Not just a translator

If you’re a professional translator, how would you describe yourself to a potential client? The language you choose matters more than you might think, and getting it wrong could be limiting your opportunities.

This question of professional identity came into sharp focus at this week’s APTIS conference, which the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) was pleased to sponsor. The theme – Better together: How can industry and academia collaborate to empower future language professionals? – addressed something fundamental: how professional linguists need to adapt in order to forge successful careers in an industry that has been disrupted by technology and changing client expectations.

One of the most pressing aspects of this necessary change is how we position ourselves in the world, or rather how we describe ourselves and the value of the work that we do.

The language of professional identity

Nearly a year ago I wrote a case study for the Association of Association Executives (AAE) where I shared some thoughts about the changing role of professional translators and my observation that the traditional definition no longer fits well. I've been expanding on this in recent presentations about entrepreneurialism, arguing that professional translators and interpreters must embrace the reality that to be successful they must be effective business people as well as excellent linguists.

At the FIT - International Federation of Translators - Fédération Internationale des Traducteurs World Congress in September I proposed ditching 'freelance' as a descriptor. I believe that 'freelance translator' doesn't convey the best impression to clients and it certainly doesn't highlight a person's professional status and what this means.  This isn't about misrepresenting yourself – it's about choosing language that resonates better with potential clients and also reflects the full breadth of your professional skills. So, in a commercial setting, professional translators might consider positioning themselves as consultants or directors. There may even be a case for using terms such as 'creative' or 'business owner' if that's what's appropriate in your marketplace.

It was therefore encouraging to hear Clare Suttie, Director of Atlas Translations | Translation Agency, offer the same view in her joint keynote speech with Christophe Fricker of the University of Bristol during the APTIS conference. Clare also noted that it's no longer viable for anyone in this industry to think of themselves as 'just a translator'.

Beyond the text

Christophe offered a valuable perspective on the issue of the 'image problem' too, drawing on his personal experiences as a research consultant, translator and educator. He focussed on the translator's role in the world and suggested that there is a need to think more broadly about the communication needs that are not being met by current ways of working or by technological solutions.

He offered the optimistic view that there are many opportunities for skilled translators to generate value for their clients in our modern era, but only if they accept an expanded definition of the role of the translator. The expanded definition reaches beyond the words to encompass the relationships between people. Christophe specifically cautioned against the tendency towards venerating the source text above all other concerns, and argued forcefully that we need to refocus our attention on how translators can facilitate more rewarding relationships between people through supporting thoughtful and effective communication.

Christophe followed up with a bold statement that understanding the client is more important than understanding the text, which echoes my view that what matters most is meeting the client's needs. This is likely to mean getting to know the client's business, positioning yourself as their trusted partner, helping to solve their problems and – ideally – adding value to what they do. Or, to put it differently – it's about creating outcomes (positive change) rather than simply producing outputs (words).

The communication challenge

This chimed with what I had been talking about in the previous day's panel discussion on Slow Translation: Is there a place for values-driven translation in a value driven industry? chaired by David Stockings MITI MCIL CL (Translator). I spoke about the need for professional translators to understand their clients' objectives and to be able to frame their services in a way that makes sense to clients. I have, sadly, come to the frustrating conclusion that although professional linguists are brilliantly adept at transferring meaning between languages, they sometimes fail to communicate effectively in day-to-day business settings. Given the pressing need to find better ways to talk to clients and stakeholders about the appropriate use of technology, this skills gap is a serious concern (and something I plan to address through new training from ITI).

More than just a translator

So, what was my takeaway from the #APTIS25 conference? In essence it was the reminder that translation is a part of what professional translators do, but it's not the totality. Translators and interpreters have the skills to nurture the resonant relationships that Christophe spoke about, but this requires a mindset shift. It requires you to look beyond the text and to step into the role of business partner in your relationships with your clients.

You are more than just a translator.