Translator: Much more than a solitary profession

When we think of a translator the first image that comes to our mind is a person sitting in front of a computer translating from a source language to a target language, absolutely concentrated, alone and avoiding distractions. Besides the fact that translations are generally “for yesterday”, can provoke that this professional does not have enough time to eat, take a shower or even sleep properly. Any noise or interruption is not welcome during the working time of a language facilitator, particularly if he or she is working in an urgent translation project. That is why, it is consequently said that it is better to be single and live alone if you are a translator.

When I first heard that a translator needs social networks, my immediate thought was, “of course, a translator works alone and social networks are the only way of having connection with the outside world”. I could not have been more wrong…

In spite of the fact that a translator seems to be an antisocial worker because of the aspects mentioned above, he is not. The necessity of promoting himself is a vital part in the quest for clients. In other words, in order to find clients, a translator needs to build networks where he or she can contact colleagues, other professionals and clients.

Firstly, having contact with other translators is an advantage because it is likely that one day he or she needs assistance and a counterpart’s hand with more experience is always appreciated or he or she can assist a colleague, creating a reciprocal source of help. Secondly, establishing a network with professionals of different backgrounds and areas of knowledge is always a plus because you never know when you could need their assistance and/or they can offer you a job. In terms of having contact with clients or potential clients represents an advantage, since the former ones may need your services again and the ones to come can give you the possibility to work with them.

Apart from colleagues’ assistance, translators also utilize some other tools to speed up their work such as Trados, online dictionaries, databases and subtitling software if he is devoted to subtitle work, which make this activity much easier.

In short, when referring to translation we do not only refer to, according to some, a monotonous activity, but also to the importance of details, passion and a very profound process of setting up contacts to become well known and gain a good reputation as translators.

We work without people, for the people and with the people.

By Aníbal Mansilla