Best training to take me from intermediate to proficient, to work as translator asap

[newtothefield]

Hi guys:
I would appreciate some advice. I'm looking to change my career and would like to become a Spanish -English translator. My Spanish is intermediate. I learnt it in school and have done several courses since but of course I need to really work on it to become a professional translator. I know it will take some time and am starting private lessons to brush up on grammar etc but I can't afford to do this for too long. I would really like an online course as I have limited time and money but have no idea where to start! Ideally the best course in the shortest time. I also know being fluent is only have the battle and want to eventually do a translator course as well. I lived in Spain for a few years and we are going back there sometime in 2015 so I am giving myself about 10 months to get up to speed but would like to hear any advice on which online courses are worth it?
Thanks a lot

[vicente]

Hello

If you care to read some of the topics in the various forums you will find topics regarding learning and speaking Spanish as well as discussions on becoming a translator.

We recently had a discussion regarding the necessity and importance of being fluent in speaking a language in order to translate that language. We found that there are professional translators who are NOT fluent but are excellent translators nonetheless.

Concentrate on learning to read and write the language rather than speaking it. It might be a good idea to determine what field you want to work in, i.e., legal, medical, etc. and concentrate on that area. You might want to review the various forums here to get an idea.

If your grammar is sound and you have a limited budget you can learn a great deal with a good dictionary and thesaurus and avoid some of the cost of classes. Concentrate on your grammar. I consider that to be the most important element.

Maybe some of our other members can offer suggestions on where to go online for classes.

Good luck!!

[newtothefield]

Hi Vincente:
Thanks so much for your reply.
Its really strange to hear you say that some people are not fluent but can translate professionally! All the forums I have been on stress the other way around... that many people who are bilingual think they can be good translators but often this is not the case without training.

I definitely want to be a translator rather than an interpreter and as I have always learnt the language "officially" rather than just picked it up "on the street" I think my understanding of grammar is pretty good.

I have a medical background so I want to focus in this field.

I will certainly explore this site a bit more.

Thanks for your help

Hello

If you care to read some of the topics in the various forums you will find topics regarding learning and speaking Spanish as well as discussions on becoming a translator.

We recently had a discussion regarding the necessity and importance of being fluent in speaking a language in order to translate that language. We found that there are professional translators who are NOT fluent but are excellent translators nonetheless.

Concentrate on learning to read and write the language rather than speaking it. It might be a good idea to determine what field you want to work in, i.e., legal, medical, etc. and concentrate on that area. You might want to review the various forums here to get an idea.

If your grammar is sound and you have a limited budget you can learn a great deal with a good dictionary and thesaurus and avoid some of the cost of classes. Concentrate on your grammar. I consider that to be the most important element.

Maybe some of our other members can offer suggestions on where to go online for classes.

Good luck!!

[estefaniar]

I totally agree with Vicente.

My suggestion would be, in case you cannot afford a course, exchanging classes with a Spanish speaker you may know. There are several programs that work this way. You and your Spanish-speaking partner gather once or twice a week and exchange lessons. You give him/her English lessons and, in exchange, he/she teaches you Spanish. The idea is that each of you can arrange some kind of syllabus so that you can cover up different written and oral areas.

I know some universities use this kind of programs for students to improve their oral skills. However, it could be modified so as to include written skills as well.

What do you think? I hope it helps!


Good luck!