Where is the best place to learn to be a translator – personal experience. What exams do you need to take to become an English translator when applying? What do you need to apply to become a translator?

Studying foreign languages, even just one, opens the way to becoming a translator. And this makes it possible to earn a good income: the profession is in demand at all times, and the demand for services does not lose relevance, despite the spread of technologies and machine translation tools.

Do you want to be a translator? This is not difficult if you are ready to show dedication, hard work in mastering knowledge and skills, and act clearly and actively according to a pre-planned plan.

Stage 1. Goals and specialization

People come to one profession or another for different reasons. Self-realization, doing what you love and earning a good income, meeting new, interesting people, traveling the world - these are the main goals of those who want to become a translator. They may be different. The main thing is that they exist, otherwise you will not understand which direction to choose and what results to focus on.

The goals need to be specified, for which professional specialization will be chosen.

What would you like to do: an interpreter or a translator?

Cases when a person works either as an interpreter or as a translator in approximately the same proportion are quite rare. When choosing a profession as a translator, over time a person will decide which type of translation he likes best or is simply better suited to. Some people like to calmly translate at home, others find it a boring and monotonous task, and they try to work more orally. Let's look at the main directions in oral and written translation.

I want to become an interpreter

As a rule, interpreters are communicative, stress-resistant people who are not afraid of public speaking and have good working memory.

When it is necessary to translate orally, they do it sequentially or synchronously. If you want to work as an interpreter, it doesn't mean you just have to choose one of the options. “Synchron” is the highest degree of skill, not all people are initially suitable for such work, not everyone can master it at all, and not everyone wants to.

Who are consecutive interpreters?

A consecutive interpreter works like this: the speaker pronounces a small part of the speech (a sentence, a complete thought, a logical block), the interpreter translates, then the speaker pronounces the next part.

As a rule, consecutive translators are paid hourly. The rate depends on the language, city, type of event and your qualifications.

This is what sequential translation looks like

Who are "synchronized swimmers"?

A simultaneous interpreter translates almost simultaneously with the spoken speech (with a delay of 6-7 seconds). Not only will you have to understand speech perfectly and almost learn to think in a foreign language, you will also need to master working with special equipment. To the above qualities of any interpreter, add excellent reaction, attentiveness and utmost concentration - you will need all this during simultaneous interpretation.

Simultaneous interpreters work in pairs, changing every 30 minutes. But even so, their hourly wages are 1.5-2 times higher than for consecutive translation.

This is what simultaneous translation looks like

Success story of Faina Musaeva

The desire to become a translator appeared in the 11th grade, and I applied to St. Petersburg State University, to the Department of English Philology and Translation. After studying for 5 years, I decided to continue my education and entered the new master’s program of our department: “Innovative translation technologies - English.” Now this program is called “Simultaneous Translation”.

In 2008, when I was a 4th year student, I was first invited to work as a serial interpreter at an exhibition of Indian industry, and I got the job of a company that produced transformers. Product presentations, business negotiations - it was very interesting to translate for the first time not in a classroom, but at real meetings with potential partners. On the last day of the exhibition, my company signed an agreement of intent with a large Russian enterprise, which the director was extremely happy about. I went to my first simultaneous translation a little later, it was dedicated to international relations.

Now I work with almost any topic, and I’m glad that I chose a profession that allows me to constantly study, learn something new and meet a lot of interesting people. Over the past nine years, I have worked with eminent scientists, Nobel laureates, leading political figures, heads of multinational companies, representatives of renowned universities and international organizations.

As for tips and tricks, I would like to draw the attention of aspiring translators to the importance of receiving specialized education and choosing the companies with which they plan to cooperate. I have been working with the TranExpress translation agency since 2011, and I can note the professional work of project managers who are interested not only in successful work with clients, but also in creating comfortable working conditions for translators.
Faina Musaeva, simultaneous and consecutive interpreter

I want to become a translator

It is much easier to become a translator. Now anyone with a computer can translate, and the level of skill is checked by completing a test task, and not by appearance or the presence of diplomas. That is, you can work from home, you can even anonymously (if this is important to you). If you are an introvert by nature and would like to work in a calm, comfortable environment, try yourself as a translator.

