Characteristics of Successful Linguistic Experts
Language service providers and individual translators or linguists all strive to provide the best document translation services to their clients. Despite their efforts, the environment is highly competitive and challenging. In fact, as many as 67.8 million people in the United States alone spoke a language other than English at home. In order to succeed, a professional document translator needs more than just familiarity with a language pair. They must also have extensive knowledge of syntax, grammar, and familiarity with industry-specific jargon to gain an edge over the competition.
Here are some of the hallmarks of the best document translation services:
The first and most obvious requirement is language skills. It goes without saying that professional document translators must be fluent in at least one language besides their native tongue. A passing or informal knowledge is not enough. Language translation as a professional service requires the systematic study of a foreign and second language. A university or equivalent degree in professional translation or a related field may have been desirable a few years ago, but in the current market is an absolute must for any individual or organization aiming to provide the best document translation services.
An expert in the professional document translation services field needs to be curious by nature and possess excellent research skills. Contrary to public perception, even the best document translation services and linguists are not walking dictionaries. Even generalists cannot be expected to be experts in every field and remain up-to-date on the latest terminology.
Truly professional document translators need to be very straightforward about the things they do know and the things they do not know and be able to fill in the gaps by researching the appropriate terminology and information. Research can take many forms, from good old-fashioned paper and ink dictionaries and textbooks to the vast amounts of information on the internet.
Top translators also need to be proficient with the latest document translation tools, such as translation memory management and glossary creation and maintenance tools. At the very least, they should be advanced users of word processor programs, such as MS Word, and other tools such as the Adobe Acrobat suite or Google Docs.
In addition to possessing formal training in languages, a professional document translator has to be highly proficient in written communication. Translating is essentially the transmission of meaning from one language to another. The professional document translator has to be able to accurately and thoroughly deliver in the target language the same message expressed in the source language. Remember that good writing skills in one language are usually tied to very solid reading habits in the same language.
With globalization and the opening up of markets in different areas of the planet, the best document translation services are in high demand among companies dealing with the most varied commercial activities. The more subjects, fields, and industries professional document translators can cover the more work they can potentially take.
Additionally, professional document translators must be true experts in the fields they specialize in. Improvisation is a recipe for catastrophic failure and a sure sign of a lack of professionalism.
Last but not least, it is important to always keep in mind that the best document translation services may have translators and linguists that graduated with honors from prestigious universities, but those credentials mean very little without a proper professional attitude.
What does it mean to be professional? It means approaching work with discipline, confidentiality, and commitment in mind. Professional document translators work in the service industry.
As one of the best document translation services in the world, ASTA-USA Translation Services Inc., takes pride in its network of professional linguists and translators. Unlike competitors in the field, we understand that professional translation services require much more than being bilingual.
In need of a professional translator or linguist for your next project? Inquire now or give us a call at 1.866.446.1860.