The translation business is a unique sphere where creativity and passion for words meet modern technologies on a daily basis. Veteran translators that can boast extensive track record of finished translations have experienced many groundbreaking advances in their work. Young language professionals, on the other hand, work not only on…
Entering foreign markets is a huge step forward for your company. However, it usually means dealing with a number of new challenges. Establishing relations with your international partners and having to overcome language barriers during business meetings is one of them – and in such circumstances, understanding each other is…
Choosing one’s professional path is always a tough decision. The ultimate choice is a unique combination of aptitude, predispositions, and hard work put into perfecting one’s skills. Some professions allow for clear distinction of subsequent stages of education and practice; others come with much more complex ways of gaining experience. And what does it take to become a translator? In this article, we will explore the issues regarding education, gaining experience, and finding employment as a translator. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of freelance work and see how we can find our area of expertise. So where do we start? Which university degree is necessary to become a translator? Studies of a given language seems to be the most obvious answer. Admittedly, there is some truth to it – for example, English studies allow for obtaining deep knowledge not only about the language itself, its history and structure, but also discover the wide cultural, political, and sociological background. With this component we can rest assured no reference to local phenomena would surprise us. But is a degree in language studies necessary to start working as a translator? No – which is perfectly reflected in requirements for candidates wanting to become sworn translators. While higher education is a must, it does not have to be linked to foreign languages. In case of translations, any additional degree is an added value: the more information we have, the easier it is to find a niche and specialise in a given type of translation or interpreting services. It’s also worth saying that studies focused on a given language help in more conscious language use. As a result, a translator with extensive linguistic background is able to deliver a translation that is more reader-friendly. Specialisation – how to discover your strengths in translation? One word – practice! Preparing a few sample translations may come in handy. Choose texts that cover various disciplines. Which ones would work best? Redacted legal…
Over the last few months we’ve noticed the influence of reliable medical translations on our daily life. Before, these used to be linked with translation of medical files prepared ahead of consultations or treatment abroad. In fact, medical translations cover a wide range of services provided not only to medical…
The translation industry is not particularly prone to controversy – especially one coming from the outside, caused by factors other than original and innovative proposals for translation of classic literary works. However, there are such topics that always stir up a controversy and provoke us to reflect – regardless of…
The job of a sworn translator is usually associated with prestige. No wonder – such a person has public trust and not only possesses vast linguistic knowledge. Sworn translators are also experts on many other fields covered by the translated texts, primarily law and economy. Many Germanists, both experienced translators and beginners, also want to try the career of a sworn translator. A German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe used to say: “To have more, you must first be more”. So now it’s time to share some information about a sworn translator’s work in Poland, Germany and other German-speaking countries. Sworn German translator in Poland Currently, there are around 3700 sworn German translators registered by the Ministry of Justice. Almost 1 in every 20 of them listed Kraków as their place of residence. The criteria to fulfil are not different from those for sworn translators of other languages. One exception is obviously the perfect command of German, both spoken and written, which is verified during a written and oral exam. The written part includes two texts to translate from German into Polish, and two texts to translate from Polish into German. A positive result of the written part of the exam qualifies you to take the oral part. However, the latter is extremely hard, and every year many people fail to pass this part of the exam in this particular language combination. For example, in 2013, only 4 of 12 persons succeeded. Sworn German translator abroad Poland’s western neighbour doesn’t have any legal regulations as to performing the job of translator. However, in order to translate legal texts, or else – to become Staatlich geprüfter Übersetzer/Dolmetscher/Gebärdensprachdolmetscher (that is: written sworn translator, oral sworn translator, or sworn translator of sign language) – one needs to pass a state exam. The prerequisite to take it is either higher education in the field, or certified language and translation skills, paired with at least three years of professional experience. Meanwhile in…
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