Having analyzed how work is organized in our bureau, we would divide translators into 3 categories:

Translators of personal, template documents

Many people need translation of their personal documents for admission to a university, employment, obtaining a visa, traveling abroad and other purposes. Documents are repeated, and translators often use ready-made translation templates.

It is important to note that having a diploma in language proficiency at a professional level is a prerequisite for working as such a translator.

Template documents are translated at a low fixed rate.

Translators of general texts

Translators who have just received their education or are not yet confident in their abilities begin their journey with texts of general topics. This could be correspondence, simple presentations, journalism.

Keep in mind that payment for general texts is carried out at minimum rates.

Translators of specialized texts

Working with specialized texts (medical, legal, technical, etc.) presupposes competence in the relevant field. Therefore, the direction is well suited for those who have already established themselves in some profession (not a philologist), want to work at home, or are looking for part-time work in their specialty. Pure linguists begin to work with specialized texts only after accumulating a significant amount of knowledge on the topic.

Highly specialized texts are the most expensive

Yes, we deliberately did not classify literary translations into any of the categories, because this is an exclusively creative direction. It is hardly possible to give any recommendations on how to become a poetry translator. And the translation of literary works is rarely a translation as such.

Success story of Alexander Churakov

The choice of profession was not unexpected, since the desire to realize oneself in this particular area appeared by itself and did not disappear after graduating from school, and subsequently from a university with a degree in linguist-translator. The university offered an internship program in the USA, after which I became even more confident in my decision to become a translator.

He began to engage in translation practice in his free time from his main job in 2010, when, in order to get a general idea of the profession, its requirements and methods, he got a job in a translation agency at a notary office. Among the clients, it was rare, but still there were customers who wanted to personally control the entire process of order fulfillment and coordinate the necessary changes. The first large order was entrusted to the bureau for execution from just such a customer. Since by that time I had already repeatedly translated, edited and corrected small texts on legal topics, the quality of the translation of the contract assigned by the customer did not raise any complaints. Since everything developed in such a way that I had to work mainly in writing with contracts and other legal texts, I thought that the profession itself was pushing me to choose this direction. After a year, I decided to leave my job at the translation agency to start private practice. Having worked with both private clients and various translation agencies, I decided that cooperation with an agency seems more convenient, since it provides for fixed deadlines for fulfilling orders and allows me to actively develop myself in my chosen specialization.

To date, I have been translating contracts, constituent documents, court decisions and other legal texts for about seven years, I have no doubt about the correctness of my choice of profession and I am thinking about getting a second higher education in the field of law.
Alexander Churakov, translator (specializes in economics and jurisprudence)

Stage 2. Education

Going through this stage is not a problem. There are a huge number of possibilities. Here are the main ones:

Specialized translation education

The most obvious path along which most translators enter the profession is to obtain a translation education in the specialties of “translation”, “translation studies”, “linguistics”, “translator”, “referent-translator”, “specialist in intercultural communication” or other names vary from school to school. Translation education can be the main and only one or complement another special education (legal, economic, medical, technical, etc.) that you already have. This approach is most highly valued. It allows you to apply for a good position and significantly increases the chances of success of your own business. It can be recommended to those who initially set a goal to become a translator, including those who have a zero basic level.

Many large universities train translators in their foreign language or philological departments. There are also specialized linguistic universities, for example NGLU (Nizhny Novgorod State Linguistic University) or MSLU (Moscow State Linguistic University).

Translator training/retraining courses

If you do not want to spend several years obtaining a translator’s diploma, but are confident in your high level of language proficiency, you can take special training/retraining courses for translators. Many educational institutions offer such courses. There are also distance programs. The advantages are speed, convenience and a decent level of quality, however, it seriously depends on the educational institution and training program. It is recommended to take courses to improve the level of existing knowledge, to effectively transition from one specialization in the field of translation to another, as well as to obtain additional (translation) education. Choose educational institutions and programs that have a good reputation and allow you to receive an official diploma (certificate) of completion of training.

For example, many universities have an additional educational program “Translator in the field of professional communication.”

