Q- What is translation?

A - A funny question some might think, but actually not many people know what translation really is and what it is that translators actually do (Well, they translate...right?). In fact, the neural processes at work while we translate are so complex that, even to this day, we still do not fully understand how that functions. We managed to create Big Blue, a computer capable of winning a chess match against the best human player in the world, but we still have not been able to build a computer to match a translator. However, a four year old child is already capable to translate some concepts.

Translation is, basically, the process of transformation and transfer from one language to another, whether in oral or written form. Speech translation is also called interpretation. Translations have many forms and concern many areas. But they all do the same thing, they go from language A to language B.

Q- How does one become a translator?

A - In general, one can be a translator after graduating from a university. Some translators are specialists in an area that are fluent in more than one language. Some countries demand to have some form of certification or even to become member of a professional associaton to have the right to offer translation services. To become an interpretor calls for other capacities usually expected in professionals working directly with the public. A bilingual individual does not automatically become a translator. Some multilingual persons make very bad translators.

Q- What are the prices?

A - The fees vary according a great number of parameters: deadlines, workload, translation type, domain, language combination. A translation with very tight deadline calls for an increased fee. The same goes for a translation of advanced technology documents, or with a complex terminology. The fees are almost always calculated on a 'per word' basis, which can be negociated.

Q- What is i-translator for?

A - The site you are currently reading has been created to provide free internet space for freelance translators, those who do not work in a translation firm, or that are not affiliated to a specific business. Any translator can subscribe by sending their resumes, and for an unlimited time be part of this website; they can eventually receive contracts sent directly in their e-mail addresses.