Author: Rita Prazeres Gonçalves
Introduction
The world of translation is changing, and the way freelance translators and translation companies (LSPs) work together is changing too. However, there has never been a time when these two major actors in this business needed each other so much.
In this article, I will look at some of the latest changes the industry faces, but also at some old problems that have not necessarily been addressed and are still pain points for many translators and LSPs.
Prices and Deadlines
In more recent years, the pressure to deliver faster and more affordable translation has turned this space from a place where professional freelance translators, with a fair amount of experience and expertise could feel like they were established and knew (for the most part) what they could take on: a steady workflow, a secured place in the list of preferred translators in quite a few LSPs, maybe a direct client here and there, the need to keep on learning and evolving at a nice pace, working on their skills to include a new specialization…
These days, with all the investment made in new technologies, mergers and acquisitions and the constant need to show an improvement in gross and net profit, LSPs must find ways to cater to the demands of all parts involved and, many times, offer their translators, and other language professionals, lower rates, and increasingly shorter deadlines.
As a result, freelancers face the dilemma of accepting reduced rates, undermining the value of their expertise, and keeping up with insane turnaround times that leave them feeling frustrated and anxious about their future.
Isolation and Lack of Support
Most freelancers feel anonymous and undervalued within the industry. From LSPs that contact their talent via automated messages and are always looking for the cheapest vendor to assign projects, to agencies that ghost them after a long recruitment process – including filling out paperwork, preparing credentials and references and an unpaid translation test, translators can feel drained.
In most cases, freelancers work from home, which has its advantages in terms of flexibility and opportunities but has less positive consequences, such as isolation, lack of support, and poor mental health. All this leads to disengagement and disillusionment.
The African Landscape
I have recently connected with a few of the members of ALCA. This led me to look for a bit more information about the language services scene in this magical continent.
I found the conversation that Johan Botha (co-founder of ALCA), had with GALA about the language technology in Africa. See more here.
All the current issues that affect the language services industry seem a bit less difficult to deal with, when we realize that in this part of the world some of the greatest issues are related to “connectivity”. This needs to be taken into consideration in the process of localizing content for the region.
It was just incredible for me to hear all the hurdles that translators, LSPs and clients go through to get projects done. Johan mentioned things like difficult access to on-line CAT Tools, the excessive cost of internet services, the fact that translators need to avoid high traffic in internet connections, the lack of resources like glossaries, term bases, TMs, and many other factors. All of this has a tremendous impact on the way projects and workflows need to be managed.
I am, now, wondering… what kind of relationship do freelance translators in African countries have with both local and global LSPs? What kind of help do they have to provide to each other to somehow be able to cater to the language needs of their clients and audiences they serve.
If language professionals are facing complicated times, and feel the need to change so many things around. When technical issues of this magnitude are not in their list of pain points. How do African freelancers deal with this and everything that is going on in the industry?
The Future is Now!
This is the time to acknowledge the realities of the big language services family. Both freelance translators and LSPs can work together to find solutions that benefit everyone involved. Let us build a future where freelance language professionals are valued partners. In this scenario transparent communication, and fair treatment are essential. Through close collaboration, and a genuine commitment to understanding each other’s specific situations, we can do better, be better and make the industry better.
I find myself thinking that we need to learn more from the human library we have access to through social media platforms, networking events, conferences, and other forums and be supportive of others who are facing the same challenges as us, but under even harsher conditions.
The way forward is all about Communication, Trust, and Community!
I cannot wait to hear from translators and company owners what their experience is regarding all this and what they have been doing to ensure clear communication, positive human relations, and, above all, trust in each other!
