Create a Career in Translation: 3 Types of Translation Services

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If you love learning new languages you may have wondered how you can turn that love into a career. One extremely lucrative and rewarding option is becoming a translator. Read on to discover three different types of translation careers to consider.

Legal Translations

Legal document translations Toronto ON and across the world can be done through private companies or working for the government. You could find yourself working with warrants, translating expert opinions or the minutes from a court session. Besides being fluent in your chosen second language, you’ll need to be certified by your country’s certifying board. Finally, having some legal experience is helpful. Some legal translators are lawyers, but all have at least some legal background.

Literary Translations

Writing literary translations is what most people think of when they hear about translators, but literary translation is one of the most difficult translation options. Word-for-word translation won’t do for literary translations. Instead, you must have an artistic eye and ear for recreating the author’s style in a new language. You must also be able to understand and translate connotations and hints the author gives along while recreating the rhythm and meter of the writing.

While you don’t need the same stringent education and certification that a legal translator requires, you need to practice and get your name out. It’s recommended that you begin writing translations on your own. At the same time, join groups for literary translators to start making connections.

Technical Translation

If those options sound like too much work for the reward, consider technical translation. Being a certified translator is still important, but this type of translation is more about faithfully translating a text without any other considerations. Technical translators work with user manuals, financial reports and documentation for engineering and industrial applications.

There are a wealth of specializations out there, so if you want to become a translator it’s important to drill down and see what additional training you’ll need to succeed in your chosen field.