TRANSLATORS, TERMINOLOGISTS, AND INTERPRETERS

Translators translate written material from one language to another. Terminologists conduct research to itemize terms connected with a certain field, define them and find equivalents in another language. Interpreters translate oral communication, such as speeches, proceedings and dialogue, from one language to another. Sign language interpreters use sign language to translate spoken language and vice versa during meetings, conversations, television programs or in other instances. 

Common Job Titles

Community Interpreter

Conference Interpreter

Court Interpreter

Interpreter

Interpreter for the Deaf

Legal Terminologist

Literary Translator

Localisor

Medical Terminologist

Sign Language Interpreter

Terminologist

Translator

Translator-reviser 

Typical Employers

federal, provincial and municipal governments

large corporations

social service agencies

elementary and secondary schools

in-house translation services

international organizations

media

courts

Selected Main Duties

Translators and translator-revisers perform some or all of the following duties:

• Translate a variety of written material such as correspondence, reports, legal documents, technical specifications and textbooks from one language to another, maintaining the content, context and style of the original material;

• Localize software and accompanying technical documents to adapt them to another language and culture;

• Revise, edit, proofread and check translated material;

• Train and supervise other translators. 

Terminologists perform some or all of the following duties:

• Identify the terminology used in a field of activity;

• Conduct documentary and terminological research for the preparation of glossaries, technological

files, dictionaries, lexicons and resource centres and add to terminological databases;

• Manage, update and circulate linguistic information collected from terminological databases;

• Provide consultative services to translators, interpreters and technical writers preparing legal,

scientific or other documents requiring specialized terminologies. 

Interpreters perform some or all of the following duties:

• Interpret oral communication from one language to another aloud or using electronic equipment

either simultaneously (as the speaker speaks) or consecutively (after the speaker speaks);

• Interpret language for individuals and small groups travelling in Canada and abroad;

• Provide interpretation services in court or before administrative tribunals; Sign language interpreters perform some or all of the following duties:

• Translate sign language to a spoken language and vice versa either simultaneously or consecutively. 

Translator's work environment is usually quiet and equipped with dictionaries and other reference materials, now generally on-line. Interpreters work in soundproof booths listening through earphones to the speaker whose speech they are interpreting. Salaried translators work normal office hours with some overtime. Freelance translators work irregular hours depending on the work available. Sign language interpreters work in groups and individual situations and must be aware of the special needs of the deaf. 

Education/Training

A university degree in translation is required with a specialization in translation, interpretation or terminology in two languages including at least one of the two official languages. Alternate requirement could be a university degree in a related discipline such as languages, linguistics, philology and courses in linguistic transfer and two years experience as a full-time translator working in two languages, at least one of which is an official language. Five years experience as a full-time translator working in two languages, at least one of which is an official language, may also qualify individuals to work in this occupation. Sign language interpreters require a college or other training program in sign language interpretation.

The reserved titles of certified translator, certified conference interpreter, certified court interpreter and certified terminologist are granted by the Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario under Ontario provincial statute and may be used only by translators who have passed the standardized national certification examination administered by the Canadian Translators and Interpreters Council. Translators, terminologists and interpreters tend to specialize in two languages, such as French and English, the official languages of Canada. They may also specialize in another language and one of the official languages. A minimum of three languages is usually required for translators and interpreters employed by international organizations. The main areas of specialization include administrative, literary, scientific and technical translation. Interpreters may specialize in court, parliamentary or conference interpretation. 

Employment Prospect

Over the next five years: Average Opportunities for employment in this occupation are expected to be average over the period from 2009 to 2013. In addition to openings due to growth, many jobs will be created each year from the need to replace workers who retire. Demand for these workers will be good over the forecast period as international immigration and trade expands. Work prospects will be particularly good for translators in health care, law, ecology and other scientific and technical fields. In Ontario, demand for translators of Spanish, French and Asian into English or French are likely to have better employment prospects. Employers are also increasingly seeking individuals with expertise in three or more languages. While technology has made the work of interpreters and translators easier, their employment growth will not decline as a result of technology as these innovations are incapable of delivering comparable results. However, this occupation will be affected by outsourcing to other countries. 

Additional Information Sources

Additional information about this occupation can be obtained from the following web sites:

• Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario (www.atio.on.ca)

• Canadian Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters Council (CTTIC) (www.cttic.org)

• Canada Public Works - Translation Bureau (www.btb.gc.ca)