Author Topic: Jobs as a translator  (Read 2341 times)

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Offline flipflop

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Jobs as a translator
« on: August 30, 2003, 12:00:48 AM »
While I was in college in Spain I made some extra cash translating documents for teachers. Does anyone know a good place to start looking for translating work in Madrid? What can I expect for payment?  
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Offline Tracy

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Jobs as a translator
« Reply #1 on: September 02, 2003, 02:27:36 PM »
Hmmm... very good question. And I cannot remember if you are a fluent in Spanish or not!!!

Truth is, you'd have to translate docs unofficially unless you could pass the translators tests in Spain. In other words, you couldn't really work as a licenced translator in Spain because you'd need to be certified by the professional association of translators, as well as the government, as well as be ABSOLUTELY fluent (slang included) in both languages. Usually this means being bi-lingual (having been raised with two languages as your main language).

However, with all this certification and pomp and circumstance that goes with having docs officially translated, this makes it very expensive for people wanting little, unofficial docs translated. And I am sure, there is a growing market for this.

If I were you, I would peruse the pages of Segundamano and see if you can estimate what the pros are charging. Then cut about 50% off your cost, place an ad and see what happens. You will have to acknowledge that you are UNOFFICIAL. Many translated docs need an official seal or stamp of authenticity and unless you earn it, you could not claim to offer it.

Cabiz? Does this help?  :blink:

tracy
"I Know Who I Am and Who I  May Be If I Choose," Don Quijote de la Mancha, Miguel de Cervantes

Offline flipflop

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Jobs as a translator
« Reply #2 on: September 03, 2003, 02:58:49 PM »
As always Tracy your advise is very helpful. I do happen to be bilingual. I grew up speaking spanish at home in the states and learned english in school. My spanish wasn't great but then I studied in Spain for 4 years, so it got almost perfect (slight accent I don't think I will ever get rid of). I got the slang down pretty quick I think it is the first thing you learn. Do you have any other information on the \"professional association of translators\", getting certified is something I may consider.
Silence it hit me as a way to speak clearly.

Offline Tracy

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« Reply #3 on: September 04, 2003, 01:24:28 PM »
Ooh so very exciting. I'll get that info for you Flip! Give me a couple days.
 :)  
"I Know Who I Am and Who I  May Be If I Choose," Don Quijote de la Mancha, Miguel de Cervantes