ATIA

Translators

Translators are specialists in written communication who render texts written in one language into another, conveying the message as faithfully as possible. They are the focus of this Web page.

Terminologists

Terminologists are communications specialists who establish a specific vocabulary for a particular sphere of activity. From documents or a data bank, they make lists of terms belonging to a particular field, define them and find their equivalents in another language. They also define the terms used in a specific work situation and standardize them.

Interpreters

Conference Interpreters are specialists in oral communication who offer simultaneous interpretation services (transmission of a message while it is being delivered, by electronic means) or consecutive interpretation (oral translation after each speaker) at conferences, meetings, lectures, etc. Conference interpreters must strive to be as transparent as possible so hearers do not notice they are speaking for another person.

Court Interpreters are specialists in oral communication who offer interpretation services in courts of law or administrative tribunals. They provide consecutive interpretation of witnesses’ statements or simultaneous interpretation of the entire proceedings by electronic means for one of the people in attendance. Court interpreters must exercise absolute impartiality.

A third category of interpreter for which there is a growing demand, but which is not yet regulated by the Canadian Translators and Interpreters Council, is the “Community Interpreter.” Community interpretation is done by individuals who interpret between the official languages and a foreign or Aboriginal language. Community interpreters must often show considerable empathy, especially in the health sector, for example. Community interpretation has always existed, but it has often been provided by volunteers, neighbours, or members of the family of the individual who does not speak either of the two official languages. It is only recently that the need for structure and recognition has been felt, and from this has emerged some initial training programs (e.g. the one offered by the Vancouver Community College).

What if the translation is no good?

Different clients have different expectations, but bad translation may be good fun, as in the following examples:
  * In a tailor shop in Asia - Ladies may come and have a fit upstairs.
  * In an elevator in Europe - We guarantee no miscarriage.
  * A Swedish vacuum cleaner manufacturer’s bright English slogan - Nothing sucks like an Electrolux.
  * A professor from Taiwan, accompanied by his wife, was scheduled to give a lecture at an American university. They had retained an interpreter. After the gtreetings and introduction, the university president complimented the professor and said,“Your wife is so pretty.”
    The professor thanked the president by saying NA-LI, NA-LI which is a Chinese slang meaning you are so kind or thank you.
    But the interpreter did not know this expression, and he just translated it word for word by saying, “Where? Where?”
    The president was puzzled, but replied, “Everywhere, everywhere!”

It may also prove quite frustrating. Ask anyone who has tried to assemble a foreign product with poorly translated instructions!

It can also spell DISASTER, with serious diplomatic misunderstandings, mistrials, wrong use of chemicals, engineering failures…

No wonder professional, reliable translators are in demand.

The demand for professional translators, terminologists and interpreters in Canada comes from several sources: government (federal and provincial, through the Translation Bureau or not), private translation firms, corporations, and individual.

In Canada, translations for the government (English to French, mostly) account for 35% of jobs! Otherwise, the translation industry in Canada is quite fragmented, composed mainly of small firms and independent professionals. There are about 800 firms in Canada whose principals are translators, terminologists and interpreters. Scarcely thirty of them have annual sales greater than $500,000. 85% of firms are based in Quebec and Ontario. British Columbia is the home of 6% of the firms, and New Brunswick, 2%. In addition there appear to be about 4,500 independent full- or part-time professionals in translation, terminology or interpretation.

Note: bear in mind that the English-French comination accounts for the lion’s share of translation in Canada.

Translators

Average yearly income of translators on a salary:
Full-time translator with a company: $61,000
Full-time translator with the government’s translation bureau: $51,000
Full-time translator in a large translation agency: $45,000
Full-time translator in a small translation agency: $38,000

Average yearly revenue of independent professionals (before any deductions for expenses):
30% of freelancers $25,000 or less
Other freelancers $61,000

If we consider all translators (full- and part-time), the average income was $27,119 in 1995, compared with $29,406 in 1990 and $26,300 in 1985. In other words, part-time translators have very low revenues. There may be wide discrepancies, as well, between people working in English and French, Canada’s official languages, and people working in less commonly needed languages.

The proportion of translators who devote themselves full-time to their profession was 42.6% in 1995. This is a significant drop from 48.1% in 1985. The recession of 1990- 1991 and the ensuing downsizing clearly were factors, and many translators found themselves freelancing and unable to earn sufficient income from their profession.

If we consider only full-time translators (interpreters and terminologists included), the average annual income is $40,570. This is relatively low, given the level of education and the average number of years of experience of translators. (In contrast, professionals in the social sciences, education and Public administration sectors enjoyed an annual average income of $48,044.)

There are more female professionals than male: 65.9% of all Canadian translators, in 1995. However, full-time female translators were earning 11% less than men in 1995 (an improvement from an 18.7% gap in 1985, though).

