Archives de Catégorie: Food for Thought

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La ville de Lyon attire les touristes internationaux

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En plus d’avoir pris la tête du classement des pays les plus visités au monde, la France peut également se satisfaire du fait que Paris n’est pas la seule escale des voyageurs issus des quatre coins de la planète. L’ancienne capitale de la Gaule romaine a également droit à sa part du gâteau. Ville dynamique et étudiante, elle bénéficie d’un riche patrimoine historique et culturel qui attire les curieux. Berceau du cinéma, Lyon sait attirer les regards, notamment avec sa désormais célèbre Fête des Lumières chaque 8 décembre. On note une hausse de 28 % des visiteurs lors de l’événement. Le succès est effectivement au rendez-vous.

D’après le site lyoncapitale.fr, les chiffres sont très satisfaisants :

L’Office de tourisme a accueilli plus de 500 000 visiteurs étrangers, soit une progression de 14,5% par rapport à l’année précédente.

Ville carrefour, Lyon bénéficie naturellement d’une implantation stratégique qui lui permet de capter l’afflux de touristes qui quittent la capitale pour rejoindre soit les Alpes, soit la Côte d’Azur.

Ainsi, en 2013, la ville de Lyon a séduit des visiteurs de tout le continent américain (19,7%) et de l’Australie (6,1%).

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Traduire pour l’ONU et les grandes entreprises

Travailler à votre compte ne convient pas à vos attentes et objectifs ? Il existe d’autres moyens d’exercer votre art. Les places de traducteurs en interne sont malheureusement rares dans les entreprises et les agences de traduction. Mais, il existe encore des services de traduction plus ou moins importants dans les (très) grandes entreprises (ex : sociétés aérospatiales, entreprises pharmaceutiques, etc.) Néanmoins, pour prétendre à ce type de poste, vous devez justifier d’une expertise dans ces domaines spécifiques.

Comme beaucoup d’autres traducteurs, vous pouvez tenter d’intégrer le bureau de traduction de l’ONU (si les procédures administratives, la fameuse « red tape », ne vous font pas peur !). Pour ce faire, vous devez obligatoirement passer un concours. Pour cela, renseignez-vous sur le portail officiel en cliquant ici.

Le concours correspondant à votre paire linguistique n’a pas lieu tous les ans, il faut donc consulter régulièrement leur site pour connaître les demandes en cours. Toutefois, il est bon de savoir que même en cas de réussite au concours, l’ONU ne s’engage aucunement à vous offrir un poste immédiatement. Vous serez inscrit(e) sur un « roster » (une liste) et ils vous contacteront si un poste deviendra vacant. A vous de voir si le jeu en vaut la chandelle.

Autrement, vous pouvez toujours envisager de travailler occasionnellement en tant que « volontaire des Nations Unies ». Plus d’info sur ce site : http://www.unv.org/fr/etre-volontaire/volontaires-en-ligne.html

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Présentation du métier de traducteur

Pour ceux et celles qui se destinent à une carrière dans les langues, sachez qu’il existe un vaste éventail de métiers pouvant répondre à vos attentes et aspirations (traducteur, interprète, localisateur, guide-interprète, professeur, linguiste, etc.). Pour en savoir davantage, n’hésitez pas à consulter ce site en cliquant ici.

Le traducteur transpose un texte d’une langue à une autre. Il doit à la fois respecter la forme et le fond des textes qui lui sont confiés.

Je vais parler plus particulièrement de la profession qui est la mienne : la traduction. C’est une activité professionnelle riche dans sa diversité et épanouissante dans son exercice, en effet, la majorité des traducteurs sont à leur compte, ce qui permet de bénéficier d’une liberté certaine.

Ce métier requière des qualités spécifiques pour s’inscrire dans la durée et pour que le traducteur puisse en vivre.

Sens de la précision, grande rigueur et endurance.

Discipline et application sont indispensables pour diriger son activité et la rendre rentable. Il faut aussi posséder un sens de la polyvalence prononcé car la traduction ne sera que l’une des nombreuses tâches à traiter : compta, finance, prospection, présence en ligne, etc. Il est vital d’avoir un esprit indépendant, mais également les pieds sur terre pour mener tout de front.

Regardez ce témoignage d’une traductrice indépendante pour en découvrir un peu plus sur les différentes composantes du métier : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RizypmyjGpw

Je conseille également les vidéos suivantes enregistrées lors de l’Intervention à la Cité des Métiers des Côtes d’Armor à Ploufragan le 24/10/2013 sur les métiers de Traducteur et d’Interprète.

