Looks like the professionals are most fluent translating over their daily works. Its quite make sense.

To dear fellow translators

I have something to ask regarding to applying for translation job.

Which language do you use when sending application letter particularly for local client? Indonesian or English?

Regards.

For local client, surely Bahasa Indonesia.
I send my previous cover letter and CV to Gramedia using Bahasa Indonesia ;) [COLOR="White"]and I received a project from them
However, make sure you put your long long translating / interpreting experiences on CV
Longer is better [/COLOR]

Thanks for the answer bro. That's an insight for me. I've always use English to contact potential clients, but nobody responses. I'm fully aware that my experience is still very limited, but if I couldn't get more jobs how can I get experience. Next time I send application, I will remember to use Indonesian.

Thanks!

Wah berarti tu sis mu99le punya potensi yah untuk bisa jadi kayak di atas
No wonder she succeeded in doing the sworn translator test

Loh mine was in English
I thought if we show them that our English is quite good, then they'll believe that we can understand the book they'll give.
Just my two cents

Hmm, that's a good consideration too...

However, this matter once was discussed in Bahtera Milis.
They said that one benefit using Bahasa Indonesia for local client is, our client-candidate could understand our cover letter clearly (because not all clients are able to use English well to determine our skill in English), the client-candidate also felt 'closeness' because of using the same language, so he/she wouldn't hesitate to open an offer/bargain for our rate.

I think it makes sense. That's why I like to send an offer to local client using Bahasa Indonesia. I've received some projects from Bahtera Milis by that tips... but honestly, that's also because my rate is lower

I'm just a beginner, sometimes I don't really know how to use the right words in Indonesian when I translate something.

Hi everybody. Been lurking in this thread for a while, but couldn’t summon the courage to join in. Gosh, reading the posts and following the conversations here makes me feels like…standing among giants , since I’m quite new in this translating world. Hope I can learn new things, hone my skill, and expand my knowledge in this thread.



Just wanna share my (limited:nohope experience with some local publishers.

Once, since I tried to offer my own translation project (I happened to have a book that had not been translated into Indonesian), I sent my application and proposal in Indonesian and some pages of my translation of that book. Luckily, they agreed to publish that book.

Another experience. I sent my application for translator position at another publisher. I sent the application and CV in Indonesian (since there was no explicit requirement to make it in English). Then they gave me 3 pages of English text to translate as a test. And, luckily, I got the job.

wow...so many tips from expert here..
its time for me to apply it..

Waw... That's great Bruno...
Keep on the good works!... :thumbup

I also belief that it would be good to use Bahasa Indonesia for local client

I wish you luck, Rude...
Start from your own neighborhood would be great...

most translator i know were changing from freelance translator to fulltime translator, because this profession has a bright future (better income).

anyway, i want to share my felling..
i was translating handbook manual for japanese trains, than japanese government gave to Indonesian. the train itself already in Indo, and the manual translations contains thousands of word are already finished and sent. and yet, the client pay by half only, and always had an excuse everytime i ask him... sucks...
He did pay, but not full.... pay a small amount every month..
(the money were corrupted? so he pay everytime he had monthly salary?? ...--a)

Hi people,
Kudos to the thread starter and everyone else who has contributed tips on being a translator. Back in college I used to translate documents and thesis reports for friends, sometimes charging them and sometimes doing it for free. I would now like to start translating again and take my services to a professional level and start charging at a proper and reasonable rate. So glad I managed to find this useful thread. cheers everyone

The similar case once happened on one of HPI member.
The agency / person was put on blacklist then.
HPI also send official Protest letter to the agency. If you loved to, I can help you to bring this case up.
or you can announce the chronology in Bahtera Milis. I'm sure many advanced translators would help you there to give a pressure to the agency / person
It's too bad to receive such treatment by client


Thank you Silent
Feel free to contact me if you need anything...

Translators should help each other


Btw, I was laughing hard reading your editing reason
Feel free to ask the same question over and over... I don't mind.
Surely I also will repeat the same answers but I have no hard feeling about it. True!
So don't hesitate to ask about anything

[/FONT][/COLOR]

what is HPI means?

Himpunan Penerjemah Indonesia (Association of Indonesian Translators)
It's an official organization for translators and interpreters in Indonesia. HPI is member of FIT/IFT (International Federation of Translators) and already followed FIT congress in Wina (1984), Beograd (1990), Brighton (1993), Melbourne (1996), and Beijing (2004). So, it already has acknowledgement National and International...

Complete information about HPI can be found in www.hpi.or.id

Who may join HPI? Are the sworn translators only or is it open for public?
Thx for answering

Every translators may join
There are some requirements you have to fulfill.

You have to send the application form with the example of your translation works (in files through email) also some certificates, etc which support your status as translator.
Then the organization would decide whether you may join or not.
I think you have so many experiences, so it will be good to join, Sis.

There's a membership cost IDR 200.000 which paid annually.

Some of the advantages are:
* You will get information given by HPI related with training, certification, workshop held by HPI.
* You will get information about some translation projects
* The membership will make people sure about your capability as translator or interpreter. Some interpreters there said, they just have to show HPI membership card in some institutions to assure them about their capabilities (such as Police office and Court - when there was case involved foreign citizen)
* The institution would support you to get law protection if there's a case where your client avoided to pay your service
* You can get along with top translators and interpreters, which will give you more insight and knowledge related with translation world

For further explanation, please send email to contact list on www.hpi.or.id

Morning friends

I just need help

For anyone who knows about Nida teory about cultural term. Please share

some information to me, because i really can't find some info about that,

i just got theory from Peter Newmark,and thats not enough for my supervisor
I still need about Nida's theory

Thanks in advance

Are you using Japanese-English Google Translation Tool ? lol

I think translators are always in high-demand, especially popular and widely used languages ( specifically Business ) and some niche market language.

Well, I understand your point though.

I have met some Japanese Clients ( a native one ), and they're usually adhered to rules and customs ( He's always on time ).The ones who usually miss the deadline are local client ( native Indonesian ) [ not all of them though ]

My tips for you :

Always ask for down payment or initial payment when make transaction with clients and make a clear and detailed statement about:

1.When will he/she/they pay the full fare ?
2.How much will he/she/they pay per contract/terms/charge ?

There's no need for (s) if you're asking with "will"