Think of the most memorable translation project you have ever had – an assignment that shaped your professional career and that you were happy to give your name to. It is probably a project on which you worked with a partner – be it a colleague, the author, or a high-profile expert. And in all likelihood, a translation on which you received exceptionally focused feedback.
If you think of the worst nightmare project you have ever had, chances are that it was also one with partners – just not the right partners.
Using real-life examples, I will show you what I learned from my collaboration with first-rate experts in the relevant subject area, from colleagues working in my own language pair, and from colleagues working in the reverse language pair. This collaboration is not always without friction, but identifying and analysing the most sensitive aspects can seriously reduce conflict – or at least help you avoid it in future.
Being a freelancer means you are free to choose whom you work with: your clients as well as your partners. Only by understanding the power of the latter can you can make the most of the freelancer’s advantage.
Attila holds a PhD in theoretical physics and an MSc in scientific translation. He made the choice between the two careers when he had the opportunity to translate some of Einstein’s original articles.
In 2007, Attila passed the American Translators Association certification exam, which boosted his freelance career. In the same year he set up the Solidarités translation team with the twin aim of providing linguistic aid to a humanitarian organisation and of creating a unique working environment in which translators can network around worthy projects. In 2009 he started mentoring new translators, and in 2010 he joined IAPTI to promote ethical business practices in the translation and interpreting sectors and currently serves as Vice President of IAPTI’s Ethics Committee. Attila has given workshops and conference talks in 10 countries.
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