Characterizing translators and interpreters in Colombia

Abstract

This exploratory study applied a quantitative methodology and a descriptive approach with the purpose to characterize Colombian translators and interpreters. This study, along with others, intends to provide professionals, associations and government entities the elements needed for creating strategies that allow them to be more competitive in local and global contexts. The sample consisted of 98 participants of different nationalities working in Colombia, who answered a survey via the web. The main findings show that most of practising translators are women, between 30 and 40 years of age, freelance, residing mainly in big cities as Bogotá and Medellín, lack a culture of group action, such as in professional associations, have higher training in other areas of knowledge, are mainly engaged in scientific and technical translation, have low knowledge and use of standards for the assurance of service quality, and often work in complementary activities, such as translation or foreign languages teaching, editing and copyediting. These findings highlight the need to work on eliminating at least three major risks that affect the profession locally, as follows: (a) the limited offer of professionalization and continuing training programs; (b) the low coverage of the service, and (c) a lack of group action in professional associations