To become a good translator, they must have good knowledge of both source and target languages. A translator should be able to read different languages in which it may include literature, prose, journals, legal documents, newspapers, magazines etc. The most important thing is being familiar with the contents; translation may transfer a language’s culture-specific aspects. It is suggested that for aspects of translations, read recently published articles and journals. It is a good habit which helps translators to improve their skills. The articles and journals will not only improve one’s reading skill, but it also helps the translators to gain knowledge which will help them while translating.
To become a good translator one should maintain the following quality: –
1. Writing skills: One more important thing is “Writing” skills; it indicates the smooth and correct writing ability in both source and target languages. A translator’s main job is the Writing. They should be familiar with styles and techniques of writing and the editing and most importantly the punctuations in both source and target languages. Editing and punctuation help the translators to improve the quality of the translation.
2. Knowledge of vocabulary: Translators must be active to pick up various vocabularies and their uses, and they should store them in minds for their later use in translation. This is the way to improve “intuition”, it needs practice. It is the combinations of both the support of theory and the experience of practice.
3. Use of context: One of the most important points is understands the context of the source language within the framework of the source-language discourse. To develop this understanding, translators must be aware of the cultural differences in the source and target languages.
4. Use of dictionaries: >One of the most important technical skills is the proper use of dictionaries, glossary, style guide, special instructions. Same word may carry different meanings in different contexts, so before translating one document translators should understand the source contexts first. Translators should have the capability to find out the intended meaning of words in a particular context, by using the dictionaries.
5. Specific area of translation: One important point, which have noticed in most of the successful translators, they usually choose one specific kind of source text for translating and continue to work only in that area, and become the expertise of that area. For example, while translating literary texts, some translators might choose only to translate poetry, short stories, or novels. The reason behind this is that the more they translate texts on a specific content, the more they will become familiar with that area and the writing style.
Translators should make a habit to read the articles, journals and books on translation of various fields. Translators will develop better understanding with the contents by reading and comparing with the original texts. In this way, translators will develop their observation, insight, and decision-making power, which will lead them to improve their translating skills.