Today almost everyone knows almost everything about globalization. Globalization means a lot of things, both good and bad. All depends on the standpoint. I do not intend to complicate things with comments on the nature, importance and meaning of globalization. Suffice it to say that this process has totally transformed today's world and turned it into a Global village. Modern communication and information technologies have drastically changed all markets, including the services market. And this is the subject of my comment.
The business, or market, if you prefer, for translation services makes no exception. The market has become very competitive. There is a vast availability of translation agencies and freelancers, especially in major languages like English. No need to mention new online services. Quality is often compromised for speed and price considerations. Professional translators compete on a global basis. Prices have fallen drastically, more often than not, at the expense of quality.
Who benefits and who loses from this?
Unfortunately, it is not the customer, nor the translator who have profited by these developments. Many clients in need of urgent translation services do not understand and underestimate the work of the translator. They often regard spending money on translation as an inevitable evil. They forget that the translated text (be it a manual, presentation or business correspondence) is also an advertisement for their business. Advertising, however, is a sector with rising importance, budgets and profits in the Global village. Some clients even think that anyone who knows two languages to a certain extent can "translate". However, there is much more to translation than just that.Words are more than just meaning: words convey emotions and cultural concepts, some exist in one language but some do not exist in the other. It is the translator's job to create target texts, which are truthful copies of the original. Translation is a demanding process and not everybody who knows two or more languages can master.
Of course, only a part of this problem can be solved by translators themselves. As any other business translation is a two-way street. A lot depends on customers and their education. Some things depend on the market. Broker agencies also have a role to play.
On our part, as translators, we should always try to stick to good business ethics, educate customers, get a fair treatment from translation agencies, and avoid scams. When dealing with agencies and direct clients make sure you settle all requirements, especially the terms of payment - rate per source or target word/line,when and how payment will be received, etc., before accepting the job. If uncertain, ask friends and colleagues for assistance.
And remember: in our field sharing experiences by networking is the key to success.
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