Every translator's journey begins with curiosity—the drive to learn, grow, and connect. Translators are explorers of meaning, bridging gaps between cultures and ideas. They turn words into understanding and create connections where none existed before. Driven by a love of language and a passion for discovery, they constantly seek new ways to expand their skills and make an impact on the world.

If you could travel back in time to when you first started your career as a translator or interpreter, what is the one piece of advice you would give yourself? This question was asked to ProZ.com members, and the responses were enlightening. The tips shared offer valuable insights into what experienced professionals believe would have made their journey smoother and more successful.

As we gear up for this year's Giving Tuesday, I found myself looking back at the impact of our previous events. It’s incredible to see how a single day dedicated to generosity can ripple outward, creating lasting change. Whether it was through the funds raised, the awareness built, or the sense of community strengthened, the results have truly inspired us to dream even bigger this year.

Let me take you on a journey through the highlights of our past Giving Tuesday, showcasing the incredible efforts of everyone involved and the lives that were touched because of your generosity.

Many language professionals often overlook the importance of a tagline, and some might not even be familiar with the concept. Yet, a well-crafted tagline can be one of the most powerful tools in their marketing. Serving as a mini-summary, a tagline succinctly conveys what a professional does and the value they offer clients—essentially providing an “elevator pitch” in just a few words. A clear tagline not only enhances a linguist’s brand, but also helps make a memorable impression.

In an era where gender inequality is still widespread, the translation industry presents an intriguing paradox: while male employees often out-earn their female colleagues in salaried roles, women freelancers in this field are thriving, out-earning men by a notable margin.

In today's increasingly interconnected world, the concept of digital nomadism has gained significant traction. More and more professionals are discovering the freedom and flexibility that comes with working remotely while exploring the globe. For freelance translators and linguists, this lifestyle is particularly appealing, as the nature of their work is often perfectly suited for life on the move. The transition to becoming a digital nomad may seem daunting at first, but it offers opportunities for both personal growth and career development. 

On October 24, 2024, we are hosting the second event of the new ProZ.com/TV series Language Talks. This insightful event will explore the challenges and best practices of talent acquisition and project management with experts from prominent language service providers and others.

Freelancing can be rewarding, but it also comes with challenges—especially when it comes to maintaining a steady income and a consistent workflow. One way to overcome this is through the DEEP strategy. The DEEP strategy is an approach designed to provide freelance translators with long-term stability and growth. This strategy is based on four interconnected principles: Diversification, Expansion, Elevation, and Prosperity.

On October 24, 2024, we are hosting the second event of the new ProZ.com/TV series Language Talks. This insightful event will explore the challenges and best practices of talent acquisition and project management with experts from prominent language service providers (LSPs)

Courtroom interpreting is a high-stakes profession that demands precision, quick thinking, and a deep understanding of both language and legal systems. As more court proceedings move online, interpreters are finding themselves navigating new challenges that come with remote work. While technology has made it easier to attend hearings from anywhere, it has also introduced complexities that can heighten the pressure of an already demanding job.

When some people think of mentoring, they often imagine a one-sided relationship where a seasoned expert passes down wisdom to a less experienced individual. While that may be true in most cases, mentoring is far more dynamic and beneficial for both parties involved.

ProZ.com congratulates the community on International Translation Day! Today we celebrate the essential role of language professionals in bridging cultures and connecting people, and their significant impact on supporting communities and fostering global ties.

In the latest interview for the ProZ.com Women in Translation initiative, I had the pleasure of speaking with an incredible group of women who collaborated on a groundbreaking project: the Spanish translation of Lunes o martes, a collection of short stories by Virginia Woolf. This is the first book in the Clásicos accesibles (accesible classics) collection from Ciempiés, an independent publishing house focused on accessibility and inclusivity.

Are you curious about the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning on the translation industry? Join us for a captivating panel discussion at ProZ.com's International Translation Day Conference (#ProZITD2024)!

We all know the industry is going through a difficult phase. In my eyes, this is essentially due to clients, agencies and freelancers all having different views on how the technological advances should be put to good use, and who should benefit from them.

Members of the ProZ.com site team will be attending the the 2024 ALC 22nd Annual Conference in Montreal from September 11-13. This event brings together the language industry's leading companies and partners to share knowledge, network through presentations, panel discussions, training seminars, and more.

“Networking! Networking! Networking!” responded with enthusiasm—and complete conviction—one of ProZ.com members when asked what they would like to be able to do more easily through the new version of ProZ.com currently being developed behind the scenes.

A few days ago, I shared a reflection on LinkedIn (in English) and Instagram (in Spanish) about the increasing resonance of imposter syndrome in professional conversations. I didn’t expect it to trigger so many direct messages from people, both familiar and new, who all shared a common experience: they had dealt with imposter syndrome and felt compelled to share their stories with me.

In 1999, Susmi Rosenthal embarked on a journey that would intertwine with the growth and evolution of ProZ.com, marking a significant milestone in her career and the history of the platform.

As part of ProZ.com's 25th anniversary celebration, we are sharing stories from our long-time members. To finish this blog post series, today we present the interview with Susmi Rosenthal!

Continuing the celebration of Women in Translation Month and taking advantage of the few days left in August, I had the pleasure of meeting and chatting with Chantal Wright, Professor of Creativity and the Language Industry at ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences and, none other than the founder of The Warwick Prize for Women in Translation, now coordinated by Holly Langstaff. And when I say "I had the pleasure..." I really mean that it was an honor and a privilege to chat with someone I personally admire greatly for her work, who is also incredibly kind.