Here, for example, is the story of how a veterinarian became a translator

I never had a dream of becoming a translator, although I have liked foreign languages since childhood. But I also loved animals very much and was sure that I would become a veterinarian. And indeed, I received the appropriate education and even worked in my specialty for some time. At the same time, I studied German. First, because it became possible to take courses for free, and then the language began to open up and attract more and more people. Then it turned out that I moved to another city and started looking for a new job and something else to fill my leisure time. I found a job not in a veterinary clinic, but in a translation agency, and for the sake of my soul, I entered the Faculty of Philology to “finish up my German studies.” Having received a second degree, I entered the master's program in the field of Translation and Translation Studies, because I always liked translating, and by that time the first orders had already appeared. I tried different topics and even literary translation, but settled on what was interesting and familiar to me: medicine, biology, veterinary medicine. I try to develop professionally, read specialized literature, constantly learn new things - because this is what allows me not only to do my job well, but also to truly enjoy it.

Elena Veselovskaya, translator (specializing in medicine, biology, veterinary medicine)

Self-study

Not the most common way to become a translator, but there are precedents. Learn to translate yourself. Self-study can sometimes provide excellent knowledge and skills, but you will not be able to document them. This to some extent limits the possibilities of successful employment, because it will take a long time to earn a reputation, and without recommendations and positive reviews, new clients will be skeptical about your candidacy. Note:

Another feature of translators is constant training. Therefore, do not think that having received a diploma, your knowledge base will be enough until you are old. The translator continuously replenishes his vocabulary, monitors the situation in the world, studies new topics and delves into technological processes. Translation software is also constantly being improved and updated. In general, you must always be on topic!

Stage 3. Employment

So you have an education. The time has come to decide where and how to apply it, because theory without practice is worth nothing. The beauty of working as a translator is that the practice begins from the very first day of education, so to get a job you just have to gather your courage and transfer your translations from the status of “homework” to the status of “paid work”. So, where are translators needed?

Full-time translator

If you like working in an office, you can get a job as a full-time translator in a company or translation agency. As a rule, interpreters are not kept on staff, but translators are often needed. Having gained some experience, you can retrain as an editor.

software and hardware costs;

You will have to calculate and pay taxes yourself.

Maybe open a translation agency?

Translation activities are not licensed, so if you know how to look for clients, understand advertising, can handle accounting and paying taxes, you can try opening your own translation agency. Only, unfortunately, in this case you will have to kill the translator within yourself and raise a leader.

Those wishing to enter a university to become a translator definitely need to pass the Unified State Exam in Russian, mathematics and a foreign language. And in addition to this, social studies and geography. But each specific university sets its own disciplines, so check in advance.

An interesting, but also extremely difficult profession of translator! And wherever you work in this specialty: in an embassy, a company, an editorial office, or at home - just one incorrect interpretation of a phrase or keyword can lead not only to confusion, but even to an international scandal! And who is responsible? Of course, to a direct participant in the linguistic process - the translator.

On this occasion, I remembered Leonid Gaidai’s film Ivan Vasilyevich Changes Profession, and the words of Savely Kramarov’s hero Feofan: We had an interpreter... but he doesn’t knit bast - we boiled him in boiling water.

Of course, the punishments of the times of Ivan the Terrible, thank God, have long since sunk into oblivion, and it is unlikely that a language expert will be brought to any responsibility at all, but he can definitely lose his job, as well as his good name.

In order to enroll as a translator in Ukraine, you must pass the External Examination in the following subjects: Ukrainian language and literature, plus a specialized foreign language, and also, depending on the university, the history of Ukraine or World Literature.

Good luck with your exams!

First of all, for admission to the Faculty of Foreign Languages, confirmation of knowledge of a foreign language is required, then knowledge of the native language (Russian in the Russian Federation), literature and history. In principle, the usual set for a humanitarian university.

To enroll in linguistics departments, you must pass the Unified State Exam in Russian, English, literature or history. But it’s better for you to check directly with your university. The list of disciplines may vary depending on the university.

