Translation/Proofreading (jobs)
What would the “translation” and “proofing” be like?
“Translation” is to convert sentences of a particular language into another one. “Literature translation” is to translate letters and art, such as novels. “Industrial translation” is to translate industrial documents such as manuals and reports, as well as documents for commercial transactions. Unlike literal translation, which you learn at school, the literary sensibilities and skills of translators have much to do with the quality of the translation. The reason is it requires translators to judge what the authors actually meant to say, and translate in proper expressions. It also requires ability to distinguish slight differences in nuance. In the case of literature translation, you have to express the way characters speak, their stances and personalities. In the case of industrial translation, expressions which are easily and clearly understandable for readers would be required. “Proofing” is a terminology for publishing, editing, and graphic designing, which includes work to confirm and correct sentences, and unify descriptions and expressions in sentences.
What is peculiar to Japan in “translation” and “proofing”?
Translation work in Japan is mostly related to translation for business purposes. Most of it is requested by clients, with payment, either from English to Japanese or from Japanese to English. However, it is not common to ask for translation from foreigners who are not native in Japanese. Usually their role is to proof translations done by Japanese translators to English or other languages, and make them appear more natural. Sometimes, they also translate to other languages those translations already done by Japanese translators. However, when proofing and translating, in the absence of sufficient understanding of the situation in which such translations will be used, foreigners may end up making proof or translation which is not suitable for the situation. Therefore, it is essential that they should be given sufficient prior knowledge of the situation before they get to work.
What is the variety of work involved in “Translation” and “proofing”?
Mainly, it deals with magazines, newspapers, internal reporting of foreign companies, software, intellectual property rights, patents, and agreements. Recently, we see an increasing need for the terminology and manuals of game software, and articles on the Internet.
How can I be eligible for a translation or proofing job?
Needless to say, you ought to be conversant in 2 or more languages. The simplest thing you can do is try to find sites on the Internet which are looking for freelance translators, and register yourself without discrimination, asking them to contact you by telephone or e-mail once there is such a need. What is essential here is to respond quickly whenever you find the offered job is within your capacity. It is unlikely that you will get the job without responding.
How can I find a translation/proofing job in Japan?
First of all, it is advisable for you to register with matching sites which are looking for candidate interpreters/translators, such as the following Interpreter/Translator Matching Site JP.
What are the qualifications necessary to engage in translation/proofing?
There is no particular qualification required in Japan to engage in translation /proofing. However, since most of the jobs are requested through special agencies, they attach importance to the experience of candidates. In addition, many agencies require some trial translation before registration, regardless of whether the candidate is Japanese or foreign, and jobs may be requested only after having passed such exam and registration.
What would the life of a translator be like?
In most cases, translators decide their area of specialty before starting the job, since it takes considerable time before they get accustomed to the terminology and vocabulary, which are different depending on the industry or company. However, once you get accustomed to the terminology or vocabulary peculiar to the industry or company, you will become indispensable for them, thus you will get a constant flow of jobs from them. This is akin to a situation where you need to ask the programmer who attended to the preparation or development of your home page or internal system, to repeatedly work for you until the end. If there is any particular industry or business that you know well, you are advised to start your business contacts, focusing on that such area.
Recommended Links
[Japan Association of Translators]: http://jat.org [Society of Writers, Editors and Translators]: http://swet.jp TsuyakuHonyaku.jp : http://tsuyaku-honyaku.jp/en.html
Some content adapted from Wikipedia.org.
