Como você pode escolher o domínio certo para sua especialização em tradução?

This is a debatable question usually asked by my translation community peers; to specialize or not to specialize? Based on Proz.com profile details for members, a translator can translate in fields that are considered: • fields of expertise [one or two maximum that a translator has +5 years of expertise]; • working fields [all fields that a translator can translate]; • fields of interest [other fields in which a translator may be interested]. Yet, some translators start considering the specialization in a specific vertical based on its ranking among other verticals [please refer to the recent report from Nimdzi Insights]. In my opinion, start translating in many fields and consider the fields that you enjoy working in.

Many people forget that not all translators will necessarily live in the country of either their source or target language, but that they are nevertheless able to make a living. While some presume that this might be an active disadvantage, translating in an exotic combination can prove to be a good niche, although you may need to market yourself well, and work for agencies to establish yourself.

The best way to get started is, as silly as it might sound, to start. Translate things that you find interesting. Are you a movie buff? Find a great review and translate it. Add subtitles to an interview with your favorite actor. Do you enjoy working out? Look for articles on biomechanics and share your translation on social media. To be a great translator is to practice, practice, practice. And to continue learning. Exploring topics will help you understand what your strongest skills are and what you're passionate about.

Totalmente de acuerdo: practicar el oficio traslativo en muchos ámbitos y tener dos o trescomo especialización. -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------

One thing I’ve found helpful is that when choosing the right domain for translation specialization it involves assessing both personal interest and market demand. Conducting thorough research into industries experiencing growth or undergoing globalization can help identify profitable opportunities. Additionally, considering one's own expertise, language proficiency, and cultural understanding can narrow down potential domains where translation services would be most effective. Ultimately, selecting a specialization that aligns with both personal passion and market needs maximizes the potential for success and client satisfaction.

I am a subtitle translator, so I like to think of everything I can read, watch, or listen to as a resource. I have translated sitcoms, movies, true crime documentaries, food shows, science experiment shows, so anything that can give me a sneak peek into vocabulary and a rough idea of how things are done is helpful. Watching shows and movies *with* subtitles, to me, is a great tool to see how other translators are able to portray ideas and concepts. Take notes every time you can. Never stop learning.

Seasonal/cyclical vs permanent specialisations: when I was starting out, I had famine-feast cycles, due simply to fixed product release cycles in the area I specialised in, and more work around launch periods. For a while, I plugged the "famine" part of the cycle with other translations. Initially I was not picky, but eventually settled for certain specialisations with a spike in work at certain times of the year. I also knew that I wanted to take vacation at a certain time, so consciously avoided specialisations with a high demand at that time, and then ensured that I also had a year-round specialisation that kept things ticking over. In particular I picked up a lot of work at peak holiday seasons (Christmas/New Year and Summer).

When I was still trying to define my field of translation, i.e. my specialties, a friend shared a pertinent thought with me. She told me, "Ismérie, in life, it's essential to find pleasure in what you do." This observation resonated deeply with me, for although earning a living translating much-demanded documents such as birth certificates, diplomas, contracts, websites, film subtitles, etc., is crucial, what truly fulfills me and enriches my life are literary, artistic, cultural and also scientific translations for researchers. These are the fields in which I have chosen to specialize. I take on the rest on an occasional basis, recognizing the economic importance, but I invest myself fully in what gives me real personal satisfaction.