Web viewBarbara McGilvray, Professional translator and editor; member of NAATI Professional Reference Group, English Panel, Italian Panel; member of AUSIT National Council

AUSTRALIA

Population: 21 m. GDP: Purchasing power: Latent demand: 31.88 m

Official language: EnglishTerms for translators:

Translator, Paraprofessional Translator, Advanced Translator

Range of fees: $0.16AUD to $3.00AUD per word (AUSIT 2011)

Academic qualifications required: NoneProfessional certification required: NoneAssociation membership required: None

Taxation status: None.Census status: Statistics: The Australian Bureau of Statistics includes the following in

its Australian Standard Classification of Occupations, under “social professions not elsewhere classified”: “Translator. 2529-15 Translator. Transcribes text or recorded verbal matter from one language into another. Skill Level: the entry requirement for this unit group is a bachelor degree or higher qualification.”

Government translators:Accreditation system:

Australia has a national accreditation body, NAATI, which tests and accredits translators and interpreters at several levels. “By and large translators need Professional-level NAATI accreditation or above in order to work for government authorities and agencies. In reality unaccredited practitioners are used if no accredited translators are available (although this does not happen much with the major languages where in general there are more than enough accredited translators to satisfy demand)” (McGilvray). In a range of languages of limited diffusion where NAATI does not yet offer accreditation it awards “recognition” to applicants with documented experience as translators.

Certification of sworn translators:

Official documents for government use (immigration, education, social security, driver's licence, etc.) must bear the stamp of a NAATI-accredited translator. (Note that the governments are co-owners of NAATI.)Documents for use in court must be accompanied by an affidavit signed by the translator. “Courts tend to have no regard for NAATI accreditation” (Arnall), although this seems to be changing following a report by Hale (2011) and greater awareness of problems with interpreters. The District Court of Western Australia (2011) requires interpreters to be accredited by NAATI or to have a “nationally accredited diploma”, but only requires an affidavit for written translations.

Other certification systems:

Not known.

Translator associations

AUSIT – Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators Inc. www.ausit.orgAALITRA – Australian Association for Literary Translation http://home.vicnet.net.au/~aalitra/WAITI – Western Australian Institute of Translators and Interpreters Inc. www.waiti.org.auASLIA – Australian Sign Language Interpreters’ Association http://aslia.com.au

Translation company associations:

Not known.

Informants: Sophia Sakellis, Professional translator, Director of Delphi Translations.Barbara McGilvray, Professional translator and editor; member of NAATI

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http://aslia.com.au/

http://www.waiti.org.au/

http://home.vicnet.net.au/~aalitra/

http://www.ausit.org/

Professional Reference Group, English Panel, Italian Panel; member of AUSIT National Council. Annamaria Arnall, Professional translator and consultant in linguistic and cultural matters, Acting President of AUSIT.Melissa McMahon, Freelance professional translator, NAATI accredited, AUSIT member.Professor Brian Nelson, Monash University. Robert Foote, Manager - Accreditation | National OfficeNational Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters.

Publications: AUSIT. 2011a. For those who need the services of an interpreter or translator. http://www.ausit.org/page/detailed_guide_for_ti_clients.html. Accessed October 2011. AUSIT 2011b. Join AUSIT. http://www.ausit.org/page/join_ausit.html. Accessed October 2011.District Court of Western Australia. 2011. Language Services Guidelines. Circular to Practitioners GEN 2011-2. 27 September 2011. Hale, Sandra. 2011. Interpreter Policies, Practices and Protocols in Australian Courts and Tribunals. A National Survey. Melbourne: The Australasian Institute of Judicial Administration Inc. Lo Bianco, Joseph. 1987. National Policy on Languages. Canberra: Australian Government Publishing Service.Lo Bianco, Joseph. 1990. “Making language policy: Australia’s experience”. Richard B. Baldauf Jr. and Allan Luke, eds Language Planning and Education in Australasia and the South Pacific. Clevedon and Philadelphia: Multilingual Matters. 47-79. http://www.multiculturalaustralia.edu.au/doc/lobianco_1.pdf. Accessed October 2011. NAATI. 2009. Annual Report 2008-2009. http://www.naati.com.au/PDF/Annual%20Reports/AnnualReport_0809.pdf, Accessed October 2011. NAATI. 2010. Annual Report 2009-10. Accessed October 2011. NAATI. 2011. Accreditation by Testing. Information Booklet. Version 1.14. http://www.naati.com.au/PDF/Booklets/Accreditation_by_Testing_booklet.pdf.Office of Multicultural Interests. 2008. The Western Australian Language Services Policy 2008. Perth: Office of Multicultural Interests. http://www.omi.wa.gov.au/omi_language.cfm. Accessed October 2011.Ozolins, Uldis. 1993. The politics of language in Australia. Cambridge & New York: Cambridge University Press.Podkalicka, Aneta Monika. 2007. Lost in translation? Language policy, media and community in the EU and Australia: some lessons from the SBS. PhD thesis. Queensland University of Technology. http://eprints.qut.edu.au/16696/. Accessed October 2011.Vorstermans, Louis. 2010. Green paper on elementary strategic issues for AUSIT. 28 July 2010. http://www.ausit.org/page/essays_and_articles.html.

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http://www.ausit.org/page/essays_and_articles.html

http://eprints.qut.edu.au/16696/

http://www.omi.wa.gov.au/omi_language.cfm

http://www.naati.com.au/PDF/Booklets/Accreditation_by_Testing_booklet.pdf

http://www.naati.com.au/PDF/Booklets/Accreditation_by_Testing_booklet.pdf

http://www.naati.com.au/PDF/Annual%20Reports/AnnualReport_0809.pdf

http://www.multiculturalaustralia.edu.au/doc/lobianco_1.pdf

http://www.ausit.org/page/join_ausit.html

http://www.ausit.org/page/detailed_guide_for_ti_clients.html

AUSTRIA

Population: 8.4 m. GDP: Purchasing power: Latent demand: 13.25 m

Official languages: GermanTerms for translators:

Übersetzer, (Gerichts)dolmetscher

Range of fees:


Taxation status: The International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO-88) is also used in Austria. In this classification system, translators and interpreters are categorised in major group 2 “professionals”, sub-major group 24 “other professionals”, minor group 244 “social science and related professionals” as unit group 2444 “philologists, translators and interpreters”. Taxation: Translators/interpreters are mentioned (and defined!) in the Austrian Income Tax Act (§ 22 EStG 1988).Social Security: As a rule, free-lance translators of any kind are “self-employed persons” in the Austrian social security system. Literary translators are – as “artists” – eligible for some state support of their old-age insurance, within a scheme to support artists (http://www.culturalpolicies.net/web/austria.php?aid=514). As copyright holders, literary translators are also eligible for some health insurance support – provided by “Literar Mechana”, the Austrian association of copyright holders. They have a special fund to support copyright holders with low earnings (http://www.literar.at/pages/uu/sf_s1100.aspx).

Census status: Not known.Government translators:

One doesn't need any special qualifications to work as a translator for the government, though qualifications do help (but are not a requirement). In general, [one informant has] the impression that Austrians tend to value work experience over qualifications, and the translation market sure is no exception.


This is provided for by the regional courts in collaboration with the Austrian Association of Certified Court Interpreters (Österreichischer Verband der gerichtlich zertifizierten und beeideten Dolmetscher, ÖVGD). The 'Sachverständigen- und Dolmetschergesetz' (SDG; Expert Witnesses and Interpreters Act) was originally passed in 1975 but substantially amended in 1999. It establishes the status of "Generally Sworn and Court-Certified Interpreter[Translator]" which can be achieved only upon passing an examination (legal theory + practical interpreting) that is officially organised by the court system (i.e. the President of the respective first-instance court) but largely operated by the "Austrian Association of Certified Court Interpreters" (see: www.gerichtsdolmetscher.at). The exam is open to anyone with practical experience regardless of academic qualifications, though applicants with a degree in translation/interpreting need to supply proof of only two (instead of five) years of professional experience as a translator/interpreter. Exams are held at the discretion of the court (based upon need), and individual judges in the courtroom may still draw on persons sworn ad hoc for a given case. The exam has to be passed in court, and the examination panel has 3 members: 1 judge + 2 representatives of the profession, as a rule members of the aforementioned Association. More details at www.gerichtsdolmetscher.atNote: In spite of their title (Gerichtsdolmetscher = Legal Interpreter), Gerichtsdolmetscher also do written translations for the courts, for notaries public, for various public authorities, etc. For this purpose, they have a special seal that is registered with the court.

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Sworn translation for which documents: For legal documents. Translator must be sworn for personal documents (birth certificates etc.) if needed in court or for public authorities; documents that need to be certified by a notary public (certain contracts); all documents needed in court. The only form of authorisation is certification as a sworn (certified) court interpreter. [Another answer:] For all kinds of documents, as long as they have to be used officially or presented to the authorities (Police, Court, etc.).

