City Uni distance course very helpful.   On that, you submit ten translations per trimester for review and discussion.

I actually never stop training. I learn new words and concepts every day at work. I’m always reading around my subjects in my source languages and in English, and taking webinars, going on training courses run by the ITI, CIoL, the Bunderverband der Dolmetscher und Übersetzer  (the German equivalent) and courses and events in the industries I translate in.   

Given that I work at home, networking is also important.   Talking to others in the business is the equivalent of those “watercooler” moments in a corporate office, where you get top pick up tips and to let of steam.

Working with other translators is way to learn solutions to tricky language or business problems and can be an eye-opener to new techniques.  

I also do editing jobs for some agency clients.   This involves reviewing translations by other translators.   It’s another way to learn how to improve your own technique.   Rather than paying for training, you’re being paid!  

GP: Did the  qualification you took meet your expectations and what tips would you have for people chosing a course or a qualification?

KR: The Chartered Institute of Lingists’ Diploma in Translation does have a reputation for being difficult.  

In some ways it is unrealistic.   You are not allowed any internet connection at all.  Yet, in real life, I could not do my job without it.  

Still, I am planning on sitting the exam for Russian.  It’ll be a real personal challenge and source of motivation and focus for my private study.

One thing I have heard about MAs – from various sources – is that they often have too much focus on the theory, and not enough on the practical side of working as a freelance translator.    There often still seems to be very little in a typical MA on software, Computer Aided Translation (“CAT”) tools, translation memory, corpora software (text databases) or using machine translation and almost nothing on the practical business skills required.

However,   there are different shades of MA and I hear that these days they are taking these things into consideration more. There are plenty of ways these days to supplement the course to make good anything missing from your MA if you want to.

Definitely get involved in the translation community, as well.  

On proz.com there are various “powwows” (meetups) and translators are always happy to talk for hours about languages and translation (as you can tell!).  

Go to events run by the professional bodies and software companies, and check out groups on Facebook and the discussion forums on proz .

There are also many blogs out there offering tips, trick and insights.

GP: What about the decision to set up your own translation business?  

KR: I finally took the leap after eight years of working in non-translator roles offices. I’d been reading around the subject long enough, and now had enough commercial knowledge thanks to my previous jobs to go it alone with a career as a translator.  

However, like most people, I needed the push rather than taking the leap myself.

After a company takeover, my role changed and I really hated my job. Nothing else appealed, as by this point I was so jaded by the whole corporate thing.  

So I found a temporary contract for six months, editing reports at a marketing company (another useful experience), while I tried to set up and build up my business.

I went to various networking events for small businesses, and while no-one knows what a translator does, it was helpful for the support, encouragement and general business knowledge.

Mission control: Karen’s workspace

GP: Did it take long to get enough clients and do you still have to work hard at the business/marketing aspect?

KR: I had already been ‘on the scene’ for a while and had been networking quietly.   So,   when I mentioned to people what I was planning, I was given two or three referrals.   That gave me a foot in the door at a couple of agencies.

My previous positions were also a help, because I was able to say I’d worked in industries X, Y and Z using both English German.

I registered on proz.com. This has a bad reputation among some in the community as a bottom-feeder environment, and if you participate in the bidding, it can be (the jobs going to the lowest bidder or the first to respond).  

However, proz is a resource that even reputable agencies use to expand their database of translators, and a lot of my work has come from there.

As a full member of Chartered Institute of Linguists and Institute of Translation and Interpreting and I’m listed in their registers and potential clients can find me there.  

I may also be lucky in my combination of languages and specialist subjects (supply chain and logistics, sustainability and renewables, production and operations management, automation technology, building technologies).  There are fewer of us around for some combinations.  

I think French/Italian/Spanish translators can have a harder job…and not many people enjoy translating technical texts or manuals.

When starting out, it is good to be prepared to work over weekends and holiday periods, when more experienced translators are away.   Agencies are always pushed at these periods and it is a chance to make your mark.  