To enter the linguistic department of a university, you must pass a state exam in the foreign language you want to enroll in (German, English, French), your native language (in the Russian Federation - Russian, most likely - essay), history and literature. Different universities may have special requirements, which should be clarified directly at the place where you want to enroll.

For admission to the Faculty of Foreign Languages, mainly humanities subjects are taken: the state language and literature, foreign language, history are obligatory. I have not heard about other disciplines required for this specialty.

You can work as a translator after graduating from the Faculty of Philology. Some universities have a specialty called: Translation. In order to enter there in Ukraine, you must pass the following External Independent Assessment (EIA) exams:

Nowadays, the profession of a translator is not the highest paid, but you certainly won’t be left without work. And if you choose Chinese philology, your earnings will be higher.

I only know about Ukrainian universities. There they take a specialized foreign language (for example, English), Ukrainian and literature and history of Ukraine. But not all universities have to take history. In most universities it is English and Ukrainian.

I dare to suggest that in Russia these are English (or another major), Russian and literature and history of Russia.

In the Russian Federation, at the Faculty of Foreign Languages, I once took Russian language (essay), literature, history, foreign language, a mandatory interview in a foreign language. There are periodic changes, sometimes they will remove the literature exam, sometimes they will bring it back again.

In order to become a translator, you first need to know at least some foreign language (preferably English) well, since one of the main disciplines when passing exams for the Faculty of Foreign Languages is English, as well as the state language, after which comes additional disciplines, which are different in each university you go to, which it is better to learn about directly at the institution itself in order to avoid unnecessary inconsistencies. I will say that this profession is quite promising, therefore it is always in demand and there is a strict selection process, therefore it is better to make efforts, so that the work pays off in the future.

Translator- a general concept of specialists involved in translating spoken or written speech from one language to another. The profession is suitable for those who are interested in foreign languages and Russian language and literature (see choosing a profession based on interest in school subjects).

There are several explanations for where different languages came from. For example, the Bible describes the legend about the Tower of Babel. According to this legend, God confused the languages of the tower builders because of their desire to surpass him and excessive pride. People stopped understanding each other and dispersed around the globe without finishing the construction of the tower, which was supposed to reach the heavens.

There is an explanation in the differences in the language of people and from a scientific point of view. Even in prehistoric times, people began to speak different languages due to the separation due to the mountains, deserts and oceans located between them. Languages were formed in isolation among different tribes; one tribe had little contact with others. The greater the degree of geographic isolation, the more different the language is. On the plains, where it is easier to move, individual languages occupy very large spaces (Russian, for example). But whatever the background, there has long been a need for people who know more than just one native language.

Most modern people know not only their own language, but can also speak a foreign language to some extent. Tourism is actively developing, and with it comes the need to communicate with foreigners, to understand at least superficially the language of the country you are traveling to. Most often, the population learns English, which is increasingly taking the place of the universal language of international communication.

But for professional translation, competent, prompt and clear, people with special education and experience are needed. Such specialists are called translators. In a general sense, translators are divided into oral and written.

An important quality of an interpreter is the ability to create an atmosphere of mutual understanding and partnership. The specialist must understand that the success of the negotiations largely depends on him. It should help people with different cultures, mentalities and understand business differently to find a common language.

There are two types interpreters- sequential and synchronous.

A consecutive interpreter is indispensable at business negotiations, at events where some of the participants speak one language, and some speak another. In such cases, the speaker delivers his speech with short pauses so that the interpreter can formulate the phrase in the language of the listeners.

Simultaneous translation- the most difficult type of translation. Such translation is performed using specialized simultaneous translation equipment. A synchronized player must speak a foreign language almost better than his native language. The difficulty of the profession lies in the need to quickly understand and translate what is heard, and sometimes speak at the same time as the speaker. The most valued specialists are those who know how to construct competent and informative sentences that do not allow pauses in their speech.

Translators can translate technical, legal, fiction, business documents. Currently, more and more specialists are using modern technologies (for example, electronic dictionaries). Such special software for translators will help increase their productivity by up to 40%.

