subject: Pros And Cons Of Different Professions: Freelance Translator [print this page] Before summing up the advantages and disadvantages of the profession of translator, let us give the definition of this kind of occupation. A translator is a person who deals with transforming materials, such as books, articles, letters and different manuals from one language to another. The work of a translator comprises only written translation, not synchronous or simultaneous one. As any profession, this one also has its pros and cons.
Pros
The first very important pro is knowledge of two languages. It gives opportunity to understand foreign speech, read foreign books and speak. Actually, it is not very difficult to study foreign language, but being a good expert is a really difficult deal.
Knowledge of at least one foreign language simplifies studying another one. If the translator deals with any European language, like English, for example, he/she will not find any difficulties to master another language.
Opportunity to give private lessons in free time. This is a source of additional income
Opportunity for constant self-development and personal growth. Translators usually deal with the materials of different topics that are very useful to know.
Cons
Lack of experience in some field. Sometimes translators have to deal with the literature that belongs to the unknown area. As a result, translator has to study additional material and spend some time for it. For example, those who specialize in translating belle letter style materials may have some difficulties while translating manuals for sophisticated machinery.
Using specialized programs. Nowadays there is a lot of software elaborated especially for translation services. Undoubtedly, they are simplify the translation process, but they are expensive enough, that is why not every translator can afford to buy such tool.
Difficulty to cover some foreign words. As usual, texts are crammed with different words of foreign origin, such as ancient Latin or Greek. Translations of such words are real obstacle for translator.
