Professional organisations for
translators
‘Translation is at best an echo.’
George Borrow, 1803–1881
10.1 Fédération Internationale des Traducteurs (FIT)
As the title suggests, FIT is the international organisation which elects national organisations
for membership. The FIT was founded in Paris in 1953 and has member
associations in over 50 countries world-wide. Through its 77 full member associations
and 24 associate member associations, FIT represents the interests of over 100,000
translators. FIT is a strictly non-political organisation which enjoys category A status
with UNESCO. It plays a vital role in overcoming language barriers and promoting
world-wide understanding.
For up-to-date information refer to FIT’s website on
http://www.fit-ift.org" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;.
10.1.1 Objectives
FIT has the following as its principal objectives:
a) to bring together associations of translators and to promote interaction and cooperation
between such associations;
b) to sponsor and facilitate the formation of such associations in countries where they
do not already exist;
c) to establish links with other organisations devoted to translation or other aspects of
interlingual and intercultural communication;
d) to develop among all member organisations such harmony and understanding as
will promote the interests of translators, and offer support, whenever desirable or
necessary, in resolving any differences that may arise between the various organisations;
e) to provide member organisations with such information and advice as may be useful
to them;
138
f) to promote training and research;
g) to promote the harmonisation of professional standards;
h) and, generally, to uphold the moral and material interests of translators throughout
the world, advocate and advance the recognition of their profession, enhance their
status in society and further the knowledge and appreciation of translation as a
science and an art.
10.1.2 Central issues
Through its special committees, FIT endeavours to meet the needs of members throughout
the world by addressing such issues as training, working conditions and recognition
of the profession. The UNESCO recommendation on the Protection and Improvement of
the Legal and Social Status of Translations and Translators, adopted in Nairobi in 1976,
is a milestone in the history of FIT. FIT is proud of its achievements on behalf of the
translating profession.
At the same time, it is well aware of the work that remains to be done to meet the
growing demand for international communication and co-operation, FIT, therefore,
continues to play its vital role in overcoming the language barriers and in promoting
worldwide understanding.
10.1.3 FIT prizes
The FIT awards a number of prizes. Brief details are given in the following and full
details can be obtained from FIT’s website. The rules for awarding these prizes were
approved by the FIT Council at its meeting in Geneva in April 1998.
The Astrid Lindgren Translation Prize
This prize is designed to promote the translation of children’s literature, improve the
quality thereof and draw attention to the role of translators in bringing the peoples of the
world closer together in terms of culture. The prize is sponsored by the Astrid Lindgren
Fund, based on a generous donation made by the author herself.
The prize may be awarded either for a single translation of outstanding quality or for
the entire body of work of a translator of books written for children or young people. It is
at FIT World Congresses, pursuant to the decision of an international jury.
The Prize consists of a Certificate of Merit and a sum of money.
The Pierre-François Caillé Memorial Medal
Pierre-François Caillé was the founder of FIT. The Pierre-François Caillé Memorial
Medal is intended to provide recognition to individuals who have demonstrated excep-
139
PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS FOR TRANSLATORS
tional merit in promoting the status and reputation of the translation profession at the
international level.
The medal may be awarded at FIT World Congresses although the jury is not required
to make the award at every World Congress. The recipient of the Pierre-François Caillé
Memorial Medal must be a member in good standing of a FIT member.
The Karel Capek Medal
This international translation award is designed to promote the translation of literary
works written in languages of limited diffusion. The objectives of the award are to
improve the quality of such literary translations and to draw attention to the role of translators
in bringing the peoples of the world closer together in terms of culture.
Karel Capek was a famous Czech author of fiction and non-fiction literature. The
Karel Capek Medal was presented for the first time at the XIIth FIT Congress in 1990, on
the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Karel Capek’s birth, which is observed as a
UNESCO anniversary. The Medal may be awarded either for a single translation of
outstanding quality or for the entire body of work of a literary translator of books written
in languages of limited diffusion.