Technical translators work with technical texts containing special scientific and technical information. The distinctive features of such a translation are accuracy, impersonality and unemotionality. The texts contain many terms of Greek or Latin origin. The grammar of technical translations is specific and contains firmly established grammatical norms (for example, indefinite personal and impersonal constructions, passive phrases, impersonal forms of the verb). Types of technical translation include full written translation (the main form of technical translation), abstract translation (the content of the translated text is compressed), abstract translation, translation of headings and oral technical translation (for example, for training employees to work on foreign equipment).

Legal translation is aimed at translating specific texts related to the field of law. This translation is used to exchange professional information related to the socio-political and cultural characteristics of the country. In this regard, the language of legal translation must be extremely accurate, clear and reliable.

Legal translation can be divided into several types:

translation of laws, regulations and their drafts;
translation of agreements (contracts);
translation of legal opinions and memoranda;
translation of notarial certificates and apostilles (a special sign certifying signatures, the authenticity of a stamp or seal);
translation of constituent documents of legal entities;
translation of powers of attorney.

Translator of fiction- a specialist translating literary texts. He must, in addition to a comprehensive knowledge of a foreign language, have a good understanding of literature, a high level of command of words, and be able to convey the style and style of the author of the work being translated. There are many examples when recognized masters of words were involved in translations (V. Zhukovsky, B. Pasternak, A. Akhmatova, S. Marshak, etc.). Their translations are works of art in themselves.

Required professional skills and knowledge

perfect command of one or more foreign languages;
competent Russian language;
good knowledge of special terminology, both in the original language and in the target language (especially relevant for technical translators);
deep knowledge of literature and literary editing skills (for translators of fiction);
knowledge of the characteristics of language groups;
desire to improve knowledge of a foreign language every day.

Personal qualities

linguistic abilities;
high level of analytical thinking;
ability to store large amounts of information;
accuracy, patience, attentiveness;
high level of erudition;
fast reaction;
ability to concentrate and be attentive;
communication skills;
verbal abilities (the ability to coherently and very clearly express one’s thoughts, a rich vocabulary, well-spoken speech);
high efficiency;
politeness, tact.

Pros and cons of the profession

Pros:

possibility of implementation in different areas (written translation, simultaneous interpreter, translation of films, books, magazines, etc.);
a person who speaks a foreign language can find a very prestigious and highly paid job;
there is an opportunity to communicate with people from different countries and cultures;
high probability of business trips and travel.

Minuses

in different months the volume of transfers may vary several times, hence the unstable loading;
Translators are often paid not upon delivery of the material, but when payment arrives from the customer.

Place of work

press centers, radio and television centers;
international funds;
travel companies;
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, consulates;
book publishing houses, media;
translation agency;
museums and libraries;
hotel business;
international firms, companies;
international associations and associations;
international funds.

In modern business there is a tendency towards constant cooperation with foreign partners. This means that any company operating internationally must have at least one linguist-translator on its staff. This profession is in demand today because many companies are seeking to translate their official websites into foreign languages.

A qualified translator will be needed for business trips abroad, for conducting negotiations, and for translating correspondence coming from foreign colleagues. Knowing that the demand for specialists in this field is quite high, many school graduates who speak a foreign language well want to become a translator. If you are thinking about mastering this profession, then our material will be very useful to you.

Exams for translators

To enter the institute as a linguist-translator, graduates need to score as many Unified State Exam points as possible in the following disciplines:

Russian;
foreign language;
literature or history (to choose from).

At the same time, the state exam assumes the possibility of passing only four languages:

English,
French,
Spanish,
German

As a rule, when entering a university in the first year of study, the main emphasis is on in-depth study of your core language. In some institutions, a second language is introduced into the program from the second or third semester. In this case, the choice of a second language is made by the dean of the faculty, and not by students. Therefore, when searching for a university that is suitable for you, be sure to ask what additional foreign language is available. you have to study.

It is also worth clarifying exactly which subjects you need to pass in order to enter the university of your choice. Some educational institutions conduct additional interviews in a foreign language and require written tests. You can obtain all detailed information from the Faculty Dean's Office.

