Knowledge and Desire – That’s all it takes to be a Translator!

There are various types of translations that translators will encounter in the translation field, and among of these are legal translation, technical translation, financial translation, marketing translation, medical translation and scientific translation. These are only a few examples, and just like the other types of translation, every field requires knowledge and expertise.Over the years, the translation services industry has been growing massively, and thus, amazingly opportunities in the translation industry are expanding almost every day.  Hence, someone who wants to pursue his or her career in the translation industry can avail a lot of opportunities in the industry. However, translators and interpreters should possess some educational qualifications that are needed and essential to be a language provider.One of the main requirements that every translator and interpreter should have is a good command over the native language and a suitable degree to prove his or her worth. A person who possesses these qualifications gives a good indication that he or she is capable of producing a professional translation. However, it doesn’t mean that person that the passion of being a translator or interpreter.It is necessary to know the difference between passion and knowledge or skills. Although knowledge is essential in producing an accurate translation product; it is equally vital that passion and desire are present, too.  Thus, the difference between making a living doing something that you love and loving what you do is significant.Does it mean that skills are worthless if you are not really enjoying it. and your heard is not in what you are doing? Are these factors essential in the translation profession?The translation profession requires strict skills and passion. Hence, these are some of the primary qualifications a translator should have. Experts believe that translating is like writing but with someone else’s hand, however, this may be a bit contradictory to some; if a certain translator is multilingual and a good communicator, but doesn’t show any passion and desire in what he or she is doing, it can be a bit tricky for him or her to do the work, and that may affect his or her profession.Recently, I read a blog about a medical practitioner who became a writer. When he was still young, he always wanted to be a doctor. Thus, he took up the course, passed and got the license. However, he realised that he wanted to do something else aside from being a doctor; he wanted to be a successful writer as well. Although he was not sure if he could be an effective and successful writer, because he was never engaged in writing before, he never gave up; instead, he showed his determination, desire and interest in writing. Now, he is one of the more popular authors of books about self-motivation and determination.In this connection, just like any other profession, becoming an effective translator doesn’t only involve skills and passion, but also you need to have determination and desire in what you are doing. These are the main ingredients in how to be professional and successful in your work.The translation profession could be at least similar to writing. Particularly, literary translation is more about thinking deeply and thoroughly getting inside the head of the author. Being a literary translator, you are being the best reader that the write has ever had; the translator is here becoming the voice of the original author of the book or the literary works.It is necessary to know that a translator that has no passion and determination in the translating profession may affect the translator’s capability of producing accurate quality texts. Thus, knowledge and skills in a particular field, without interest will only get you so far; and desire and passion are essential to be a reliable language provider.