Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters

Analytical text 5125 - Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters

Type of work

Translators translate written material from one language to another. Interpreters translate oral communication from one language to another during speeches, meetings, conferences, debates and conversation, or in court or before administrative tribunals. Terminologists conduct research to itemize terms connected with a certain field, define them and find equivalents in another language. Sign language interpreters use sign language to translate spoken language and vice versa during meetings, conversations, television programs or in other instances.

For the full and official description of this occupation according to the National Occupational Classification, visit the NOC site.

Examples of Occupational Titles

  • community interpreter
  • conference interpreter
  • court interpreter
  • interpreter
  • legal terminologist
  • literary translator
  • localisor
  • medical terminologist
  • sign language interpreter
  • terminologist
  • translator
  • translator adaptor
  • translator-reviser

Outlook

Job prospects in this occupation are good.

(Update: January 2012)

A) Overview

Over the past few years the number of translators, terminologists and interpreters has increased significantly. Growing demand for information explains this increase. Since this trend should be maintained, it is expected that their numbers will continue to increase significantly over the coming years.

Sources of employment

Career opportunities will arise primarily from the need to replace translators, terminologists and interpreters who are retiring, but also from employment increase. In fact, the proportion of those aged 55 and over in 2006 was much higher than that of all occupations (22% compared with 15%, according to census data).

Some opportunities will arise from positions vacated by people being promoted to management or leaving this profession for journalism, writing, teaching or other positions.

Labour pool

The few terminologist positions that may be vacant are usually reserved for candidates with a master's degree in terminology. The translators and interpreters positions are available first to university graduates of translation and sometimes to people who have perfect French, English and a third language with training in a specialized field in demand (law, engineering, computers and so on). This said, translation continues to be the most applicable discipline in order to access translator and interpreter positions. An indication of the relevance of this training is that, in 2006, nearly two thirds (63%) of translators, terminologists and interpreters held a degree in humanities, discipline that include letters and translation. As the unemployment rate is relatively low in this occupation, few opportunities will be filled by experienced unemployed translators, terminologists or interpreters. Many positions are expected to be filled by immigrants who meet the occupational requirements. In 2006, the percentage of immigrants in this occupation was twice as high as in all occupations (22% compared with 12%).

The placement rate and the unemployment rate for graduates of bachelor's degrees in tranlation are generally very good and compare favorably with those of other university graduates in general, according to the Quebec Department of Education, Recreation and Sport's Relance survey data. Many employers are worried about succession. In the face of that demand, the number of students working toward this bachelor's degree increased close to 45% between 1998 and 2007. That increase has also an effect on the number of graduates, which rose approximately 50% between 1999 and 2009. In view of the demand for translation, the labour market seems to be able to accommodate this influx of graduates.

Industries

According to census data, in 2006 approximately 53 % of the translators, terminologists and interpreters worked in translation and interpretation services and 11% in federal administration. Others worked in a large number of different industries, with a certain concentration in finance and insurances (4%), information and cultural industries (4%) and in educational services (4%).

Employment characteristics

According to census data, women held approximately 70% of the jobs in this occupation in 2006, a percentage that has been rising slightly since 1991 (64%). This percentage should continue to increase over the next few years, because between 75% and 85% of the new graduates in translation are women. The annual employment income ($49,988) shown in the "Characteristics" section of the "Statistics" applies only to the 48% of people in this occupation who worked full time and full-year in 2005. The average employment income for those who did not work full time and full-year was $23,332 in 2005.

B) Trends by speciality

In March 2011, approximately 95% of theOrdre professionnel des traducteurs et interprètes agréés du Québec (OTTIAQ) membership were translators, about 3.5% are terminologists and fewer than 2% are interpreters. It should be noted that some members of the order are certified in more than one category. These percentages provide an idea of the proportion of each specialty in the occupational group, but are approximate and subject to change. Membership in the order is not mandatory to work in these occupations or to use the titles translator, terminologist or interpreter. Only the titles of certified translator (C. Tr.), certified terminologist (C. Term.) and certified interpreter (C. Int.) are reserved for members of the order. According to the order's membership data, the strong growth in recently years has been limited exclusively to certified translators. The number of certified terminologists has remained steady, while the number of certified interpreters had dipped slightly.