In a world where technology evolves at breakneck speed, it's no surprise that artificial intelligence (AI) has found its way into the intricate art of translation and subtitling. But what does this mean for those of us who have spent years honing our craft in this field? One of our upcoming speakers at ProZ.com Meetups, Salvador Balbuena, an experienced translator and subtitler, has an inspiring story that sheds light on this very question.

I am glad to present this guest post, written by Mateus Almeida, which explores the crucial link between meeting client expectations and effectively integrating into agency workflows.

In the highly competitive translation industry, delivering accurate translations is just the starting point. True success comes from understanding your client’s needs, anticipating potential challenges, and flawlessly integrating into the workflows of the agencies you partner with. This blog explores five key strategies that can help you meet and exceed client expectations while aligning perfectly with agency operations.

On August 15th, the webinar "Legal Documents and Official Translation: Get Started in this Rewarding Market" was successfully conducted by Jasmina Djordjevic, offering a thorough exploration of essential principles in translating official documents. The session provided valuable insights into handling challenges such as unclear or incorrect text, appropriate use of translator notes, and translating personal identity documents, contracts, and certificates.

You don’t. Plus, can AI translate gender-neutral pronouns?

There are two very common questions I get about Bureau Works. First, a question of confirmation:

“Bureau Works- You guys translate with AI right?”

Kind of, but also not really. Once I explain that we don’t use Generative AI for the translation itself, and that we instead use it to analyze and improve the translation and the translation process, question two comes.

“How do I prompt it?”

That’s the best part- you don’t have to.

The translation industry, like many other fields, thrives on the collective support and collaboration of its members. For women in this sector, building a nurturing community can greatly benefit both their personal and professional development.

In honor of Women in Translation Month (#WITMonth), which focuses on celebrating and advancing the contributions of female translators and the works of women in translation, this article explores how women can create a supportive network to uplift and promote each other’s achievements.

Here are some strategies for women to strengthen their connections and enhance each other's success in this dynamic field:

In the world of translation, where words bridge cultures, ethics play a pivotal role. Translators are often seen as invisible mediators, tasked with accurately conveying meaning from one language to another.  However, the notion of "complete and entirely impartial meaning transfer" is increasingly seen as both unrealistic and potentially harmful. The ethical landscape of translation is complex and multifaceted, requiring more than just adherence to traditional codes of ethics.

Our upcoming webinar, "Getting 'Right' Right: An Introduction to Ethics in Translation," delves into these complexities, challenging the traditional view of ethical codes in the translation profession. Dr. Joseph Lambert will explore the question: Are these codes really guiding us towards ethical translation practices, or do they merely serve as professional window dressing?

Spotlight on Excellence: The ProZ.com Community Choice Awards

Since 2013, the ProZ.com Community Choice Awards have been a celebration of the exceptional talent and dedication found within the language industry. Each year, we come together to recognize the outstanding professionals who make this industry truly remarkable.

As part of ProZ.com's 25th anniversary celebration, we are sharing stories from our long-time members. Today, we have the inspiring story of Pat Melgar, a pioneering translator who has been with ProZ.com from the very beginning.

Is Technology a Threat to Culture?

Women in Translation Month (WIT Month) is an annual celebration held in August, dedicated to promoting and honoring women authors who write in languages other than English and the translators who bring their voices to a broader audience.

MCIS Language Solutions is celebrating 35 years of excellence in providing translation, interpretation, and training services. The MCIS and ProZ.com partnership has expanded global training opportunities in recent years. Here at ProZ.com we are happy to congratulate MCIS on this milestone and wish our colleagues at MCIS many more years of success! 

As part of ProZ.com's 25th anniversary celebration, we are sharing stories from our long-time members. Today, we spotlight Veronica Ducrey, a dedicated translator from Buenos Aires, Argentina, who has been a part of the ProZ.com community since the early days.

In the language industry, timely payments are not just a matter of convenience, rather they are essential for maintaining a healthy and sustainable profession. Here’s why timely payments are crucial for freelance translators and interpreters, and how ProZ*Pay ensures prompt transactions.

As part of ProZ.com's 25th anniversary celebration, we are launching a series of blog posts featuring the stories of ProZ.com's longtime members. These posts will highlight their journeys over the years and share how ProZ.com has been privileged to be a part of their success. 

We want to take a moment to honorEllen Buchborn-Klos, one of our very first members, and her incredible journey as a translator.

Ellen joined ProZ.com in its inaugural year and became a paying member shortly after. Her loyalty and dedication to the platform have been unwavering, making her a valued member of our community for over two decades.

Perfecting your ProZ.com presence

Objective: enjoy a relaxing weekend activity while reviewing and enhancing your ProZ.com profile to see it through the eyes of potential clients.

Materials Needed

✓ Your favorite bottle of wine (or any preferred beverage)

✓ Comfortable seating (couch, patio, garden, etc.)

✓ Laptop or tablet

✓ Notebook and pen (or a digital note-taking app)

✓ Snacks (cheese, fruits, etc.)

As the day comes, the ProZ.com team is thrilled to introduce some of the incredible speakers who will be joining us for our annual ProZ/TV event in celebration of International Translation Day 2024. These industry leaders are just a few of the many amazing professionals who will be sharing their insights and expertise. You may know some of them from past workshops or TV events as well.

Translators and Executives Need to Talk.

