| Careers in Dutch translation |
| In today’s climate
of global business, where people from across the world interact,
collaborate, and exchange ideas on a daily basis, translation services
are of paramount importance. Dutch, which is spoken by more than
22 million people worldwide, is an important language within the
European Union and on other continents, so Dutch language translators
are in high demand in many business markets. Many companies who
are trying to tap into the Dutch speaking markets are also in need
of Dutch translations, to promote their products or services and
communicate more effectively with their clients. Because of this,
many people are drawn to careers as Dutch language translators.
Anyone wishing to explore this exciting opportunity should consider
the following points about themselves, in order to evaluate their
chances of success:
1. |
Writing skills: Dutch language
translators must be excellent writers with honed communications
skills. They must be able to perceive subtle gradations of
meaning within a source Dutch text and reflect this meaning
appropriately in the target language, so that no details are
omitted in the final translation. Do you have the necessary
written communications skills to be a successful translator? |
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2. |
Training and Education: Many Dutch language
translators are native Dutch speakers who have taken at least
a bachelor’s degree in language. Some have also passed certification
exams given by the American Translators Association (ATA)
or the International Federation of Translators (FIT), which
test their written and verbal understandings of the languages
they wish to translate. Do you possess the necessary background
and education? If not, are you willing to commit yourself
to a full-time course of study at a college or university
for four years? |
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3. |
Areas of Specialty: It is very important
that clients find translators who understand the terminology
of the documents they will translate, as well as a bit about
the context in which it will be used. For instance, a client
will usually seek out an expert in law and legal translation
if he or she wishes to have a legal document, such as a contract
or agreement, translated into another language. Likewise,
a research scientist who wants to publish an article in a
foreign journal will seek out a translator with a background
in science, so that none of the terminology in the paper is
mistranslated or omitted. Those who intend to become Dutch
language translators should consider acquiring specialty skills,
as well as some experience working in the field where they
intend to specialize. |
Because many companies need to communicate with Dutch speaking collaborators
in The Netherlands and around the world, Dutch language translators
will be much sought after in the new millennium.
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