Japanese/English translation in the UK Thread poster: JacksonHeights
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Hello
I was wondering if I could get some advice on the most useful qualifications/skills to acquire in order to become a successful Japanese/English translator in the UK, and what types of translation are the most in demand. I have had a look through the forums, but apologies if this question has been asked before!
To tell you a bit about myself, I am a native speaker in both languages, and have 'casual' experience translating and interpreting in ... See more Hello
I was wondering if I could get some advice on the most useful qualifications/skills to acquire in order to become a successful Japanese/English translator in the UK, and what types of translation are the most in demand. I have had a look through the forums, but apologies if this question has been asked before!
To tell you a bit about myself, I am a native speaker in both languages, and have 'casual' experience translating and interpreting in both directions over the last decade. I have mainly received work through word of mouth and I have done unpaid work from time to time as I enjoy translation for the sake of it. My first degree was in Economics and Politics, and I have 3 years' work experience in tax consulting, but I am now looking to become a full-time translator. At the moment, I am looking for another job in the City; ideally I would like to work full-time and get the relevant qualifications at the same time, but if I do not get a job offer soon, I am thinking of getting a Master's in Translation Studies. After I get suitably qualified, I would like to work as an in-house translator at one of the large Japanese corporates.
I have been told that a Diploma from the Institute of Linguists would be the most appropriate qualification in the UK, and that with regards to software, I should learn Trados. I would be grateful if you could let me know if that is the case, and whether there are other software I should be proficient in.
Also, it would be great if someone could tell me which areas of translation are the most in demand/lucrative for the language pair. (My guess is finance-related translation and conference interpreting)
Many thanks
JH ▲ Collapse
| | | | | Japanese translation | Aug 15, 2010 |
I'm in somewhat of a similar boat.
I live in the United States, fluently speak English and Japanese, and am currently trying to get involved in translation as a means of generating the money needed for me to go to graduate school.
Some exposure to translation in the past has given me the idea that medical translations seem to be high in demand pretty much anywhere; one issue that could prove to be a little bit of trouble for you, regardless of the field, is your native ability... See more I'm in somewhat of a similar boat.
I live in the United States, fluently speak English and Japanese, and am currently trying to get involved in translation as a means of generating the money needed for me to go to graduate school.
Some exposure to translation in the past has given me the idea that medical translations seem to be high in demand pretty much anywhere; one issue that could prove to be a little bit of trouble for you, regardless of the field, is your native ability in Old World English, which is not standardly taught under the Japanese school system. Consequently, when translating materials from Japanese to English, some companies might not like this very much.
It's difficult for me to speak directly to the nature of what kinds of skills are trendy in translation throughout the UK; however, if the market is anything like it is here, manufacturing, engineering, medical, and computer science based vocabulary familiarity are all very useful.
Best of luck to you.
MS ▲ Collapse
| | | | JacksonHeights
Local time: 16:02
Japanese to English
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TOPIC STARTER | Japanese Translation | Aug 17, 2010 |
Hi there, thanks for responding. It's quite reassuring to hear from someone who's starting out like me. I'll definitely look into some of the areas you mentioned - probably manufacturing or medicine as they're somewhat less intimidating to me than computer science and engineering.
By Old World English, I assume you mean British English. That shouldn't be a problem as I received an American education until I went off to a British university. I'm quite surprised that it would be a... See more Hi there, thanks for responding. It's quite reassuring to hear from someone who's starting out like me. I'll definitely look into some of the areas you mentioned - probably manufacturing or medicine as they're somewhat less intimidating to me than computer science and engineering.
By Old World English, I assume you mean British English. That shouldn't be a problem as I received an American education until I went off to a British university. I'm quite surprised that it would be an issue for translators though, as apart from differences in spelling and some expressions, it is the same language... Perhaps clients have the perception that translators in the UK won't translate into American English?
Anyhow, good luck to you too!
JH ▲ Collapse
| | | | | Old World English | Aug 17, 2010 |
The extent of the differences between UK and US English depends on the kind of text you're translating. I'm a Brit living in the States, and I offer both varieties (my American wife checks the US English), but this is mainly for marketing and advertising copy. I wouldn't dream of translating fiction into US English though - the differences are too great, and I wouldn't be up to the task.
I gather the money is very good if you're a successful Japanese translator, by the way. And thos... See more The extent of the differences between UK and US English depends on the kind of text you're translating. I'm a Brit living in the States, and I offer both varieties (my American wife checks the US English), but this is mainly for marketing and advertising copy. I wouldn't dream of translating fiction into US English though - the differences are too great, and I wouldn't be up to the task.
I gather the money is very good if you're a successful Japanese translator, by the way. And those three years' tax consulting could stand you in very good stead if you want to specialise in finance.
[Edited at 2010-08-17 17:14 GMT] ▲ Collapse
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JacksonHeights
Local time: 16:02
Japanese to English
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TOPIC STARTER | Re: Old World English | Aug 20, 2010 |
Thanks for your input. I think I must have underestimated the differences, having gone from using American English to British English (although I insist on using certain words like 'bangs' instead of 'fringe' on the basis that they sound right to me). I suppose it won't be too much of an issue if I go into financial not literary translation. It's encouraging that there's money in there too!
JH
| | | | | Haven't replied in forever | Nov 25, 2010 |
Hello,
I'm just getting back to you. Yes, "Old World English" is to say "British English" (I only used the term "Old World" as a stylistic choice, as my experience in the British Isles taught me that "British English" is almost as misleading as "American English").
The differences are very great, but as was suggested above, it depends greatly on the subject matter. Fiction stylistics and day to day speech conventions are very different, and consequently, you may be in f... See more Hello,
I'm just getting back to you. Yes, "Old World English" is to say "British English" (I only used the term "Old World" as a stylistic choice, as my experience in the British Isles taught me that "British English" is almost as misleading as "American English").
The differences are very great, but as was suggested above, it depends greatly on the subject matter. Fiction stylistics and day to day speech conventions are very different, and consequently, you may be in for some hurting if you dive into these fields; but, anything related to academic or technical fields will be very similar, different largely only in terms of spelling.
I'm still wishing you luck! ▲ Collapse
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