Expats for Hire: Translators

[Editor’s note: This is the first article in a new series that will be devoted to helping you find work in the traditional “expat” trades, many of which draw upon English-language skills. Articles will include tips and resources from successful professionals in the field and are geared both at those who already work in a particular area and want to increase marketability, as well as those who are just starting out.]

What special skills are required? 

Who gets the most work? 

“There’s a real gap in the market for native-English speakers who translate from Czech,” McCaffrey says. “Most translations of this kind are done by Czechs who are fluent in English, not the other way around. This is fine for translations of official documents (birth certificates, diplomas etc.) that need to be done by court-certified translators (soudní překladatel) but isn’t always the best choice for clients who want more natural translations for their company website or marketing materials.”

Who is hiring?

How much to charge?

Once you’ve reached the point when your services are in demand, knowing how much to charge can be confusing. McCaffrey explains: “Rates are typically calculated per standard page (normostrana) which is 1,800 characters, including spaces, but can vary depending on the difficulty of a translation, turnaround required, format, etc.” The latest recommendations (2011) from The Association of Translators and Interpreters (Jednota tlumočníků a překladatelů) are as follows:

From CZ into EN, GE, IT, SP, RU, FR – 430 Kč per standard page
From EN, GE, IT, SP, RU, FR into CZ – 390 Kč per standard page

Translation work do’s and don’ts:

Do

• …deliver your translation on time.
• …flag uncertainties (suggest a translation but insert a comment when clarification is needed).
• …know your capacity and manage your time well.
• …ask your client about their preferred style.      
• …give finished translations a first and second reading to make minor corrections.
• …work as a team with a native-Czech-speaking partner.
• …learn to use computer assisted software (CAT) which can be useful for technical texts.

Don’t

• …delegate work to other people when you are delayed with your translation.
• …take on projects that are beyond your expertise.
• …be afraid to ask questions.
• …translate into anything but your native language.
• …forget to use spell-check (this applies for native speakers too)!

Helpful resources

McCaffrey suggests Czech web site AAAPOPTÁVKA.cz. “Though it isn’t a free service, you’ll need to register and pay a monthly fee after which inquiries are sent to you.”

Translatorcafe.com is an international on-line translator forum. 

Czechlist is a Facebook group where “Czech<>English translators, interpreters and other language professionals to discuss terminology, language problems, professional issues.”

Are you a working translator or does your firm regularly hire translators? Share your thoughts on  what makes a good translator or good client and any additional advice you may have.