This last week, linguists celebrated International Translation Day. Many
translator organizations and sites marked the occasion, notably Proz.com, which
featured two days of lectures and discussions on the state of the profession.
Of course, the speakers mentioned AI numerous times, often in the context of
how it impacts the profession. Most importantly, the various speakers analyzed
the different ways that translators can continue to make a living given an uncertain future that will definitely include AI. One sentence struck a strong
chord: whatever you do, do what you love because your passion affects the
quality, which is the most important advantage human translators can have over AI. Furthermore, one lecturer noted there will always be a need for expert
translators in specialist fields even with improved AI. In that light, I understand
that I need to react to the changes in the market in my over 22 years of
translation before it is too late. Unfortunately, I do not receive much
pleasure when editing or using AI. Thus, I have decided to embrace my
experience, drop my other areas of translation and specialize in one field,
specifically Hebrew to English legal translation, as it provides the base
for my future in all respects.
When I first started translation in 2004, I knew
little of my skills or the translation world and chose to cast a wide net. I
started my journey by preparing an inventory of my knowledge, specifically four
languages, specifically English, Hebrew, French and Russian, and two areas of
knowledge, law and finance. Small translation agencies dominated the market at
the time. Thus, it seemed logical to create a multilingual brand with several
specializations to catch the most fish. I did not know enough to identify any
specific target markets and thus created, in effect, a more general brand.
The market had changed radically since then, primarily
due to technology and conglomeration. AI and machine translation of all types have eliminated many market niches, including email and personal translation.
At the same time, the same technology has created a strong demand for machine
translation post editing (MTPE). On an organizational level, large
international corporations have gobbled up one small agency after another,
creating large volume, low-cost translation venues at the expense of translator
rates. At the same time, it should be noted that many well-paying niches not
only exist but are thriving, notably legal, medical, marketing and
transcreation, which provide ample opportunity for qualified linguists.
As I considered my future (Yom Kippur is an ideal day
for doing that), I finally understood that my initial approach, however
relevant it was at the time, is no longer effective. I am now choosing to formally
embrace the field I enjoy the most, work most efficiently and am most
proficient at [Winston Churchill said it was proper to end a sentence with a
preposition]. I will solely focus on Hebrew- to-English legal translation,
which is mainly what I have been doing for some 10 years now. I have studied
legal writing, especially Plain English. Moreover, I am not only quite efficient
in translating and editing legal translation but am more proficient at them than
many other translators. Thus, as far as anybody can foresee the future, I feel
my career has a solid basis.
Giving up the past is never easy. For that reason,
people hold on to objects that no longer have any practical value. I still
enjoy reading and speaking French. As for Russian, it is quite a useful
language in Israel. I may choose to take on a small appropriate task in those
languages. However, there is no feeling like doing a task very well especially if it
is something that you enjoy. As for the price of rebranding, it requires
redoing my marketing approach but better late than never. It may be fun to look
back from time to time but success requires forward-looking.