This medal may be awarded at FIT World Congresses pursuant to the decision of an
international jury. This is an honorary prize consisting of a Certificate of Merit and
Medal bearing a likeness of Karel Capek (provided by the Czech Translators’ Association).
The FIT prize for best periodical
The competition is open to any journal published by any FIT member, or any recognised
branch, chapter, regional group or section of such organisation. It takes place during the
FIT World Congress.
A Certificate of Merit is awarded to the journal which is considered to best promote
the professional image of the translator and/or interpreter in terms of quality, presentation
and relevance. The jury may also decide that one or more of the other nominations
deserves honourable mention.
The FIT Aurora Borealis prize for outstanding translation of non-fiction
literature
This international translation prize is designed to promote the translation of non-fiction
literature, improve the quality thereof and draw attention to the role of translators in
bringing the peoples of the world closer together in terms of culture. The prize is
sponsored by a generous donation from the Norwegian Association of Non-fiction
Writers and Translators (NFF), and is financed by copyright revenues.
This international translation prize may be awarded either for a single translation of
140
A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR TRANSLATORS
outstanding quality or for the entire body of a translator’s non-fiction work. It is awarded
at FIT World Congresses, pursuant to the decision of an international jury. The prize
consists of a Certificate of Merit and a sum of money.
The FIT Aurora Borealis Prize for outstanding translation of fiction
literature
This international translation prize is designed to promote the translation of non-fiction
literature, improve the quality thereof and draw attention to the role of translators in
bringing the peoples of the world closer together in terms of culture. The prize is
sponsored by a generous donation from the Norwegian Association of Fiction Writers
and Translators (NO), and is financed by copyright revenues.
This international translation prize may be awarded either for a single translation of
outstanding quality or for the entire body of a translator’s fiction work. It is awarded at
FIT World Congresses, pursuant to the decision of an international jury.
The Prize consists of a Certificate of Merit and a sum of money.
FIT World Congresses
FIT holds its World Congress every three years when, in addition its statutory congress
being held, translators present papers, attend workshops and take the opportunity to meet
colleagues and other translators from all parts of the world.
The following illustrates the structure of FIT and its member organisations. Note
that membership does not extend to commercial organisations such as translation
agencies.
141
PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS FOR TRANSLATORS
FIT
Fédération Internationale
des Traducteurs
TA
Translators Association
of the Society of Authors
National organisations
affiliated to FIT
USA UK
ATA
American Translators'
Association
ITI
Institute of Translation
and Interpreting
Figure 18. International structure of translator organisations
10.2 Professional organisations for translators in the
United Kingdom
By referring only to translation organisations in the United Kingdom I am aware that this
exposes me to the accusation of being ethnocentric. However, these are the only organisations,
apart from the FIT, of which I have first hand experience. If you go to the FIT
website you can find out about all the member translation organisations in different
countries.
There are three professional organisations for translators in the United Kingdom.
Two of them, the Institute of Linguists and the Institute of Translation and Interpreting,
award recognised professional qualifications after careful assessment or examination.
This allows suitably-qualified people to use designations such as Dip.Trans., MIL or
MITI to denote a level of achievement. Let’s look at each of the three organisations in
detail.
10.2.1 The Institute of Linguists
The Institute of Linguists (IoL) was founded in 1910 to serve the interests of all professional
linguists. It currently has around 6,400 Fellows, Members and Associate
members. The divisional membership in late 2002 is shown in the figure below. Note
that members may belong to more than one division and that some members choose not
to be a member of any division.
142
A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR TRANSLATORS
Translating
Interpreting
Education
Industry and Commerce
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
Figure 19. Analysis of IoL membership by divisional affiliation
The IoL is the largest professional body for linguists in the United Kingdom and has
extensive links abroad. IoL membership was for many years biased towards those in
academic professions but has recently become more business-orientated. It went through
major changes in its structure in the middle of the 1980s.
