译事 | 优秀译员的特质，你具备几个？
Naturally, for one to become a professional translator, he or she must be fluent in at least two languages, in addition to the mother tongue. Becoming a translator takes great skill, as a translator must be intelligent, intellectually curious and open minded. The level of the language skills must be quite high.
一般来说，要想成为一名专业译员，除了掌握母语外，还应该至少精通两种语言。要想成为一名专业译员，还需具备高超的技能，比如聪慧、有求知欲和好奇心，并且思维开放。语言技能必须达到相当高的水平。
The language services industry is huge and is not affected by recession. In 2017, the global language industry revenue reached $43.08 billion and it is projected to be about $47.46 billion by 2021. The industry is expected to grow steadily, which means that the potential for employment in this field is always high.
语言服务业规模庞大，不受经济衰退的影响。2017年，全球语言行业收入达到430.8亿美元（约合人民币2910亿元），预计到2021年将达到474.6亿美元（约合人民币3206亿元）。据估计，该行业将稳步增长，这也意味着该领域的就业潜力始终很高。
Over 3,000 language services providers (LSPs) operate in the United States and more than 55,000 professionals are employed in the industry as interpreters and translators, and in other jobs related to the industry.
美国有3000多家语言服务供应商，语言服务业有55000多名专业译员及相关岗位从业者。
Competition within the translation industry is fierce. The same is also true with translators, because the number of professional translators is small compared to the market demand for their services.
翻译行业竞争十分激烈，译员也是如此，因为相对市场需求而言，专业译员的数量较少。
If you speak another language fluently other than your mother tongue, and you have always been interested in other languages and foreign culture, you might want to become a translator.
如果除了母语外，你还流利掌握另一种语言，并且一直对其他语言和外国文化感兴趣，那么你很可能想成为一名翻译。
Translation work is very rewarding and fulfilling. Aside from the monetary benefits, translation allows you to help people understand one another, allow more people to enjoy the works of literary writers and generally facilitate communication.
翻译工作是很有价值和成就感的。除了金钱上的收益外，翻译还能帮助人们互相理解，让更多的人欣赏到文学作家的作品，并促进交流。
Road to becoming a professional translator
成为专业译员之路
Just like any career, the road to becoming a translator is not easy. It takes dedication and perseverance and a genuine love for languages. You need the right education and a good set of skills, as follows:
和其他职业一样，要想成为一名译员绝非易事。译员需要具备奉献精神、毅力和对语言的真心热爱，还需要接受良好的教育，具备众多优秀技能，如下所示：
1. Language skills
语言技能
The first skill you should possess is on language. You need fluency in the source language or the language you would be translating from. You must be a native speaker of the target language or the language you would be translating into. It is also necessary for you to be a good writer in the target language.
你需要掌握的首要技能就是语言。你需要精通源语言，即译出语。你的母语必须是目标语言，即译入语。同时，你还需要精通目标语的写作。
Very few people are able to translate into a language that is not native to them. To work as a professional translator, only native speakers are considered by most translation firms. Living in the country or at least spending a major part of the year in the country where the source language is spoken will help improve your language proficiency. Most translation companies make this a prerequisite.
很少有人能胜任目标语非母语的翻译工作。作为专业译员，只有译入语是母语时，你才会被大多数翻译公司认可。在源语言国家生活过或至少在这个国家呆过大半年，将有助于提高你的语言熟练程度。大多数翻译公司都把这一点作为先决条件。
As a professional translator, you have to be able to write very well and understand the source text, have a mastery of vocabulary and grammar and a good command of the idiomatic methods to express things and the intended meaning precisely and accurately. To become a good translator you should have a mastery of the target language and a good knowledge of the different dialects, punctuation, grammar, axioms, slang, variants, styles, jargon and its euphemisms.
作为专业译员，你需要具备良好的写作和理解源语言的能力，精通词汇和语法，掌握精准表达事物和引申义的惯用表达法。要想成为优秀译员，你需要掌握目标语言，并熟悉不同的方言、标点符号、语法、格言、俚语、变体、风格、术语及委婉语。
2. Computer skills
计算机技能
You should have good computer skills if you want to become a translator. It is to your advantage if you are adept at using several programs, especially MS Office programs, as well as desktop publishing, Photoshop and InDesign as there will be translation jobs that require using these applications. Using these applications will improve your efficiency and help increase your chances of getting employed.
