ATA Certification Program

A faithful translation is one which conveys the message as the author intended it . For example, a literal word-for-word translation of “it was raining cats and dogs” would be nonsensical and would not faithfully convey the original as the author intended it. The translator would have to find an equivalent idiom in the target language in order to convey the meaning of the original. —Think of another situation where a translation might not convey the message as the author intended it.

to satisfy the needs of the end user(s).

The translator/interpreter must make an effort to be informed about the intended audience and the purpose of the translation. For example, a source text might be handled differently in translation depending upon whether it is being used as evidence in a court case or in a marketing campaign.

—Think of a situation where a “faithful” translation might not satisfy the needs of the end user.

I acknowledge that this level of excellence requires:

1. mastery of the target language equivalent to that of an educated native speaker;

   Ideally, most professional translators will translate in only one direction into one target language. Some translate from several source languages into one target language. Interpreters are often called upon to interpret in both directions.

   Translators and interpreters must both have in-depth knowledge of vocabulary, syntax, grammar, and culture in both target and source languages. They must also have broad general knowledge. In addition, translators must have excellent writing skills in their target language.

   —Do you think that all translators and interpreters should have college degrees? Why or why not?

2. up-to-date knowledge of the subject material and its terminology in both languages;

   Many translators and interpreters specialize in fields they have previously studied or worked in. They become subject-area specialists by taking courses, collecting parallel texts to extract terminology, attending conferences, and consulting with other translators and subject-area experts.

   —Do you have an area of expertise in which you could claim to be a specialist?

3. access to information resources and reference materials, and knowledge of the tools of my profession;

   Translators and interpreters must have excellent research skills drawing on the Internet, print materials, list serves, and on-line glossaries for terminology and background material. Translators must also have excellent computer skills and be familiar with software specifically for translators and localizers.

   —What information resources do you have to draw on?

4. continuing efforts to improve, broaden, and deepen my skills and knowledge.

Successful translators and interpreters are avid readers of a wide variety of material. They participate in on-line terminology discussions, and they attend conferences and other continuing education opportunities whenever possible. They welcome and encourage feedback on their work.

—What can you do to broaden your skills?

There is a delicate balance between knowing your limitations and being willing to take on a new subject area in order to expand your skills. Self-knowledge at this level comes with experience and education.

—Think of a subject area in which you should turn down a potential job.

—Think of a subject area that is beyond your current range of knowledge in which you would accept a job. Why would you accept it?

Confidentiality often extends beyond the obvious. Translators and interpreters must be careful to avoid even the perception of breaching confidentiality.

—Think of a translation or interpreting situation in which confidentiality is not an issue.

“Unresolved difficulties” could be a convoluted source text, terminological conundrums, the need for a deadline extension, or anything else that might prevent the on-time delivery of a quality product.

A translator should inform the client as soon as possible if he or she does not understand the source text, cannot confirm terminology, or is not going to be able to meet the deadline. Interpreters working on-site should inform the client immediately if problems arise on the job.

—What can a translator or interpreter do if an emergency prevents him or her from fulfilling the terms of an agreement?

If we cannot resolve a dispute, we will seek arbitration.

Most disputes have to do with late payment, non-payment, and/or non-performance. Non-performance disputes can sometimes be settled by bringing in a third party to evaluate the translation and reaching a compromise regarding compensation.

The ATA does not intervene in commercial disputes between members.

—How would you respond if a client found serious errors in your translation?

Always get permission before using a client's name as a reference.

—What are some appropriate ways of informing potential clients about your past experience and specific projects?

If you are known to an end client through a T&I company, it is considered unethical to accept work from the end client even if the end client approaches you.

—What would be an appropriate way to handle the situation described above?

Most freelance translators and interpreters get their start working for T&I companies. A translator or interpreter may work for as many T&I companies as he or she wants; T&I companies do not have exclusive contracts with the translators who work for them.

I further commit myself to the following practices with translators and interpreters:

It is acceptable for translators and interpreters to negotiate agreements proposed by T&I companies and to request changes in contracts.

—Think of a situation in which the translator or interpreter might not want to sign a contract without requesting revisions.

Unless otherwise stated in a signed contract, T&I companies should not withhold payment for services rendered even if there are perceived problems with the translation or interpreting service. Translators and interpreters should be paid on time regardless of whether or not the T&I company has been paid by the end client. When disputes regarding quality arise, compromises should be sought.

—Think of a compromise that would work in a situation where a translation for publication is deemed accurate but poorly written.

and I will not capriciously change job descriptions after work has begun.

Sometimes clients revise their source texts after the translator has begun to translate the text. If the content or length of a project changes after the project has begun, the terms of the contract, especially compensation and deadlines, should be revised to reflect the changes in the scope of the project.

—Think of a situation where the job description might change after the translator has started to translate.

If a T&I company is not satisfied with the quality of a translation, the T&I company should send a copy of the final edited text to the translator. Disputes about quality can often be resolved by seeking compromises regarding compensation.

—Is it a good idea for a T&I company to return a poorly translated text to the translator for revisions? Why or why not?

If we cannot resolve a dispute, we will seek arbitration.

Most disputes have to do with late payment, non-payment, and/or non-performance. Non-performance disputes can sometimes be settled by bringing in a third party to evaluate the translation and compromising about compensation.

The ATA does not intervene in commercial disputes between members.

—What kind of a compromise might a T&I company and a translator reach about a non-performance dispute?

This refers to the practice of requesting long sample translations from prospective translators. Translators should not be expected to translate more than a page or so as an unpaid sample without compensation.

—If a T&I company requires longer sample translations for a particular project, what are the possibilities?

When bidding on projects, especially government work, T&I companies are often asked to include the qualifications of the independent contractors they intend to work with. T&I companies should not include the names or CV's of translators or interpreters without the express permission of the translator or interpreter.

—If a bid requires that a T&I company mention specific independent contractors, what is an appropriate way to compile such a list?

The translator's name should appear on the jacket and on the title page of book translations.

—Can you think of any other situations where is would be appropriate to give credit to the translator in print?

Situations to ponder

• I will be truthful about my qualifications and will not accept any assignments for which I am not fully qualified.
  You are a business translator and are asked to interpret for a delegation coming to the US for two weeks to study petroleum processing equipment for possible use in their home country. How will you respond and why?
  
  
  

• I will respect and refrain from interfering with or supplanting any business relationship between my client and my client's client.
  You were sent to a law firm by a translation company to help them sort through documents. One of the lawyers asks you to translate an unrelated document and tells you he can pay you better rates than you get through the translation company. How will you respond and why?
  
  
  

• I will not require translators or interpreters to do unpaid work for the prospect of a paid assignment.
  A translation company asks you to do a 500-word sample translation to see if you are qualified for a large upcoming assignment. How will you respond and why?