The career of professional translators and interpreters is so varied, never boring and constantly challenging. The diversity of clients, the continuous learning and possibility of development is almost guaranteed in all these professions.
It is interesting to note at the same time that in many foreign countries, translators and interpreters are rated among top professionals. After all, there are many advantages also. On the one hand, the relatively flexible time schedule, the frequent travel, the exposure to different people and situations, all make the life of a translator or interpreter varied. Interpreters/translators take full advantage of the freedom to organise their own schedules. If it is not a specific or ad hoc assignment, but a long-term job, it is entirely up to the individual when and where they want to work.
The interpreter is an intercultural mediator. Well versed in both the host and the foreign culture, and is the key to a given communication situation. He or she shall bring his or her skills to bear in order to ensure the success of the communication in the given situation or in a multilingual situation. To do this, it is inevitable to have sound experience, intelligence and, last but not least, professional humility. After all, communication between the parties usually takes place as if the interpreter were not even there. When in fact he or she is very much part of the situation. To provide a truly professional service, you shall have a high level of emotional and communicative intelligence. In diplomacy, at business meetings, the success of a negotiation depends on the interpreter (in many respects),. Since his or her role as a mediator is not only about overcoming language barriers. It is also about representing the image, corporate philosophy and intentions of the client.
In addition to professional skills, it is also important that the interpreter should be able to listen to several languages at the same time. Since he or she has to listen to the language being translated with the ear and condense the translated text into comprehensible sentences with her mouth. It is therefore also important that the interpreter is able to react in time and has a very good memory. All of these qualities mean that a good interpreter has excellent stress tolerance, good stamina (i.e. the ability to work to a high standard even during long meetings and visits to companies). And, of course, a confident manner.
For translators, the most important thing is to turn sentences that have been drafted according to the rules of foreign grammar into a truly Hungarian text (or vice versa). Preferably free of mispronunciations or usage of Passive Voice. Professional knowledge of the subject is not a disadvantage either, because although the text is “only” a text, a person with legal knowledge can translate the contract more accurately than someone who has turned his hands only in the IT field. Precision, stylistics and grammatical correctness are also required of a translator. The text will only be perfect if it is of the same quality as the original document in terms of content and form.
In both professions and roles, empathy (high emotional intelligence), the ability to recognise and apply the interaction function, comprehensive intercultural competence and knowledge, intellectual and emotional openness are important. These are now essential for being a successful interpreter and translator.
The Polyglot Translation Agency is always looking for translators and interpreters!
Are you looking for a job as a translator or an interpreter? Please send us your CV to karrier@polyglot.hu ! Our colleague will contact you in a short time to discuss the details!
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