International Translation Associations
There are a good number of translation associations throughout the world who are interested in supporting translators and helping them become better at their craft.
These international translator associations provide many benefits to both established translators as well as to translators just starting out, so finding one nearby that can provide you with a link to the translation industry as a whole is beneficial. Now, for those who have read some of my other articles on translator organizations, especially the American Translators Association (ATA), know that my opinion isn't all that high of these types of organizations. (Here are what some people think about ATA membership.) But as much as I don't think you have to be a member of these types of organizations to become a successful translator, I do think they can be beneficial to translators. Being a freelance translator is a great profession, but that doesn't mean it's the easiest job to have, and being a member of a local translation group can help you overcome some of the difficulties that translator can run into. Benefits to Being a Member
So what are some of the benefits to being a member of a translation association? Well, I think the biggest advantage is being able to network with other translator. The life of a freelance translator can be very isolating. If you're not a very social person, it can be hard to get out of the house and meet people. But I think that when we get to know other translators and listen to their successes and struggles, we become better translators and better people. Monthly meetings held by local translation organizations or annual conferences put on by national translation associations both serve to help us feel part of a larger community, and we all like to feel like we're part of something. ****SIDENOTE****
If you don't have a local translator's organization near you, don't let that stop you. Why not take the initiative and start your own Spanish translation networking organization? It doesn't have to be an official organization or one affiliated with any national association. Instead it can just start out as a monthly lunch with some other translators where you get together to talk about your freelance business. Even something this small can provide a big lift to translators.
****END SIDENOTE**** Another benefit to being a member of a translation organization is that it provides another venue for you to advertise your translation services. As part of a translator's membership, the translation organization usually will include your information in a database of translators so that when someone in the local area needs a translation, they can choose from this list of translators provided by the association. International Translation Associations
Here is a list of international translation organizations that you might want to check out: International Association of Conference Translators
The AITC was founded in 1962 to "standardize the working conditions and terms of employment of short-term language staff employed by international organizations, particularly those belonging to the United Nations system." Association of Audio-Visual Translators
Association of union representatives exchanging ideas on the audio-visual translation industry. European Association for Studies in Screen Translation
Non-profit organization aid those interested in audiovisual translation and promote professional standards in screen translation. European Council of Literary Translators' Associations
The goals of CEATL is to exchange information and best practices regarding the literary translation field, and defend translation quality. European Society for Translation Studies
International society founded in 1992 in Austria devoted to the field of translation studies. Globalization and Localization Association
An international non-profit association whose member companies specialize in language services, translation services, and language technology. International Association for Translation and Intercultural Studies
World-wide forum designed to enable scholars from different regional and disciplinary backgrounds to debate issues relating to translation and other forms of intercultural communication. International Federation of Translators
International association of translators founded in 1953 which works to address translation profession issues such as training, working conditions, and recognition. International Association of Translators and Editors in Medicine and Related Sciences
A Spanish-language association dedicated to helping medical translators and editors. Translators Without Borders
A nonprofit organization set up to provide free translations to humanitarian organizations, such as Doctors Without Borders. Country-Specific Translation Organizations
While the above organizations are more international in nature, there are some associations that focus on the work of translators within a specific country. If you think this type of group would be more beneficial to you and your needs as a translator, check out the list of translation organizations in North and South America.
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