Maintenance of certification: Every 5 years one has to apply for re-certification (no exam, one has to submit evidence that one has actually worked for the courts, and that the courts were satisfied with one’s work).


The register of the professional organisation for translation and interpreting (Universitas Austria), which contains the names of qualified translators who are recommended by Universitas Austria (peer review or anonymous evaluation of translations).


1) Universitas: the most comprehensive body, with members in Translation and Interpreting across domains (incl. some with court-certified status). (www.universitas.org)2) Österreichischer Verband der Gerichtsdolmetscher (ÖVGD): Austrian Association of Certified Court Interpreters (www.gerichtsdolmetscher.at)3) Übersetzergemeinschaft: association of literary and scientific translators (www.literaturhaus.at)4) Österreichischer GebärdensprachdolmetscherInnen-Verband (ÖGSDV): Austrian Association of Sign-language Interpreters (www.oegsdv.at)5) The AIIC Austria (conference interpreters).The five associations have joined together on the Web as the Austrian Translation Platform (Translationsplattform), where they can all be accessed at: www.translationsplattform.atwww.translationsplattform.at

Austrian Association of Sworn and Certified Court Expertshttp://www.sachverstaendige.at/


Not known.

Other benefits of membership of professional association

No significant benefits, but essential information about legal services, insurance benefits and healthcare plans.Membership in the association of literary translators includes some access to free legal services (this usually covers initial legal advice/consultation, some letter-writing, but not e.g. full-scale court proceedings).

Social benefits of membership of professional association

Associations offer networking opportunities and, if made use of by translators, translators benefit from them by knowing more people, getting more jobs, being less isolated, being happier etc.

Yes, although the fear of competition is sometimes stronger than the wish for networking.

Informants: Franz Pöchhacker, University of Vienna.Waltraud Kolb, University of Vienna.Florika Griessner, Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz, Universitas member.Dora Saenger da Cruz, Cruz Communications, University of Vienna.Alice Leal, PhD, University of Vienna.

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http://www.translationsplattform.at/

BELGIUM

Population: 4.5 m. GDP: Purchasing power: Latent demand: 16.43 m. 0.57%

Official languages: Flemish, French, GermanTerms for translators:

Traducteur, traducteur juré; Vertaler, Beëdigt vertaler

Range of fees:


Taxation status: Not knownCensus status: Not knownGovernment translators:

Not known


All courts of first instance, on the basis the court chooses.Certification is permanent, although the court may strike out your name. Sworn translators are needed for 1) ‘official’ documents (birth certificates etc.) and court documents, and 2) any court of justice, sometimes for lawyers, bailiffs, notaries public, municipalities, official instances, …


Not known.

Translator association

Belgische Kamer van Vertalers, Tolken en Filologen (Belgian Chamber of Translators, Interpreters and Philologists): http://www.cbtip-bkvtf.org ; e-mail: [email protected] 2009 the Chamber had 334 members, of which 315 were translators. Of these,163 were sworn translators. Some of the translators and interpreters 94.4% were freelance (287 freelance, 17 salaried). Members are listed on the Chamber’s website.Membership fees were 180 euros a year in 2011. To become a member, candidates must have a diploma or degree in translation, or pass an exam set by the Chamber. The Chamber also tests the language skills of candidates applying to be sworn translators.


Not known.

Other benefits of membership of professional association

The membership of the Belgian official Chamber offers you the possibility of arbitration by the chamber and cheaper civil liability insurance.

Social benefits of membership of professional association

Informants: Rita Roggen for Agnès Feltkamp, President of the Belgian Chamber of Translators and Interpreters.Susanne Verberk, translator.

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CROATIA

Population: 4.4 m. GDP: Purchasing power: Latent demand: 3.02 mOfficial language: CroatianTerms for translators:

Prevoditelj (translator), Sudski tumač (literally 'court interpreter' but the term is used for sworn written translators, sometimes also referred to as stalni sudski tumač (permanent sworn translator).

Range of fees:


Legal/fiscal regime: The Croatian National Classification of Activities of 2007 http://www.poslovniforum.hr/nkd/nkd2007.htm (like the UK SIC of the same year) has translation under M ‘Professional, scientific and technical activities’ > 74 ‘Other professional, scientific and technical activities’ > 74.30 ‘Translation and interpreting activities’. Other activities in the same subsection are design and photography, and other activities in the same section (M) include legal, accounting and marketing activities.


The exam is run by the Commercial or County Court. Applicants with a degree in law do not have to pass the exam (because it covers knowledge of the legal and administrative systems) but have to present a certificate proving their knowledge of the foreign language is at level C2 or above. Applicants with a degree in foreign languages have to pass the exam on institutions.Sworn translators are appointed to a period of four years, after which they have to reapply, submitting the translations they have done during the previous time period.


None.


Hrvatsko društvo znanstvenih i tehničkih prevoditelja (specialized translators) (http://www.drustvoprevoditelja.htnet.hr/index_engl.html) Društvo hrvatskih književnih prevodilaca (literary translators) (http://www.dhkp.hr)Društvo sudskih tumača i prevoditelja (www.dstip.hr)Strukovna udruga stalnih sudskih tumača (www.susst.hr)Hrvatska strukovna udruga sudskih tumača (www.hsust.hr ) Udruga stalnih sudskih tumača (www.usst.hr ) Udruga sudskih tumača "TEMPUS" (www.tempus-obuka.hr ) (The last five are all for sworn Translators.)


None.

Impact of academic degrees

“If employers look for qualifications, they look for a degree in the modern languages concerned. (This is related to the fact that translation is mostly taught at modern language departments.) Academic qualifications are required in case of state and public institutions, while private companies vary in that respect. In many cases no questions are asked, and students are regularly employed as ‘translators’.”Sworn translators have to have a university degree; Croatian national television HRT won’t employ subtitlers who don’t have a degree in languages; government institutions such as the Foreign Ministry also require a degree in languages. Private translation agencies might prefer translators with a university degree in languages when it comes to full-time staff, but are not as strict when it comes to freelancers (and often in fact employ students).

Impact of The Literary Translators’ Association gives annual awards, which

6

http://www.drustvoprevoditelja.htnet.hr/index_engl.html

http://www.poslovniforum.hr/nkd/nkd2007.htm

membership of professional association

are considered very prestigious in that field, and membership is considered an asset.

Impact of Professional certification

Sworn translators stick to agreed rates set by the association so there is no dumping.

Informants: Nataša Pavlović, Zagreb University.Marijan Tokić, translator, member of HDZTP.

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CYPRUS


Official languages: Greek, TurkishTerms for translators:Range of fees:


Legal/fiscal regime: No specific recognition of translators in the taxation system, social security or national statistics.


The Constitution does not recognize sworn translators. Translators certify their translations by swearing an affidavit in which they state their qualifications.


The Ministry of the Interior has a Press Information Office with a Translation Section, created in June 1990. The government will only accept translations legalised by this institution. The Press Information Office thus does translations or legalises the signature of the translator, charging 25 euros per page, of which 16 euros goes to the translator. Following complaints by the association of translators (PanUTI), it has been announced that the Translation Section will be closed, on anti-trust grounds.


Pan Cyprian Union of Graduate Translators and Interpreters (PanUTI) (www.pancyuti.org), with 74 members in 2011. Members require a degree in Modern Languages with Translation.


Not known.

Informant: Anastasia Pilottou, PanUTI

8

http://www.pancyuti.org/

CZECH REPUBLIC

Population: 10.4 m. GDP: Purchasing power: Latent demand: 0.39%1,560 people

Official languages: Czech Terms for translators:

Translator = překladatel; Sworn interpreter = soudní tlumočník

Note: A sworn interpreter is both a translator and/or interpreter (this is an anachronism, i.e. a label attached to the two different modes by people who make the law but know nothing about our profession). This is going to be changed with the pending new legislation (Act), so the sworn translator will be differentiated from the sworn interpreter.

Range of fees: 120-600 CZK per page (1 page = 1800 signs including spaces)


Taxation status: Taxation status: Independent-worker status in most cases.Census status: Not known. Government translators:

No legal requirements. In general all government institutions would prefer people with a university degree in languages, translation or the specific field (like law etc.) Some institutions (the Czech Parliament, the Office of the President...) require interpreters to be members of ASKOT, which is a selective association with a certain quality guarantee. But most other government institutions order translations and/or interpretation via translation companies that have won some tender with the lowest price and there is almost no possible control on who is actually doing the job. In-house translators in some state institutions are supposed to have the appropriate qualification, which is [given by] the Institute of Translation Studies at Charles University in Prague.


Sworn translators and interpreters are certified by the regional courts or the Ministry of Justice (www.justice.cz). Certification is for life. Candidates must have a Masters degree in Translation or Modern Languages, or have passed an exam at the Prague Language School for Accreditation for State Language Examinations (www.sjs.cz).


