Spanish to English Translatorfrom Spanish to English (UK)

The demand for Spanish to English translators is virtually skyrocketing. This happening for the following reasons and then some:

• Spanish speaking individuals are moving to English speaking countries
• Tourism from Spanish speaking countries into English speaking countries is on the rise
• Companies are taking advantage of the opportunity to expand into Spanish speaking countries
• Brands are seeing the value in marketing to Spanish speaking audiences in their native language
• Self published authors entertainers and others want to sell their material to Spanish speaking audiences

Of course, there are many more reasons that could be added to this list. The result of all of these factors is that demand for Spanish to English translators is on the rise. This includes people who are able to translate technical documents, legal documents, personal documents, business documents, and more. There is also a demand for Spanish to English interpreters, and for those who can provide interpretation and translation services for television, video, podcasts, games, and apps.

Requirements

In order to be a successful Spanish to English translator, it is preferred that you are a native Spanish speaker. Most clients prefer to use translators who are citizens or were born and raised in the country for which they are requesting a translation. For example, a company that wishes to have its employee manuals translated to Spanish for an expansion into Mexico will prefer a translator who is a Mexican native rather than one who is from Spain. However, in some instances there are exceptions to this. If cultural understanding is less of an issue hiring a native translator may not be mandatory. It should be noted that there is an increasing demand for Spanish to English translators in American communities.

Spanish to English translators must have a proven background and experience in translating from Spanish to English. A college degree or training is often required, but is not always mandatory. Keep reading to learn more about the specific skills required of translators.

Skills And Certifications

The skills required for Spanish to English translation jobs can vary. Many general translation jobs require a mastery of both English and Spanish in written and spoken form. However, translating is more than simply changing words and sentences from one language to another. A translator must be able to retain the original meaning as well as important nuances. In addition to this, a translator must understand local culture and how certain phrasing, references, or examples might not translate directly. It is the job of the translator to recognize these things, communicate concerns to the client, and in some cases make approved modifications to insure that messaging is kept intact and that unintentional offense is not created.

In addition to understanding Spanish and its nuances, many projects require a translator to have specific, industry related experience. For example, translating a legal brief from Spanish to English requires an understanding of the laws and statutes that addressed in that briefing. Likewise, translating a technical manual is best done by a translator with education and experience in a relevant field. Of course, it goes without saying that medical translations should only be completed by professionals.

There are many certification agencies who test and provide certification to qualified translators. For example, translators living in the United States are frequently certified through the ATA. There are many other certifying agencies worldwide. Some are associated with specific industries while others are attached to private organizations or schools. However, it is important to recognize that while many clients ask for certified translators, not all do. Instead, it is more important to have the ability to complete the affidavit that must accompany many translations. Because of this, the ability to notarize documents can be just as valuable as possessing any certification.

Conclusion

Whether you are pursuing translation work as a full time career or simply seeking part time income, there are many opportunities available for Spanish to English translators.