However, don’t get into the trap of offering low rates because you are a beginner.    This has a bad effect on the industry in general, because it pushes everyone’s rates down.  It does you as an individual no good, either. It usually means you are taken on by the penny-pinchers who are not very enjoyable to work with. It is very difficult to up your rates over time (even for inflation sometimes), meaning you have to find new clients prepared to pay higher rates.    When you start out, your rate will work out at less per hour anyway because you inexperience means you spend more time researching and checking everything. There is no need to make this worse.

Don’t forget, though, that from the beginning you should be charging higher rates for urgent work which you have to do urgently in the evening or over the weekend.

GP: Are there any pitfalls you’d want to flag for new translators wanting to go in-house/work freelance/set up a business?  

KR: There are very few in-house translation departments today, so competition is fierce for jobs in them.  

Working as a project manager in an agency would be a beneficial experience, as it would give you an insight into that part fo the chain.   You could gain practical skills, such as software.   Many who leave to go on to work freelance then have a ready-made client right from the beginning. It also looks good on your CV to other translators.

Business sense is essential as is the willingness to spend on training (you have to get away from the mentality that all your earnings from your work are you actual “take home” income, they aren’t).

You need to have a good command not only of your source language(s), but your mother tongue (in the UK the general rule is you only translate out of (and not into) your foreign languages).

You also need and a good grasp of your subject areas.   Specialisation is key. This can be based on previous experience, but also subjects you are interested in.  

There is a Facebook group called the Foodie Translators, for all those who love cooking and include menu and cookbook translations in their repertoire. There is another translator who comes to mind who is a qualified yoga teacher and specialises in health and fitness translations.

Working for direct clients is often promoted as the holy grail for translators. I do not subscribe to this.  

A good translation agency is worth its weight in gold. They’ve often already done the hardest part of marketing (educating the end client how often understands nothing about the translation process), and they deal with the desktop publishing side of things and can help you with technology issues.   They will also sometimes be able to pass the translation to another translator if you are on holiday or away for another reason.

GP: What do you most and least enjoy about your career choice and daily work?

KR: I most enjoy getting to use my languages every day, and the constant learning.  

As an introvert, I quite enjoy working from my home office, although I have recently explored a co-working space should I want more human company and to cover any internet connection issues.

I can find the lack of predictability of projects stressful sometimes, because no matter how hard I try, there will always be something that crops up, or someone who decides they don’t want a translation after all, or who delivers their part late.

GP: Do you think that new technologies threaten the future of the profession?  

CAT, in the shape of Amber, Karen’s assistant

KR: I don’t think it is the technologies that are the problem.   It’s the lack of understanding and the way in which they are applied that causes the issues.  Media hype leads the general public to believe that machine translation is the solution. It’s not, it is a tool.

Machine translation (Google Translate) and so on has its place.  But, despite all the advancements, it is still incapable of replacing a human translator.  Running a text through even the best machine translation software will still produce results that require checking and editing.    In fact, sometimes the best results can be the most deceiving, because the final text is good English (or whatever your target language is) but it might not actually say exactly what the source says!

Computer Assisted Translation tools are something different.  You don’t feed the text in in one language and get a translation out.  It’s more about automatic checking and retrieving examples from your past work as you do the translation.  When CAT tools first arrived, there was a panic about that, but now there are very few translators who don’t use them. The market has changed, but not necessarily for the worse. We need to change and adapt with the market.

GP: Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

KR: Probably just where I am now but with better Russian and subject knowledge  🙂

I’ve considered developing my business to become an agency, but I enjoy the translation too much to go back into a project management role.

–oo))–)))OOO-OOO(((–((oo–

Many thanks to Karen for sharing her story and for all the practical tips.  If you’re a translator and have things to add, let us know in the comments below.  If you’re thinking of translation as a career, your questions are welcome.

Look out for a second interview with Karen soon, this time about her experience as a Welsh learner who recently passed an advanced Welsh exam.