Interpreters

Most interpreters are not salaried (there are some exceptions). They collect the fees for their services in full, but contribute some amount to their group’s general operating fund.

The rates quoted by firms and independent professionals for simultaneous interpretation vary between $425 and $562 per day for official languages. By comparison, rates vary between $288 and $461 per day for consecutive interpretation (all categories combined). In general, the average level of fees has stagnated, if not regressed, for bilingual conferences in Canada in the last five years. At this point the fees charged in Canada are considered to be among the lowest in the world.

The 1998 survey of translators, terminologists and interpreters, carried out for Industry Canada’s report on translation in Canada, showed that few interpreters lived solely from interpretation. Many also worked as translators.

Will computers leave jobs for translators?

Can computers eliminate the need for translation, or for learning a foreign language? Fifteen years ago, many would have answered: “Yes! Very soon!”
Nowadays, the answer would have to be: “Well… not just yet.”

General machine translation systems can be fed any text for translation. But they may or may not give you the gist of a text. The two following examples, obtained from Altavista’s Babel Fish show why.

Pretty good!
I TYPED: Translators need not invest a lot of money in their professional equipment.
BABEL FISH TRANSLATED IT AS: Les traducteurs n’ont pas besoin d’investir beaucoup d’argent dans leur matériel professionnel.
A PERSON’S TRANSLATION MIGHT BE: much the same.

Pretty strange!
I TYPED: Il a passé un marché avec le diable: son âme contre la jeunesse éternelle.
BABEL FISH TRANSLATED IT AS: It passed a market with the devil: its heart counters eternal youth.
A PERSON’S TRANSLATION MIGHT BE: He made a pact with the devil: his soul in exchange for eternal youth.
If this has tickled your curiosity, you may want to read an in-depth article on the subject of machine translation, Lost in Translation, by Stephen Budiansky.

However, machine translation systems made for a specific field (e.g. the METEO software, for French-English weather bulletins), usually with a limited context/vocabulary, are a true success.

In conclusion, an increasing volume of texts translated by machines for in house purposes will create a need for document revision by translators prior to publication. The automatic translation of texts displayed on the Internet could also lead readers to request human translations of texts of special interest.

How many jobs will there be?

The translation industry is a sub-sector of communications, which is experiencing strong growth. It is estimated that the world translation market is growing by 15% to 25% annually.

The Canadian translation industry is experiencing growth. Firms surveyed in 1998 estimated that, over the next three years, the industry would grow by 10% annually. In comparison, independent professionals foresaw growth of 5% per year (median).

While the simultaneous interpretation market is well established, a strong growth is expected in consecutive interpretation, especially among multinational businesses and the world of business in general.

It is anticipated that computer aids for translation will improve productivity and reduce some of the demand for professionals. (Average production of 3,000 words per day could be a reality in the short- or medium-term.)

There should still be plenty of job opportunities, however, as 34% of employees with translation firms and 51% of independent professionals are 45 years of age or older. As a result, by 2010, the industry’s professional workforce will be considerably depleted.

In which fields will there be jobs?

The public sector demand that is handled by subcontractors should grow at a slower rate than the rate for the industry as a whole (5% per year).

Technical translation

At the same time, the technical translation market niche will grow strongly. It is estimated, for example, that scarcely 8% of technical documents are currently translated. This field should see growth reaching 25 to 30% per year.

The main fields in which the need for translators will grow sharply are:
Aerospace industry Transportation Business services Pharmaceutical industry Telecommunications equipment Financial services Information technology International affairs

Localization

Traditionally, translation is only one of the activities in projects where material is transferred from one language into another. Other activities that can be distinguished in traditional translation projects include terminology research, editing, proofreading, and page layout.

These days, some translators work as part of localization teams. Localization is the overall process of adapting software for a foreign market. It includes the various facets of traditional translation previously mentioned, but also multilingual project management, software and online help engineering and testing, conversion of translated documentation to other formats, translation memory alignment and management, multilingual product support, and translation strategy consultancy. Most large, multi-language localization agencies focus on these additional activities and outsource core translation activities to freelance translators. Typically, only final language quality assurance is performed in- house by these vendors.

Management and entertainment software are the main localization markets. (Surprise! Surprise! An addiction to computer games might turn out to be a marketable skill, after all.) The localization market is mainly from English to other languages, with a preponderance of Japanese, German, French and Spanish. Translators working in that market need to be comfortable with translation memory software. Jobs for language specialists in that field will include basic translation, editing, but also project management. The job posting below illustrates how secondary language skills might actually get.

Software/Web Project Manager
Manage the software/web localization process in a multicultural environment. Position includes frequent client interface, contributing to estimating project quotes based on project data/requirements; develop unique, client-specific workflows and enforce quality procedures. Provide project schedule updates; budget responsibility and analysis; generate deliverables’ progress status reports to clients.

