As translators, making sure that our language skills are top-notch is essential. We not only have to make sure that our source language skills remain up-to-date but also need to keep tabs on the language that we translate into. The pressures and time constraints that we face in our daily lives mean that this can be challenging, particularly when you don’t live in a country where your source language(s) or target language is spoken.
To help with this week’s post, I decided to use Twitter to ask translators how they maintain their language skills. I’ve compiled a selection of ideas based on the replies that I received. Here’s a few things to try:
- Read often and widely
Translators are bookworms through and through, it seems. By far the most popular method of maintaining language skills is reading: books, newspapers, magazines and quality websites. Reading is a great way to keep up with the latest terminology and language trends but can also help you to improve your writing style and to familiarise yourself with a range of registers.
- Watch/listen to television, films, radio and podcasts
Many translators watch TV and films or listen to the radio in their source and/or target languages. Thanks to the Internet, many radio stations and some television programmes can be accessed online. Podcasts are also a great way to keep up your language skills and the fantastic advantage of these is that you can listen to or watch them on the go using an MP3 player or other compatible device. Great for busy translators!
- Network with other translators and make friends with people who speak your languages
Getting to know other people who speak your languages, particularly your source language(s), is very worthwhile: not only will you get the opportunity to practice your skills, but your social life will get a boost too! Networking with other translators means that you will not only meet like-minded people but might even get some new business into the bargain.
You can meet people face-to-face at social and business events, online in chat rooms, forums and on Twitter, through clubs and associations. To meet other translators working with your languages, your local translators’ association is a great place to start.
- Start a language club
This fantastic idea came from Cora Bastiaansen, who started a French-speaking club to help maintain her source language skills. I have come across similar clubs before, sometimes known as “conversation groups”. Why not start a group in your area and arrange to meet others who speak your language(s) or who are learning your language(s) on a regular basis?
Thanks to @pikorua, @angeldominguez, @Textklick, @Transtextuel, @NTceline, @ilarytranslates and @Corabas for their contributions. Please feel free to share any other ideas by leaving a comment.
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At last - a marketing translation blog. Thanks, Serena.
Excellent post. This is an issue we have been meaning to write about for a while, as we have several source and target languages, making it quite a challenge to keep up with them. We grew up trilingually in three countries, but languages are jealous if you don’t keep up with them and take care of them! Sorry I did not see your tweet; I would have responded.
The one thing we’d like to add to this list is that we strongly advocate yearly vists or longer stays to the source or target language country. Of course, this can be very costly, but it’s a business expense (tax deduction) and an important long-term investment in your carrer and future. Ideally, you’ll be attending a conference and visiting some clients as well, and you can always add some extra personal time as well (be sure to check the tax rules on which days you can declare as business: there are some very specific rules on this).
Thanks for your thoughts, Judy. I agree, visits to the source or target language country are also important. You’re right though, it’s wise to check the rules on tax-deductible business trips in the country in which your business is registered before going ahead as they vary widely!