The main translation associations in Spain.

In Spain there is no single professional affiliated body that specifically represents translators and interpreters. However national and regional associations do exist, which the following text will proceed to explain.

The associations were created with the aim of uniting professionals within the translation sector. At a national level there are currently two, ASETRAD and ACETT. The key difference between the two is that ACETT only includes professional translators of books. ASETRAD is an open association that includes technical and book translators, translation editors, proof-readers, interpreters and subtitlers. The main purpose of these two associations is to promote the recognition of translators as well as to defend their interests. 

ASETRAD

Asetrad was created in July 2003 as a national association, open to every kind of translator, as well as proof-readers and interpreters, in order to provide support in the following areas: advice and guidance; defence of translators’ interests, and ongoing training.

Objectives:

• To advise in all aspects: legal matters, fiscal matters, professional questions, educational aspects, insurance and contracts and agreements.
• To provide information about the market and technologies.
• To promote the recognition of translators.
• To organize courses, seminars, congresses and all kinds of activities in order to promote and improve the standard of translation.
• To provide information regarding potential jobs
• To enhance and improve work-related conditions for contracting goods and services.
• To achieve national, European and international co-ordination among translators.
• To foster co-operation amongst language professionals.
• To defend the moral and professional rights of those employed in the public and private sector.
• To monitor the standards and future potential of the sector.
• To combat the traditionally subordinate position of book translators.
• To ensure that publishers comply with copyright law.
• To fight to ensure fair wages and working conditions for those employed within the sector.

Who Can Be a Member of Asetrad?

Translators, proof-readers and interpreters who work or wish to work in this sector. This applies within Spain and even overseas, if an individual wishes to establish a link with the association or be updated regarding the activities organised by ASETRAD. 

Membership Fee:

After filling out the membership form the fee is 100 euros per year.

For further information, please visit this website:  www.asetrad.org

ACETT

ACEtt is an independent body comprising book translators who belong to the professional association of Spanish writers. It was created in 1983 with the aim of defending the interests and the legal and patrimonial rights of book translators, as well as seeking to improve the current situation.

Objectives:

• To defend the interests and rights of book translators.
• To organise activities to promote the exchange of ideas and experiences in the translation world.
• To participate on the Government Board at the Spanish Centre for Reprographic Rights (CEDRO, Centro Español de Derechos Reprográficos) and to defend members’ interests vis-à-vis public and private institutions.
• To organize activities, seminars and congresses relating to translation.
• To provide advice regarding model contracts, legal aspects and social security contributions.

Who Can Be a Member of ACETT?

Any kind of book translator can become a member whose target language is Spanish, Catalan, Basque or Galician.

To become a member you will also need to have translated at least two books (or the equivalent amount of literary text) into Spanish, Catalan, Basque or Galician. Any translator can join, as can any collaborating translator, whenever the contribution to the final project is substantial, regardless of his/her nationality or the country of residence.

Membership Fee:

Members must pay €75 per year, plus €6 for registration.

For further information, please visit this website: www.acett.org