زبان انگلیسی  : اصول یادگیری تدریس ترجمه

Our checklist on what makes a good translator shows how complex and skilled the work of a translator really is! Above all, it proves that as well as being highly-educated and proficient in his or her field, a translator must be a good 'all-rounder' and able to communicate effectively at all levels.

A good translator...

• is highly-educated, usually with a first degree in two foreign languages, and a postgraduate degree in translation. In addition, specialist experience in a particular field, for example technology, marketing or insurance, is especially marketable.
• is a natural linguist. Good translators write well in the target language as generally translation is done into the translator's mother tongue. Excellent language skills include sensitivity to different styles, the ability to gear the target text to its audience and a thorough knowledge of grammar.
• has lived in the countries where the foreign language is spoken. This not only ensures profound knowledge of the language itself, but also of linguistic developments and cultural traditions peculiar to that country.
• has an enquiring mind and excellent research skills. A good translator must be able to grasp unfamiliar topics quickly and have access to, and be able to manipulate, the resources that will help them do this. They must also be unafraid to question any ambiguities or mistakes in the source text, or any terminology that they do not understand.
• is well-read and has excellent general knowledge. The best translators are abreast of current affairs and developments in language, ensuring that both their language skills and general knowledge are second to none!
• is a good communicator. Although translators generally work alone and need to be self-sufficient to a certain extent, they must have the ability to liase with clients and colleagues. This means that they must be contactable and good at returning messages from clients, even if they are not able to take on a potential project. They must also be used to keeping clients informed of any difficulties they are having with a particular project - especially if they might need extra time for research or for a particularly difficult text!
• acts professionally. This covers a range of behaviour from asking the client to explain any terms they don't understand, writing notes to accompany their translation, responding to queries as a matter of course, supplying feedback or giving evidence for their translation choices, refusing work that they know they cannot handle, providing work on time (or informing the client in advance if this is going to be problematic) to 'going the extra mile' to achieve customer satisfaction.
• is accurate. All professional translators will proof-read their work, making sure that all information in the source text is accounted for. Meticulousness is a prerequisite of the job!
• is IT-literate. Translators have to be up to date with the latest software that helps them do their job - they can't work without it!
• is a member of a professional body. Organisations such as the Institute of Linguists or the Institute of Translation and Interpreting give translators kudos and set high standards for the translation profession.