How to be a translator and many other useful links for translators.
Essentially, in order to work as a professional translator, one must be able to communicate in at least two languages in addition to one’s own tongue. Being a translator requires a high level of intelligence, intellectual curiosity, and open-mindedness. The linguistic skills must be of a very high standard.
The translation services sector is massive and unaffected by economic downturns. By 2021, the global language sector is expected to generate $47.46 billion in sales. Because the industry is predicted to grow consistently, there is always a great chance of finding work in this profession.
Within the translation sector, there is a lot of competition. The same is true with translators, as the quantity of professional translators is minimal in comparison to the market need for their services.
If you are fluent in a language other than your mother tongue and have always been fascinated by various languages and cultures, you may want to consider becoming a translator.
Working as a translator is extremely satisfying and fulfilling. Aside from the monetary benefits, translation allows you to help people understand one another, increase the number of people who can enjoy literary works, and improve communication in general.
We have put together useful links for your perusal below into this lucrative career.
General Resources
http://www.wiktionary.org/ – the Wiki-based Open Content dictionary
http://www.leo.org/ – German <> English, French, Spanish
http://www.italdict.de/ – German <> Italian
http://www.wordreference.com/ – English >< Italian Dictionary
http://www.oxfordparavia.it/ – English <> Italian
http://www.granddictionnaire.com – French, Latin > English
http://www.logos.net – Various languages and dialects
http://www.rae.es – Real Academia de Espana
Technical
http://www.fachlexika.de/technik/mechatronik/index.html – German <> English
http://www.wissen-elektrowerkzeuge.de/mdb/data/en/lexika/eopt/abrasives.html – major European languages
http://www.metallingua.com/szotar/feltolt/base/index.php – major European languages
http://www.didacticonline.de/int-en/services/online-dictionary/ – major European languages
http://www.axesindustries.com/glossaire.asp/lang/uk – major European languages
http://www.femfm.com/glossary.html?lg=italiano&bs=A – major European languages
http://lttwww.epfl.ch/teaching/files/Worterbuch_S-E-F-D-I.pdf – major European languages
Medical
http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/ – Mono English
http://www.online-medical-dictionary.org/ – Mono English
Financial/Legal
http://tradition.axone.ch/
http://iate.europa.eu – IATE (Inter Active Terminology for Europe)
Reference website for EU terminology and also financial and legal texts.
http://www.lai.com/glossaries.html – includes rare languages
Acronym finder
http://www.acronymfinder.com/ – Mostly abbreviations from English-speaking countries
Travel Links
Lonely Planet
Guidebooks, travel advice, country profiles and the Thorn Tree forum to discuss travel plans.