Aims and objectives
The IoL has a number of distinct aims and objectives. The Institute’s aims are:
• To promote proficiency in the use of languages used by professional linguists and
those who use languages in industry, commerce and public services.
• To set and improve national standards of language competence.
• To provide a range of language examinations for educational, vocational and professional
purposes.
• To provide services to its members.
• To promote general awareness of the importance of languages and recognition of the
professional status of linguists.
• To provide advice and guidance on language issues.
These aims are supported by a number of business objectives:
• To increase membership world-wide (including corporate, affiliate and student
members).
• To increase the number of IoL examination candidates world-wide.
• To provide referrals for members.
• To increase the use of the Language Services Unit involving members wherever
possible.
• To take a more active lobbying role in the UK, Europe and internationally.
• To expand language services contracts with government departments and Brussels.
Membership benefits
The IoL provides language qualifications of recognised standing. Membership benefits
include regional societies and specialist divisions, receiving the Institute’s journal The
Linguist and access to an extensive library.
Members have the opportunity to join any of the Institute’s Divisions which cater
for specialist interests. These divisions are the Education Division, the Industry and
Commerce Division, the Translating Division and the Interpreting Division. The
Divisions offer programmes of interest to newcomers to the professions and to established
linguists. With its network of contact groups, the Translating Division is the
largest body for translators in the UK. Members may also join the Institute’s Regional
Societies in most parts of the UK, including Scotland and Northern Ireland, and a
143
PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS FOR TRANSLATORS
number of countries abroad. They offer a varied programme of relevance to linguists
everywhere.
The Institute has much to offer to undergraduates on language degree courses and
recent language graduates. Joining the Institute as a student member or Affiliate
provides membership of a highly professional body including linguists working not only
as translators and interpreters but in marketing, insurance, international banking, the
Civil Service or the EU.
There are five grades of individual membership, three of which are denoted by letters
after the member’s name. These are: Fellow (FIL), Member (MIL), Associate (AIL),
Affiliate and Registered Student. Only the first three denote any professional achievement.
The use of Affiliate in advertising is not permitted since, to the uninitiated, it may
give the impression that the user has achieved a level of linguistic standing. Commercial
companies, teaching and other institutions and professional bodies may apply for
corporate membership.
Like most professional bodies, the IoL has a Code of Professional Conduct and its
members are subject to the disciplinary procedures of the Institute. Fortunately, they are
hardly ever needed as cases of genuine grievance are rare.
The Institute of Linguists is also a leading examinations body. Its most up-to-date
syllabus, Examinations in Languages for International Communication (ELIC) has been
widely acclaimed as a benchmark in modern language testing. The examinations range
from beginners to post graduate/professional level. The Diploma in Translation is
widely accepted as the entrance qualification into the translation profession. Examinations
in less-commonly taught languages and public service interpreting are also
available, as well as the Diploma in English and Chinese.
The Institute provides a range of public examinations and also conducts examinations
for the Home Office Departments, the Ministry of Defence and other specialist users.
The Institute’s public examinations are qualifications of practical and vocational
linguistic skills. Examinations are available in over 100 languages.
Membership of the IoL (MIL) is widely accepted as degree qualification for teachers.
Institute qualifications and membership are recognised internationally. The IoL now
publishes a comprehensive Directory and List of Members.
Diploma in Public Service Interpreting
The Institute offers the only vocational interpreting qualification for public service
interpreters, currently available in the UK. The Diploma in Public Service Interpreting
is set in three specialised contexts: the legal, health and local government fields within
the UK. This qualification is set at a language level equivalent to degree standard and is
the principal entry qualification to the National Register of Public Service Interpreters.
The National Register is administered by the Institute of Linguists on behalf of the
Lord Chancellor’s Department and of the Home Office. It is the only single database
144
A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR TRANSLATORS
covering all of the UK which provides details of interpreters who are qualified and experienced
to work at a professional level within the public services, and who have been
vetted by the Institute.
