Language Translation, Inc.

Posted by Betty Carlson on July 16th, 2008 in Translation

As China experiences a boom not just in manufacturing industries but also in service providers, the country is finding itself awash in language service providers, from freelance translators to large agencies. This unbridled growth, combined with lack of regulation, makes finding high-quality translators an arduous task.

An in-depth article entitled Lost in Babel, published in The Beijing Review on July 12th, points out the sharp growth in the Chinese translation industry but also emphasizes the wide array of problems facing the sector. According to the article, China has over 35,000 truly professional translators. However, their work is undermined by the many amateurs, often college English majors, who moonlight as translators and interpreters — often with no specific training.

Journalist Ding Wenlai explains that “myriad problems such as varying degrees of quality, a low threshold for entering the profession, a lack of work contracts, a dearth of large, reputable translation agencies and weak professional oversight have prevented the industry from advancing in China.” In fact, a recent survey indicates that nearly two-thirds of Chinese translators did translation and interpreting work with no sense of pride, only to “make a living.”

It seems clear that if China hopes to become a major player in the worldwide translation industry, the country will no doubt have to set up higher standards and increase training and professionalism in their language service workforce.

Betty Carlson

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