The Variability of Training Requirements
Of the components of knowledge and skill listed above, only the last is specific to Translation. Knowing foreign languages, being able to write texts of good editorial quality in one's own language, and having some general and specialized knowledge in one or several subjects are qualifications that can be found in many individuals, in particular among journalists, scientists, international civil servants, and international lawyers. It also seems clear that journalists, scientists, international civil servants, and international lawyers wishing to become interpreters and translators would not require the same training as language teachers without much general and specialized knowledge, experts in a field of human activity who have no editorial skills, or first-year university students in any discipline. All these would probably benefit from training in translation and interpreting techniques, but their needs in terms of language skills, editorial skills, and knowledge buildup would differ greatly. All these factors call for a variety of training programs, both short and long, full-time and part-time, student-oriented and professional-oriented, but basically there are two types of formal training programs.
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