Diploma in Translation
The Diploma in Translation is a professional qualification intended for working translators
and for those who, having reached a high level of linguistic competence, wish to
embark on a career in professional translation. It is available to candidates with a level of
linguistic competence at least equivalent to a good Honours degree in languages.
Successful candidates are entitled to use the designation ‘Dip Trans’. On provision of
evidence of oral competence, they are also eligible to apply for full membership of the
Institute.
The Diploma tests the ability of candidates to translate to a professional standard,
together with their awareness of the professional task of the translator. The passages set
for translation are of the standard of difficulty that translators would expect to meet in
their daily work. They are not however of an over-technical or specialised nature.
Candidates are emphatically advised that full professional competence is normally
achieved only by translators working into their mother tongue or language of habitual
use. English is usually either the source or the target language for this Diploma. Other
language combinations are coming on stream.
National Vocational Qualifications
The Institute of Linguists is the accredited awarding body for the National Vocational
Qualification Level 5 in Interpreting (for spoken languages). This NVQ, which provides
an alternative access route to the National Register of Public Service Interpreters, is
currently being piloted and will be publicly available in 1999.
The Institute has also submitted an application for accreditation as the awarding body
for the NVQ Level 5 in Translation.
10.2.2 Institute of Linguist prizes
The Institute awards a number of trophies and prizes in several categories.
ELIC: Examinations in Languages for International Communication
Threlford Memorial Cup: donated by the Institute’s Founder, Sir Lacon Threlford, for
the best performing college in the ELIC examinations.
Deakin Rose Bowl: for the next college with the best results in the ELIC examinations.
Youhotsky Cup: for the best candidate in the ELIC Russian Final Diploma Module 1.
Cozens Elliot Trophy: for the best candidate in the ELIC Diploma Module 1 examination
in Portuguese.
145
PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS FOR TRANSLATORS
Follick Cup: for the best candidate in the ELIC English Background Knowledge paper.
Middleton Cup: for the best candidate in the ELIC Intermediate level in Spanish.
Diploma in Translation
Richard Lewis Trophy: for the candidate with the best overall performance in the
Diploma in Translation.
Schlapps Oliver Shield: for the best overall performance from a group entry in the
Diploma in Translation.
Bilingual Skills Certificate
Finlay Trophy: for the candidate who achieves the best results in the Bilingual Skills
Certificate in any language.
Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (DPSI)
The Nuffield Prize is awarded for the candidate who achieves the best results in the
Diploma in Public Services Interpreting.
Other membership benefits
The Institute’s bi-monthly journal, The Linguist, keeps members up to date in every way.
It contains special features and regular information on technology for translators.
The Institute’s library, based at Regent’s College, Central London, has over three
thousand volumes of specialist and technical dictionaries. A member of the Institute’s
staff is available one afternoon each week to help members with their inquiries.
The Institute plays a major role in the world of languages and worked closely with the
Languages Lead Body and has established national language standards.
For more information about the Institute of Linguists contact:
Institute of Linguists
Saxon House
48 Southwark Street
London SE1 1UN
Telephone: 020 7940 3100
http://www.iol.org.uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Website
The website of the Institute of Linguists functions as both an information source for
general enquirers, and a focal point for its network of professional members. The
world-wide web enables the Institute to publicise its services as a languages membership
and examining body to potential members both in the UK and internationally, and to
facilitate discussion and information exchange between members through its linguists’
146
A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR TRANSLATORS
forum. The on-line ‘Find a Linguist’ service will provide an invaluable service in
bringing the expertise of the Institute’s members to the attention of organisations and
individuals in need of a translator, interpreter, tutor or other language professional.
10.3 The Institute of Translation and Interpreting
The Institute of Translation and Interpreting, or the ITI as it is more popularly known,
was founded in 1986. Its founding was in response to an overwhelming demand from
everyone concerned with the quality of translating and interpreting in industry, commerce,
literature, science, research, law and administration.
The ITI’s main aim is to promote the highest standards in a profession where the
specialist is fast replacing the general linguist. It serves as a forum for all those who
understand the importance of translation and interpreting to the economy, especially
with the advent of the single European market.