Last week, Bureau Works published some serious data about our context-sensitive translation technology. It was a rigorous study that evaluated over 4 million translated segments. Our engineering team works closely with our data scientists to produce good data that will be helpful in advancing our industry. They are scientists through and through, dissecting the data we collect for deep and nuanced insights.

I, on the other hand, am more of a data backhoe. I roll into a mine of potential information, scoop out a rough chunk, and see what I find inside. I do this by asking questions on LinkedIn. They are opinion questions, but opinions and emotions are their own type of data. They are data on where we are as a community, and they tell us what we need to develop in the relational part of the localization business.

And Bureau Works Killed It.

I had good fun writing that intro out, and kudos to anyone who catches my very forced reference, but today I am sitting down to write about something less literary and existentialist than the opening would have you believe (the reference is to Camus’s “The Stranger”).

I came to write about cold, hard data, and the pretty amazing things we have found at Bureau Works. My intro may have been thematically irrelevant, but the claim is exactly what I will be explaining here- MTPE is dead and Bureau Works killed it.

Left to right: Tanya Quintieri, Greta Craxi, Cintia Kanowitz

Discover key takeaways from Language Talks, featuring top localization managers Greta Craxi and Cintia Kanowitz on managing freelancers, ensuring quality, and the role of AI in localization. Watch the recording for free for 48 hours after the event!

What is the “purpose” of a translator?

The English word “purpose” is foggy and imprecise. If I ask “What is the purpose of a translator?” I could be asking many different questions at one time. I could be asking “What role does the translator fill?” or “Why do they fill it?” I could be asking what purpose they are fulfilling for themselves, or what purpose they are fulfilling for someone else. It is a word that needs the support of other words to be understood.

We are thrilled to reintroduce you to Pastey™, your smart translation companion, which has received numerous exciting updates since its initial launch to our Premium members on January 26, 2024. We are committed to continuously improving your experience with Pastey™, and we are excited to share these enhancements with you.

On June 27, we are hosting the inaugural event of the new ProZ.com/TV series Language Talks. This insightful event will explore the challenges and best practices of managing localization projects, with a special focus on working with freelance translators.

On June 27, we are hosting the inaugural event of the new ProZ.com/TV series Language Talks. This insightful event will explore the challenges and best practices of managing localization projects, with a special focus on working with freelance translators.

Innovating tech is easy. Innovating society is hard. That’s what is going on in our industry right now.

Paula Greyling is an interpreter, translator, and transcreator working in English to French and Spanish, based in the UK. She is a member of the Certified PRO Network, and has been a ProZ.com member since 2004. She's also done some work with the ProZ.com Pro bono program!

But it may help us self-actualize

I constantly hear “Large Language Models just produce statistically average language”, as if that were:

A) Inherently bad

B) Different from what humans do

Then, I also hear “Language is infinite. AI can’t keep up with all of the possibilities”.

In the dynamic field of audiovisual translation (AVT), few names stand out as prominently as Jorge Díaz-Cintas. With a career spanning decades, Jorge has been at the forefront of transforming how we experience translated content on our screens.

This blog post is based on the interview that Jorge Díaz-Cintas gave to ProZ.com, where he shared his valuable insights and experiences in the field of audiovisual translation.

As summer approaches, many businesses face the challenge of maintaining productivity while employees take vacations. This can lead to a significant reduction in workforce in the language industry, potentially impacting project timelines, customer satisfaction, and ultimately, your bottom line. However, there's a solution to this perennial problem: freelancers.

En ProZ.com, nos enorgullece contar con profesionales excepcionales que contribuyen al crecimiento y desarrollo de nuestra comunidad. Hoy, hablaremos de Romina Escorihuela, una de nuestras formadoras más destacadas, cuya experiencia y dedicación han sido una inspiración para muchos.

But that doesn’t mean we can’t control anything.

Welcome to another thought-provoking journey into the heart of change and its inherent tension, as presented by Gabriel Fairmain. In this post, Gabriel challenges us to reconsider our perceptions of change and dive in to discover how the dialectic of thesis, antithesis, and synthesis shapes our evolving relationship with technology and translation, and what this means for the future of our work.

As a freelance translator or interpreter, providing accurate quotations is crucial for managing client expectations and ensuring you receive fair compensation for your work. A well-crafted quotation not only outlines the cost of your services but also demonstrates your professionalism and attention to detail. Here’s a guide on what to include in a proper quote for translation and interpreting services.

Once again, Gabriel Fairman invites us to analyze contemporary struggles with a perspective from distant times and to think how we, as humans, can reinvent ourselves and get messy!

Connecting with fellow translators

I had an awesome time at the Wordfast Forward Conference 2024, held at the beautiful Hotel Sunway Playa Golf & Spa in Sitges, Spain. This annual event brought together users, developers, trainers, staff, and tech support for an engaging few days of learning and networking. The best part was making great connections with fellow professional translators. The camaraderie and shared passion for our work were truly inspiring.

Photo credit: Worfast LLC | Yves Champollion and John Di Rico at WFF24 

Dive into the dynamic world of language services with Gabriel Fairman as he tackles the contentious topic of AI. What's your stand when it comes to technological advancements? Weigh in and draw your own conclusions!

Are you an interpreter who wants to succeed in the world of remote interpreting? Do you want to gain the tools and knowledge you need to meet the challenges of this rapidly growing field? Then you won't want to miss the ProZ.com Virtual TV event for remote interpreters.

