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ESCO occupation

translator

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Translators transcribe written documents from one or more languages to another ensuring that the message and nuances therein remain in the translated material. They translate material backed up by an understanding of it, which can include commercial and industrial documentation, personal documents, journalism, novels, creative writing, and scientific texts delivering the translations in any format.

2643.6 ISCO 2643 ESCO source
Competences
60
Groups
4
Essential
24
Optional
36

Competences and skills

60 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 4 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

1 competence
information confidentiality

The mechanisms and regulations which allow for selective access control and guarantee that only authorised parties (people, processes, systems and devices) have access to data, the way to comply with confidential information and the risks of non-compliance.

digital
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Cross-sector

3 competences
grammar

The set of structural rules governing the composition of clauses, phrases, and words in any given natural language.

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office software

The characteristics and functioning of software programs for office tasks such as word processing, spreadsheets, presentation, email and database.

digital
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spelling

The rules concerning the way words are spelled.

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Essential skills and competences 20 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

9 competences
comprehend the material to be translated

Read and analyse the content and themes of the material to be translated. The translator must comprehend what is written in order to best translate the content. Word-for-word translation is not always possible, and the translator must navigate the language to best maintain the sense of the text.

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develop a translation strategy

Perform research to better understand a translation issue and develop the translation strategy that would remediate the encountered problems.

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follow an ethical code of conduct for translation activities

Carry out translation activities according to accepted principles of right and wrong. This includes fairness, transparency, and impartiality. Do not use judgement or allow personal opinions to affect the quality of the translation or interpretation.

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follow translation quality standards

Comply with agreed standards, such as the European standard EN 15038 and the ISO 17100, to ensure that requirements for language-service providers are met and to guarantee uniformity.

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review translation works

Read thoroughly translated works in order to ensure accuracy and achievement of the purpose.

Definition
Monolingual examination of target language content for its suitability for the agreed purpose (ISO 17100).
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revise translation works

Compare and perform bilingual editing by reading the translated work and comparing it to the original text.

Definition
Bilingual examination of target language content against source language content for its suitability for the agreed purpose (ISO 17100).
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translate different types of texts

Comprehend the nature of the type of text to be translated, for example commercial and industrial documentation, personal documents, journalism, novels, creative writing, certificates, government documentation, and scientific texts.

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translate tags

Interpret and translate tags from one language to another striving for accuracy in the target language.

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translate texts

Translate text from one language to another, conserving the meaning and the nuances of the original text, without adding, changing or omitting anything and avoiding the expression of personal feelings and opinions.

Scope note
It includes understanding and translating the jargon of an industrial or economic domain keeping the kind of professional language at the same level in the translated language.
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Cross-sector

11 competences
apply grammar and spelling rules

Apply the rules of spelling and grammar and ensure consistency throughout texts.

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consult information sources

Consult relevant information sources to find inspiration, to educate yourself on certain topics and to acquire background information.

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maintain updated professional knowledge

Regularly attend educational workshops, read professional publications, actively participate in professional societies.

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master language rules

Master the techniques and practices of the languages to be translated. This includes both your own native language, as well as foreign languages. Be familiar with applicable standards and rules and identify the proper expressions and words to use.

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observe confidentiality

Observe the set of rules establishing the nondisclosure of information except to another authorised person.

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preserve original text

Translate texts without adding, changing or omitting anything. Make sure the original message is conveyed. Don't express your own feelings and opinions.

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proofread text

Read a text thoroughly, search for, review and correct errors to ensure content is valid for publishing.

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provide written content

Communicate information in written form via digital or print media according to the needs of the target group. Structure the content according to specifications and standards. Apply grammar and spelling rules.

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speak different languages

Master foreign languages to be able to communicate in one or more foreign languages.

research
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update language skills

Research or practice language skills to stay current with language changes in order to best translate or interpret.

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use dictionaries

Use glossaries and dictionaries to search for the meaning, the spelling, and synonyms of words.

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Optional knowledge 10 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

3 competences
postediting

The process of revising a translation, usually generated by a machine, and improving the accuracy of the text in the translated language.

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transcreation

The process of reproducing commercial content, usually brand related, in other languages while conserving the most important nuances and messages. This refers to the preserving emotional and intangible aspects of brands in translated commercial materials.