The ITI is involved in translator and interpreting training at universities and colleges,
and runs its own programme of in-career training sessions. It offers guidance to those
who wish to enter the profession, as well as advice to those who provide translations, and
to potential employers and clients. It keeps in close contact with the producers of
equipment, software, databanks and dictionaries. The ITI is the primary source of information
to government, industry, the media and the general public in all matters relating
to translation and interpreting.
The ITI has been elected by the Fédération Internationale des Traducteurs (FIT) as
one of the two UK voting members, and maintains close contacts with sister organisations
world-wide. A member of the ITI is at present on the Council and Executive
Bureau of FIT, to make sure that the UK plays an influential part in its activities.
The ITI does not act as an agency, but provides names of suitable linguists and translation
agencies in response to enquiries. It offers a consultancy service to help assess
language requirements, and an arbitration service in the event of complaints. It also has a
professional standards body to consider any alleged breaches of professional ethics by
its members.
The governing body of the ITI is its Council which is so constituted that practising
translators and interpreters will always form a majority over all other categories of
members.
10.3.1 Membership
The ITI has around 2000 members. Those who are suitable qualified and have satisfied
the Admissions Committee as to their professional competence and experience are listed
in the ITI Directory. Such members are entitled to use the designation MITI. AITIs
(Associates) are members who require additional formal work experience and are listed
147
PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS FOR TRANSLATORS
in a separate section of the directory. Fellows (FITI), students, subscribers and corporate
members make up the remaining membership.
Membership categories
Student
Student membership is open to:
• anybody attending a full time undergraduate course with a major component of
languages in the United Kingdom or overseas
• anybody studying translation or interpreting full time overseas
• anybody attending a full time or part time translation or interpreting course at postgraduate
level.
No person may remain a student member for more than four years or for one calendar
year after completing the relevant course of study.
Associate
The requirements for admission to Associate membership are all of the following
requirements and not just one of them:
1. a minimum age of 21 years,
2. a first degree in a relevant subject or a corresponding qualification accepted by the
Council,
3. recommendation regarding ability, volume of work and good repute by at least two
persons for translators and three for interpreters,
4. recent professional experience:
a) for translators, a minimum of one year full time – considered to be in the region of
300,000 words of translation – or a corresponding period of part time experience;
b) for interpreters, a minimum of 100 days interpreting.
A translator or interpreter may remain an Associate without limit of time.
An Associate is entitled to use the designation AITI after his name.
Member
The requirements for admission to Qualified membership are all of the following
requirements and not just one of them:
1. a minimum age of 25 years,
2. a first degree or postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject or a corresponding
qualification accepted by the Council,
3. recommendation regarding ability, volume of work and good repute by at least two
persons for translators and three for ad hoc interpreters or five for conference interpreters,
148
A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR TRANSLATORS
4. recent professional experience:
a) for translators, a minimum of five years full time – considered to be in the
region of 300,000 words of translation per year- or a corresponding period of
part time experience – and successful assessment of work; alternatively three
years’ full time (or a corresponding longer period of part time) plus a pass in the
ITI Membership examination, unless the applicant can satisfy the Admissions
Committee that there are exceptional grounds for exception;
b) for interpreters, a minimum of 200 days interpreting over a period of five years,
or a minimum of 120 days over a period of three years plus a pass in the ITI
Interpreters’ Examination.
A Member is entitled to use the designation MITI after his name.
Fellow
This is an honorary grade and cannot be applied for.
A Member who has a minimum of ten years’ full time (or a correspondingly longer
period of part time) professional experience may be admitted by the ITI Council as a
Fellow. The number of Fellows in the ITI shall at no time exceed one-tenth of the total
number of qualified members.
A Fellow is entitled to use the designation FITI after his name.
Corporate membership
Corporate membership is open to higher education establishments, professional and
research associations, translation companies, publishers, industrial and commercial
bodies, government departments and non-governmental organisations and others concerned
with the quality of translation and interpreting.