On April 26, 2024, language professionals from around Cádiz gathered for a special occasion—the ProZ.com powwow celebrating the platform’s 25th anniversary. Held in person, this event provided an excellent opportunity for linguists, translators, and interpreters to connect, share insights, and commemorate a quarter-century of ProZ.com’s impact on the industry.

Who is Frank Dolce? 

Frank Dolce, is an esteemed educator and conversation analyst, whose expertise in remote interpreting is reshaping the landscape of language services. His work focuses on how to structure successful triadic interactions and how to help interpreters build skills and cultivate community.

When submitting payment requests to your clients with ProZ*Pay, you now have the option to include a PDF attachment for their reference. This feature was added based on feedback from payees who wanted their payers to have access to an invoice before making the payment.

Website localization is crucial for reaching a global audience. Localizing your website properly allows companies to tap into new markets and engage with customers in their native language. Partnering with expert translators, rather than leaving the translation to the whims of the browser, can help companies stay ahead of the competition.

Hi all,

I'm sure you've already received notification from the ProZ.com team, but just a reminder that today, Friday May 3rd, we're having another ProZ/TV event. This one is about AI tools, but rather than talking about the should-we-or-shouldnt-we of the thing, it is more about quick, hands-on information on a variety of tools, designed to help you decide on what to use and how to immediately put it to use. It is a member-only event. Thanks to everyone who contributed to the ideas for the event, and to the members who offered to present and share what they have learned so far. I hope to "see" you there!

The ProZ.com Outsourcer Assistance Team is searching for Canada-based interpreters in a variety of languages to field remote interpreting calls. The initial languages sought are:

The scariest part of any change is that there is always something to lose. When confronted with change, we must determine what we will lose by changing and what we will lose by staying the same.

ProZ.com offers a service to industry partners where the ProZ.com team finds and screens language professionals, manages projects, and also makes sure they get paid (using ProZ*Pay). The team in charge, the Outsourcer Assistance Team (OAT), performs this service in order to channel more work to paying ProZ.com members.

AI has a champagne problem. Professionals are overly concerned about the “real” thing, but the average buyer just wants something to do the job.

We’ve all been there. We are at a celebration for something and out come the bottles:

“Want some champagne?”

Then, someone takes a peek at the bottle and says “This isn’t actually champagne because it isn’t from the champagne region of France. It is sparkling wine.”

In freelancing, one undeniable truth stands out: your reputation holds the key to your success. As language professionals, success hinges not only on linguistic prowess but also on the ability to build lasting relationships with clients. In this digital age where word-of-mouth can make or break your career, being a client rock star is more important than ever.

Embrace Eco-Responsibility

Earth Day on April 22nd is a global call to action for environmental protection and sustainability. As freelancers, we have a unique opportunity to contribute to this cause right from our home offices. Here are 10 easy-to-implement tips to make your freelance practice more eco-friendly.

Gabriel Fairman, Founder and CEO of Bureau Works, joins ProZ.com as a blog guest to reflect -- and invite us all to reflect with him-- on AI and the challenges we face when discussing it.

“AI” isn’t the biggest challenge our industry is facing. Talking about AI is.

Tomorrow, Tuesday April 16th, ProZ.com will host a new workshop called Breaking the Als: hands-on prompting for translators, an opportunity to learn the basics of large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude and so on, for immediate application in your translation projects. The workshop is another in a series of learning on various topics which are exclusive and free to ProZ.com Plus or Premium subscribers, and cannot be purchased separately. And yes, the recording of this workshop will be made available afterwards in case you are unable to attend!

On International Translation Day weekend in 2023, I met Danielle Sanchez. Coincidence? I don't think so. Danielle had just upgraded her ProZ.com membership to the new Premium monthly option and something told me she knew exactly what she was doing. The Premium membership option was released to those who would like to enjoy all the benefits available at ProZ.com, but also to those who understand the importance of expanding their online presence (the Premium comes with a website). But that's not all, since Danielle already had a great website that she created herself, I knew she was up to something else: the AI component also included in Premium. (For more information about the Premium monthly option click here).

For language freelancers looking to attract new clients and outsourcing work online, building trust is crucial. With many professionals to choose from on freelancing platforms, outsourcers want to feel confident they are hiring someone reliable and skilled.

Here are some key ways to establish trustworthiness right from the start:

Today is Good Friday, part of the Easter observance in many locations and a long holiday weekend in others. Holidays and vacations see language companies facing a familiar challenge: maintaining productivity and meeting deadlines with limited resources.

Would you like to unsubscribe from specific company job notifications? ProZ.com offers the option to filter job posters by profile, Blue Board number and Blue Board score.

En el mes de abril de 2024 comienza el programa de formación "HABITAR LA LENGUA: Traducir, interpretar, corregir, comunicar y vivir con empatía de género y con foco en la diversidad y la inclusión", impulsado, organizado y coordinado por Silvia Falchuk, traductora pública de inglés, consultora lingüística y capacitadora, y Mariana Favila-Alcalá,  traductora, editora y revisora.

On March 7th, 2024, ProZ.com hosted its 73rd TV event, the AI Expo, marking a significant milestone for the translation community. Building on a legacy that began with the first ProZ.com TV event in July 2017, this virtual expo empowered over 1,000 attendees with the latest advancements in AI for translators.

Language-related credentials reported by ProZ.com members may be verified. These credentials are shown in the professional profile, some pools, and might be used to restrict job postings.