Requirements: Bachelors degree with minimum 1-2 years’ project management/project lead experience within an IT, localization, or related high-tech environment. Demonstrated project-management/leadership experience in fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Entrepreneurial attitude; ability to work with minimal supervision. Knowledge of/exposure to Global Business Solutions, Knowledge Management Systems, or E-Commerce. Hands-on experience with MS Project, MS Office 98, and Windows. Exposure to Web development applications helpful. Knowledge of localization process is essential.

Translation of Web content

The strong growth in Internet usage by non-Anglophones is creating an enormous demand for translation in a very technical niche, and often in a specific computer language (e.g. HTML, Java, etc.)

Computer-aided translation development - a special case

The computer-aided translation development sector employs almost 300 individuals and is expected to recruit about 150 more over the next three years. However, very few recruits have translation training. The businesses hire mainly computer programmers, engineers, project managers, etc. The most coveted training is computational linguistics.

Interpretation

Globalization is expected to bring a sharp increase in the need for interpreters in languages other than French and English, especially by businesses and international organizations.

Languages in demand, now and in the future

In Canada, translation between the official languages accounts for 75% of translation revenue, and the English-to-French combination alone accounts for 48% of revenue. (Demand from the government sector represents 35% of the total Canadian market.)

However, we note the significant presence of Asian language translation in British Columbia. Multilingualism is an inescapable trend, and mastery of a third language is becoming increasingly required. In Europe, for example, fluency in three languages is an entrance requirement for translation schools. It is expected that, in Canada, there will be a strong demand for Spanish in the future. Languages other than English, French and Spanish are also likely to be given attention: German, Asian languages, Polish and Russian.

The localization market is mainly from English to other languages, mostly Japanese, German, French and Spanish.

There will also be a need for translation into “neutral” languages, free of regionalisms (e.g. Quebec versus Parisian French idioms).

To enter the Canadian market of interpretation in the official-languages pair, interpreters must have a strong grasp of both official languages. Canadian interpreters who function primarily in the official-languages market work mostly for domestic clients. As for multilingual interpretation, there now is a strong demand for Spanish interpretation because of NAFTA and the imminent opening of the pan-American market.

In the rest of the world, interpreters are increasingly required to be skilled in four languages if they wish to break into the international markets or work with major institutions. The nature of their work necessitates travel, and interpreters know no borders.

What skills and characteristics should professional translators have?

Professional skills: excellent understanding of the source language, mastery of writing in the target language, good organizational and research skills.

Personal characteristics: well-rounded culture and intellectual curiosity, adaptability, availability, motivation, good judgment, good communications skills, efficiency, stamina, patience…

Mastery of a third language. In Europe, many translators and interpreters master three or four languages. Languages in demand in Canada, besides English and French, include Spanish, German, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.

Mastery in one field of specialization and the ability to work comfortably in some others. (Some universities are already exploring a variety of approaches, including double-major programs, where a degree is earned in translation plus another discipline.)

Working knowledge of computer tools.

Do translators need a degree?

The translation industry employs educated labour. Large firms reported that 26% of their professionals hold a B.A. in translation and 26% hold a B.A. in another field, while 14% have a Master’s degree in translation and 14% have a Master’s degree in another field. Small firms reported that 27% have a B.A. in translation and 13% have a Master’s degree in translation.

Professionals working in companies with an in-house translation department have much more translation-centred training: 72% have a B.A. or a Master’s degree in translation.

Training institutions

Training institutions are an important link, and they play a key role in the evolution of the Canadian translation industry. In Canada, universities are the leading institutions providing training in translation, terminology and interpretation. They are highly concentrated in the Quebec-Montreal-Ottawa corridor. More than 87% of all students registered in a program of translation studies in Canada study there. There are also a few post-secondary institutions such as Vancouver Community College and Algonquin College, that offer training in community interpretation, but their number is limited.

Training institutions generally offer six levels of training and/or degrees at the post-secondary, graduate and post-graduate levels:
(1) certificate (±30 credits)
(2) B.A. with a minor (±30 credits)
(3) B.A. with a major (±60 credits) and B.A. Honours (90 credits)
(4) graduate diploma
(5) Master’s degree, and
(6) Ph.D. degree.

Ten institutions offer a certificate or B.A. with a minor in translation. Eleven institutions offer a B.A. Honours program. Four institutions offer a Master’s degree program. Only the Université de Montréal and the University of Ottawa offer a Ph.D. program.

Two universities, Concordia and Ottawa, offer a co-op (work-study) program. The Translation Bureau has recently implemented a co-op program for translation students in Canadian universities. Some provincial professional associations provide coaching via mentoring.