Subscriber status
Any individual showing evidence of interest in translation or interpreting as a profession
may be admitted as a Subscriber without limit of eligibility or duration.
Terms and Conditions
A set of terms and conditions governing the way you work, and your relationship with a
client is very much advisable. The ITI has produced such a document which can provide
a very useful guide when formulating your own terms of business.
Code of Conduct
The ITI has produced a Code of Conduct that has been approved by the Office of Fair
Trading.
149
PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS FOR TRANSLATORS
ITI Publications
The Institute publishes an annually updated, comprehensive Directory of qualified
members. This directory is available to all users of translating and interpreting services.
Members are listed under language and subject headings, with their address, telephone,
electronic communications and equipment details. This is available online at the ITI’s
website, on CD-ROM and in printed form.
The ITI Bulletin appears bi-monthly and contains feature articles and regular contributions
from professionals all over the world. It also acts as a channel for informative,
practical communication between members and provides details of forthcoming
events.
In addition to these regular publications, the ITI publishes a range of leaflets and
pamphlets on various topics that are available for the guidance of translators and interpreters
whether they be new to the profession or well established. Details are available
from the Secretariat.
Certification of translations
As a professional association, one that assesses the quality of its members, maintains a
list of its members with suitable language skills and technical expertise, and can hold its
members to account in the event of complaints, the ITI has taken steps to establish itself
as a body whose members can certify translations. To ensure that certified translations
are accurate and of good quality:
• an MITI or FITI may certify a translation if the translation has been produced by
himself It is desirable to have the translation checked by a second MITI, FITI or
corporate member. In other words, every certified translation should be verified
wherever possible;
• an AITI, MITI or FITI may produce a translation for certification, subject to the ITI’s
code of ethics (mother tongue rule, within the person’s own subject field etc.);
• the certificate should be on the certifier’s headed paper, identify the translator and be
firmly attached to a photocopy of the original and the original translation by stitching
and sealing with the ITI certification seal. The certifier should sign or initial each page
of each attachment.
Background – sworn translations, not sworn translators
In the common law system that exists in England, we do not have the status of ‘sworn
translator’ that exists in civil law countries.
Even so, translations need to be ‘sworn’ or certified for various purposes. Certifying
or swearing has no bearing on the quality of the translation but serves to identify the
translator and his qualifications so that he is accountable.
150
A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR TRANSLATORS
When a translation is sworn before a solicitor, the solicitor does not verify the quality
of the translation but merely satisfies himself as to the translator’s identity. Certification
does, however, lend weight to a translation. If, for example, a document is wilfully
mistranslated or carelessly translated, the translator could be held charged with contempt
of court, perjury or negligence.
Acceptability of ITI certification by the authorities
The legal advice taken by the ITI is that ‘a certificate is acceptable if it is accepted’ and
that we as suitably qualified translators should certify translations and wait to see
whether such a certificate is challenged and, if so, by whom. The ITI’s advisors feel that
such a challenge is unlikely or, that by the time a challenge does arise, a firm precedent
will have been set. To my knowledge, only one challenge has been made against ITI
certification since the scheme has been in operation.
When users of translations insist on a higher grade of certification, they should be
reminded of the existence of notarisation and referred to notaries (and where practicable
to firms whose members are ITI members). Comprehensive details are given in guidelines
issued by the ITI.
Example certification
A scanned example of certification is given on the next page.
The wording of the certification should be as follows:
I, the undersigned, [Name], Fellow/Member of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting,
[other qualifications] declare that the translation of the attached document(s)
[identifying particulars] is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, a true and faithful
rendering of the original [language], done to the best of my ability as a professional
translator [and verified by (name and ITI membership qualification)]
[Signature]
Attachments:
A1. Document (brief identification)
A2. Translation of A1
B1. Document (brief identification)
B2. Translation of B1
. . . etc.
151
PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS FOR TRANSLATORS
152