Irina Teveleva is enrolled in a Master’s program in creative writing, is passionate about poetry, and collaborates with a literary magazine. Like many of her peers, she needs money, so she starts working at a company that trains chatbots to ‘seem human.’ Her chatbot is named Annie, and at first, Irina is content with the shifts, the hours, and the job. However, at a certain point, she realizes something: while Annie becomes more ‘human,’ she is turning into a machine herself.

This story hits close to home, particularly for those within the translation industry. The advent of machine translation, followed by the practice of post-editing, has streamlined and accelerated the translation process significantly. However, in doing so, it has left little room for the artistic and creative nuances that human translators can infuse into their work. This trend parallels the narrative of losing creativity in pursuit of efficiency and conformity. Just as Irina finds herself becoming more robotic while her chatbot Annie becomes more human, translators may sometimes feel that their own unique writing flair and creativity are constrained in the pursuit of faster and more standardized translations. Balancing the advantages of technology with the preservation of personal creativity becomes a pertinent issue, resonating strongly with those in the translation field.

How can we strike a harmonious balance between stringent deadlines, limited budgets, and the sustenance of our industry? Recently, one of our clients tasked us with translating a slogan, a task that can be quite challenging. The translation of slogans demands far more than a straightforward per-word rate. It entails extensive brainstorming, in-depth research, and a deep comprehension of the brand, especially when dealing with new accounts.

Fortunately, the majority of our clients are well-informed and appreciate the effort that goes on behind the scenes. However, the question remains: How can translators assert their irreplaceable value in an age of increasing machine automation?

Tips for Translators

Becoming an irreplaceable translator in today’s competitive landscape requires a combination of skills and strategies. Here are a few tips to help you stand out:

Build Strong Client Relationships: Foster a constructive and communicative relationship with your clients. Understand their needs, preferences, and expectations. Promptly respond to queries, meet deadlines consistently, and be open to feedback.

Know the Brand Inside Out: Invest time in getting to know your client’s brand thoroughly. Understand its values, voice, and unique selling points. This deep understanding will enable you to deliver translations that align seamlessly with the brand’s identity.

Pitch Creative Ideas: Don’t limit yourself to literal translations. Offer creative suggestions and adaptations that resonate with the target audience. Provide insights on cultural nuances, idiomatic expressions, and market trends to enhance the quality of your translations.

Tailor Content for Local Audiences: Customize your translations to engage effectively with local audiences. Consider cultural sensitivities, humor, and references that will resonate with the specific target market. This personalization sets you apart from machine translation.

Stay Updated: Continuously expand your knowledge and skills. Stay current with language trends, industry developments, and the latest translation tools. Embrace technology as a tool to enhance your efficiency, not replace your expertise.

Specialise: Consider specialising in a particular niche or industry. Specialisation allows you to command higher rates and positions you as an expert in that field, making it harder for machines to replicate your knowledge.

Certifications and Training: Obtain relevant certifications or attend courses in translation and related fields. These credentials not only improve your skills but also enhance your credibility with clients.

Networking: Connect with other translators and professionals in your industry. Networking can lead to referrals and collaborations, expanding your opportunities and client base.

Market Yourself: Maintain a professional online presence. Create a website or profile on translation platforms showcasing your portfolio, testimonials, and achievements. Regularly update your resume and LinkedIn profile.

Deliver Consistent Quality: Above all, maintain a high standard of quality in your work. Ensure accuracy, readability, and coherence in your translations. Quality is a hallmark of a translator’s value.

By implementing these strategies, you can position yourself as an indispensable translator in an ever-evolving industry, ensuring that your expertise and personal touch remain unmatched by machine translation.

This is a blogpost by TranslationsInLondon. We are a London-based translations agency. If you are in the market for speedy, accurate and affordable translation services please contact us.