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unseen translation

The translation technique whereby unseen extracts from Latin and Greek prose or verse are presented to translators for them to translate the excerpts perfectly in a determined language, for instance English. It aims to evaluate vocabulary, grammar, and style and increase linguistic knowledge.

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Cross-sector

7 competences
court interpreting

The form of interpreting where it is mandatory to accurately translate everything the source says in order not to mislead the people who have to make judgements on the cases.

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linguistics

The scientific study of language and its three aspects, language form, language meaning, and language in context.

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literature

The body of artistic writing characterized by beauty of expression, form, and universality of intellectual and emotional appeal.

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scientific research methodology

The theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.

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semantics

The branch of linguistics that studies meaning; it analyses of words, phrases, signs, and symbols and the relation between them.

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technical terminology

Type of language used in a certain context, containing terms that have a meaning specific to a particular group or activity, such as in industry, medicine, or law.

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types of literature genres

The different literary genres in the history of literature, their technique, tone, content and length.

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Optional skills and competences 26 competences

Occupation specific

3 competences
keep up with language evolution

Study the evolution of the language and integrate language changes into the performance of job activities.

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make abstracts

Write abstracts and resumes of documents summarising the most important points.

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work with authors

Consult with the author of the text to be translated in order to capture and preserve the intended meaning and style of the original text.

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Sector-specific

6 competences
create subtitles

Create and write captions that transcribe the dialogue on television or cinema screens in another language, making sure they are synchronised with the dialogue.

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develop terminology databases

Collect and submit terms after verifying their legitimacy in order to build up terminology databases on an array of domains.

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identify new words

Determine if there are new words being used by a significant number of people by doing research.

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improve translated texts

Revise, read, and improve human or machine translations. Strive to improve the accuracy and quality of translations.

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make surtitles

Translate lyrics for opera or theatre in order to accurately reflect in other languages the meaning and nuances of the artistic libretto.

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perform sworn translations

Translate documents of all kinds and affixing a stamp indicating the translation has been performed by somebody endorsed by the local or national authorities.

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Cross-sector

17 competences
adapt text culturally

Adjust text so it is culturally and linguistically acceptable to the reader, while preserving the original message and nuance of the text.

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analyse text before translation

Understand the messages conveyed and the nuances of the text in the original text to be translated.

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coach employees

Maintain and improve employees' performance by coaching individuals or groups how to optimise specific methods, skills or abilities, using adapted coaching styles and methods. Tutor newly recruited employees and assist them in the learning of new business systems.

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conduct scholarly research

Plan scholarly research by formulating the research question and conducting empirical or literature research in order to investigate the truth of the research question.

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decode handwritten texts

Analyse, understand, and read handwritten texts with different writing styles. Analyse the overall message of texts to ensure coherence in the understanding.

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develop technical glossaries

Organise technical terms used e.g. in scientific and legal settings into terminology databases and glossaries to aid future translations.

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follow work schedule

Manage the sequence of activities in order to deliver completed work on agreed deadlines by following a work schedule.

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perform project management

Manage and plan various resources, such as human resources, budget, deadline, results, and quality necessary for a specific project, and monitor the project's progress in order to achieve a specific goal within a set time and budget.

research
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translate language concepts

Translate one language into another language. Match words and expressions with their corresponding brothers in other languages, while making sure that the message and nuances of the original text are preserved.

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translate spoken language

Translate the dialogue between two speakers and the speeches of individuals into written text, oral or sign language in your mother tongue or in a foreign language.

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type texts from audio sources

Listen, understand, and type content from audio sources into written format. Keep the overall idea and understanding of the message together with relevant details. Type and listen to audios simultaneously.

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use computer-aided translation

Operate computer-aided translation (CAT) software to facilitate the language translation processes.

digital
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use consulting techniques

Advise clients in different personal or professional matters.

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use translation memory software

Facilitate efficient language translation using translation memory software.

digital
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use word processing software

Use computer software applications for composition, editing, formatting, and printing of any sort of written material.

digital
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write research proposals

Synthetise and write proposals aiming to solve research problems. Draft the proposal baseline and objectives, the estimated budget, risks and impact. Document the advances and new developments on the relevant subject and field of study.

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write scientific publications

Present the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.

research
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