This was a great article, both informative and inspiring. I can especially endorse Karen’s comments on the following: a) the need to know and love your FIRST language. It really hurts to see translators making spelling and grammar mistakes. b) the common misunderstanding that machine translation is already perfect; it certainly isn’t but it IS a valuable tool, particularly in the first stages where the object is to get the text into some workable form of the target language before then rolling up the sleeves and getting down to the nitty-gritty. I was recently asked for my opinion on the quality of a supposedly professional Arabic to English translation. I was not impressed and soon found out why – it was taken straight from Google Translate with no corrections whatsoever. c) CAT tools are worth the learning curve – I do website translations from German into English for the library I used to work for and CAT functions save so much effort when I need to know how I translated a particular term 2 years ago to make sure the website is consistent. The CAT program delivers that information automatically. d) Completely agree with Karen on the subject of charging. Do choose a rate you’re comfortable with. And dont make it too low!

Many thanks to Karen and yourself, Gareth, for this. Indeed, diolch yn fawr iawn i chi! Hwyl fawr Janet

Thanks for the comments, Janet. I found interviewing Karen for this really helped me to get clearer about the different roles technology can have in tranlation work. Undercharging for the value we deliver seems to be a common problem in language-related professions in general. Maybe because so many of us got into the field in the first place because we love languages.

Very informative article, which offers detailed advice. I would like to know why Karen considers that French translators have a difficult job compared to German translators, ‘I think French/Italian/Spanish translators can have a harder job…and not many people enjoy translating technical texts or manuals.’ As someone who is interested in Translation as a career, I would like to know if she can substantiate this comment.

It would also be helpful if this article was dated, so that interested parties have an idea of how recent this information is.

Hello Alice,

this is purely based on my personal experience and what I’ve picked up on from talking to other translators who work in those language pairs: – French and Spanish are more commonly taught in the British school system, and – along with Italian – are more popular languages to learn than German or Russian. Therefore, there are more translators offering those languages -> greater competition for work and easier to put downard pressure on prices. – It is not uncommon for those offering one Romance language to add others to their skill set over time, thus increasing the supply of translators a little more. – The German market pays a lot better than the British and both tend to pay more than the Spanish/Italian (I’ve no experience of working with French agencies), who also tend to offer longer payment terms (up to 60 or even 90 days, compared to the 30 or occasionally 45 days in Germany and Central/Eastern Europe), You therefore need to do more work to earn the same amount and you also need to have a better buffer to deal with cashflow. These two issues can make it difficult to get a foothold in the market and transition from a “normal” job with a secure income.

I hope that helps, Karen

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

• Features for Creative Writers
• Features for Work
• Features for Higher Education
• Features for Teachers
• Features for Non-Native Speakers
• Learn Blog Grammar Guide Community Events FAQ
• Grammar Guide

Free Informal to Formal Converter

Quickly convert any sentence from informal to formal, or vice versa, using Rephrase, ProWritingAid’s AI sentence rewriter.

Start typing or use

Keep Rephrasing

Get unlimited rephrases on a paid plan or 10 a day for free.

or select a sentence to rephrase

Share every sentence with confidence

Join over 3 million people improving their writing.

I’ve tried every free and paid writing/editing/grammar extension out there, and this by far is the best one my team and I have found. It’s fast, accurate, and really helps improve your writing beyond simple grammar suggestions.

Joel Widmer

ProWritingAid has a Rephrase feature now—I just tried it today, and it helps so much! Like a magic✨ editor!

Julianne Munich

I am continually impressed with the positive input this program offers me every time I sit down to write. My skills have improved immensely since I bought it, and I heartily recommend it to anyone who wants to have more confidence in their own writing.

Ginger Wakem

Convert sentences from informal to formal in just a few clicks

Choose how to rewrite.

Give your writing a more formal or informal tone, try shortening or expanding text, or even add sensory details. You choose how you want to rewrite.

Translate to fluent English

Write in your native language, and use Rephrase to convert your text into fluent English.

Works wherever you do

Rewrite sentences across all the apps you use, whether they’re on desktop or online.

Informal to formal converter FAQs

What is prowritingaid.