Not known.


Komora soudních tlumočníků České republiky (KST ČR) (Chamber of Court Appointed Interpreters and Translators of the Czech Republic). www.kstcr.cz . Founded 1996Jednoty tlumočníků a překladatelů (Union of Interpreters and Translators) (JTP) www.jtpunion.org . Founded in 1990; in 2011 it had 590-600 members (30 in Slovakia and some 40 in other countries)

Obec prekladatelu (OP) (Literary Translators’ Guild), http://www.obecprekladatelu.cz/en. “In 1992 the Guild initiated and produced The Unmentionables: Banned Translators, 1948-1989, a reference manual listing the real authors of 662 literary translations dating from the period of political and cultural oppression when best Czech translators, writers, journalists, scholars and other intellectuals depended on the courage, dedication and conspiracy of friends to publish and sustain an existence.” (website)Asociace konferenčních tlumočníků (ASKOT) (Conference Interpreters’ Association) www.askot.cz

České komory tlumočníků znakového jazyka (ČKTZJ) (Sign Language Interpreters’ Association): www.cktzj.com .


Asociace českých překladatelských agentur (ACTA) (Association of Czech Translation Agencies) http://www.acta-cz.org. It had six

9

http://www.acta-cz.org/

http://www.cktzj.com/

http://www.askot.cz/

http://www.obecprekladatelu.cz/en

http://www.jtpunion.org/

http://www.kstcr.cz/

http://www.sjs.cz/

http://www.justice.cz/

members in 2011.

Informants: Eva Gorgolová, Chair, Chamber of the Court Appointed Interpreters and Translators of the Czech Republic.Zuzana Jettmarová, Charles University, Prague.Amalaine Diabova, President, JTP.

10

DENMARK

Population: 5.5 m. GDP: Purchasing power: Latent demand: Official language: DanishTerms for translators:

oversætter (translator, not protected), translatør or statsautoriseret translatør (state-authorized translator/interpreter, protected title)

Range of fees:


Taxation status: Not known.Census status: Not known.Government translators:

Not known.


Authorised translators are certified by the Danish Commerce and Companies Agency (Erhvervs- og Selskabsstyrelsen) – an agency of the Ministry of Economic and Business Affairs: http://www.dcca.dk/sw63078.aspUsually, an MA in specialised translation/interpreting, which can currently be obtained from either the Copenhagen Business School (CBS) or the former Aarhus School of Business (ASB, which recently merged with Aarhus University). Graduates from this programme – which is supervised and controlled by the Danish Translators’ Commission (Translatørkommissionen) – have more or less direct access to become state authorized translators (translatør). It requires an application and the payment of a fee.It is also possible to obtain the qualifications elsewhere, sit an exam and thus obtain the authorisation without actually holding the MA in specialised translation/interpreting. This option is less frequently used and exists only for those languages for which there is no master's degree program at the aforementioned Danish business schools, e.g. Polish, Icelandic, Arabic or Finnish. The certification is for life, unless there is malpractice or other serious circumstances. For which type of documents: Documents in Danish that must have legal effect in other countries and for documents in a foreign language that must have legal effect in Denmark. For other documents, authorized translations are not necessary, but are sometimes used anyway.


Not known.


Translatørforeningen (Danish Translators’ Association): http://translatorforeningen.dk/ Danske Translatører (Danish Translators): http://www.dtfb.dk/, formed in 1990 as break-out from the Translatørforeningen. The associations negotiate minimum fees for translating and interpreting in the institutions under the Ministry of Justice with that Ministry.Professional indemnity insurance can be obtained at a favourable price through the associations, and they also offer courses at a favourable price.Forfatterforeningen (Writers association) - http://www.danskforfatterforening.dk/Forum for Billedmedieoversættere (screen translation, section of Danish Journalists) - http://fbo-dj.dk/ There is also a trade union that organises translators and (many) other language and communication specialists: Kommunikation og Sprog (Communication and Languages) - http://www.kommunikationogsprog.dk/

11

http://www.kommunikationogsprog.dk/

http://www.dtfb.dk/

http://translatorforeningen.dk/

http://www.dcca.dk/sw63078.asp


Sammenslutningen (Association of Danish Translation Companies): http://www.datc.dk/

Informants: Helle V. Dam, Aarhus University.Dee Shields, Executive Committee Member, Danske Translatører.Jørgen Christian Wind Nielsen, employee of Forbundet Kommunikation og Sprog, personal member of Translatørforeningen, and a FIT volunteer.

Documents: Dam, Helle V. & Karen Korning Zethsen (2008): “Translator status - a study of Danish company translators”. The Translator 14(1), pp. 71-96.Dam, Helle V. & Karen Korning Zethsen (2009a): “Who said low status? A study on factors affecting the perception of translator status”. In: JoSTrans - The Journal of Specialised Translation 12, pp. 2-36. http://www.jostrans.org/issue12/art_dam_zethsen.pdfDam, Helle V. & Karen Korning Zethsen (2009b): ”Translators and (lack of) power: A study of Danish company translators’ occupational status”. In: Language at Work – Bridging Theory and Practice 6. http://www.languageatwork.eu/readarticle.php?article_id=27Dam, Helle V. & Karen Korning Zethsen (2010): “Translator status – helpers and opponents in the ongoing battle of an emerging profession”. Target. International Journal of Translation Studies 22(2), pp. 194-211.Dam, Helle V. & Karen Korning Zethsen (in progress): “Translators in international organizations: a special breed of high-status professionals? Danish EU translators as a case in point”. Submitted for publication September 2011. Dam, Helle V. & Karen Korning Zethsen (forthcoming): “The status of professional business translators on the Danish market: A comparative study of company, agency and freelance translators”. Accepted for publication in Meta.

12

FINLAND

Population: 5.3 m. GDP: Purchasing power: Latent demand: 7.74 mOfficial languages: Finnish, Swedish Terms for translators:Range of fees:


Taxation status: Not knownCensus status: Not knownGovernment translators:

Not known


The authorization or certification of the translator is granted by a board, on the basis of an examination (or, in exceptional cases, on the basis of completion of required study module as part of university translator training). The board is under the auspices of the Ministry of Education, and consists of representatives of different languages, academics, professional translators, and representatives of the legal profession and the translators’ association. The examination is hard, and the pass rate low. It consists of two translations (one is a legal / administrative text, the second is a choice of economic, technical or medical test), plus a multiple choice part on the legal aspects of authorized translation, which requires fairly detailed knowledge of the relevant laws and statutes. To get authorization on the basis of university studies alone, the studies must include a module on these legal details.

Authorization is granted for periods of five years at a time. There is a fee. To get another five years, there must be evidence that you have worked as an authorized translator in the previous period and are otherwise qualified (you are not certified as insane, for instance).


Not known

Translator associations:

The Finnish Association of Translators and Interpreters - http://www.sktl.fi/in-english/It brings some status, and helps market your skills. It helps to host an annual conference with a university, publishes an excellent journal, and fosters a sense of community that links academic and professionals. It helps with translation contracts, arbitration etc., and fights to stop fees being dumped. Legal help, yes; not, I think, insurance or healthcare.


Association of Finnish Translation Companies - http://www.sktol.org/en/index.html

Expert informant: Andrew Chesterman, University of Helsinki

13

FRANCE


Official languages: FrenchTerms for translators:

traducteur, traducteur assermenté, traducteur interprète en Justice

Range of fees:


Taxation status: Pour éviter d’avoir affaire à des travailleurs au noir il est souvent demandé de présenter un justificatif URSSAF (caisse de cotisation nationale des travailleurs).

Census status: Not knownGovernment translators:

Not known


Une commission ad hoc à l’intérieur de chaque Cour d’appel [grants the authorization or certification of the translator]. Ils évaluent les compétences du traducteur candidat et sa motivation sur la base d’un dossier que le candidat leur a envoyé. Ils tiennent compte des diplômes (mais pas nécessaires) et de plus en plus de Cours d’appel font attention maintenant à ce que le traducteur soit installé légalement. Mais il faut qu’il y ait une réelle demande pour le couple de langues choisi.(Ceci outre l’usage permanent, par certains services de police, de traducteurs interprètes qui figurent sur leurs listes ou de traducteurs interprètes quasi attitrés qui ne figurent sur aucune liste.) Une loi de 2004 instaure une formation annuelle obligatoire et la réinscription quinquennale. Toutefois cette loi ne prévoit le moindre test du candidat, encore moins un entretien avec le candidat.Le candidat sélectionné reste pendant deux ans à titre probatoire, ensuite sa candidature est analysée tous les 5 ans. Tous les ans un expert traducteur/interprète doit présenter un rapport au magistrat qui le suit en indiquant toutes les expertises qu’il a effectuées et les formations suivies. Faute de formation et/ou d’expertise il peut ne pas voir son inscription aux listes des experts reconduite.

