At first, translation does not seem like much of a team effort. It is predominantly known as a solitary activity. It is an attractive job for introverts due to the idea of the typical translator who spends their day alone in their rooms, working on their assignments with a cup (or three) of coffee as their only companions. I know because I used to think that way. As a Barbier translator, I quickly realized that I could not have been more wrong, and, best of all, I am glad I was.
While working alone seems ideal at first glance, it can only take you so far. Having a group of dedicated translators to share insights, combine expertise on topics, and lean on when facing the toughest challenges is indispensable for growing as a professional translator. Collaboration also proves especially valuable when meeting tight deadlines or tackling the Herculean effort of translating idioms. Otherwise, who else will help you “get your ducks in a row” when things go “belly-up”, and you cannot find the right equivalent in your language?
Yet, to achieve that, a team needs collaboration and cooperation, communication, conflict resolution, motivation, adaptability, flexibility, and, most importantly, trust. Knowing that you can trust your team will have your back, even on days when you struggle to give your 100%—because, hey, we’re all human—is the key to delivering successful translations. There is a saying that goes, “You’re only as good as your team.” As a partner of Barbier, you will find yourself in a dedicated team that prioritizes excellence, a team that you can rest assured will treat your texts with the meticulous care they require and will be more than happy to help you each and every day.
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