What is Translation Studies?
Translation is the conversion of written words from one language to another language. Translation allows for effective communication between people all around the world and enables the transmission of knowledge and cultural heritage.
As a translator, you’ll convert written material from one or more ‘source languages’ into the ‘target language’, making sure that the translated version conveys the meaning of the original as clearly as possible. The target language is normally your mother tongue.
Translation is essential to the development of the global economy and highly skilled translators are greatly valued in all global industries. Translation is happening all around us every day – your favorite apps and mobile devices may have been developed in another country and a translator will have been used to help it “speak” your language and understand your culture. Movies and t.v shows may have been created from texts and stories from other cultures that have been translated over time and even religious texts such as the Bible have been translated many times into many different languages.
While all of this is happening behind the scenes and may seem invisible, translation and translators are crucial in our ever-expanding world.
What 3rd level courses are available?
Universities and colleges in Ireland are offering Translation Studies courses in the following subject areas:
- MSc in Translation Technology – Gain the skills and knowledge of the essential elements in the world of translation in the twenty-first century.
- MA In Translation Studies – The study of translation technology, audio-visual translation, research methodologies, and translation theory.
- Translation Studies – The study of linguistic and intercultural knowledge and communication skills to become a professional translator.
- Literary Translation – The study of the theory and history of translation through and the practical skills related to translation.
Studying Translation Studies in college
Many Translation Studies courses take place over 1 year to 4 years depending on the course and modules selected. There are also part-time courses and night courses available so you can be sure to fit in your studies no matter what your schedule is like.
Courses will cover all theory work through lectures, assignments, tutorials, and taught modules. Assessments will take place continuously with written examinations and practical assignments combined to achieve a qualification.
You could also consider work experience abroad and travel as a way to expand your knowledge of a foreign language and immerse yourself in the culture. Travel will allow you to obtain a deeper knowledge and understanding of the language and culture and gain valuable contacts for the future in other countries. If you have a particular sector in which you’d like to translate, such as healthcare, community work, technical, or law, it’s useful to have some work experience that demonstrates your skills and knowledge of the area. Administrative experience is also helpful.
Career options
After completing a course in Translation Studies you will be able to get started in a career that uses specific knowledge of clinical trials and research.
Working hours will depend on whether you are employed by a company with set business hours or if you are contracted to various facilities or companies. The hours are usually full time 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. You should expect to work some evenings, although weekend or shift work is uncommon.
In-house roles are usually office-based where you’ll work independently. Working as part of a small team is possible in translation agencies or companies in large cities. Contact with clients is limited and mostly by email or phone.
If you work as a freelance translator, your hours can be flexible but you’ll need to organize them to make sure you can meet fixed deadlines. Part-time work is possible and short-term temporary contracts are available. You may need to juggle several freelance projects at one time.
As a translator, you will always be learning and developing. Language, especially technical language, is changing all the time. You need to be familiar with to date technical vocabulary of your chosen specialisms. This needs to be in both your source and target languages. You need to develop vocabulary over time, including keeping up to date with current technical terminology.
Related jobs include:
- Professional translators
- Language editors
- Interpreters
- Journalists
- Copywriters
- Public relations officers
- Lexicographers
- Localizers
- Terminologists
- Post-editors
- Project managers
- Language consultants
- Quality management
Further study
After completing a course in Translation Studies you may choose to pursue further study in a specialist field to increase your knowledge base and skillset. Postgraduate study can also be used as a means to change career focus or to gain professional qualifications required to practice in certain career areas such as academia for teaching translation skills and theory.
FAQ
What is the difference between interpreter and translator?
Interpreters translate spoken language and translators translate the written word.
What types of content are typically translated?
The most typical work in translation is commercial, educational, legal, literary, scientific, or technical documents.
Is there anything I can do to improve my translation skills?
Practice daily and read in multiple languages. Reading is extremely important as it helps grow your vocabulary and increase your knowledge of the language. Talk with other translators and practice speaking in foreign languages as much as possible.
Where can I study Translation Studies?
Explore your options here
Did You Know?
· A professional translator can translate around 250 words within an hour. A translator working full time can translate around 520,000 words per year
· The most widely spoken languages are Chinese, Spanish, English, and Hindi.
· The translation profession is more than 2,000 years old, the Old Testament is thought to have been translated into Greek in the 3rd century BC, which would make it the oldest recorded translation.
· The top 3 most translated authors are Agatha Christie, Jules Verne, and William Shakespeare.
· According to most translators with years of experience, Spanish is the easiest language to translate. It is because, in the Spanish language, words written are identical to the way they sound, which makes it the most accessible language to learn and translate.
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