For which type of documents? Pour tout ce qui est document official (actes d’état civil, jugement rendus par les tribunaux, actes notariés, etc.) et dans certaines traductions des entreprises notamment dans les documents officiels à l’attention des associés étrangers.


Il existe un dispositif européen de validation des acquis par l’expérience (VAE) mais il faut quand même passer par l’université tôt ou tard. Pour les experts traducteurs et interprètes il existe une liste « parallèle » appelée la liste du Procureur, qui n’est pas une liste officielle et sur laquelle figurent des traducteurs qui ont gagné la confiance des instances judiciaires.


SFT (Société Française des traducteurs) [email protected], www.sft.fr ATLF (Association des traducteurs littéraires de France) www.atlf.orgATAA (Association des Traducteurs et Adaptateurs de l'Audiovisuel) www.traducteurs-av.orgCRETA (Chambre Régionale des Experts-Traducteurs Assermentés d'Alsace) www.creta-france.com (représente actuellement une des organisations les plus importantes de traducteurs interprètes en Justice en France, malgré son statut régional)Union Nationale des Experts Traducteurs-Interprètes près les Cours d'Appel (UNETICA) www.unetica.fr


Not known.

14

http://www.sft.fr/

mailto:[email protected]

Informants: Teresa Intrieri, SFT, Expert près la Cour d'Appel de Nîmes.

Georges Moukheiber, président de la CRETA.Documents: Moukheiber, Georges. “Le statut et l'utilisation de traducteurs et

interprètes en justice en France”

15

GERMANY

Population: 82.1 m. GDP: Purchasing power: Latent demand: 116.98m4.27%

Official languages: GermanTerms for translators:

Übersetzer, Staatlich geprüfter Übersetzer, Diplom-Übersetzer

Range of fees:


Taxation status: Translators are part of the “Freie Berufe” (liberal professions). In the order regarding judicial fees, translators are mentioned under “Sachverständige” (area experts).


Needed is a university degree, i.e. Diplom-Übersetzer or recentlyMaster of Translation. There is no law whatsoever. But it is a standard, they look for qualified people. In some cases, at urgent need, they will also take a non-qualified person for a specific task, especially when it is cheaper. But to get an employment you will need an academic degree. Experience of many years of work, this was accepted thirty years ago as a qualification, but no longer now. They will [also] require at least two foreign languages, but not by law.


Certification is issued by local courts on the basis of a recognized qualification and a character reference. The certification is regulated by individual Länder (administrative regions). Certification is permanent but is not automatically recognized across Länder. So if the translator moves to a different Land, they must reapply. [We also have additional documents about the certification of sworn translators in Hamburg and a comparison chart between all German Länder.]


Each Land has a high-level non-university exam (Staatliche Prüfung) recognized by the state.


BDÜ Bundesverband der Dolmetscher und Übersetzer (BDÜ) www.bdue.de “Over 7000 members“, “75% of the professionally organised translators and interpreters in Germany” (website). Members are listed on the BDÜ website. Member of the FIT.Fachverband der Berufsübersetzer und Berufsdolmetscher (ATICOM) www.aticom.de . Member of the FIT. Verband deutschsprachiger Übersetzer literarischer und wissenschaftlicher Werke (VdÜ), www.literaturuebersetzer.de Assoziierte Dolmetscher und Übersetzer in Norddeutschland (ADÜ Nord) www.adue-nord.de . Member of the FIT. Verband der Übersetzer und Dolmetscher (VÜD) www.vued.de Some associations offer special healthcare plans and insurance benefits.


Verband der Übersetzungsbüros (VÜ), www.vdue.de

Informant: Dr. Radegundis Stolze, PhD, Diplom-Übersetzerin, BDÜ.Publications: Dalügge-Momme, Natacha. 2009a. Loi de la ville libre et hanséatique

de Hambourg relative aux interprètes et traducteurs – un modèle pour l’Europe? http://www.eulita.eu/loi-de-la-ville-libre-et-hanseatique-de-hambourg-relative-aux-interpretes-et-traducteurs-un-modele. Accessed October 2011.

16

http://www.eulita.eu/loi-de-la-ville-libre-et-hanseatique-de-hambourg-relative-aux-interpretes-et-traducteurs-un-modele

http://www.eulita.eu/loi-de-la-ville-libre-et-hanseatique-de-hambourg-relative-aux-interpretes-et-traducteurs-un-modele

http://www.vdue.de/

http://www.vued.de/

http://www.adue-nord.de/

http://www.literaturuebersetzer.de/

http://www.aticom.de/

http://www.bdue.de/

Dalügge-Momme, Natacha. 2009b. Beeidigung - Vereidigung - Ermächtigung - Ländervergleich Stand August 2009. Annex to 2009a.

17

GREECE


Official language: GreekTerms for translators:Range of fees:


Taxation status: Taxation law divides workforce into two categories: salaried, including most cases of in-house translators, and self-employed, including freelance translators. Salaried workers: The social security institution for salaried workers is the Social Insurance Institute (IKA). IKA groups in-house translators along with desk clerks, administrative personnel, without a specific mention. Self-employed people: Freelance translators must first declare their profession at the tax office where they belong. There is a specific “tax code” (category) for translators, interpreters and editors but it is up to the freelancer to include one or all three professions in their statement and professional stamp. Without this statement they may not register with their insurance institution, the Insurance Organisation for the Self-employed (OAEE). Taxation law in general considers translators (and interpreters) as service-providers, similar to doctors, lawyers, poets, writers, artists. It also acknowledges their rights in intellectual property.

Census status: None.Government translators:

Until recently, calls for translator posts in the public sector, published in the National Gazette, asked for candidates with a degree from secondary-level education (ΔΕ), i.e. an “Apolytirion” from Lyceum. Following legal action from members of the Panhellenic Association of Professional Translators Graduates of the Ionian University (ΠΕΕΜΠΙΠ), recent calls ask for candidates with tertiary-level education (ΠΕ). This description includes:

1. Graduates of the School for Modern Languages, Translation and Interpreting, Ionian University at Corfu

2. Graduates from universities abroad who hold a university degree in translation recognised by our National Academic Recognition Information Centre (Hellenic NARIC, ΔΟΑΤΑΠ). These translation graduates (BA level) still sit through a few exams at Corfu during normal exam periods so that their degree can be considered "equivalent" to our 4-year BA in the eyes of the Greek law.

The State has the right to include university graduates from foreign language departments with an MA in translation and to ask for written exams.An exception: Hellenic Armed Forces require a university degree in translation or foreign languages from candidates for their (permanent) translation posts (Law 2913/2011, Presidential Decree 300/2002).


In principle, official translations are certified by lawyers and notaries, not translators (but see “Further comments” below)..In 2008, an initiative by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to establish a “Body of Sworn Translators” was passed in Parliament, but the law, known as the “Kassimis law”, remains inactive to date.


Ministerial Decisions 1856/1998 on the organization and function of the Translation Service (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and 1855/1998 on selection of personnel for said Translation Service, this authority provides valid translations and certifies these translations, as well as and documents issued in Greece by foreign diplomatic authorities, for all Greek citizens. The Decisions were later modified by Law

18

3566/2007. Translator associations

Panhellenic Association of Translators (PAT) www.pem.gr. Founded in 1963; member of FIT.Panhellenic Association of Professional Translators Graduates of the Ionian University (ΠΕΕΜΠΙΠ) (www.peempip.gr). Founded in 2003.3) Body of Select Translators-Interpreters (inactive)Panhellenic Association of Professional Translators (ΠΣΕΜ) (inactive)Hellenic Society of Translators of Literature (EEMΛ)Panhellenic Association of Public Sector Translators & Translators/Interpreters (ΠΕΜΜΕΔΗΤ)Society of Greek Playwrights, Musicians and Translators (http://www.eeths.gr). Founded in 1894; current form as Society since 1917. Association of Translators-Editors-Proofreaders (http :// syllogosmed . blogspot . com ), Founded in 2009.


Hellenic Association of Translation Agencies (ΠΑΣΜΕΕ/HATC) http://www.pasmee.gr/, member of the European Union of Associations of Translation Companies.

