Using your language skills : Translating

A translator converts written material from one language into another, ensuring that the translated version reads clearly and accurately. Practitioners translate legal, scientific, technical, commercial and literary texts as well as business reports, insurance claims, private correspondence, information for websites and subtitles for films.

With the expanding use of English globally, translators are increasingly involved in editing and revision work. For more information, see Translator.

Who employs translators?

Government Communications Headquarters

Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) recruits the majority of the translators in the Civil Service. They work primarily translating information related to politics, economics or international crime or terrorism. The languages in greatest demand are Russian, Arabic, Japanese, Chinese, Urdu, Persian and some African languages, but this is subject to change. Recruits must offer two European languages although it is possible to enter with one rarer language such as Afghan and then train in an additional language while employed.

The Security Service (MI5) Language Unit

The Security Service (MI5) employs linguists to translate and transcribe overt and secret information. The main tasks are to select relevant intelligence, translate it into English and assist in interpreting information. The languages required vary, but Pashto, Somali, Swahili, Sylheti, Bengali, Gujarati, Kurdish Sorani, Iraqi Arabic, Gulf States Arabic and Syrian are currently in demand.

Other UK Civil Service departments

Vacancies for translators are advertised occasionally, as and when required, on the Civil Service Jobs Online website.

The European Union (EU)

All the institutions of the European Union (EU) employ translators. Each recruits independently and entry requirements vary. Several EU institutions run five-month ‘stages’ (traineeships) in translation - see European Commission Traineeships Office (Bureau de Stages). You must be able to translate into your main language from two other EU official languages. Recruitment runs twice a year and selection procedures are lengthy, so apply early. Recruitment of staff translators within the European Union usually takes place every three years although this can vary.

The Court of Justice of the European Communities based in Luxembourg, recruits translators who are also qualified lawyers as lawyer/linguists. The working language of the court is French and all documents and court proceedings are translated back into the other official languages when a case is finished.

International organisations

The United Nations (UN) and its specialist agencies, e.g. the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), employ translators to translate from and into English, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese and Arabic, and occasionally Italian, German, Scandinavian and Eastern European languages. Relevant postgraduate training and/or experience is usually necessary. There are occasional openings for translators in other international organisations, such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), or the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). See working abroad for details of opportunities overseas.Find-A-Linguist 

Commerce and education

Most large organisations with in-house translators employ small teams who review and edit texts drafted by freelancers. Some educational organisations also employ translators. The number of translation agencies is increasing, but many use freelancers rather than permanent staff.

Bilingual lexicography

Lexicographers are responsible for writing, compiling and editing dictionaries. Bilingual lexicographers translate words and expressions rather than defining them. There are few publishers of dictionaries and even fewer staff positions. Freelancers are often used. The ‘big’ languages such as Spanish and French are most in demand. Oxford University Press and HarperCollins are among the major players.
Vacancies are rarely advertised, so speculative applications are encouraged. Progression is difficult with the main option being general management positions within publishing.

Freelancing

The majority of translators now work on a freelance basis. Even in other areas, such as aspects of the media and teaching, freelancing is not uncommon. Starting out may be tough and success will depend on factors such as:

• the combination of languages you can offer;
• your ability to market yourself;
• networking;
• using professional bodies, such as the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) or the Chartered Institute of Linguists (IoL) which run specialist short courses.

Potential translators should bear the following in mind:

• you will benefit from having qualifications or experience in an additional subject such as law, science, medicine or technology;
• postgraduate training in translation is useful - your grammar must be spot-on, and the writing style appropriate to the subject matter and context;
• you will need excellent keyboard skills and access to relevant software and other tools of the trade;
• negotiating rates of pay and project deadlines at the outset is important. It is vital that you are always professional and reliable - much work relies on reputation;
• you will spend a lot of your time on your own, so self-motivation is vital;
• consider working for a translation agency. Agencies vary, so research them well and check their membership of the Association of Translation Companies (ATC). Agencies also take a percentage of your fees;
• look into advertising directly online, e.g. on the Find-A-Linguist website, where you can also offer interpreting services.