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Translating love of language into a careerHe almost dropped French before he even began high school, but several immersion programs and a university degree later, Geoff Mcguire is earning a living as a translator with the federal government. LINDA WHITE |
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 [ 2006-12-13 ] |
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Translator with the federal government
He almost dropped French before he even began high school, but several immersion programs and a university degree later, Geoff Mcguire is earning a living as a translator with the federal government.
"I thought about dropping French by the time I got to Grade 9, but I had a great teacher who helped turn things around. I learned I was actually fairly good at French," says the 28-year-old Etobicoke native.
While in high school, Mcguire travelled to France for a summer exchange program and later signed on for an immersion program in Quebec. He spent an extra year in high school learning Spanish and German before heading off to York University's Glendon College in Toronto with thoughts of one day becoming a French teacher.
After visiting the campus career centre in his second year and learning about opportunities in translation, Mcguire successfully applied to the School of Translation. "There certainly is a demand for translators and it was a way to use my skills and get work fairly quickly," he says.
Mcguire completed several internships, first travelling to Quebec City to train with a freelance translator. He then honed his skills with the Translation Bureau, which falls under Public Works and Government Services Canada, for two terms.
He proved he had what it takes to translate from French to English and was hired before completing his second term. "That speaks somewhat to the demand for new translators," says Mcguire, who moved to Ottawa after graduating in 2003. "There's a huge discrepancy between the number of translators needed and the number being trained at universities across Canada."
Since its inception in 1934, the Translation Bureau has been meeting the translation needs of the federal government, including its efforts to provide services to, and communicate with, Canadians in the official language of their choice.
Mcguire may be assigned to translate letters from taxpayers to government officials and technical documents such as contracts and requests for proposal. "The job involves a lot of research," he says. "Translating into your mother tongue is standard in this industry. You have to be an expert writer and editor in your mother tongue. Your mother tongue is how you best express yourself."
Working with francophone colleagues and living in a predominantly francophone community helps Mcguire further develop his language skills. "You have to get the nuances of meaning in French and become familiar with common errors people who don't have as much education in translation might make."
Above all, professional translators are language experts who must ensure a translation reads like an original in the target language. "You wouldn't make a good translator if you hadn't spent some time in contact with the culture," Mcguire says.
SCHOOL OF TRANSLATION
Glendon College, York University's bilingual liberal arts campus, offers a translation program that prepares graduates for professional work. Courses include documentation and terminology, professional and technical writing, and an optional professional internship.
Candidates to the School of Translation are eligible to apply after completing one year of university and must complete a competitive entrance exam. Visit www.glendon.yorku.ca to learn more.
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