By Grischa Wenzeler
Translator Associations – Why They Are Important
Life as a freelance translator can be challenging. If not well-connected to colleagues and a professional support network, it can be a lonely profession. On the other hand, clients, both translation agencies and direct clients, may have problems finding the right translator for their respective projects. Being a member of a professional body is a useful means to address these issues. When I started out as a translator over a decade ago, I felt it was important to learn the art of translating professionally by studying at City, University of London. My courses were oriented at passing the Diploma in Translation (DipTrans), a level 7 academic certificate offered by the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL).
The CIOL is one of the two main translator organisations in the UK, the other one being the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI). The objective of the exam is to assess the candidate’s ability to deliver translations that meet professional standards. Once I passed the diploma in 2014, I immediately joined the CIOL as a full member and, a few years later, became a Chartered Linguist, a specific seal of a translator’s experience.
What are the advantages of being a CIOL member?
❝The CIOL is a British translator organisation, i.e. it covers my main source language, English.
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