I have long been an advocate of more seasoned translators helping new translators get on their feet.  I firmly believe that a translation degree does not necessarily a translator make.  Recent graduates of translation schools and those entering the profession from another direction (language degree or other fields of endeavor) all need one thing - an experienced translator to revise their work or at least take a look at it, on a regular basis, and point out problems, make suggestions, and so on. 

We appear to have a number of very experienced translators in our Café.  I am willing to offer my services (French to English), within reason, to one or two new translators (bearing in mind that I need to see an expression of interest on their part that fits my requirements, just to ensure I am not spending the little time I have available on translation "tourists")é

Any thoughts on this, or offers from others?  (I could be opening a real can of worms here, but hey, since when have we shied away from that on TC!)

Paula

Hi Paula,

I like your idea, and I studied Translation Studies at the university. I agree with you, experience is the most important thing. Nevertheless, at the university we have a good teaching in some points, that some others (i.e. degree in language and literature) might learn already on the market. But at the end, the problems are common...

I would like to cooperate, but our language combination does not suit!

Good idea!

Jairo

Thanks for the positive feedback everyone.  I have already had one request and agreed to review two short translations for a translator in my language combination.  I (of course!) had to caution her that I cannot do them immediately, but this raises the question of realistic deadlines for revision.  If you are charging someone, of course you have to work with their deadlines.  However, if you are doing it on a volunteer basis, as I am with this particularly translator, negotiation is required.  Luckily, she's a very flexible person.  I, however, have to make a mental deadline of my own so that her request doesn't go to the bottom of the pile.  I think for 2-4 pages on general stuff, a few days is reasonable. 

Any other thoughts on this?  There are other considerations I am sure I haven't taken into account.

Paula

Great idea, Paula.

I, too, would like to offer my services (German to English & English to German). I will take on as many "mentees" as possible ... I'll probably be able to handle 5 or 6, I think.

As Paula already mentioned, we are all very busy at times, and we may not always be able to honour the deadlines that our "mentees" may have. I suggest, therefore, that candidates translate short texts of about 250 words or so and send them in to their mentors (without any major time constraints).

So, if you need a mentor, contact me and we'll see what we can do.

Requirements:

• candidate must have some prior background in translation or languages (translation program, degree in languages, ...)
• candidate translates into his/her mother tongue
• preference will be given to candidates that need to prepare for an accreditation/certification exam

Good suggestions, Werner. Small texts of about 250 words each would be fine as long as dates can be complied in accordance with the "mentees".

Paula - I could help in English / French / German / Spanish into Portuguese and Portuguese into English, if needed.

Thanks everyone, for your offers.  Werner, those are great guidelines, just the kind of thing mentors need.  And I like the idea about helping translators seeking certification.

Paula