Experience, Skills, and Personality Traits
Three to five years of experience with a foreign language and translation is needed to enter the field. Try to participate in volunteer or informal activities that allow you to practice your foreign language and translation skills.
Translators should be knowledgeable of not only the foreign language but also of the culture and social norms of the region or country in which it is spoken. Translators should read daily newspapers in the languages in which they specialize to keep current in both developments and usage. They also should have self-discipline and patience. Above all, they should have an interest in and love of language.
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