International Translation Day 2024
30th September is a significant day in the calendar for professional linguists everywhere. It is the day we acknowledge the work of translators, interpreters, terminologists and all others working in the language industry and their contribution to connecting humanity across the globe.
Recognised by the United Nations in 2017, International Translation Day (ITD) reminds us of the invaluable work translators and interpreters do in enabling international business and diplomacy, communicating scientific and cultural milestones, assisting in times of crisis and helping our global communities talk to each other.
This year’s theme, ‘Translation, an art worth protecting’ will strike a chord with all language professionals. As seemingly daily media reports declare the end of the human translator and AI’s takeover of their jobs, it’s more important than ever to understand the skills and talent required to translate well. Although some types of translation can now be adequately done by computers, the human creativity, expertise and dedication needed for most language projects shouldn’t be underestimated.
What qualities make translators stand out?
Becoming a translator or interpreter doesn’t happen overnight. It takes years of study, training and language immersion to be able to transfer meaning from one tongue to another. And it’s not for everyone. Translating and interpreting carry weighty responsibility and the individual nature of the work can be isolating. Linguists must be resilient and have a passion for what they do.
Here are some of the traits language professionals most commonly possess.
They pay a lot of attention to detail. Minutiae matter in language and whether it’s in spoken or written form, every single word counts. Translators know that the smallest details can have a profound effect on meaning. Loving language is of course a prerequisite of the job, but that means loving all the nuts and bolts of how language functions and knowing how to make use of every nuance to transfer the message from one language to another.
Translators are ever curious. Although many are specialists in particular areas, it’s common to be asked to translate texts or interpret in situations outside these and a flair for research is very important. Wanting to know and understand more is always an asset.
The ability to grasp other points of view and have a feel for people’s emotions is often something translators and interpreters share. They are empathetic to how it might feel to be in someone else’s shoes, enabling them to recreate the words and thoughts of others. Even in areas like technical translation, an intuition for what the information is trying to achieve is key.
What skills do translators need?
It takes more than simply being bilingual to be a professional linguist. While native knowledge of your source language (the language you translate or interpret from) is vital, many professionals have studied languages at university level and lived and worked for several years in the country where that language is spoken. They know their languages inside-out and are grammar and punctuation experts, not just casual learners.
Continuing to actively develop and improve their abilities in their working languages is normal practice for expert linguists. Reading, watching, listening and speaking help keep linguistic skills sharp and on point. Translators must stay up to date with current and cultural events in the countries where their languages are spoken and pay attention to language trends that might develop as a result of social, economic or political movements.
Translators have excellent research skills. They know where to look, who to trust and generally how to find things out. They’re also good at networking with their peers so that if they’re stumped by a tricky word or phrase, they can rely on help from other language professionals.
And of course, translators are accomplished writers themselves, while interpreters are articulate and natural speakers. Professional linguists have talents beyond the technical and ordinary – they must also have a flair for their chosen medium.
Why people are exceptional
The qualities and skills we’ve talked about are unique to people. Only people can truly develop the knowledge and abilities to translate authentically and insightfully. People learn, grow and have talent, machines don’t. Only people can fully empathise with how others are feeling and convey that in another language. As University of Cambridge professor Neil Lawrence recently pointed out, people have a shared vulnerability that underpins everything it means to be human. Algorithms do not possess this.
As GenAI continues to infiltrate our workplaces and be touted as the solution to a myriad of problems, it’s important to remember that these technology tools should enhance our societies and make our lives easier, not replace human intuition, integrity and insight. While technology may bring convenient and quick multilingual solutions, human translators and interpreters bring excellence and humanity.
At t’works we believe in bringing people, technology and language together in harmony. Contact us today to find out how we can help you overcome your language barriers and connect to new global audiences.