Further comments: With respect to graduate translators of the Department of Foreign Languages, Translation and Interpreting of the Ionian University (Corfu) and graduate translators of EU-based universities with a degree equivalence certificate issued by the competent authority of the Greek Ministry of Education, Presidential Decree 169 of 17/06/2002 (National Gazette 156/2.7.02), stipulates that the graduate translators of the Ionian University are considered to be certified translators having the right to produce official translations for the public and private authorities in Greece and abroad. Since 2005, PEEMPIP has successfully negotiated the inclusion of provisions for the acceptance of certified translations by public authorities. Thus the graduate translators of the Department of Foreign Languages, Translation and Interpreting of the Ionian University are specifically mentioned as having the right to produce certified translations of private documents, along with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and lawyers (who may be required or not to prove their linguistic knowledge by local Bar Associations). PEEMPIP issues specific instructions on the stamp formats, document templates and declarations to be used in certified translations. PEEMPIP has noted the following:a) Greek Ministries seem unwilling to legislatively regulate the system of certified translations in Greece, possibly because it is considered a horizontal issue not pertaining to the competences of a single ministry, but requiring the co-ordination of multiple ministries. The one attempt to do so, Law 3712 (Kassimis Law) on the organisation of state certified translations, disregarded graduate and postgraduate translators, created a “closed profession” and raised serious competition law issues. Although Law 3712 is inactive, it was drafted without consultation with the interested parties and in such a way that it maintained the status of translators working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, even when those translators have no standard translation qualifications.b) There is a lack of legislation regarding complaint logging mechanisms, disciplinary mechanisms and penalties. This means that privately established associations are able to certify their own members and arbitrarily declare their “right” to certify the translation of private documents, misleading the public. Such associations need only the minimum number of members required by law (currently 25 members for non-profit associations) and may serve the business interests of individual translation agencies.

Informant: Kyriaki Kourouni, Aristotle University

19

http://www.pasmee.gr/

http://syllogosmed.blogspot.com/







http://www.eeths.gr/

http://www.peempip.gr/

http://www.pem.gr/

HUNGARY

Population: 10.0 m. GDP: Purchasing power: Latent demand: 8.00 mOfficial languages: HungarianTerms for translators:

fordító (translator) / hites fordító (sworn/certified/authorised translator)

Range of fees:


Taxation status: Not known.Census status: The only special mention made of translators is in the Standard

Occupational Classification and the Standard Industrial Classification.Government translators:

In theory, translators require a Masters in Translation in order to work for the government. There is doubt as to whether this is actually applied, since many administrations outsource to private companies, who do not always insist on a degree in translation. Any translator hired by the government, whether for a single assignment or for a long-term project, needs to produce a masters degree in Translation. Of course, some clients (ministers, secretaries of state) tend to ignore this requirement for reasons that only they know…


Hungary does not have sworn translators but a government agency called National Office for Translation and Attestation (in acronym: OFFI). OFFI has a monopoly on issuing certified translations and authenticating translations prepared by other agencies or individuals. The relevant law does not specify any document as one subject to attestation.The only exception we make is with translators of “small languages” (Vietnamese, Mongolian, Pashtu, etc.), who are so few and normally hard to encourage to do the job for what they perceive as a miserable rate that we are happy if they have completed any university training or, at least, the GCSE.


Not known.


Magyar Fordítók és Tolmácsok Egyesülete (Association of Hungarian Translators and Interpreters) - http://www.mfte.hu

Association of Hungarian Literary Translators - http://muforditok.hu/

http://www.fordit.hu (online community for translating and interpreting making connection between clients and translators, interpreters)


Magyarországi Fordítóirodák Egyesülete (Association of Hungarian Translation Companies) - www.mfe.hu

Informants: Ágnes Somló, Pázmány Péter Catholic University.

Péter Iván Horváth.

20

IRELAND

Population: 4.5 m. GDP: 55 (2009) Purchasing power: 2.1

Latent demand: 7.85m.

Official languages: English, IrishTerms for translators:Range of fees: 10.00 - ?? euro per A4 page

0.04 - ?? euro per word


Taxation status: NoneCensus status: NoneGovernment translators:

Not known


There is no need for translators to be sworn or authorised. All they need is a stamp with their name and language combination. The authorities in Ireland insist on stamps on legal documents.


The Irish Translators’ and Interpreters’ Association (ITIA) holds examinations once a year for professional members who wish to be ITIA certified translators. This system was established by the association because there was no system in place in Ireland. There are now certified translators for French, German, Italian Polish, Russian and Spanish.


Irish Translators’ and Interpreters’ Association (ITIA) - www.translatorsassociation.ie


Not known

Informant: Mary Phelan, ITIA

21

ITALY


Official languages: ItalianTerms for translators:Range of fees:



“Academic qualifications are required to work at the national level and in international organisations.”


There is no exam, and no one who can actually verify your translation. The translator goes to the courthouse with the original and his translation, and the court clerk makes you sign a declaration where you swear to have translated “faithfully”. And then puts a stamp on every page.

There are no “continuing education” credits in Italy, or a system of verification of credentials. Once you're on the list, you can be called anytime, even after many years.

For which type of documents? Usually for legal documents that have to be presented abroad, or foreign documents that have to be translated in Italian and presented to the Italian authorities. I can't really give you a list, usually school transcripts, birth certificates, wills, marriage certificates etc.


You can register with the Chamber of Commerce, but there is no ALBO (professional registry) of Interpreters and Translators in Italy. At the court house you would register in the “Albo dei Periti” (registry of technical experts, where are also doctors, engineers and so on).


AITI (Associazione Italiana Traduttori e Interpreti) - http://www.aiti.orgASSO INTERPRETI (conference interpreters) - http://www.assointerpreti.itASSITIG - http://www.interpretigiudiziari.orgANITI - http://www.aniti.itANITI - http://www.aniti.it

Translation company associations: Informants: Chiara Salce, MIIS.

Flavia Vecchione, A.N.T.I.M.I. (Associazione Nazionale traduttori e interpreti del Ministero dell’Interno).

22

http://www.aniti.it/

LATVIA


Official languages: LatvianTerms for translators:

Tulkotājs (written translator); Zverināts tulkotājs (sworn translator)

Range of fees:



Translators need a professional translator diploma in order to be employed by the Latvian government, however [the informant] met some translators in municipalities without translators diploma.


None. Translations are legalised by a public notary. Translators must show the notary a degree attesting their knowledge of the foreign language, and the notary then certifies the translator’s signature.


None.


In 2011, attempts were being made to found a Latvian Association of Translators and Interpreters.


Not known.

Informant: Sergejs Polanskis.

23

LITHUANIA

Population: 3.3 m. GDP: 55 (2009) Purchasing power: 2.1

Latent capacity: 2.79m.

Official languages: LithuanianTerms for translators:

vertėjas (masc.), vertėja (fem.). There are no sworn or state-authorised translators in Lithuania, but a suggested term is “atestuotieji vertėjai” (pl.)

Range of fees:


Taxation status: Special health and social security scheme for authors, which includes literary translations.

Census status: Government translators:

No specific requirement. [Government institutions] check the educational background and in many cases even organise a competition test. Sometimes the announcement for a position includes a requirement for academic qualifications.


There is no certification system.


Not known.


Lithuanian Association of Literary Translators, www.llvs.lt, [email protected] benefits include a special health and social security scheme for authors, which includes literary translations.Translators may become members of the association after they have published two literary translations.

Translators’ Trade Union “Solidarumas”. It provides legal services.

Lithuanian Translators’ Guild (they are in Facebook)

There is no association of technical or legal translators.Translation company associations:

Association of Translation Agencies - www.vertimubiurai.lt

Informants: Jurgita Mikutyte, President of the Lithuanian Association of Literary

Translators.Nijole Maskaliuniene, Head of the Department of Translation and Interpretation Studies, Vilnius University.

24

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.llvs.lt/

LUXEMBOURG

Population: 0.5 m. GDP: Purchasing power: Latent demand: 1.68 mOfficial languages: French, German, and LuxembourgishTerms for translators:Range of fees:



Not known.


Les conditions générales d'inscription sur les listes d'experts, traducteurs et interprètes assermentés:Toute personne diplômée en langues peut obtenir l’accréditation auprès du Ministère de la Justice sur une simple demande, sur la base d’un dossier contenant une copie des diplômes homologués par l’Etat du Grand-duché de Luxembourg qui atteste la connaissance d’une ou plusieurs langues. En cas d’acceptation de la demande, le demandeur est invité à prêter serment devant une Chambre de la Cour Supérieure de Justice sur la base d’un arrêté ministériel pris une à deux fois par an.


Not known.


Not known.


Not known.

Informant: Polyxeni Kanelliadou, Professeur adjoint à l’Université Aristote de

Thessalonique (Grèce), Faculté des lettres, Département de langue et de littérature italiennes – Interprète-traductrice assermentée près la Cour Supérieure de Justice du Grand-duché de Luxembourg

References: Kanelliadou, Polyxeni. “La procédure de certification des traducteurs et interprètes assermentés au Grand-duché de Luxembourg: situation actuelle et perspectives”. Paper presented at the DIXIEME FORUM INTERNATIONAL SUR LA DEONTOLOGIE ET LES BONNES PRATIQUES. Paris 19-21 May 2011.

[Further bibliography in the above document.]

25

MALTA

Population: 0.4 m. GDP: Purchasing power: Latent demand: 0.4 mOfficial language: MalteseTerms for translators:Range of fees:


Taxation status: No specific recognition. Census status: No specific recognition. Government translators:

With EU accession, the demand for government translators has grown faster than the supply, so translators have been employed without regard for qualifications.


