Is it necessary to study translation in order to translate properly?

[Gabriel]

Translation is not a formal career in the US and many European countries. That might stop translators from handling some of the tools required to work. On the other hand, all those professionals specialized in a field can use a language more accurately since every industry has its own vocabulary which might sound strange when used by people who don't belong to it.
How necessary do you think it is to study translation in order to be able to translate properly? Is that enough? And, in our current world, is it possible to focus only on one translation field?

[sabrina]

Hi Gabriel! I agree with you in that it is essential to study to become a professional translator. And it will be more necessary as time goes by...Specializations are already a need if you want to deal with certain texts. I really think we are in a point of no return in this ...

[Julio Jaubert]

I studied translation in the university but I consider it's not necessary to study translation. As translation is an art, not only a science, it depends on the background of the translator, but not only formal studies. I have met many good translators who never studied translation, but they have experience and they deliver very good translations.

Anyway, studies are a shortcut because we obtain the experience of many translators in a very short period of time. Additionally, studies help to avoid mistakes as one goes along.

[analaura]

well, that´s an interesting question Gabriel...
I´m a translator myself, but I guess, as in many fields, studies give you a formal and strong support...but there should be ´something´ in your own nature that makes you a ´translator´or a ´doctor´ beyond the degree itself...

Because it´s not just words... there´s a whole world behind the ´literal´ text...

[Pablohz]

OF COURSE....you have to know A LOT about grammar in order to translate......it's not about english (in thi¡s case) I know ewnglish teachers that can't translate....and they speak perfectly

[andreap]

I think you might have a natural skill to translate, but you'll always be a better translator if you study.

[ScottJ]

In my opinion, if you specialize in certain fields (legal, medical, etc.), you incorporate the aspects of the language in English and that would be at least just as important in translating texts than studying the "science" of translation.