The Essence of International Women's Day

Every March 8th, the world pauses to celebrate International Women's Day—a day dedicated to honoring the achievements of women across all spheres of life, advocating for gender equality, and reflecting on the ongoing struggle for women's rights. In the translation and interpreting industry, this day serves as a poignant reminder of the vital role women have played and continue to play in bridging languages and cultures.

Understanding the Essence

World Peace and Understanding Day, observed on February 23rd, is more than a call for global harmony; it's a reminder of the power of communication in bridging divides. This day challenges us to reflect on how we, as a global community, can contribute to a more peaceful world.

Are you capturing the interest of the best language professionals at ProZ.com? Recruiters are actively seeking out the most sought-after experts in rare languages, those with expertise, certifications and a proven track record of excellence.

If you are providing language services in Cantonese or Mandarin, please be sure your profile at ProZ.com reflects your working languages as expected. Outsourcers for interpreting opportunities have suggested high demand in Cantonese and Mandarin. To be found at ProZ.com, be sure your profile is complete.

What is a ProZ.com Powwow?

Powwows are informal gatherings of groups of ProZ.com users living in close proximity. The events are organized by local translators for local translators. 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is not a distant future, but a present reality that is reshaping the world as we know it. AI is transforming various industries and sectors, including the language service industry. Will you stay behind? 

The ProZ Pro Bono Newsletter

Are you a court, conference, or medical interpreter gearing up for a high-stakes exam? Don't let fear of failure hold you back. Join ProZ.com’s upcoming 150-minute webinar, "Court, conference, or medical: Creating a training plan for any interpreting exam," hosted by Corinne McKay, designed to equip interpreters with the skills and knowledge needed to confidently tackle their exams and, hopefully, pass on the first try!

Corinne McKay is an ATA-certified translator, a court-certified interpreter, and holds a Master of Conference Interpreting from Glendon College. She is also an ATA past president and an author. This webinar stems from her experience preparing for and passing (on the first try!) three sets of high-stakes interpreting exams.

The ProZ Pro Bono Newsletter

The business page makes it easier to connect businesses with their employees and for those employees to share business identification, membership and act on behalf of a business at ProZ.com.  Profiles are for people (freelancers and employees), while these pages can show information about the business. 

Business pages have been showcased in the Translation Company & agency directory, added to employee profiles, and have been linked other places on the site.

How can your business increase views to its business page? 

The ProZ Pro Bono Newsletter

Hello, vibrant ProZ.com community! I’m Tanya Quintieri, and I’m thrilled to be leading the ProZ.com Mentoring Program 2.0. My journey in the ever-evolving and never-dull language industry started in 2002 as a freelance translator, working with direct clients exclusively. At the time, I didn’t know translation agencies existed, and to this day, the agencies I work with are few and far between.

Freelancers receive payments from different companies, using different payment systems and many times that can involve different ways of transmitting the money. When you are paid, it is important to receive as much of your money as possible in a timely fashion.

To make sure payouts are meeting your needs, I suggest trying the $100 audit.

Explore the fusion of cultures: Join the online workshop on translating video games from Chinese into Italian! Dive into the intricacies of language adaptation, cultural nuances, and the art of preserving gaming experiences across borders. Uncover the secrets behind bringing Chinese gaming magic to an Italian audience. 

Event Details:

The next wave, already upon us: Artificial intelligence

In 2023, the scramble is on to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) wherever possible. Machine translation (MT) options have already made their way into many or most CAT tools, as advances in MT and translator adoption of its benefits increase. But with the sudden popularization of Large Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT, Bard, Claude, and others, AI may have already come to a CAT tool you own too, and if it has not, it most likely will soon.

Some people have asked, “What’s the fuss?” or “What’s the rush?”

The ProZ.com team recently attended the 1st International Congress of Translation and Interpretation hosted by the Public Translators and Interpreters College of the Province of Buenos Aires (CTPIPBA). This groundbreaking event in La Plata brought together translators and interpreters from all generations, providing an invaluable platform for learning and networking.

Hiring a trustworthy and qualified language professional is crucial for the success of your project; but evaluating the reliability of an online freelancer can seem like an impossible task the first time you set out to hire a linguist through the Internet.

Here are six key steps to ensure you find the right candidate:

Translator recommendations

Just to make sure the reader of this report would not be steered wrong about which CAT tools come most recommended, translators were asked which tool they would recommend to someone who is looking for their first CAT tool. The top ten here are the same as the top ten favorite CAT tools, as you may have guessed.

Tell a friend...

If you are looking for a new CAT tool, having a wider array of options to choose from can be great, but it can also make the decision process more confusing, too. If you are searching for your first CAT tool, feedback from fellow translators on what they use and why is the first thing you might seek out (and is probably why you are reading this, if you are in that situation). But how did those translators giving you recommendations choose their primary CAT tool?

We are thrilled to invite you to the upcoming ITD 2023 ProZ/TV Event, hosted exclusively on ProZ.com. This event promises to be an engaging and enlightening experience for anyone involved in the world of translation, interpreting, dubbing and localization.

Event Details:

Ten years on... comparisons with the 2013 report

The big players in CAT tools in 2013 are still with us in 2023, but in some cases you will see that popularity and use have changed. MemoQ has moved from third into second position as the most reported CAT tool, for example. Tools such as XTM, MetaTexis, and Wordbee made interesting jumps in the percentages of translators reporting using them. And Memsource, which was relatively very new to the game in 2013, has moved up most notably since then, going on to occupy third place as the most widely-reported CAT tool.

