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Choosing a specialization - advice needed
Thread poster: Allyson Sigman
Allyson Sigman
Allyson Sigman
United States
Local time: 12:41
Member (2018)
Japanese to English
+ ...
Jan 3, 2011

Hi,

I would like some advice on choosing a specialization. I just came into translation last year (Japanese to English) when I got a job working in the auto manufacturing field. My degree is in TESOL and I did a lot of work in Japan in that field. I would like to move more into interpretation while keeping translation open.

From looking at the jobs available on this site, it seems like medical, legal, and patent are the way to go. Do you agree? I am just wondering if... See more
Hi,

I would like some advice on choosing a specialization. I just came into translation last year (Japanese to English) when I got a job working in the auto manufacturing field. My degree is in TESOL and I did a lot of work in Japan in that field. I would like to move more into interpretation while keeping translation open.

From looking at the jobs available on this site, it seems like medical, legal, and patent are the way to go. Do you agree? I am just wondering if I should try to pick up another specialty (ex: focus on reading medical journals) or if I will be able to get a job later on with just those two (education and automotive)

So my question is: How did you choose your specialty? Would you go back and change it? How many specialties do you think a translator should have? Are some specialties more desirable in interpretation vs. translation?

Please let me know your opinions.
Thank you,

Allyson ▲ Collapse
 
Vikas Chaturvedi
Vikas Chaturvedi
Local time: 22:11
Urdu to English
+ ...
Not Agree.. Jan 4, 2011

Hi Allyson,

I am not agree with you and suggest you to stick to your specialization only, As in this market there are lots of fields and how many field you would like to get established or learn.. and at end of the day you will find yourself that you did not learn anything. So its better to stick to your expertise some day or another you will start getting offer.

Regards
Vikas
 
Sheila Wilson
Sheila Wilson  Identity Verified
Spain
Local time: 17:41
Member (2007)
English
+ ...
specialization means in-depth knowledge Jan 4, 2011

allysonroad wrote:
I am just wondering if I should try to pick up another specialty (ex: focus on reading medical journals)


I wouldn't have thought it was that easy and I certainly wouldn't try it myself. Someone who specialises in medical texts should have a thorough understanding of the subject matter either through immersion at university or in their professional life i.e. someone who has studied and/or practised medicine. Just reading about a subject doesn't give you that understanding - it gives you a lot of jargon that you don't know how to use correctly.

You've already got two specialisations and I'm sure you can do a lot of more general stuff, too.
 
juvera
juvera  Identity Verified
Local time: 17:41
English to Hungarian
+ ...
Think about it Jan 4, 2011

Is Japan better known for its automotive or pharmaceutical industry?
What is a more useful subject, education or patents, if you want to be an interpreter as well?

You are lucky to have some knowledge in the right fields, so the best you can do is to gain more expertise and expand your knowledge relating to these, particularly into the legal (contracts?) and governmental (education policies and management?) side of these subjects.

Think of what interests you, not ... See more
Is Japan better known for its automotive or pharmaceutical industry?
What is a more useful subject, education or patents, if you want to be an interpreter as well?

You are lucky to have some knowledge in the right fields, so the best you can do is to gain more expertise and expand your knowledge relating to these, particularly into the legal (contracts?) and governmental (education policies and management?) side of these subjects.

Think of what interests you, not what seems to be the "in" thing in other languages at the moment. The worst thing you could do is to embark on a self-education course in a subject you may know very little about and don’t have any real interest in or aptitude for it.

Interpreting needs a lot of practice and wide general and cultural knowledge, so I think, your tasks are set for the near future. As time goes by, you may find other subjects which are useful and you would be interested in. ▲ Collapse
 
Laurent KRAULAND (X)
Laurent KRAULAND (X)  Identity Verified
France
Local time: 18:41
French to German
+ ...
Interests, indeed Jan 4, 2011

juvera wrote:
Think of what interests you, not what seems to be the "in" thing in other languages at the moment. The worst thing you could do is to embark on a self-education course in a subject you may know very little about and don’t have any real interest in or aptitude for it.


There are good chances that you will perform better and involve yourself more in work which interests you.

For example, I have a keen interest in law and (para)legal matters and find tourism texts very empty and boring. A colleague will not take any legal translation, if only because he has not the mindset needed for such jobs - and he freely admits it.

Maybe you should apply this old Greek aphorism first and foremost: γνῶθι σεαυτόν (know thyself).
 
Allyson Sigman
Allyson Sigman
United States
Local time: 12:41
Member (2018)
Japanese to English
+ ...
TOPIC STARTER
That makes sense Jan 4, 2011

Juvera, Thank you so much for your insight. You are absolutely right. It would be much easier for me to branch into the legal/government side education than to try and pick up a new specialty. I just see sooooo many people with specialties in patents or law. It seems like there can't be that many people who are interested in it. However, Laurent seems to attest to the fact that some people are.

Thanks again.
 


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