若想做译员，你需要具备良好的计算机技能。如果你擅长使用多种程序，特别是办公软件以及多语言排版、Photoshop和InDesign，将会非常有利，因为有些翻译工作需要使用这些程序。使用这些应用程序将帮助你提高效率，并且增加就业机会。
Aside from the mentioned applications you also need to know how to use CAT (computer-assisted translation) tools. Knowing HTML is an advantage as well but not a requirement.
除了上面提到的应用程序，你还要懂得如何使用CAT（计算机辅助翻译）工具。了解HTML也会成为优势，但不是必要条件。
A good translator should also have good typing skills, as you would be dealing with written documents. Above-average typing speed and accuracy will help you tremendously.
好的译员还应该熟练掌握打字技巧，因为你将要与书面文件打交道。高于平均水平的打字速度和准确性将对你十分助益。
3. Business skills
业务技能
Many translators today are freelancers. If this is also your aim, it is better if you have some business acumen. You should have some knowledge in marketing and sales so you can build a network, get known and get translation jobs. You have to develop tenacity because there will be stiff competition among other freelancers. You must learn to be punctual and organized as well.
现在有许多译员都是自由职业者。如果你也有志于此，最好具有一定的商业头脑。你需要了解营销和销售方面的知识，这样你就可以创建一个商业网络，拓展知名度，接到翻译工作。你必须培养顽强的意志力，因为你将会和其他自由译者展开激烈竞争。你还必须学会守时，做事有条理。
Steps on how to become a professional translator
如何成为一名专业译员？
If you're sure that you want to become a translator, here are the steps to take.
如果你立志要成为一名译员，可以遵循以下几点：
Step 1: Acquire an education
接受专业教育
Aside from being proficient in at least two languages, you should take translation studies to become a translator. A high school graduate can take courses on writing and comprehension, and foreign languages. Many have a bachelor's degree, majoring in a particular language.
要想成为一名译员，除了精通至少两种语言外，你还应该学习翻译知识。高中生可以学习写作和阅读理解课程，以及学习外语。许多译员都是本科毕业，主修某一种语言。
Many translators today are also specialists in different fields, such as business, the arts, legal, medical, pharmaceutical, finance and more. They use their being bilingual and years of experience in the practice of their profession to become translators who are subject matter experts.
如今许多译员都有各自擅长的领域，如商务、艺术、法律、医疗、药物、金融等。他们凭借双语和多年的专业实践经验，成为特定学科领域内的专家译员。
Step 2: Apply for and pass certification program
第二步：考证
After satisfying the education requirement and honing your skills, it is advantageous to get certification or accreditation to become a translator. When you are certified, you have proof that you possess the required skills to translate on the professional level.
在满足了教育要求并磨练了技能后，对于译者来说，考证大有裨益。当你获得了相应证书，就能证明你具备了专业译员的技能。
Once certified by an organization, your name is listed in their directory where clients can find your name and credentials.
一旦你考取了某个组织的证书，你的名字就会出现在他们名录中，客户可以在其中找到你以及相关凭证。
Step 3: Pass language proficiency test
第三步：通过语言能力测试
You can boost your resume by passing language proficiency tests. This shows proof that you are fluent in the languages you speak. Several organizations, schools and many translation firms offer language proficiency tests for translators.
通过语言能力测试可以优化你的简历。这表明你能流利地使用所讲语言。一些组织、学校以及许多翻译公司都会为译员提供语言能力测试。
Step 4: Acquire job experience
第四部：具备工作经验
Industry experience is important for translators who are just starting. To gain experience, you can start by working as an intern. When you have some experience, you can look for entry-level work, which will expose you to the intricacies of the translation process and the business. Experience is essential if you want to become a translator.
对于刚刚起步的译者来说，行业经验非常重要。你可以从实习开始获取经验。当你获得了一些经验，你就可以寻找入门级的工作，从而让自己接触到复杂的翻译过程和业务。如果你想成为译员，经验是必不可少的。
Step 5: Learn to market yourself
第五步：学会自我营销
Marketing yourself is important if you decide to go freelance or even if you are seeking permanent employment as a translator. Look for companies, firms, organizations, government agencies, hospitals, clinics and LSPs that may be looking for translators.