Who uses a CAT tool

Just over 93% of full-time professional translators use at least one CAT tool. Not a surprising percentage, especially if you take into account that ten years ago, the percentage of translators using a CAT tool was already at or above 80%, and the trend has been steadily upward.

The first full ProZ.com report on Computer-aided Translation (CAT) tools was published in 2013. In the last ten years, translation-related technology has changed a lot. And more recently, some things have started to change at a pace which can leave your head spinning. But some things have not changed, at the same time. Let’s get into it.

 In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, virtually every industry has experienced significant transformation. The field of translation is no exception, and it's on the cusp of a revolution that's reshaping the role of translators as we know it. In this blog post, we'll explore how machine learning is ushering in a new era, transforming Translation Memory (TM) from a repository of knowledge into a dynamic context-driven tool, and examine the profound implications this has for the future of translation.

 In the rapidly evolving landscape of translation and interpreting, the advent of Machine Translation (MT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) has brought about a cataclysmic shift that requires professionals to adapt and rethink their roles. Claudia Brauer, a distinguished figure in the industry, will be shedding light on this pressing matter during our Pre-ITD Meetup event: Surviving cataclysms in the language services industry. In this blog post, We'll provide you with additional insights about the subject and explain the significance of watching the Meetup.

Imagine a place where language professionals from around the globe converge, where words dance in the air, and where networking feels like a friendly fiesta. That's right, we're talking about ProZ.com Meetups – your ticket to linguistic revelry, camaraderie, and endless fun. So, what exactly are these meetups and why should you be excited about them? Buckle up and allow your hyperbole detector to go into overdrive because we're about to spill the tea!

We need your vast experience to rate translations to determine finalists.

Ratings are  still open for two weeks in the latest ProZ.com translation contest, A translator's life, but if you were thinking about participating, don't wait! The hybrid phase closes on Friday, Sepetember 8th. Source texts are available in English, Spanish, French, Indonesian and Italian.

Don't miss it!

If you read last year’s ProZ.com industry report for freelancers-- or maybe you heard the audio version narrated by Paul Urwin on the ProZ.com podcast-- you may remember that we looked at two main trends that were affecting interpreters...

I am currently running a survey aimed at getting some insight on issues surrounding earnings, income, rates and other financial considerations among language professionals. The survey consists of 25 questions, and takes about eight minutes to complete. Would you be willing to add your input?

Complete the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LVBW3X5

Ratings and submissions are  still open for 4 days in the latest ProZ.com translation contest, A translator's life, but if you were thinking about participating, don't wait! The hybrid phase closes on Friday, August 24th. Source texts are available in English, Spanish, French, Indonesian and Italian.

Don't miss it!

Circle Translations is one of the leading localization agencies in Baltic states offering a diverse set of services: Translation, Localization, Subtitling, Subtitle translation, Closed Captioning, Transcription, Data Collection, Annotations, Speech recognition.

Circle Translations are ProZ.com Enterprise Business Members. Today they will be sharing some short case studies dealing with localization.

A follow up to the report on CAT tools from 2013 has been published. A lot has changed in ten years. And other things have not.

We have written before about six steps to evaluate a new potential client, three steps to spot a potential scam and, more specifically, how the overpayment scam works on freelancers. In this post, we cover how this scam works and how to protect yourself from having your CV stolen or falling for a stolen CV. Resume theft has become increasingly widespread in the last years, and today it’s perhaps the second most common scam affecting both online freelancers and outsourcers. 

Submissions are still open for the latest ProZ.com translation contest, A translator's life, but if you were thinking about participating, don't wait! The submissions phase closes on Friday, July 28th. Source texts are available in English, Spanish, French, Indonesian and Italian.

Don't miss it!

A new ProZ.com translation contest, A translator's life, is on and submissions are open, with source texts in English, Spanish, French, Indonesian and Italian.

Are you a new translator or someone returning to the profession after a long time? Welcome! In this rapidly evolving industry, keeping abreast of the latest tools and technologies is crucial to thrive in the translation journey. One such indispensable tool is computer-assisted translation (CAT) software. 

In this blog post, we will explore the importance and advantages of CAT tools for translators. Let's embark on a journey that will equip you with the essential knowledge to navigate the translation landscape with confidence.

As a translator, finding direct clients is crucial for your professional growth and success. While there are various avenues to explore, it's important to have a clear strategy in place to connect with the right clients directly. In this blog post, we will outline five essential steps that will help you navigate the process of finding direct clients in 2023 and delve deeper into the first step.

The five steps

✓ Find out who your ideal client is
✓ Know what your ideal clients need
✓ Help them know what your brand is all about
✓ Decide where to look for clients
✓ Pick 2 to 3 marketing mediums and tactics you enjoy using

Dear members,

It is now possible to report and track all of your continuing professional development (CPD) activity through your ProZ.com account. You can keep it as a register just for yourself, or display it as another way to differentiate yourself to potential clients and collaborators. Paying ProZ.com members also have the ability to add certificates of completion where relevant, and request verification of CPD items from ProZ.com staff.

Utilizing freelancers for language tasks can streamline processes and enhance the efficiency of language service companies. However, the conventional method of paying freelancers globally proves to be inefficient due to the complexities of the international banking system, along with the diverse needs of individual language professionals.

Imagine if the time to onboard and pay those same freelancers were eliminated.