ProWritingAid is a comprehensive editing tool that serves as a grammar checker and writing coach. It also has AI capabilities to help you rewrite sentences and overcome writer's block.

Sign up today to get advanced grammar and spelling checks, style suggestions, and access to powerful AI features to make writing a breeze.

Will ProWritingAid write content for me?

ProWritingAid isn't a content generation tool, so it won’t write for you. Instead, it helps you reword sentences without changing the meaning or intent.

Is ProWritingAid free?

In the free plan, you get up to ten rephrases per day, which you need to convert sentences from informal to formal. If you need more rephrases, you can upgrade to a paid plan .

Does ProWritingAid autocorrect?

ProWritingAid offers clever suggestions to help you identify, correct, and improve your writing. However, the choice to accept or ignore these suggestions is entirely yours.

Try our informal to formal converter

Drop us a line or let's stay in touch via :

You can always do advanced rewrite for your texts from here !

Welcome to Formal Converter - Your All-in-One Tool for Formal Writing

Are you struggling to convert your informal writing into a more professional and formal tone? Look no further than Formal Converter - the ultimate tool for transforming your language quickly and easily. With range of services, including an informal to formal converter, formal writing generator, and more, you'll be able to write with confidence and impress your audience.

Transform Your Informal Language into Formal Language with a Informal to Formal Converter

Our free informal to formal converter makes it simple to convert casual and colloquial language into more sophisticated and professional language. No more worrying about sounding unprofessional - this tool will provide you with high-quality language that's suitable for any formal occasion.

Create Effective Sentences with a Formal Writing Generator

Our formal writing generator is an excellent resource for anyone who needs to write in a formal style. The tool provides you with sentence templates and ideas for formal writing, so you don't have to struggle with writing in a formal tone. Whether you're writing an academic paper, a business letter, or any other formal document, this generator will help you create effective sentences that make an impact.

Convert Your Existing Text with a Formal Text Converter

If you're struggling to write in a formal style, a formal text converter is here to help. The tool analyses your text and replaces casual language with formal language, making it easier for you to write in a professional tone. With this converter, you can transform your existing text into language that's suitable for any formal occasion.

Transform Formal Language into Informal Language with a Formal to Informal Converter

Our formal to informal converter is perfect for anyone who needs to convert complex language into a more conversational tone. Whether you're writing for social media, emails, or any other informal communication, this tool will help you convert your language with ease.

Create Professional Emails with a Formal Email Converter

If you want to create a lasting impression with your emails, this formal email converter is a must-have tool. The tool analyses your email and suggests changes to make it more formal and professional. With an email converter, you can avoid common mistakes and ensure that your emails are taken seriously.

Write Effective Sentences with a Formal Sentence Converter

Our formal sentence converter is an excellent resource for anyone who struggles with writing formal sentences. A tool provides you with different sentence structures that are suitable for formal writing, making it easier for you to create effective and professional sentences.

Transform Your English with a English to Formal English Converter

If English isn't your first language, writing in a formal tone can be challenging. That's why we offer an English to formal English converter that analyses your text and suggests changes to make it more formal and grammatically correct. With an English to formal English converter, you can write with confidence and avoid common mistakes.

Create a Lasting Impression with a Formal Letter Converter

Our formal letter converter is an excellent resource for anyone who needs to write a formal letter. The tool analyses your text and suggests changes to make it more professional and effective. With a formal letter converter, you can write letters that make a lasting impression.

Write Professional Language with a Formal Language Converter

Our formal language converter is designed to help you write in a more professional tone. The tool analyses your text and replaces casual language with formal language, making it easier for you to create effective and professional writing.

Start Writing with Confidence Today

In conclusion, Formal Converter is the ultimate tool for anyone who wants to write in a more professional and formal style. With a range of services, you'll be able to transform your language quickly and easily. So what are you waiting for? Start using Formal Converter today and take your writing to the next level.

Quick FAQ on converting informal & formal texts

Q: how can informal language be converted to formal language.

A: Use a formal language converter tool or manually use professional vocabulary and avoid slang and contractions.