Translators

Translators work for translation companies, as salaried employees or for themselves, and for governments. Part-time work is common. Many translators have more than one job, such as writing; conversely, many members of other professions translate, often in very specific fields: actors, programmers, writers, teachers and so on. There is a larger percentage of these jobs on the Island of Montreal and in the Outaouais region than in the other regions. According to census data, in 2006, these regions where home to 58% of the members in this occupational group, whereas less than 29% of the jobs were located there.

The translation market is experiencing strong growth in the public sector and, and even more in the private sector. This stems from the ever-growing need for information. The sectors that offer the best prospects in this area are aerospace, transport, corporate services, the pharmaceutical industry, telecommunications equipment, financial services, information technologies and international organizations. As a result of economic globalization, companies have to have their documentation translated into the languages of the countries that purchase their products or services. In addition to the traditional volume of translation in English and French, the local demand for multilingual translation (Spanish, German, Italian, and so on) is increasing. Clients prefer to do business with one translation company for all their translation needs.

Not only must the documentation that accompanies the products be understood in several languages, but because these products are becoming increasingly complex, the manuals that come with them are also much longer than before. For example, electronic products have a growing number of functions that must be clearly described in detail so users understand them. This factor is also generating an increase in the amount of work for translators.

Growth in the need for information has risen even more due to the development of services offered on the Internet and company intranets. Whether they are government services or services offered by private companies, their development generates a very significant volume of work for translators, both in creating sites and updating the content. An increasing number of private and public academic institutions are now also offering courses for translators on designing and writing for Web sites.

As consumers become increasingly demanding, companies have to further adapt to local characteristics so that the consumer is not aware of translation. This type of translation is called localization. Localization is generally done from English to the language of the distribution markets: Japanese, German, French, Spanish and so on. Localization also affects translations for multimedia and high-tech products. This is the strongest trend currently on the translation market. Unfortunately, few companies in Quebec are able to offer this service, even though the translation industry is well established there. This requires a developed infrastructure and established networks throughout the world. Companies in Quebec must call on the services of international offices to fulfil their needs in this area. Growth in localization could lead to translation-company mergers, which could in turn reach the critical mass to be able to offer such services. Furthermore, the education sector is adapting to this new trend. University translation departments added localization courses and programs over the past few years.

Translator productivity has increased significantly over the past few years and translation needs continue to grow. As a result, the rate per word has decreased significantly. Increased productivity is due to competition between freelances and to the development of computer-aided translation: terminology banks, spelling and grammar software, lexicographical databases, translation memory systems, desktop publishing and so on. Although familiarity with these computer tools is not yet systematically required by employers, according to the Language Technologies Research Centre, there has been a major increase in this type of requirement.

Automated translation is growing but only in very specialized fields such as weather forecasts, contracts and job descriptions where texts are repetitive. Automated translation also gives an idea of the content of a text for internal use but not for publication.

The higher demand for translation is such that the need for translators should continue to increase significantly over the coming years, despite the use of automated translation and increased productivity.

According to census data, in 2006 approximately 41% of translators, terminologists ans interpreters had their own business. Following years of growth, the number of self-employed translators seems to have reached a plateau. Employers both in the private and public sectors have started to hire experienced translators again to have salaried employees on-site full-time. The federal government is opening positions and sometimes carries out external contracts to make its translation services cost-effective. Budget cuts planned over the next few years, however, call into question the potential for employment growth in federal government.

Other than excellent knowledge of the source language and even better knowledge of the target language, translators must have good general knowledge, intellectual curiosity, an open mind, good interpersonal skills, a capacity for synthesis, writing skills, meticulousness and attention to detail. They also have to be adept at using computer aided translation tools, word-processing software, at navigating the Internet and using email.

Interpreters

Interpreting services are mostly used in conferences, group discussions (corporate assistants for instance) as well as in the legal context. This profession may require frequent travel and great flexibility. The market is limited and most interpreters freelance. Many of them are also translators.

In addition to the qualities required for translators, conference interpreters must have a certain physical and mental toughness, excellent ability to concentrate, ability for instant mental assimilation, an excellent memory, excellent self-expression and a pleasant voice. Legal interpreters must have excellent knowledge of legal terminology and of legal proceedings.

Terminologists

The terminology sector offers limited prospects. Government cutbacks and the development of terminological banks and automated search tools explain this trend.

