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Translation tools are more accessible than ever, and users, including translators, can now access machine translation (MT) via web browsers, applications, plug-ins, APIs, and even directly on the user interface of some smartphones. MT can now also be integrated with more systems and applications, including AI-enabled automation. Based on Slator’s continuous coverage of translation technology research and advancements in the field, there...
Generative Artificial Intelligence can now be accessed by virtually anyone, not just through dialogue-type prompts in well-known models, such as ChatGPT , but also through AI -enabled tools like Notion AI and Readwise Reader , which offer users user-friendly interfaces to take advantage of multiple levels of automation. Some of the most useful ways in which AI can help linguists enhance their productivity are terminology extraction...
Linguists are typically not unidimensional. In fact, linguists are some of the most multidisciplinary professionals, with innate code-switching abilities that transcend translation and interpreting.  As automation changes the way translators and interpreters work and make a living, job diversification becomes a distinct option for them as linguists, which is the foundation of what they do, applying different skills based on the job at hand....
Translation plays a vital role in connecting cultures and enabling effective communication. However, with the rise of AI, the landscape of translation is undergoing significant changes, raising more ethical considerations for translators. The ethical dilemmas include issues such as maintaining confidentiality, dealing with sensitive content, and upholding cultural sensitivity. Technology and Ethics The integration of AI and machine...
Depending on your language combination, area of specialism, and where you are based, it may not be easy to find junior translator positions. Compared to other professions, finding graduate roles, junior titles, or internships in translation can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack. The key is to seek out ways to gain experience and learning opportunities, no matter how big or small. Here are just a few ways to give yourself a leg up...
You may have a language-related qualification, or several. You may have experience; maybe even more than just a few years. But no industry is static; languages and job requirements move.  Continuous Professional Development ( CPD ), or just Professional Development (PD), means maintaining, improving, and expanding your knowledge and skills as a professional linguist and actively engaging in activities to do so. It is essential for every...
The way we live and work is constantly evolving, and the language industry is no exception. The good news is that the language industry is growing and there is significant demand for interpreters. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment of interpreters and translators will grow 20% within a decade (from 2021 to 2031), which is significantly faster than other professions. The most common interpretation services being...
Professional associations exist in almost every industry in all corners of the world. And for good reason. So, let’s take a look at what key qualities define a professional association in the language industry, why joining a professional association is beneficial to veteran linguists and fledgling translators alike, the different types of associations, and a few noteworthy examples from around the world. What is a Professional Association...
Being a ‘specialist’ in the translation field is not clearly defined, but for freelance linguists, ‘specializing’ generally denotes a focus on one or more specific fields rather than trying to translate every document that comes your way. Sometimes less really is more and here’s why. The Benefits Specializing enables you to work more efficiently and earn more since the more you know, the quicker you can work and the more projects you can...
All freelance translators know their success depends on their ability to find, win over, and keep clients. But some translators target specific potential buyers, which can be broadly categorized as either direct clients or agencies. The difference can impact a translator’s day-to-day work, resume, or career progress. Job Stability With mass layoffs making headlines worldwide, it’s natural for translators to consider the long-term...
Knowing what to charge as a freelance translator is a very big challenge. How much you should charge is on a case-by-case basis and can be influenced by a number of factors. These factors include the domain you are working in, the deadlines that you are working to, and the language pair.  Domain Domain expertise is one factor that affects the price. For example, a legal or technical document requires specialized knowledge and experience...
Medical writers have to adhere to numerous guidelines and regulations surrounding what can or cannot be said about a medical or a pharmaceutical product. Marketing language is even trickier, as copywriters have to transmit a message that captures the advantages of a product, at the same time staying within regulatory language constraints . By the time medical and pharmaceutical promotional materials reach the stage of transcreation , a...