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Issue link: https://thelinguist.uberflip.com/i/262810
www.iol.org.uk FEATURES Michelle Homden looks to a recent survey to assess the issues facing translators looking for other work the institute's greatest asset is its members and what we can learn from each other, and this was the approach of the translating Division's 'Diversification for translators' event in September. All but one of the 20 participants who completed our short survey expressed an interest in diversifying. however, some advised caution, with one warning: 'A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush; consequently if existing work is at risk or production capabilities are inadequate, diversifying can be a recipe for disaster.' Possible areas of work transcreation excited interest, with nine respondents hoping to do more work in this area. this comment was typical: 'i realise that i have done transcreation without realising. i will definitely pursue this avenue.' Several people wanted help in getting started. one said simply: 'training in transcreation please!' Another was contemplating working in an advertising company to gain experience, while acknowledging the difficulties: 'An internship would be meaningless for less than five months, i was told, and they are usually unpaid and full-time.' Lindsay Bywood of UcL, who spoke at the event, warned that subtitling 'has to be for love'. Rates are extremely low, as this survey respondent indicates: 'i have been doing subtitling for approximately 10 years, in addition to translation. it used to be 75 percent of my annual workload. Now it is about 5 percent (falling rates).' Another conceded: 'Subtitling is not for me as the high investment in software and training far outweigh the earnings potential. three respondents expressed an interest in games localisation. one predicted: 'Demand will increase due to educational outcomes achievable in interactive environments and advancement of virtual reality and mobile technologies.' however, as the work is strictly for 'serious gamers', one participant applied a wise policy of self-exclusion: 'My experience of video games started and stopped with space invaders in the 70s!' As with transcreation, more information was needed about getting started. one respondent wanted a 'mentor, someone to ask questions and advise about the technical side and "tricks" of games localisation.' Diversification or specialisation? Forty percent of respondents answered either 'no' or 'not yet' to the question 'have you diversified?'. Areas of diversification included editing, proofreading, teaching, translation management, interpreting, transcription, copywriting and cultural consultancy. For one respondent, diversification happened naturally: 'i didn't go looking for non-translation work. it came to me from translation clients.' For another, it seemed a necessary evil: 'At the moment translation and proofreading only does not seem a viable option.' two people focused more on specialisation; one described diversification as 'an absolute necessity but i perceive it more in terms of finding my specialisms, 2-3 different subjects.' interestingly, others suggested that they had become a translator as the result of diversifying: 'Before becoming a full-time translator, i was a writer and researcher in the maritime sector, now one of my specialisms.' When asked 'Do you have ideas for diversifying?', only one person replied in the negative. Drawing on existing experience was a predominant theme: 'i come from a marketing background and i therefore have a great interest in getting a message to the target audience.' Another said they were 'giving talks on historical, cultural and other To diversify or not? 20 The Linguist FEBRUARY/MARCH © i S tockphoto