Other than an excellent knowledge of the language and excellent computer skills, terminologists must have good general knowledge and intellectual curiosity. In long-term project management (thematic searches, for instance) it is imperative to be organized and to have a capacity for synthesis. Flexibility, power of persuasion and the ability to work on a team are also desired qualities.

Education and Training

The usual requirement for this occupation is a bachelor's degree in translation or a related discipline and specialization in translation, terminology or interpretation. Training in a specialized field that is in demand (law, engineering, computer science, pharmacy, economics, etc.) coupled with a very good knowledge of the source language and perfect command of the target language can also open the door to specialized jobs. A good knowledge of a third language is an asset and is sometimes required.

Membership in theOrdre professionnel des traducteurs et interprètes agréés du Québec (OTIAQ) is not mandatory but is often required by clients. Only members of the Ordre can use the title of certified translator, certified terminologist and certified interpreter. The Ordre offers professional development courses.

Useful References

Important Considerations

The translation market is experiencing significant growth, especially in multilingual translation and in localization.

The higher demand for translation is such that the need for translators should continue to increase significantly over the coming years, despite the use of automated translation and increased productivity.

The labour market status of graduates with a bachelor's degree in translation compares favourably with the situation of other university graduates. It should remain good despite the significant increase in the number of graduates in the next few years.

Statistics 5125 - Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters

Main Labour Market Indicators

Main Labour Market Indicators Unit Group 5125 All occupations
Employment, average 2008-2010 10,250 3,881,300
EI Claimants in 2010 60 109,850
Average Annual Growth Rate 2011-2015 1.4% 0.8%
Annual Employment Variation 2011-2015 150 32,500
Annual Attrition 2011-2015 250 71,750
Total Annual Needs 2011-2015 400 104,250

Employment Distribution by Gender

Employment Distribution by Gender Unit Group 5125 All occupations
Males 29.6% 52.7%
Females 70.4% 47.3%

Employment Distribution by Age

Employment Distribution by Age Unit Group 5125 All occupations
15 - 24 years 4.3% 14.1%
25 - 44 years 44.6% 45.1%
45 - 64 years 47.4% 38.8%
65 years and over 3.7% 2.0%

Employment Distribution by Status

Employment Distribution by Status Unit Group 5125 All occupations
Full-time 73.7% 79.2%
Part-time 26.3% 20.8%

Average Annual Employment Income

Average Annual Employment Income
(Full-Time, Full-Year)		 Unit Group 5125 All occupations
Full-time, full-year 47.3% 53.2%
Average income 49,988 45,157
0-19999$ 8.8% 16.5%
20000-49999$ 44.3% 52.4%
50000$ and over 46.8% 31.1%

Employment Distribution by Highest Level of Schooling

Employment Distribution by
Highest Level of Schooling		 Unit Group 5125 All occupations
Less than high-school 0.9% 14.1%
High-school 3.2% 21.9%
Post-secondary 17.9% 43.1%
Bachelors 78.1% 20.9%

Employment Distribution by Region

Employment Distribution by Region Unit Group 5125 All occupations
Abitibi-Témiscamingue 0.7% 1.8%
Bas-St-Laurent 0.5% 2.5%
Capitale-Nationale 8.2% 9.1%
Centre-du-Québec 0.8% 2.9%
Chaudière-Appalaches 2.1% 5.4%
Côte-Nord-Nord du Québec 1.4% 1.7%
Estrie 2.9% 3.9%
Gaspésie-îles-de-la-Madeleine 0.5% 1.1%
Lanaudière 1.6% 5.8%
Laurentides 3.9% 7.0%
Laval 3.5% 5.0%
Mauricie 0.9% 3.1%
Montérégie 14.3% 18.7%
Montréal 44.0% 24.1%
Outaouais 14.2% 4.7%
Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean 0.5% 3.3%

Self-employment

Employment Distribution Unit Group 5125 All occupations
Self-employment 41.2% 11.2%

Immigration

Employment Distribution Unit Group 5125 All occupations
Immigration 21.8% 12.2%

Main Areas of Employment

Main Areas of Employment Percentage
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services 60.0%
Other Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (Translation Services included) 53,1%
Public Administration 13.6%
Federal 10.9%
Finance and Insurance 4.4%
Information and Cultural Industries 3.8%
Educational Services 3.8%