Q: What are the differences between formal and informal language translation?

A: Formal language translation is more complex and technical, while informal language translation requires more creativity and interpretation.

Q: How do you transform a sentence from formal to informal/casual?

A: Use contractions, slang, and casual language, while keeping the context and audience in mind.

Q: What is the distinction between informal and formal language?

A: Formal language is professional and academic, while informal language is more casual and conversational.

Q: What are some tips for making text more formal?

A: Use professional vocabulary, avoid slang and contractions, follow grammar rules, use complex sentence structures, and adjust tone and formality based on audience and context.

How does an online informal to formal converter work?

An online informal to formal converter is an AI-powered tool that rephrases casual or colloquial language into a more professional or academic style. The tool analyzes the input text for informal expressions, slang, and contractions, and replaces them with their formal equivalents. Users simply input their informal text, and the AI uses natural language processing to output a formalized version.

Formal Converter Blog

How to convert informal text to formal text online.

Check out various online platforms and tools specifically designed to convert informal text into a more formal style, ensuring clarity and professionalism in your written communication.

Best tools for making emails more formal & professional

Here's a list of some of the best tools to help you craft polished, professional, and formal emails.

Differences between informal and formal writing styles

Check the nuances and distinctions between informal and formal writing styles to better understand their appropriate applications.

All new posts

About the informal to formal rewriter, can a formal to casual converter maintain the original message's intent.

Yes, a formal to casual converter is designed to maintain the original message's intent while transforming the tone to be more relaxed and conversational. The AI assesses the context of the formal text and applies casual language constructs, such as contractions and colloquialisms, without altering the underlying message.

Is using an AI converter for formal to casual language reliable?

Using an AI converter to transform formal language to casual language is generally reliable, as it employs sophisticated algorithms to understand and mimic human speech patterns. However, the accuracy can depend on the complexity of the text and the nuances of the language, so it's recommended to review the output for any subtle context or tone that may require manual tweaking.

What are the benefits of using an online converter for language styles?

Using an online converter for changing language styles saves time and ensures consistency throughout the text. It's particularly useful for non-native speakers or individuals who are not as familiar with the nuances between formal and casual language. Additionally, it's a valuable tool for learning and understanding the differences in language registers.

How can I trust the quality of an AI-generated formal text?

The quality of AI-generated formal text has improved significantly with advancements in natural language processing and machine learning. Many converters are trained on extensive corpora of professional and academic texts, enabling them to produce high-quality formal writing. Nevertheless, it's advisable to review the output, especially for important documents, to ensure it meets your standards.

Are there any limitations to using a formal to casual converter?

While formal to casual converters are powerful, they do have limitations. They might not always capture the subtleties of conversational tone or regional slang, and they may miss humor or idiomatic expressions. For texts that rely heavily on these elements, manual editing might still be necessary after conversion.

How does a formal to casual converter handle idioms and slang?

A formal to casual converter uses a database of idioms and slang to replace more formal phrases with their casual counterparts. However, the replacement depends on the AI's database and algorithms, so it may not always choose the most current or appropriate colloquial terms for all audiences.

What kind of texts are suitable for conversion with an informal to formal converter?

An informal to formal converter is ideal for texts that require a professional tone, such as business correspondence, academic papers, or official documents. It is also suitable for refining social media posts or emails when a more polished presentation is desired.

Can I customize the level of formality when using a converter?

Some advanced informal to formal converters may offer customization options, allowing users to select the desired level of formality. This feature helps to tailor the output to suit different contexts, whether for a corporate report or an academic article, ensuring appropriate language use.

How does an AI determine the correct formal equivalents in a conversion?

AI converters use natural language processing algorithms to understand the context and semantics of the text. They match informal expressions with formal equivalents based on language rules, patterns learned from formal text datasets, and sometimes user settings or preferences, to ensure the conversion makes sense within the given context.

I work with the same writer every time. He knows my preferences and always delivers as promised. It’s like having a 24/7 tutor who is willing to help you no matter what. My grades improved thanks to him. That’s the story.

Charita Davis