无论你想做自由译者还是想成为受雇译员，自我营销都非常重要。寻找可能需要译员的公司、公司、组织、政府机构、医院、诊所和语言服务提供商。
You can create a website, write blogs and join online groups of professional translators to start building your network. Because work may come anytime, it is prudent to have copies of your resume ready. It is also important to establish competitive rates for different types of translation work. Ask freelance translators from the online communities you've joined what rates they charge.
你可以通过创建网站、写博客、加入专业译员的在线小组来建立自己的社交网络。因为你随时都可能会碰到工作机会，所以最好多备几份简历。另外，为不同类型的翻译工作制定有竞争力的收费标准也很重要。可以向你加入的在线社区的自由译者咨询定价标准。
Step 6: Continue learning
第六步：不断学习
As you start to establish yourself as a professional translator, it is very important to stay updated with translations trends, with new technologies and industry news. It is also important not to stop learning. Many translators continue their education to be a cut above the rest. A number of translators take their master's degree to improve their marketability. Continuing education allows you to either specialize or diversify.
当你开始将自己打造为专业译员时，了解最新的翻译趋势、新技术和行业新闻是非常重要的。还有，不要停止学习。为了更上一层楼，许多译员都会接受继续教育。很多人通过攻读硕士学位提高自己的市场竞争力。继续教育能让你专业化或多样化。
Standing out is essential in the job, so everything you do to improve your profession helps you to stand out.
在工作中脱颖而出很重要，所以尽你所能来提高专业性从中脱颖而出吧！
Step 7: Improve your knowledge of the subject
第七步：提升特定学科知识
If you decide to specialize in any subject, it is critical keep up to date about your specialization. Keeping updated on developments, trends and regulations will keep a translator in good stead. The translation of a specific subject matter requires a thorough knowledge of the language and the subject matter, so improving your researching skills is a must.
如果你决定专攻某一学科，那么及时了解相关专业知识至关重要。随时了解最新发展、趋势和法规，对译员大有裨益。翻译某特定学科的内容需要对语言和该学科有全面了解，所以必须提高你的研究技能。
Characteristics of a good translator
优秀译者的特质
1. Compliant
顺从
A good translator should follow the procedures required by client; know how to provide the details and comply with the client's as well as the agency's rules. A professional translator must have knowledge of the general laws and the legalities implemented and observed in different countries, so that the translations of documents comply with the target countries rules and regulations and its laws.
优秀译员应遵循客户要求的程序；知道如何提供详细资料，并遵守客户或机构的规定。一名专业译者必须了解一般法律以及不同国家实施和遵循的法律，使翻译的文件符合目标国家的相关法规。
2. Committed to each project
专心投入每个翻译项目
Professional translation requires commitment from the translator. The translator should be flexible, responsive, duty-bound, dedicated and a professional through and through. To become a good and effective translator, you should ensure that each and every translation project you handle is treated with respect and will be consistently of the highest quality. On-time delivery is also a requirement.
专业的翻译工作需要译者的专心投入。译者应该灵活、积极响应、有责任心、敬业以及完全专业。要成为一名优秀而高效的译者，你应该确保尊重你所处理的每一个翻译项目，并始终如一地保持最高质量。另外，准时交付也很重要。
3. Trustworthy and handles confidentiality well
诚实守信，做好保密工作
Each translation work must remain confidential. It is part of the work process of being a translator. Document security is a priority. You have to comply with the privacy guidelines set forth by your company as well as the client. Although a standard operating procedure, this is one of the things that build client trust in you and your company, which will eventually lead to repeat orders.
每项翻译工作都应保密。这是译员工作的一部分。文档安全性要优先考虑。你必须遵守公司或客户制定的隐私条款。虽然这是一个标准的操作程序，但可以在你和客户之间建立信任，为再次合作打下基础。
To sum it all up, a good translator should have a mastery of the source and target languages, deep knowledge of the subject matter and has top-level skill in doing research. The translator must possess an analytical mind and capable of critical thinking. Lastly, a good translator is fully committed to the task and delivers high quality work consistently.
综上所述，优秀译者应该牢牢掌握源语言和目标语言，对特定学科有深入了解，有超高的研究能力。译者必须具备分析能力和批判性思维。最后，优秀译者应该全身心地投入到翻译工作中，并坚持始终如一地提供高质量的翻译服务。
来源：Day Translations
编译：Yee君
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