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What is a Translator?

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Talent.com talent.com
Answered July 23 2021
Career Expert at Talent.com
Translators are communication and language experts who read, comprehend, and translate written messages from one language to another. There is much more to professional translating than what we tend to think the position entails. The job demands more than merely converting the text from one language to another. 
       
There is also a common misconception that Interpreters and Translators are the same. Even though they're both language experts, the two careers shouldn't be confused with one another, and the main difference between them is what they translate. While Interpreters work with oral communications, Translators work with the written word, although many of these professionals can provide both types of services.  
  
Many Translators are self-employed, but some may choose to work for an agency dedicated to providing translation services. It's typical for most Translators to practice in just two languages, as many people are bilingual, although there are certainly instances where a professional Translator has skills in several languages.   
 
 
Personality of a Translator
  • They have an appreciation for linguistics
Translators will often be interested in the study of linguistics and the study of language. The theory of linguistics can often inform a translator approach, and many professional Translators likely studied both disciplines before embarking on their careers.  
  
  • They are creative problem solvers 
Translating a text has proven to be a much more nuanced process and involves more effort than simply swapping languages in a literal sense. Professionals in this field tend to use problem-solving skills to work through a challenging passage or body of work, which helps them secure the piece's context and ensure that the content reads as close to the original as possible. 
 
  • They have excellent time management skills
Whether working freelance, for an agency, or directly with a company, Translators will find that some deadlines come with high demands and short notice. It takes a particularly studious individual to stay on top of their workload, and those with keen time management skills will find that the job is that much more manageable.
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