The Ministry of Foreign Affairs certifies sworn translators “on the basis of work already carried out and experience”.


None


None


None

Informant: Janet Mallia, translator.

26

NORWAY


Official language: NorwegianTerms for translators:

Translator (not protected), Fagoversetter (protected), Statsautoriseert translator (protected and can only be used by authorised translators).

Range of fees:


Taxation status: Translators are mentioned in the regulations describing various types of employment contracts (authors and translators are mentioned as one category). Translators who receive royalties belong to the category of self-employed workers.

Census status: National statistics : two categories in the taxonomy of professions: translator and professional translator. The latter title corresponds to the title of a four-year study programme in translation that no longer exists.

Government translators:

No special qualifications are needed to work as a translator for the government (outside of the justice system).


The certification is granted by the Norges Handelshøyskole (Norwegian School of Economics and Business Administration) on the basis of the National Translator Accreditation Exam. As of 2011, this is a written-only examination, with four texts (four subject areas) to be translated to and from the foreign languages.

Certification is for life.More info: http://www.nhh.no/en/research---faculty/department-of-professional-and-intercultural-communication/statsautorisert-translatøreksamen/the-national-translator-accreditation-exam.aspxMore info: http://www.nhh.no/en/research---faculty/department-of-professional-and-intercultural-communication/statsautorisert-translatøreksamen/the-national-translator-accreditation-exam.aspx


Not known


Norwegian Association of Literary Translators - http://www.oversetterforeningen.no/index.php?name=English([email protected])Membership has to be approved by a skill council (Faglig Råd).

Statsautoriserte translatørforening (Association of Government Authorized Translators in Norway) - www.statsaut-translator.no ([email protected])

Norwegian Association of Audiovisual Translators - http://www.navio.no/old/navioengelsk.html ([email protected])

Non-Fiction Writers and Translators Organisation - http://www.nffo.no/eng/default.aspx ([email protected])

Norwegian Interpreters' Association ([email protected])

All [or most of] the above associations provide scholarships and legal services to their members.


Not known

27

http://www.nhh.no/en/research---faculty/department-of-professional-and-intercultural-communication/statsautorisert-translat%C3%B8reksamen/the-national-translator-accreditation-exam.aspx



Informants: Thomas Lundbo, Vice Chair, Norwegian Association of Literary

Translators.Sunniva Whittaker, University of Bergen.Cecilia Alvstad, , University of Oslo.Ase Johnsen, University of Bergen.

28

POLAND


Official language: PolishTerms for translators:Range of fees:


Taxation status: Authors of published translations are entitled to deduct 50% of their royalties before taxes.

Census status: Translation is recognised as a separate type of activity with a separate code in the Polish Classification of Business Activity (previously it had a joint code with secretarial services).


Not known.


Since 2004, certification is given by the Polish Ministry of Justice, based on an examination that tests both translation and interpretation out of and into the candidate’s native language.Prior to 2004: regional courts based on assessment of applications or examination (depending on the region).

Certification is granted for life unless the authorisation is suspended or withdrawn due to professional misconduct or other reasons specified in the Sworn Translator Act (e.g. failure to perform [certified translation] activities for a period of over 3 years).


None


TEPIS (Polish Society of Sworn and Specialised Translators) / national www.tepis.org.pl

STP - Stowarzyszenie Tlumaczy Polskich (Polish Society of Translators) / national: www.stp.org.pl

BST - Baltyckie Stowarzyszenie Tlumaczy (Baltic Association of Translators) /local: http://www.bst.org.pl/

STAW - Stowarzyszenie Tlumaczy Audiowizualnych (The Audiovisual Translators’ Association): [email protected]

Membership benefits may include insurance.Translation company associations:

Not known

Informant: Łucja Biel, Department of Translation Studies, Institute of English,

University of Gdansk.Danuta Kierzkowska , President, TEPIS.

29

PORTUGAL

Population: 10.7 m. GDP: Purchasing power: Latent demand: 9.55 mOfficial languages: PortugueseTerms for translators:

Tradutor

Range of fees:


Taxation status: In terms of social security systems, translators are considered to be liberal professionals, i.e. freelancers.

Census status: The Portuguese Classification of Economic Activities (CAE, Classificação Portuguesa de Actividades Económicas) recognizes translation as a valid economic activity. It is possible to know how many people are "colectados" in the Finanças, i.e. provided they are registered in the Tax Department with the relevant CAE code, it is possible to get an idea of how many people operate in the market. But it is not possible to know how many "professional" translators are registered.


When applying for a position in the public administration that includes translation work, the candidate has to have specific academic qualifications. [Contradictory answer:]There is no special requirement to work as a translator for the Portuguese government, inside or outside the justice system.


Translators are not certified; translations of official documents are. In accordance with Decree-Law no. 237/2001, the translation is certified by a notary or lawyer.When working in court, translators are supposed to swear officially in front of the judge or staff, although this is a formality.


None.


Associação Portuguesa de Tradutores (Portuguese Translator’s Association) (APT) http://www.apt.pt No professional certification is required to become a member of the association except submission of proof of having translated in the past, and filling out a questionnaire where years of experience, languages and areas of expertise are specified. The association seems to be more associated with literary translation.

Conselho Nacional de tradução (CNT), created in 2005 by the APT, the APET, and training institutions in Portugal.

APTIJUR

Associação Portuguesa de Intérpretes de Conferência http://www.apic.org.pt/


Associação Portuguesa de Empresas de Tradução (Association of Translation Companies) (APET ) http://www.apet.ptAssociates can benefit from special liability insurance.

Informants: Susana Valdez Sengo, Universidade Nova de Lisboa.

Fernando Ferreira Alves, Universidade do Minho, Vice-President of Conselho Nacional de Tradução.Stephen Dyson, professional translator, Lisbon.

30

http://www.apet.pt/

ROMANIA

Population: 21.3 m GDP: 161 Purchasing power: Latent demand: 0.39%1,267 people

Official languages: RomanianTerms for translators:

Traducator, Traducator autorizat

Range of fees:


Taxation status:

Not known.Certified translators must apply for a Code of Fiscal Identification from the local administration. They also have to buy an invoice book from the recommended shops. They thus become an "authorized translator" (traducator autorizat).


Not known.


There are no sworn translators as such, although translators can be certified by the Ministry of Justice if they have a B.A degree (or equivalent) in a foreign language from a higher education institution in Romania. They are then listed in the national register (http://www.just.ro/MeniuStanga/Listapersoanelorautorizate/Traducatori/tabid/129/Default.aspx ) as translators and interpreters and can be summoned when necessary for court. To 2011, a total of 32,856 people had been certified as translators and interpreters (the Ministry makes no distinction between the two). Alternatively, translators can be certified if they produce proof of a bilingual high school graduation with teaching in the language for which certification is applied for, or is certified by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage (through its Centre for professional training in culture - Centrul de pregatire profesionala in cultura) upon successful completion of a written translation test that is organized regularly. The test consists of translating a 2000-word text with bilingual dictionaries (http://www.examentraducator.ro/); there is no special test for interpreting. This means that academic qualification is not required in this case.Both these modes of certification apply to both translators and interpreters. Translators can be certified in many different fields, not just in law or legal texts.

Translations are legalized by a notary public, thus becoming “traduceri legalizate”. They may also be accompanied by the signature and round seal of the certified translator (technically making them “traduceri autorizate”), although this is not obligatory.

Law 178/1995 regarding the authorization of translators and interpreters does not include provisions regarding continuous professional development. The certification can be withdrawn in the following situations (according to Law 281 / 2004 Art. No. 6): the translator or interpreter has been convicted through a final decision for an offence committed with intent; for lack of professional skills, as notified in writing by the beneficiary; in the case of court translators or interpreters, for consistent and unmotivated refusal to offer the services required.


Not known.


Asociaţia traducătorilor din România (ATR) www.atr.org.ro. Founded in 2006. Its newsletter is reported to have 1,938 subscribers (2011). A full member (membru aderant) must have a degree or diploma and should be working as professional; a junior member (membru debutant) usually only

31

http://www.atr.org.ro/

http://www.just.ro/MeniuStanga/Listapersoanelorautorizate/Traducatori/tabid/129/Default.aspx

http://www.just.ro/MeniuStanga/Listapersoanelorautorizate/Traducatori/tabid/129/Default.aspx

has a degree or diploma and is just starting to work professionally. They can be junior members for three years.

Uniunea Naţională a Traducătorilor autorizaţi din România (Certified Translators’ National Association) http://www.untar.ro/ or http://urbo.ro/servicii-publice/uniunea-nationala-traducatorilor-autorizati-din-romania-untar-60664

These are strictly professional organizations involved in dissemination and exchange of information, fostering professional development, and presenting job opportunities.


Asociaţia Firmelor de Interpretariat şi Traduceri din România (AFIT România) (http://www.afit.ro) was founded in 2005 and is a member of EUATC.