ProZ*Pay has added Venmo as a withdrawal option for your payouts in ProZ*Pay. So now, when it comes to getting paid as a language professional, you have even more choices. If you want to set up Venmo as your preferred payout method, simply head over to your ProZ*Pay account and make the update.

Dear members,

Last year, 26 hours of interpreter training were added to the basket of goods, services, tools and other resources available with ProZ.com Plus membership.

New courses have been added to this part of the package, representing 130 more hours of training that you can take for free if you have a Plus subscription.

I’m happy to present a guest blog post for translators and interpreters who are interested in boosting their speed and elevate their craft with the ChatGPT featuring Steven S. Bammel and Revolutionize Your Translation Process with ChatGPT: Moving Beyond Sentence-by-Sentence Translation.

Steven S. Bammel, PhD, is a seasoned technical translator specializing in Korean-to-English translation who is actively harnessing the power of AI-based tools like ChatGPT to revolutionize translation work. As the President of Korean Consulting & Translation Service, Inc., he has nearly 30 years of experience in Korea, business, and translation fields. 

by Max Troyer

This is a guest post from one of ProZ.com's partners, Middlebury Institute of International Studies.

Content creators are increasingly turning to video to expand their audience. This proliferation in video content has created a new market in video subtitling, but do you know how to take advantage of this opportunity? 

As a freelancer, you may not be sure how to start offering subtitling as a service. Or, you may already be doing so, but you’d like to improve the quality of your work. You can find plenty of online examples of subtitling, but creating world-class subtitles is part art, part science, and it’s also the result of quite a bit of research into what the human body is capable of doing. (Really.)

Earlier this year, over a thousand interpreters participated in surveys designed to look at trends, challenges, and opportunities in the current landscape of interpreting. If you are interested in some of the results, along with advice and strategies from experts in the field, be sure you are tuning in to the free online event ProZ.com is hosting for remote interpreters, happening this Tuesday, March 28th.

One question interpreters were asked was:

"What hardware or software would you consider as part of your list of 'must haves' for the modern interpreter?"

A lot of recommendations were made, and so I thought it might be fun to share a compiled list of those recommendations, and maybe also build off it, to create a more or  less comprehensive list of tools that anyone can go through to get ideas which might help improve how they work.

For language companies with large or small payrolls, if your payroll data can be formatted or entered into a spreadsheet, it is easy to share with ProZ*Pay. This gets your payment instructions out to your payees, and makes freelancers happy in minutes.

When you have a large amount of data in Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or another spreadsheet format, an easy way to share it is to export it as a CSV (Comma-Separated Values) file and then share the output file with ProZ*Pay.

If you're like me, you might have to occasionally Google "transcreation" when you see the word pop up, just to make sure (again) that you are clear on what is being talked about. 

I think I get the idea now. I think.

by Cintia de Melo Dias Kanowitz

This is a guest post from one of ProZ.com's advertising partners, Middlebury Institute of International Studies

I’m happy to present a guest blog post for translators and interpreters who are getting started in their careers featuring Tianci Hu Marrero (Iggee) and Tips to Get Started as a Tech Translator. 

Iggee is a full-time freelance translator and software developer based in New York. In the 7 years of her career, she has worked on numerous tech translation projects such as blockchain whitepaper, software localization, optical hardware, and API documentation.

Audiovisual translation (AVT) has many myths associated with it. Let me share 5 perceptions about AVT that are simply not true.

I’m happy to present the first guest blog post for translators and interpreters who are getting started in their careers featuring Robert Rutledge and Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid in Medical Interpretation. Robert Rutledge is a Spanish medical translator and interpreter from Dayton, Ohio. He holds an MA in Spanish Translation from Kent State University and a 40-hour Bridging the Gap medical interpretation certificate. 

On March 28th, the conference will focus on a selection of learning materials for language professionals and bilinguals interested in entering the remote interpreting market, and resources and platforms to help grow your remote interpreters' business.

Book translation is a unique field that requires both deep knowledge of the languages and the culture involved. It is not even translation but rather “rewriting” in another language or “re-authoring”, a process which is now referred to by many as transcreation. A book translator does their best to deliver the same idea as the idea of the original text, conveys the style and the energy of the original, and even may create new words in order to show a reader the fantastic world that the author created in their masterpiece. 

We asked the popular artificial intelligence tool for the answer.

A translator and an interpreter are both language professionals who facilitate communication between people who speak different languages. However, they do so in different ways and in different settings.

Key Insights from 2022

It's been another great year for the podcast, with a wide range of guests and lots of amazing discussions on translation and interpreting. It really has been an honor to host the show, talk to such fantastic guests and interact with our very supportive listeners.

We're growing as well, with streams up 127% and listeners from 77 countries around the world.

26 hours of interpreter training has been added to the basket of goods, services and resources available with the ProZ.com Plus membership subscription.

As discussed in this year's language services industry report, many interpreters are getting involved in translation. And even more translators are getting involved in interpreting.

In 2017, ProZ.com began, through its partnerships, providing direct paid work for those in the remote interpreting world. Support, project management, and payments are handled by the ProZ.com team in order to facilitate this work and to keep up the quality and consistency of the service provided. In 2022, the average earning from this single channel of work was 2,791 USD among those interpreters who were working. The ProZ.com team intends to increase that average while increasing the incoming work and the number of interpreters who are getting work.

