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Original poster

Ant translators around?

22 replies

SeeMoreStars · 05/12/2018 21:14

I have a language degree and am thinking of studying to be a translator, maybe a Masters by distance learning. But is there much work about for translators? Any advice appreciated.

OP posts:

Asdf12345 · 05/12/2018 21:19

Depends on the language and specialism within it, I have worked with some who seem to be constantly drowning in work yet know a few people from school who really struggle.

Middle Eastern languages, Russian, and Eastern European languages with industrial or medical specialisms seems good from my limited interactions, Western European languages seems a dead zone (though I have heard complex legal translation is good).

SpiderJoe · 05/12/2018 21:46

I'm fluent in beetle if that's of any use?

ImBreakingBad · 05/12/2018 21:51

@SpiderJoe Nanny Plum is on MN!!!!

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General education

LittleLlamaontheduskyroad · 05/12/2018 21:53

I don't speak Ant, but I think Nanny Plum does

BadgerWithRice · 05/12/2018 22:02

Judging by my dating history, I’m fluent in scrounging cockroach if that helps?

WhoNose88 · 05/12/2018 22:02

One of my family members makes a very good living doing technical translations (mostly French, Spanish or Portuguese into English) but these days I understand you do need some specialist knowledge in a particular field.

GinIsIn · 05/12/2018 22:08

My ant is rusty but I speak fluent caterpillar, and conversational bee?

MacavityTheDentistsCat · 05/12/2018 22:17

I would say that it really depends on your language(s) and specialisms.

I'm a German -> English translator and work in Germany for a law firm. I do complex legal translations (my degree was in law not languages) and have more than enough to do.

It's a difficult profession though. Few really understand the complexity of the translation process and are prepared to pay a commensurate amount for it. Moeover, tools such as Deepl, which have their place but are by no means perfect, are not making life any easier.

It can be a rewarding job, especially if you like language and your specialism, but it can also be a hard slog and feel surprisingly uncreative.

allyouneedis · 05/12/2018 22:26

😂 😂

Pinkyponkcustard · 05/12/2018 22:28

@FenellaMaxwellsPony

Tidythatmess · 05/12/2018 23:12

I had a language degree and a masters in translation. I have just left the profession after 5 years working freelance as I am sick of having to bid for jobs within the quickest turnaround and for the lowest rates. If I could get a job as an in-house translator I would jump at the chance but there are no opportunities for that in my remote location.
I originally wanted to work freelance to fit around my young children however in order to keep up with my workload I pulled many all-nighters and all-weekenders to meet tight deadlines or else the agencies would have went with another translator.

peachypetite · 05/12/2018 23:16

Tidy that - did you not have any direct clients?

AHeartAPenny · 05/12/2018 23:19

My DB (not on MN afaik) used to translate for a company called RWS who do legal translations of various kinds. He has a language degree but no translation degree. He does have some experience in the field he was translating though (biochemistry or something like that - way out of my remit!) Might be worth looking at them if they're hiring; you might be able to get a feel for translation work before committing to the degree.

Unihorn · 05/12/2018 23:20

I came on looking for various insect language related comments and was not disappointed. Thanks.

Tidythatmess · 06/12/2018 09:32

peachy I had some direct clients but as I was working in a very specific field the work wasn't regular enough. I registered with 3 different agencies who sent me work extremely regularly that I really enjoyed so I stayed with them. Unfortunately I wasn't allowed to contact the clients directly so just kept working through the agencies until they started paying less and less. and insisting I used their specific software, which resulted in their rates paid decreasing too. in the end I was working every hour i could for pennies, and it was affecting my family life so I decided to give up being freelance.

JoeElliotsMullet · 06/12/2018 09:41

I have a smattering of earwig if that helps and I can say “My house is on fire” in Ladybird
😂

ImBreakingBad · 06/12/2018 09:46

We’re needing Gaston to join. I believe he’s fluent in mole rat?

PerkingFaintly · 06/12/2018 09:47

PP presumably also fluent in spider, badger, pony and cat.

Yulebealrite · 06/12/2018 09:49

Does knowing ant pay well? I'm considering taking a course.

peachypetite · 06/12/2018 09:52

Come on guys the OP is looking for advice, stop cluttering up the thread with crap

KissingInTheRain · 06/12/2018 09:55

Don’t do ant. Too many dialects.

Spider is a good one to start with. But it does have 200 words for “squashed”.

peachypetite · 06/12/2018 09:57

OP - I did a MA in translation and have worked in house as a translator. This was invaluable experience for strengthening my skills and I didn't have to worry about finding work. I'm thinking of freelancing eventually but there are cons. However I don't always want to work for someone else. I would check out a couple of books - the entrepreneurial linguist by the Jenner twins, and check out the translators teacup blog. Which languages do you have?

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