Association of Romanian Translation Agencies – Asociatia Birourilor de Traduceri din Romania (http://www.abtr.ro/ro/) published annual reports on the size and growth of the translation sector, showing that there are three distinct tiers in the size of the companies. Their code of ethics applied to companies, not to translators. In 2010 they were incorporated into AFIT România.

Informants: Teodora Ghivirigă, Al. I. Cuza University of Iasi.Oana Bargan, Certified Translator.Dr. Catalina Iliescu Gheorghiu, PhD, Universitat d’Alacant.Dr. Daniel Dejica, PhD, Politehnica University of Timisoara, Romania.Anca Greere, University of Cluj Napoca.

Documents: Greere, Anca. 2010. “Translation in Romania: Steps towards recognition and professionalization” Meta 55/4: 789-816. http://www.erudit.org/revue/meta/2010/v55/n4/index.html

32

http://www.abtr.ro/ro/

http://urbo.ro/servicii-publice/uniunea-nationala-traducatorilor-autorizati-din-romania-untar-60664

http://urbo.ro/servicii-publice/uniunea-nationala-traducatorilor-autorizati-din-romania-untar-60664

http://www.untar.ro/

SLOVAKIA

Population: 5.4 m. GDP: Purchasing power: Latent demand: Official languages: SlovakTerms for translators:Range of fees:



Not known.


The Ministry of Justice of the Slovak Republic is officially responsible for sworn translators and administrates the database of such translators. It usually authorises translation institutes to organise exams. These institutes are usually situated at universities and the number of such official institutes may change. Overall conditions for getting certification are rather vague.The certification is maintained through exams once every 5 years, updating courses and activities.


Not known.


SSPOL (The Slovak Society of Translators of Scientific and Technical Literature) www.sspol.sk

SSPUL (Slovak Literary Translators´ Society) www.sspul.sk

SAPT (Slovak Association of Translators and Interpreters) www.sapt.sk


Not known.

Informant: Martin Djovčoš, PhD, Matej Bel University, Banská Bystrica, Slovakia.

33

SLOVENIA

Population: 2.0 m. GDP: Purchasing power: Latent demand: 2.39 mOfficial languages: SloveneTerms for translators:Range of fees:

Academic qualifications required: None for freelancers. Translation companies that adhere to the standard EN 15038 can only sell translations that are done by translators who have a university degree and three years of experience in the field of translation.

Professional certification required: NoneAssociation membership required: None

Taxation status: Translators can acquire a status of “Self-employed workers in culture” - in such a case, the state pays all social insurance from the budget, if they can prove that they have limited income (e.g. they can have this status in 2011 if they earned less than 21.605,70 EUR gross in 2010).


In order to be employed at various government translation services, you have to have a university degree (in translation or language).


The Ministry of Justice gives this certification on the basis of an exam. Amongst others the Judicial Training Centre is responsible for organizing preparatory legal seminars for court interpreters, assessors and evaluators, written and oral exams as well as appointing court interpreters and court experts (assessors & evaluators).

Certification is for life.Other certification systems:

The Association of Scientific and Technical Translators of Slovenia has recently introduced the possibility to take a certification exam – the certification, however, is not obligatory and not demanded by any employer.


Association of Scientific and Technical Translators of Slovenia, http://www.dztps.si/

Slovenian Association of Conference Interpreters, http://www.zkts.si/news.php

Association of Literary Translators of Slovenia, http://www.dskp-drustvo.si/

Association of Interpreters for the Slovene Sign Language, http://www.tolmaci.si/?id=3&c=21


The Slovenian Association of Translation Companies (SATC) was founded in 2008 and has 27 member companies. It has applied to become a member of EUATC.

Expert informant: Nike K. Pokorn, University of Ljublana.Documents: Kunc, Viktorija Osolnik. “Court interpreters and sworn translators of

legal language - The case of Slovenia”

34

http://zpp.gzs.si/slo/

SPAIN


Official languages: Spanish (Castilian), Catalan, Basque, GalicianTerms for translators:

traductor, traductor jurado (sworn translator)

Range of fees:


Taxation status: Freelance translators can be recognized in the taxation system and the social security under this figure: we can issue invoices and we have specific duties with the Spanish tax system (besides paying the VAT every three months we also have to pay a monthly fee in order to be quoted in the Social Security).

Census status: In the Special Regime for Self-Employed Workers (Régimen de Trabajadores Autónomos) there is a specific recognition for translators and interpreters (more precisely, epigraph 774 / section 2).


Specific qualifications are not usually needed to work in public or private sectors (translators might be required to certify their experience or some “related qualifications” in languages, but not a degree or graduate course in translation).


The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation is the body that awards the certification of Sworn Translators [into Castilian Spanish] in Spain. Candidates to become sworn translators have to pass a written exam that is called on a yearly basis by the Ministry. Candidates who have a degree in Translation and Interpreting and those applicants who have been recognized as sworn translators in another country of the EU can be automatically recognized as sworn translators in Spain without passing the exam of the Ministry.

In Catalonia, Galicia and the Basque Country the regional administration can appoint sworn translators who will work with the corresponding language of the Autonomous Community (Catalan, Galician and Basque).

Certification is for life.

But: The Spanish legislation states: El artículo 441 de la Ley de Enjuiciamiento Criminal (LECr) establece: “El intérprete [including translators] será elegido entre los que tengan títulos de tales, si los hubiere en el pueblo. En su defecto, será nombrado un maestro del correspondiente idioma, y si tampoco lo hubiere, cualquier persona que lo sepa.”


None.


ASETRAD: Asociación Española de Traductores e Intérpreteshttp://www.asetrad.org/[email protected]

APTIC: Asociació Profesional de Traductors I Intèrprets de Catalunyahttp://www.aptic.cat/[email protected]

APTIJ: Asociación Profesional de Traductores e Intérpretes Juradoshttp://www.aptij.es/[email protected]

ASATI: Asociación Aragonesa de Traductores e Intérpretes

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http://www.asati.es/Asociación de Traductores Galegoshttp://webs.uvigo.es/webatg/viceversa.html

EIZIE: Asociación de Traductores y Correctores en Lengua Vascahttp://www.eizie.org/es/[email protected]

XARXA: Red de Traductores e Intérpretes de la Comunidad de Valenciahttp://www.xarxativ.es

AGPTI: Asociación Galega de Profesionais da Traducción e da Interpretación

APETI: Asociación Profesional Española de Traductores e Intérpretes

ACEtt: Sección Autónoma de Traductores de Libros de la Asociación Colegial de Escritores de España

TRIACAPTIJC


In 2011 the Agrupación de Centros Especializados en Traducción changed its name to the Asociación de Empresas Certificadas en Traducción e Interpretación de España (ACT CALIDAD). It has 24 companies as members.

Informants: Alberto Fernández Costales, , Universidad de Oviedo.

Catherine Way, Universidad de Granada.

36

http://www.act.es/empresas.htm

http://www.act.es/empresas.htm

SWEDEN

Population: 9.3 m. GDP: Purchasing power: Latent demand: 13.81 m.

Official languages: SwedishTerms for translators:

Översättare (Translator), Translator (Authorised translator)

Range of fees:



Not known.


Translators are authorised by the Swedish Legal, Financial and Administrative Services Agency (Kammarkollegiet), (http://www.kammarkollegiet.se/english/authorized-interpreters-and-translators) on the basis of a translation exam consisting of a legal, an economic/financial and a general text assessed by two experts. The exam is held once a year and the pass rate is less than 10%.Authorisation is renewed every five years based on skills maintained by work as translator and/or continuing education. The translators may be required to take a test consisting of a general text.In 2011 there were about 440-450 authorised public translators with a total of 480 authorisations for specific language pairs in one direction.They covered 29 languages to Swedish and 28 from Swedish (MacArthur).


Translations can be certified by authorised state translators or by public notaries who have the required language skills.


Federation of Authorised Translators (FAT) (http://www.aukttranslator.se/eng/advice.asp). About 280 members in 2011. Sveriges Författarförbund – Översättarsektionen (Swedish Writers’ Union, Translators’ Section) (http://www.forfattarforbundet.se/sff/main.nsf/1/80/). Establishes a standard industry agreement with publishers. Sveriges Facköversättarförening (Swedish Association of Professional Translators) (SFÖ), for both technical and specialised translators and for translation companies (http://www.sfoe.se/eng/pages.aspx?r_id=51411). They have arranged a liability insurance scheme and refer members to a designated law firm.


The Sveriges Facköversättarförening is open to translation companies.

Informants: Ian MacArthur, Treasurer FAT.

Inga-Beth Hinchliffe, member of SFÖ, Swedish Authors’ Union, Institute of Translation and Interpreting.

