translator

A translator is a professional who converts written material from a source language into a target language, aiming to preserve meaning, style, tone, and intent. Unlike an interpreter, who renders spoken language in real time, a translator works with texts such as books, articles, software strings, legal documents, and localization content.

Common specializations include literary, technical, legal, medical, and sworn translations. Literary translators focus on novels and poetry, while technical and medical translators work with specialized terminology and accuracy requirements. Sworn or certified translators are authorized to produce legally recognized translations for official use in some jurisdictions.

The translation process typically involves analyzing the source text, drafting a translation, revising for accuracy and fluency, and performing quality checks. Terminology management and localization are often essential, particularly for software, websites, and manuals, to ensure cultural and functional suitability for the target audience. Translators may work with tools such as computer-assisted translation (CAT) systems, glossaries, and translation memories, and may perform post-editing of machine-translated output.

Quality and professional standards govern the field. ISO 17100 defines requirements for translation services, including personnel, processes, and quality management. Ethics emphasize confidentiality, accuracy, cultural sensitivity, and disclosure of any limits to the translator’s ability to render a text faithfully.

Technology has expanded the field through machine translation and neural networks, which are frequently combined with human revision. Career paths typically require a degree in translation studies or linguistics and may include certifications from professional bodies. The translator plays a key role in enabling cross-cultural communication and localization across many sectors.