Literary translators
Controller Job Description
Literary translators convert books, poetry, and other published works from the source language into a target language. Whenever possible, literary translators work closely with authors to capture the intended meaning, as well as the literary and cultural references, of the original publication.
Typical duties of a Controller
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Develop methods using computers and other instruments to improve the speed and quality of translation.
• Evoke the same mood and flair of the original narrative during the translation process.
• Maintain the author’s original message in the literature during translation process.
• Review and proofread the translated material.
• Trace the origin and evolution of words, grammar and language forms used in the source narrative.
• Language Skills: Book translators must speak at least two languages fluently and have a comprehensive understanding of the cultures where each language is used. Culture includes history, political affairs, literature, religion, art, and everyday life.
• Experience: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) stated that education requirements vary by employer, and experience is the most important thing for book translators. The BLS suggested that book translators start by volunteering or performing informal translation work.
• Build up a portfolio and a reputation: According to the American Literary Translators Association (ALTA), starting a literary translating career with a book translation is rare. Translating shorter pieces, including short stories and poems, is a good way to build up a portfolio and establish a reputation for making good decisions about which novels to translate.
• Education: Many book translators gain translation education by completing a translation degree program. Undergraduate degree programs in comparative literature are available, but graduate degrees may focus more specifically on literary translation.