Translator Starter Pack 101

Is understanding foreign language or being bilingual/multilingual is enough to be a good translator?
Sadly, it is a big NO! A translator must possess several basic knowledge and skills. It takes more than just knowing a foreign language to succeed as a translator. Many people think that translation is just the act of replacing text in one language with another. Well, this is not typically the case. A good translator must have a thorough awareness of both native languages and cultural nuances. To accurately analyze the meaning in the target language during translation, competence and experience are required. As the world is getting more globalized, the demand for translation services is also getting higher. A good translator must have the knowledge and skill to translate to the target language readers can relate to. So what are some of the criteria that a good translator must fulfill?

1. Software Skill
   Nowadays, translators not only have to be proficient with foreign languages but also have to be proficient with software skills such as desktop publishing, speech-to-text translation, quality assurance, and terminology management software to guarantee that the best translations are used for their projects.
2. The understanding of CAT tools
   Translator requires proficiency with computer-assisted translation technologies also known as CAT Tools. CAT tools offer a variety of features like text segmentation, terminology management, and quality assurance, which is a great help for translators. CAT tools also feature built-in translation memory, allowing translators to reuse their earlier work while tweaking it to fit the needs of new projects. The understanding of CAT tools help translators to work more projects that are more reliable and consistent while spending less time on activities like comparing translations to dictionaries.
3. Knowledge of Project Management
   In order to cooperate with coworkers and clients during the translation process, translators need to work inside a project management framework. A thorough awareness of the project lifecycle and interdisciplinary working procedures is essential for a successful translator career. It is crucial to understand how to accurately schedule each translation project, when to begin and deliver the finished output to clients.

Now you are one step closer in becoming a better translator!
Do you have what it takes to be a good translator? If you do, Join us Digital Trans Asia Translator Team (freelance position available)! Digital Trans Asia is hiring freelance translators and we want you to be a part of us! More information on our Instagram account @digitaltransasia https://www.instagram.com/digitaltransasia/ or visit our career site at https://digital-trans.asia/en/careers.
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