Training in conference interpretation is offered only at the University of Ottawa, and this is a one-year program at the postgraduate level (39 credits). Candidates must sit a final practical examination, which is graded by an independent jury comprised of external jurors. The small number of candidates admitted to the program and the high cost of the program forced the University to suspend it in 1995. However, it was reintroduced in September 1998.

Translation Schools and Programs in Canada

University of Montreal - Major; Honours B. A.; M. A.; Ph. D.
School of Translation and Interpretation - University of Ottawa - Honours B. A.; M. A.
School of Translation - Glendon College - York University - Certificate; Honours B. A.; M. A.
Laurentian University - B.S.L.; Diploma program in translation
Laval University - Certificate; Honours B. A.
Laval University - M.A. (terminology and translation)
University of Moncton - Honours B. A.
Centre de traduction et de terminologie juridique - University of Moncton - ad hoc training
University of Sherbrooke - Certificate
Undergraduate Studies - McGill University - B. A.
Continuing Education - McGill University - Certificate
Faculty of Arts and Science - Concordia University - Honours B.A.
Collège universitaire de Saint-Boniface - Honours B.A.
University of British Columbia - Diploma program in translation
Simon Fraser University (B.C.) - Certificate, Chinese-English and Japanese-English Interpreter Program
For an international list of Schools for Translation/Interpreting/Translation Studies with a site or page on the Web, check Michelle de Raaij’s compilation.

For a complete overview of schools, visit Anthony Pym’s List of Translator Training Institutions by Country. This list contains information about courses, languages, diplomas, addresses, etc. for each of the listed schools.

Entering the workforce

Sixty percent of translation graduates are hired by private firms, 10% work for public organizations, and 30% become independent professionals. The average salary of a new graduate ranges from $25,000 to $35,000.

Sixty-five to 70% of graduates from universities located in major urban areas find a job in translation six months after graduation, compared with only 15% for graduates from universities not based in major urban areas. However, almost 100% of the students who earn their B.A. through a co-op program find work.

Tools

Translators and interpreters are big on dictionaries (both bilingual and unilingual), specialized glossaries, encyclopaedias and publications of all sorts – catalogues, directories, periodicals, conference proceedings… No translator’s library is complete without an excellent grammar, and a thesaurus in one’s target language.

To these traditional resources must now be added, for written translation: a computer with Internet access and sizeable file storage, as well as a fax. Throwing in an extra phone line, high speed Internet access, and a scanner is good. And while paper is gradually becoming a thing of the past, I suppose a printer should still be in the list.

Software

Word-processing packages; Word counters; Spelling checkers; Search utilities; Version comparison utilities; Personal terminology management systems; Terminology banks on CD-ROM; Documentary data bases; Translation memories*
*Translation memories store target-text sentences and propose them to the user if the corresponding stored source-text sentences reappear for translation. These systems are most useful where texts are repetitive, as is the case with updated software versions, contracts, collective agreements, safety data sheets, work descriptions… Translation Manager 2 by IBM and Trados are good examples of translation memories.

How commonly is software/hardware used?

The large majority (93%) of firms said that each of their professionals is provided with a computer equipped with a CD-ROM drive and a modem. Also, this equipment is new. On average, 93% of the firms are set up with microcomputers running on a Pentium processor. The Internet has also become a core resource for translation firms, and 96% of firms have acquired access to it. However, with regard to automated text entry, text analysis and generation, machine translation and voice recognition software, the penetration level falls below 25 percent. We note that machine translation is used by 23% of the firms. Lastly, we note that large firms make greater use of computer aids for translation than do small firms.

With regard to the use of technology, 94% of independent professionals use computers with Pentium processors, and 92% have access to the Internet. These percentages are comparable with those for firms. However, the penetration rate of computer aids for translation, except for word-processing software, is much lower than is the case for firms. For example, desktop publishing is used by 32% of independent professionals, compared with 64% of firms.

Interpreters can conduct research via the Internet, for many organizations have a site with all the information needed for proper preparation. Court interpreters, on the other hand, are expanding their use of electronic devices that enable them to offer whispered translation from a distance. Interpreters are also being asked more and more to work over the telephone, via satellite, even on the Internet. All this represents new working conditions.

English Texts (for exams that are written from English into another language):
1. Click here to view text: English Practice Text
2. Click here to view text: English Practice Text
3. Click here to view text: English Practice Text

French Texts (for exams that are written from French into English):
1. Click here to view text: French Practice Text
2. Click here to view text: French Practice Text

SpanishTexts (for exams that are written from Spanish into English):
1. Click here to view text: Spanish Practice Text
2. Click here to view text: Spanish Practice Text

Exam texts will be of similar length and difficulty. But, topics vary widely and you may find a given text more difficult just because of the subject matter.