This is a guest post from one of ProZ.com's advertising partners, Middlebury Institute of International Studies

By: Kyle Chow

What’s obvious to translators isn’t always so obvious to clients. I’ve found this to be especially true when encountering the impact of major design differences between the same online content in different languages. Helping our clients figure out how to navigate the design differences between cultures is one of the most valuable services we as translators can offer. 

Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving back. With the support of language professionals and trainers, ProZ.com organizes this free conference which, over the years, has raised money for many different charities.

The event includes sessions from experts in the industry and a free networking space. This year, we want to support Ecologi in planting trees to help restore nature, improve the climate and positively transform society.

Participate in this virtual event by attending and making a one-time donation. As always, ProZ.com will match, dollar for dollar, the first $1,000 USD donated.

Some need absolute silence while working. It might also depend on the job, or the part of the job. For some, they work best when the music is just right.

ProZ.com contests started back in 2007. Time flies, and so do submission phases of contests, so if you have a moment, don't wait! The latest translation contest, ProZ.com's 30th, is now open for submissions. There are source texts in English and Spanish, authored by two members of the ProZ.com community. 

MCIS Language Solutions announced at their Annual General Meeting that ProZ.com is a joint winner (along with the Social Purpose Institute) of their Professional Partner of the Year Award! MCIS gives the award to a business partner that has contributed substantially to their growth and development. MCIS initially partnered with ProZ.com in 2019 and this year has strengthened the relationship further, with ProZ.com offering more of MCIS’ high-quality translation- and interpreting-related courses on its platform.

This is the latest in a series charting the development of the embryonic Pro Bono Project, which matches volunteer translators with worthy non-profit causes. Our first “clients” have been environmental agencies, and few could be more urgent and important than the cause of Professor Bill Ripple and his film, the  Scientist’s Warning.

ProZ.com’s Pro Bono Project has completed its first real month in action, and there’s been a LOT of action, especially when it comes to environmental projects.

I thought the easiest way to tie the threads together would be via a monthly newsletter, keeping you updated on the non-profit clients and the translators involved, as well as updating you on other must-know areas of the project.

As a freelancer, you know that managing your money can be a tough task. You may not have an employer to help out with benefits like vacation time and health insurance. It's up to you to make sure you're saving enough for retirement and investing in ways that will grow your nest egg over time.

Here are some money habits that can help any freelancer stay financially secure:

When it’s an unworkshop, obviously. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves…

Perhaps you’ve heard of Translation Mastermind, a group that I’ve been running for a few years now, several of which have been in partnership with ProZ.com. The participants (around 1,350 translators) are made up of a small minority who’ve joined independently and the vast majority who enter the group as one of the benefits of being ProZ.com membership Plus subscribers.

I'm sure you've been there: you've finished a project for a client, and they're supposed to pay you the agreed amount. But they haven't paid yet, and now it's been weeks since you sent them your invoice. So what do you do?

You can keep calling or texting them every day asking where the payment is until they pay up. Or, you could be polite and friendly while also making it clear that this isn't acceptable behavior anymore—and how soon would it be possible for them to send over that wire transfer, PayPal, Payoneer, whatever?

Time is money. If you're like most people, you probably think of this as an excuse to work harder and make more money. The truth is that time really does equal money, but only if you're working efficiently and not wasting your precious hours on distractions or unproductive tasks. The key to doing more with less time isn't just about working harder—it's about working smarter too.

Oluwatobi J. Oladipo, founder and CEO of iVoice Africa, shared his presentation "Multilingualism in Africa and its cultural impacts on communication" at International Translation Day 2022. Oluwatobi, a voice over artist, describes how having a natural conversation differs from being able to communicate effectively - especially as it relates to communication in Africa.

His presentation has been shared on YouTube and is available for viewing below. 

All over the world as we speak, good work is being done by volunteers. From aiding refugees to rescuing animals, from teaching underprivileged children to staffing a local charity shop, this quiet work goes on day after day, carried out by unsung heroes. And at times, as in the recent case of Ukraine, we witness mass mobilizations of people power that are truly inspiring. 

Join the ProZ.com community in celebrating International Translation Day with two full days of online sessions, panel discussions, live interactions and more. Each day, the events will include a remote networking session in the final hour.

ProZ.com's 14th annual online conference to celebrate International Translation Day is happening soon. If you have created an account at ProZ.com with the objective of meeting clients, don't miss the session "Finding ways through the maze: how clients and professionals meet at ProZ.com" on September 28th.

As a freelancer looking for opportunities on ProZ.com, your professional profile is your most important tool. Here are some ideas to take your profile from good to great, and attract clients' attention at a higher rate.

The first thing you need to know is that, while many agencies and end clients post public job openings on ProZ.com, the great majority (up to 80%!) of the work volume that flows through the site actually comes from job offers sent privately via profile messages. 

The Translation agencies and companies directory is where you can find translation agencies and end clients on ProZ.com.

It's easy to see where your business page ranks if you're a confirmed employee —you just need to head over to the directory and you'll see it:

Looking for language professionals on ProZ.com for your projects? 

If you've outsourced work before on the site, then you probably have seen and even used ProZ Find to make your searches. But did you know that you can personalize your searches with many filters to find the best match?

Have you ever posted a job on ProZ.com and wondered why you didn’t get as many quotes as you had expected? 

With over 150 jobs posted in a day you need to make sure you get the attention of the right professionals.

Do you have an urgent request for translation? Are you screening language professionals for future opportunities? 

If so, it is likely you are contacting linguist profiles at ProZ.com. Can your message reach the right translator? Are there secrets to getting their attention? How do you break through the noise?