Partie 1 Présentation du métier : http://youtu.be/160BDYe0Qzw

Partie 2 Formations : http://youtu.be/NWQh5AMaY3w

Partie 3 La rémunération : http://youtu.be/6_9RJKHc7Ec

Partie 4 Reconnaissance et définition métiers : http://youtu.be/7QpIv1IkdbU

Partie 5 Situations d’exercice : http://youtu.be/eUW-ccvfls0

Partie 6 Évolutions et perspectives d’emploi : http://youtu.be/CDr6NzgjHYM

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The Art of Translating for the Tourism Sector

It’s official, France is the #1 destination for tourists with more than 84 million people visiting the country in 2013. They’re mostly from Germany, the UK, the US and China. Therefore, offering multilingual content is necessary to properly welcome these numerous international guests. So, if you’re still unsure about your areas of expertise, here’s a sector you should consider. However, translating touristic texts isn’t as easy as it may sound.

In fact, it is a very demanding task involving various notions: translation, localisation, transcreation and adaptation, as explained in this academic paper on quality in the translation of tourist discourse on the Web, by Patrizia Pierini, published in the Journal of Specialised Translation.

Translation is in high demand in this industry, and it includes a wide range of content –  1362514234xwt2dinformational, promotional, commercial. Depending on the aim and scope of the material, a translator has to apply the proper strategy to ensure that it has the same effect on the target audience as the source text did on the original audience. And in order to achieve just that, there is no such thing as a standard procedure; and the exact purpose of the communication strategy has to be clearly established by the client so that the translator can take the proper decisions. He/she may need to adapt/localise the text – changing currencies, dates, the measurement system (metric, imperial) – but also ensure the proper tone is applied (depending on the target culture, the source text may be considered too straightforward and aggressive, requiring an important stylistic realignement).

The ultimate goal is to create the same effect on the reader – persuasion – in order to enhance the client’s conversion rate and turn readers into paying customers. In that regard, Pierini mentioned the AIDA approach ⎯ capture Attention, create Interest, increase Desire and motivate to Action.

Every translator working on this type of content has to constantly keep in mind the socio-psychological needs of the potential tourist. One has to strive for a translation that sounds like an original text, not a translation. And that’s why clients need to think local. Indeed, for a touristic text to be persuasive, it has to be relevant to the target audience, not foreign. And only a native has the extensive knowledge needed to convey accurately every nuance and localise appropriately.

Localisation – What does that mean? Pierini gives a compelling answer:

Localisation involves taking a product and making it linguistically and culturally appropriate to the target locale (country/region and language) where it will be used and sold. For example, the French spoken in Canada is a different locale to the French spoken in France.

According to a recent survey by TextMaster, mistakes and errors in translation account for a loss of about €120 million each year. So, a competent translator with excellent writing skills can seriously consider this sector a viable option!

Ready to make people dream?

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Making Time for Professional Development (Part 2)

Following up on this major topic, I’d like to add that it is also professionally and personally essential to set aside some time to attend a translation-related conference each year. At least,that’s the goal I set for myself. Last year, I went to Geneva to attend a conference entitled « Traduire pour le grand public ». It was so enriching to meet with and hear from fellow translators.

You’ll get to exchange face to face with fellow translators and even potential clients. It’s a great opportunity to network and « put yourself out there » in the real world to start making a name for yourself.

Take advantage of local meetups organised by the different official organisations (if you live in Europe, you’ll see there are plenty of opportunities to socialise with your peers thanks to the numerous professional bodies).

13942303150imlvBeing an independent professional means you need to do every job (CEO, CFO, accountant, community management, administrative officer, etc.) Some people think that people who work from home have it easy. If only they knew!

It’s a demanding job that requires discipline, rigour and passion. You don’t keep track of time and yet, you need to make sure you have enough of it to cover every aspect of this immensely rewarding profession!

Let’s be poetic for a minute: Your translating business is like a tree, you need to nurture it properly so that it can grow strong for years to come!

Looking forward to meeting all of you during a conference somewhere on the planet!

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Making Time for Professional Development

So, you’ve read the books, stocked up on office supplies, picked up your company name and figured out your branding image. You’ve even managed to find a few clients already. All good right? Well yes, but it’s not enough. It’s also crucial to keep on learning, especially if you’ve already chosen your areas of specialisation.

