Making a Career out of Interpreting/Translating

Transcription

1 Making a Career out of Interpreting/Translating Stacy Smith NY-based freelance Japanese interpreter, translator, writer February, 2017 After JET Conference Background First learned Japanese in high school and studied abroad in college. Following graduation, was a CIR in Kumamoto for three years. Worked as an interpreter/translator at Toyota before returning to U.S. Became writer for Nikkei Business magazine at its New York bureau. Joined the Japanese cruise ship Peace Boat as a volunteer interpreter. Back to NY and began to work as freelance interpreter/translator/writer.

2 What I Do Interpreting: Mix of direct/indirect clients (corporations, law firms, digital agencies, museums, Japan Society/Japan Foundation, academic and other conferences, NY courts, UN, State Department, occasional one-off clients) Translating: Primarily direct clients, often one-off (Tokyobased fashion client, NY-based Chopsticks magazine on topics like sake, food, travel and Japanese celebrities, longlost letters/documents) Writing: Chopsticks articles, monthly column in Japanese newspaper and maintain a Japan-related blog on jetwit.com. Modes of Interpreting Consecutive Simultaneous Usually handled by one person Speaker stops every 1-5 minutes (after complete thought); interpreter renders into target language. Time to compile thoughts: check vocab in electronic dictionary, present a polished interpretation Key skill = note-taking: prevents loss of detail. Different ways, but many pros develop own (kanji handy!) Teams of at least 2, sometimes 3; switch every min, give support Interpreters in booth wear headphones and speak into mike Must interpret into target language while simultaneously listening to and comprehending next sentence Key skill = decisiveness: convey essence of speaker s thought in time to catch up with next one

3 Variety of Translation Styles All translations seek to convey what was communicated in the source text, but style will depend on factors such as: Type of text Purpose of translation Intended audience Literal vs. idiomatic, formal vs. informal As opposed to interpreting, time to weigh the merits of various translations or to recall just the right idiom in the target language Interpreting vs. Translating Interpreting In general, interpreting fees are charged per day (half day, hour). Interpreting tends to command higher fees than translating. Escort interpreting: like assistant helping clients while traveling. Interpreting is on the spot and done when assignment concludes. Translating Translating generally charge per target word (i.e. source word, page, project). Translation fee covers translation itself, but extra charge for rush job, formatting. Related tasks editing/proofreading; cost is normally 50% less than full translation. Translation has deadlines, but chance to polish depending on lead time.

4 Interpreting/Translating Commonalities What you need to succeed is similar for both interpreting/translating Language skills: lifelong learning! Extensive knowledge (with a specialty?) Professional behavior (confidentiality, punctuality, etc.) Flexibility: roll with the punches, think on your feet Organizational skills (i.e. time/health management) Freelance vs. In-House Freelance You do it all! (PR, networking, invoicing) Flexible hours, accountable to yourself Earnings based on how hard you work Save money for taxes, insurance, etc. Freedom, everyday new and exciting! No annoying colleagues/office politics Work where you want (often biz trips) In-house Company takes care of admin, no PR Set start/finish time, need to check in Guaranteed income/benefits Taxes taken out of income, insurance Stability, predictable routine Cool colleagues and interaction Workplace possibly undesirable location

5 Freelance Options Direct Clients Agencies or other 3 rd Parties No middleman, set own terms Intermediary takes care of details You have final responsibility Can command higher prices You can pick and choose clients They have ultimate responsibility Middleman takes a cut They find/handle clients for you How to Build Your Business Formal training can provide skill/connection advantages. Join professional groups like the American Translators Association (ATA) and get listed in their online directory. Approach agencies/direct clients Networking, networking, networking!

6 Future of Interpreting/Translating Industries Will machine translation (MT) make translators obsolete? Is Google Translate going to usurp the role of translators? Will remote interpreting remove the need for in-person interpreting? Interpreters will not be replaced by technology they will be replaced by interpreters who use technology. (Bill Wood, founder of DS- Interpretation (2nd NA Summit on Interpreting in DC in 2011) Interpreting/Translating FAQ Do I need to have formal training or a certification? Do I have to specialize? Do I have to choose between interpreting and translating? No, no and no!

7 For more about me or further questions, please see my webpage at Thank you for listening and best of luck!