Generally translators tend to specialise because the results are better when we centre on a specific field. There are some exceptions when a general translator is required, such as, for example many freelance translators. Early on, a freelance translator needs to have a good command of many fields or should accept all kinds of translations in order to carve a niche for himself in the profession, until he has enough work in order to specialise.

The two most common ways to specialise are:

• Additional training through Master’s degrees, courses, etc
• Training through professional practice in companies or agencies, or through professional translator colleagues who have a great deal of experience.

I would like to mention that, although the translator may be specialised, he is a multipurpose professional who needs to have a broad education in order to be ready to carry out the different stages of the translation process (linguistic and terminological research, revision, proof-reading, etc)

General fields of specialisation:

Literary Translation

This consists of the translation of narrative texts, essays, comics, published books, etc.

Often the size of a literary translation is very large and the translation is divided among several translators. This kind of task requires a process of coordination and revision. But if only one translator performs this task, the deadlines need to be reasonable enough. After this, the translation goes through a sophisticated process of revision and labelling, page lay-out, etc.

Audiovisual Translation

Subtitling and Dubbing

The translation of documentaries, advertisements, television series, films, cartoons, animated films, reports, films of real image, etc. Depending on the client, it can be through a distribution company, television company, a postproduction company or a subtitling studio.

Translation of Multimedia Products

Translation of videogames, encyclopaedias, dictionaries, guides, computer programs, online help, etc.
This kind of work requires training because different programs are used for translating this kind of material. This relates to what we call localisation.

Technical-Scientific Translation

Technical-scientific translation consists of the translation of works and texts that are used in their source language for gathering and transmitting information or knowledge within the scientific and technological field.

Medical Translation

The medical translation field is a complicated and difficult field due not only to the complexity of the language, but also the number of areas within the main field of medicine. As well as linguistic or translation skills, medical knowledge in the source language is required.

Within the medical translation field there are different kinds of documents such as: advertisements, articles, medical certificates, medical reports, general interest books, specialised books, text books, patient information leaflets, prescriptions, etc.

Legal Translation vs Certified Translation

The certified translation (“traducción jurada”) is the official translation of documents made by a certified translator regardless of the nature of the text. In order to be a certified translator, specific training is required, as well as the official certificate granted by the Spanish Foreign Office. The certified translator acts as a notary public and bears witness to the authenticity of the translated document.

Legal translation is a specialised field: the texts contain legal language. For this you do not need an additional specific certificate nor does the translation need to be accompanied by the stamp and signature of a certified translator.

For further information about the official exam and requirements, see training section.