What is the Role of a Language Translator?

When asking yourself what the role of a language translator is, it’s possible you’d come up with an answer as simple as this: A translator’s role is to convert text from the source language into the target language. You’d be surprised to discover that there’s much more to it. 

                                 

"Translators are language professionals. They are applied linguists, competent writers, diplomats, and educated amateurs.

Like linguists, translators have to be capable of discerning subtleties and nuances in their languages, researching terminology and colloquialisms, and handling new developments in their languages. Like writers, translators have to be accustomed to working long hours alone on a subject which interests few people and with a language that few people around them know. Like diplomats, translators have to be sensitive to the cultural and social differences which exist in their languages and be capable of addressing these issues when translating.

"And like educated amateurs, translators have to know the basics and some of the details about the subjects they deal with...The fundamental rule when you're not sure of a term or phrase is ask. An important part of the translator's role is to communicate with the client — and a good translator knows when to ask questions."