It is better to start preparing for the Unified State Exam a year before the date of exams and admission to university. First of all, this applies to a foreign language, which requires deep knowledge of grammar and vocabulary. The Unified State Exam will also test your skills in perceiving and understanding foreign speech, your ability to speak the language, writing and reading. This is a fairly serious exam that requires preparation.

Where to apply to become a translator

Nowadays it is very difficult to meet a true master of his craft who knows a lot about translations. Some translators today cannot find an open position or work as freelancers for a small fee. However, many qualified specialists are engaged in truly prestigious jobs in large companies, well-known publishing houses or embassies. Why is this happening? Poor knowledge does not mean that a person studied poorly: perhaps he was simply taught by weak teachers.

Not all universities can provide high-quality knowledge, therefore, when choosing a university, you should study its history in detail, look at the performance statistics of students in linguistic departments, and pay attention to the teaching staff. If possible, it is worth talking with graduates or senior students of the proposed place of study and find out all the ins and outs of the faculty that attracted you.

In Moscow there are a number of educational institutions that have long established themselves as the most prestigious linguistic universities in the country, where you can enroll as a linguist translator:

Moscow State Institute of International Relations;
Moscow State Linguistic University;
Moscow Institute of Foreign Languages;
Moscow State University named after M.V. Lomonosov (faculty of Higher School of Translation and faculty of Foreign Languages and Regional Studies);
Moscow Institute of Linguistics.

A translator is a very applied profession and will become a competitive advantage for anyone with any other specification - lawyer, economist, copywriter. At the same time, translation studies has grown in a sufficient number of activities for the linguist-translator to be considered one of the most sought-after specialists, if this is his only profile.

How should his training be structured so that yesterday’s student is competitive in the translation services market? What subjects should I take as a translator? What specialties are open to young people who are interested in becoming a linguist?

What faculties and specialties can you choose?

As for the last question, each educational institution in Russia that educates philologists offers its own set of specialties. We have combined the most effective techniques of linguistics in a training program for translations and translation studies. The specialty is complex and includes the study of the history of translation culture, familiarization with the characteristics of different native speakers, and deep immersion in different types of work with texts.

In addition to the linguistic faculty, you can become a translator after high-quality industry training at Synergy in the areas of Internet marketing, hotel services, sports management and marketing (professional language training is provided).

What do you need to pass to become a translator?

What you need to take to become a translator, in terms of test format, depends only on the applicant himself (the chosen starting point).

When entering after 11th grade, a sufficiently high score on the Unified State Exam (the set of subjects is slightly lower).
When choosing a translator's education as a second higher education, it is enough to pass an internal interview (profile language).
In some cases (not enough points on the Unified State Exam), applicants are tested for language proficiency.

Our doors are open to college students with excellent grades and winners of Olympiads/other competitions in foreign languages without examination. We value young people who value and know the business.

Admission after 11th grade

What to take to become a translator after 11th grade? The set of Unified State Exam subjects on which decisions are made:

Russian;
social science;
specialized foreign (you need to take the language that the applicant wants to study - English, French, German or Spanish).

Entrance exams for admission

For each applicant who wants to be fluent in a foreign language, there is a different algorithm of actions. To be admitted, everyone must submit a standard package of documents with an application form (it includes information based on the results of the examination) and undergo an interview.

This is a bachelor's degree in linguist. When choosing related areas, 11th graders have the right to decide for themselves what to do - apply for a place in the specialty of linguist or go to college (hotel services, sports management), after which they can continue their professional development while already employed. Enrollment of college students is based on the results of the Unified State Examination.

What is training

Why is the employment of our colleges and students “inevitable”? We have worked out the training program so that from the first year everyone can prove themselves. The emphasis is on practice - spoken, written, synchronous in the real field of commercial activity. In total - 900 hours of foreign (English) language.

Our classes are conducted in small groups so that each student receives sufficient practical workload. The set of languages mastered may differ - in parallel with English, our students learn Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, French (everyone makes their own choice).

We constantly invite foreign guests, speakers, celebrities - native speakers - to enhance the quality of students' pronunciation. Our own I-Camp is an excellent tool for constantly practicing the acquired skills of our students: it is informative, useful and promising.