136000100566ey2An important part of an independent translator’s work is also to keep apprised of the latest news and trends in his/her line of work. For instance, I’ve come to mainly work in the following areas: business communication, PR & marketing content, as well as tourism-related projects. I truly love it because it allows me to embrace my creative side. But it also means I need to know what’s up in these industries in order to further my knowledge of the specific terminology, for instance.

The easiest way remains online resources. There are countless academic papers, press releases, articles, etc. on these topics. A couple of days ago, I finished reading a very interesting  paper entitled « Translating Tourist Texts – Domesticating, Foreignising or Neutralising Approach ». It was published in the Journal of Specialised Translation (available here)

I particulary appreciated the mention of these familiar strategies mentioned many times during my academic training. How wonderful when it’s finally all about real-life practice!

No matter the speciality you choose, you should always make sure that you never stop documenting yourself. Having glossaries to rely on is paramount to high quality translations.

For enhanced efficiency, familiarise yourself with CAT-tools, learn how to use terminology tools to optimise your memories, glossaries and other datas.

I once read that when you work as a translator, you get to learn something new every single day. You’ll soon find out how true that is.

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https://twitter.com/LinguaAustralis/status/498414179133710336

 

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On the importance of branding

I’ve finished reading an article entitled « Freelancer or Independent Professional » by Herman Boel. I thought his piece was extremely relevant to translators in today’s globalised world. It actually tackles a topic which is of significance for any self-employed individual: branding and image.

Can you hear the difference between « freelance » and « independent professional »? It turns out I had asked myself the question a while ago. I had come to the conclusion that I preferred calling myself an « independent translator » rather than a « freelancer », without really being able to explain why precisely. The article worded the nuance perfectly well.

Freelancer:
You have a boss (or you behave as if you have a boss)

 

Independent professional:
You are your own boss

Technically speaking you are still a self-employed individual. However, unconsciously your approach differs. It seems that « freelancer » bears a slight negative connotation. I wouldn’t go as far as saying that we should stop using it altogether. But, in an industry where competition is fierce and differentiation is really difficult, especially online, every little detail counts. You’re offering your expertise, your service to clients, partners. It is important to act the part. Something doesn’t sit right with you? The rate? deadline? Then, you need to voice your concerns and negotiate until you both reach a win-win decision. That’s the fundamental basis to any solid, sustainable business relationships. Easier said than done? Maybe, especially for newbies. But, it’s necessary if you want to consider this activity on a long-term basis.

1383577362884taMy previous post was meant for junior translators fresh out of college who might be looking for some guidance on how to start out in the translation business. I think it is all the more important for them to be aware of this from the start. I’ve been working in the translation industry for almost three years now (which can still be considered junior!) and I’ve only stopped using the word « freelance » quite recently.

You are building a business, YOUR business. You get to decide what you’re selling and how you sell it. Your business is what you make of it. And the way you name it matters a great deal, all the more so as we, translators, are experts with words! What if we tasted our own medecine after all?

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Book Suggestions for Junior Translators

Lately, I’ve been reading a lot of translation-related material from fellow translators out there who actively engage in the social media, and write very interesting blogs. I thought I’d compile some of these resources for the newest generation of translators. You’ve probably been reading many books by major theoreticians like Venuti, Munday, Bassnett or Baker. Although they were enlightening and great, none of them really tackled the everyday life of today’s translators.

Being self-employed means you have to be extremely versatile. Translating is only one of the many activities you’ll have to undertake. Prepare yourself to deal with accounting, marketing, community management, among many other functions. Daunting, you say? Luckily, after having a closer look at all these resources, you’ll feel a lot more confident in your choice of career and chances are you’ll find the answers to your many questions.

To begin with, I suggest reading these free e-books by Nicole Y. Adams. You might want to start with « The Bright Side of Translation », it offers very positive insights and informative feedback from a lot of different practitioners worldwide.

There are many, many books on Amazon to choose from. Here’s a non-exhaustive list you might want to consider:

love_of_books_202371  How to Succeed as a Freelance Translator by Corinne McKay (an ATA board member).

 Balance Your Words: Stepping in the Translation Industry by Sara Colombo.

 The Prosperous Translator by Chris Durban.

These self-help books should help you consider your independent activity with serenity. Also, do engage in the social media, there is a huge community of translators on Twitter and many of them share interesting blogs and info. Important note for all newbies on Twitter: don’t forget to use the appropriate hashtags to connect with your colleagues -> #xl8 and #t9n for translation, #1nt for interpreting, #l10n for localisation. You can follow me @LinguaAustralis.

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