Documents: Conditions for Authorization as a Translator – KammarkollegietResults of the 2010 examination

37

http://www.sfoe.se/eng/pages.aspx?r_id=51411

http://www.sfoe.se/eng/pages.aspx?r_id=51411

http://www.forfattarforbundet.se/sff/main.nsf/1/80/

http://www.aukttranslator.se/eng/advice.asp

http://www.kammarkollegiet.se/english/authorized-interpreters-and-translators

http://www.kammarkollegiet.se/english/authorized-interpreters-and-translators

SWITZERLAND


Official languages: German, French, Italian, RomanshTerms for translators:Range of fees:


Taxation status:

Not known.


Not known.


Due to the strong legislative autonomy of the Swiss cantons, the situation concerning sworn translators varies from region to region. A sworn translator is required for official legal certification only in the cantons of Geneva and Neuchâtel. More information can be obtained from www.astj.ch and/or www.astti.chIn Geneva and Neuchâtel, it is the cantonal chancelleries that grant the authorisation. The procedures are documented here: Geneva:http://www.ge.ch/traducteurs/modalites.asp http://www.ge.ch/traducteurs/procedure.asp Neuchâtel: http://www.ne.ch/neat/site/jsp/rubrique/rubrique.jsp?StyleType=bleu&CatId=1629


Not known.


Association suisse des traducteurs, terminologues et interprètes / Swiss Association of Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters (ASTTI), www.astti.ch(It provides legal services and insurance benefits, besides maintaining databases of members with specific information on specialisations, skills, qualifications, experience etc.)

Association d’interprètes et de traducteurs (AIT), www.aitge.ch

Association suisse des traducteurs-jurés (ASTJ), www.astj.ch

Dolmetscher- und Übersetzervereinigung (DÜV), www.duev.ch(It runs its own agency for members.)

Verband Schweizer Gerichtsdolmetscher und -übersetzer / Swiss Association of Court Interpreters and Translators (juslingua.ch), www.juslingua.ch

Verband der Zürcher Gerichtsdolmetscher und -übersetzer (VZGDÜ), www.vzdgu.ch


Not known.

Expert informant: Gary Massey, Zürcher Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften.

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TURKEY


Official languages: TurkishTerms for translators:Range of fees:


Taxation status: UnclearCensus status: Not knownGovernment translators:

In governmental segments they require academic degrees in translation as well as other language majors when they employ full time translators, e.g. for the ministry of foreign affairs.Graduates from philology, literature can also work as translators in these government offices and projects as translators.


No certification system for sworn translators. Notaries will certify a translation upon documental proof that the translator who did it has the necessary skills. FIT cardholders of the Turkish Association of Translation [?] are [automatically?] authorised.


There is also another practice within some of the public universities (e.g. Istanbul University) in which the staff of the translation departments within the university can check and sign translations of their own university’s students, other professors etc. So in this case, the translation departments’ staff is assuming authorised status but this is not always valid outside the university.


Turkish Translator’s Association http://www.tuced.org.tr/

Literary Translators Society http://www.cevbir.org/Offers legal support; for example as a literary translator if you have a problem with a publishing house, CEVBIR assists the translator with the legal action.

Turkish Association of Translation (CEVIRI DERNEGI): www.ceviridernegi.orgOffers ethics and legal support to its members.


Association of Translation Agencies http://www.cid.org.tr (only in Turkish)

Association of All Translation Agencies http://www.tcid.org.tr/ Expert informants: Alev Balci, Dokuz Eylül University.

Esra Ozkaya Saltoglu, İstanbul University.

UNITED KINGDOM


Official languages: NoneTerms for translators:Range of fees:


39

Taxation status: “You’re either employed or self-employed” (or unemployed)Census status: “Translator” was listed as a job title in the Census for the first time in

2011.Government translators:Certification of sworn translators:

None. In practice legal documents (writs, statements) will be accompanied by a certification stating the qualifications of the translator, but this is not required.The Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) qualifies some members as “Police and Court Interpreter Members” but this has no official standing with the police or courts. The Chartered Institute of Linguists, in conjunction with the Metropolitan Police Service, created a test that led to a public service interpreting qualification relating to the police service within the UK and which is recognised by the National Register of Public Service Interpreters (NRPSI).On 1 April 2011 the National Register of Public Service Interpreters was detached from the Chartered Institute of Linguists and with effect from that date it is maintained by an independent new company, but retaining the name NRPSI. Interpreters registered in accordance with the above systems may be required to complete some translation tasks.


The Institute of Linguists Educational Trust (IoLET) Diploma in Translation is accredited at level 7, but is not a requirement for sworn/authorised translation. The Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) and the Chartered Institute of Linguists offer Chartered Linguist status for suitably qualified and experienced translators but it is not widely taken up.In 2011, the Ministry of Justice is cited as having contracted the private company Applied Language Solutions for language services, and “linguists” are invited to register with the Ministry through the company (http://www.appliedlanguage.com). According to the Institute of Linguists (http://www.iol.org.uk/nrpsi/NRPSIRepWeb0511.pdf), this means that the commercial supplier of services is now also responsible for recognising the qualifications of translators and interpreters.

Maintenance of certification

In 2011, Applied Language Solutions argued that registered interpreters must complete 30 hours of Continued Professional Development per year in order to stay registered (http://www.linguistlounge.com). This appears to apply to translators as well.


Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) (www.iti.org.uk). Member of the FIT. Founded in 1986; “qualified” members require a university degree in an appropriate field; “associate” membership requires “evidence of professional interest in translation or interpreting”. In 2007 there were 2,642 members (Wikipedia).

Chartered Institute of Linguists (www.iol.org.uk). Founded in 1910. In 2011 the Translating Division had 2,700 members (website)

Association of Welsh Translators and Interpreters (AWTI)

Translators Association of the Society of Authors (http://www.societyofauthors.org/translators-association). Established in 1958. Membership is based on publications. Represented at FIT and the CEATL (Conseil Européen des Associations de Traducteurs Littéraires).

National Register of Public Service Interpreters (NRPSI)

National Registers of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind People (NRCPD)

40

http://www.iol.org.uk/

http://www.iti.org.uk/

http://www.linguistlounge.com/

http://www.iol.org.uk/nrpsi/NRPSIRepWeb0511.pdf

http://www.appliedlanguage.com/

National Union of Professional Interpreters and Translators (NUPIT)

Professional Interpreters’ Alliance (PIA)

Society for Public Service Interpreting (SPSI)

The ITI and CIoL offer a wide range of services, including a free legal helpline, reduced rate Professional Indemnity Insurance, discounts on things like hotels and stationery purchases, and (CIoL only) a health insurance plan.


Not known.

Voluntary certification?

“I do not believe any further certification/accreditation would benefit translators in the UK. The national culture is not amenable to it, but more to the point, there is (with some justification) a suspicion of academic vs. practical training.” (Fraser)

Informants: Janet Fraser, University of Westminster, Chartered Institute of Linguists, Institute of Translation and Interpreting (Admissions Committee, Fellowship Committee).Rannheid Sharma, Chartered Institute of Linguists.Ros Schwartz, Translators’ Association of the Society of Authors, Chair of English PEN’s Writers in Translation Programme.

Document: Chartered Institute of Linguists. 2011. Provision of interpretation and translation services across the justice sector. 3 May 2011.

41

UNITED STATES

Population: 312 m. GDP: Purchasing power: Latent demand: 571.20 m.

Official languages: NoneTerms for translators:Range of fees: Median annual wages of $38,850 in May 2008. (Bureau of Labor

Statistics)


Taxation status: Not knownCensus status: The Department of Labor recognizes translators (see

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos175.htm)Government translators:

No academic qualifications or professional certification required.


None


None


American Translators Association: http://www.atanet.org

American Literary Translators Association: http://www.utdallas.edu/altaInternational Medical Interpreters Association: http://www.imiaweb.org

National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators: http://www.najit.org

American Association of Language Specialists (TAALS)

National Council on Interpreting in Health Care: http://www.ncihc.org

Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf: http://www.rid.org

New England Translators Association (NETA)

Arizona Court Interpreters Association (ACIA)

California Healthcare Interpreting Association (CHIA)

Colorado Association of Professional Interpreters (CAPI)

Iowa Interpreters and Translators Association (IITA)

Nebraska Association for Translators and Interpreters (NATI)

Tennessee Association of Professional Interpreters and Translators (TAPIT)

Austin Area Translators and Interpreters Association (AATIA)

Houston Interpreters and Translators Association (HITA)

Membership of some of the associations give benefits such as legal services, insurance benefits or healthcare plans.

More are listed in our case study. Translation company The Association of Language Companies (ALC) is “a national trade

42

http://www.rid.org/

http://www.ncihc.org/

http://www.najit.org/

http://www.imiaweb.org/

http://www.utdallas.edu/alta

http://www.atanet.org/

associations: association representing businesses that provide translation, interpretation, localization, and language training services”.

Expert informant: Jiri Stejskal, PhD, FIT.Documents: Employment by industry, occupation, and percent distribution, 2008

and projected 2018

43