Freelance translators play an important role in connecting businesses, cultures and people from around the world. However, there are many misconceptions about what translators do and how they work. In this post, I’ll debunk some of these myths and shine a light on the important contributions of freelance translators.
1. “Translators just convert words”
The most popular misconception is that translators simply replace words from one language with those from another. In reality, translation is far more complex. A translator considers the cultural context, tone and style of the text, rendering it into the target language with creativity and precision. Every day, we use our imagination and expertise to overcome challenges such as untranslatable concepts, tricky rhymes and highly technical terminology, ensuring the translation maintains the same level of impact as the original text.
2. “Anyone bilingual can translate my text”
While being bilingual is an essential starting point, it’s not enough. Translation is a complex skill that requires extensive study, as well as a deep understanding of the cultural and aspects involved in rendering a message from one language to another. A professional translator must also have an excellent command of grammar, punctuation and spelling, as well as a refined, engaging writing style.
3. “Freelance translation is an easy job”
The freelance lifestyle is often romanticised, but it comes with its challenges. Freelance translators juggle deadlines, fluctuating workloads and the need to constantly market themselves. It’s a rewarding career, but far from a simple one. We work diligently to stay competitive, investing in continuous learning, certifications and software. Alongside delivering high-quality translation services, we manage all other aspects of our business, from marketing to accounting.
4. “Translators interpret live speech”
This is perhaps the most common misconception I encounter when I explain that I’m a freelance translator. Many people understandably confuse the roles of translator and interpreter, as both involve conveying a message from one language to another. However, the two professions are not one and the same. Interpreters work in live settings, providing real-time translation between speakers, while translators focus on the written word, working behind the scenes to translate a variety of online and printed materials, such as websites, contracts and manuals.
5. “Hiring a freelance translator is too expensive”
Quality translation is an investment, not an expense. Hiring a professional ensures your message is translated in a way that is clear and culturally appropriate, saving you from costly mistakes. What’s more, freelance translators can deliver more personalised and flexible services compared to agencies, as well as more competitive rates due to lower overhead costs. Bypassing the intermediary can lead to significant cost savings, especially for long-term or ongoing projects.
Final thoughts
In this post, I’ve outlined some of the major misconceptions about the work of a freelance translator. Far from being a dispensable “tool” that can be replaced by machine translation or AI, freelance translators are a valuable asset to any business, pouring all their hard work and expertise into the content they create.