Translator Competence Requirements Perceived by Translation Clients in the Ever-Changing World

Abstract

Although the roles of clients have been stressed by TS scholars for decades, the client-translator relationship is a relatively less explored topic. Asian clients' voices have been under-researched. This paper examines the competence requirements that Asian clients look for when hiring translators. It discovers whether there are changes in translator competences expected by clients over time. To achieve the objectives, the Optimale survey was replicated. Analyses are made based on 64 Asian clients participating in the present study and the data from the Optimale survey. It was found that both groups attach greater importance to quality than to speed and put more emphasis on experience than on qualifications. Translators' awareness of professional ethics and standards is stressed. Technological competences are emphasized. When it comes to translation competence, both groups have similar expectations: translators' ability to produce good-quality work followed by their ability to render materials in one or more highly specialized domains and use of translation memory systems.