the Order strives to ensure and promote competency and professionalism among its member translators, terminologists and interpreters. To fulfill this role, the Order follows the mechanisms set out in the Professional Code and conducts inspections and entrance evaluations.
and has gained esteem from its status as a professional order. Moving forward, it aims to become a reference for translation, terminology and interpreting in Canada and abroad.
Profession profile
Translators transpose texts from one language to another, remaining true to the original meaning.
They generally translate from a second or third language into their native language.
Qualities of a translator
Translators are curious, capable of transferring meaning from one language to another, incredibly diligent and highly knowledgeable.
They must be very flexible and possess strong writing skills.
Working conditions
Roughly 60% of translators are salaried. These translators work for national and international organizations, private companies and translation firms. Private practice translators make up the remaining 40% of translators. The majority are generalists, but a significant proportion are experts in various fields.
Developments in technology have given rise to new tools that have vastly transformed working conditions for salaried and private practice translators alike.
Training
Translators receive training at university and build on this training throughout their careers by pursuing continuing education. This makes translation a perpetual challenge and daily source of enrichment.
Seven Quebec universities offer translation programs recognized by the Order.
Certified translator: a reserved title
Only OTTIAQ members in good standing may practise under the title of certified translator in Quebec. Certified translators have qualifications recognized by the Order and are therefore professionals.
For more information on the responsibilities of OTTIAQ members, refer to the General public section.
Profession profile
Terminologists catalogue terms specific to certain fields, analyze them, define them and find their equivalents in another language.
They also identify the terms used by companies and create databases, glossaries, dictionaries and lexicons to ensure consistency between publications.
Qualities of a terminologist
Terminologists have information technology skills, are attentive to detail and carry out thorough research. They are also be very intellectually curious and have a talent for summarization.
With their experience and professional relations with specialists, terminologists play an advisory role as part of project management in their specialty fields.
Working conditions
Just like translators, terminologists can be divided into two categories: salaried and private practice. As the restructuring of organizations and companies creates new needs, we are seeing more and more private practice terminologists.
The work of terminologists is extremely varied. They are required to work with copywriters, researchers and specialists and are often called upon to conduct quality control. They must be autonomous, well acquainted with resource materials and able to develop a network of contacts.
Training
Terminology is taught as part of translation programs in various Quebec universities. There are currently no university programs specialized in terminology alone.
Seven Quebec universities offer translation programs recognized by the Order that lead to the professional title of certified terminologist.
Certified terminologist: a reserved title
Only OTTIAQ members in good standing may practise under the title of certified terminologist in Quebec. Certified terminologists have qualifications recognized by the Order and are therefore professionals.
For more information on the responsibilities of OTTIAQ members, refer to the General public section.
Profession profile
Conference interpreters orally transpose messages from one language to another during speeches, meetings, conferences and debates, remaining true to the original meaning. In all circumstances, interpreters require conference-specific preparation, which varies depending on the field, in addition to general knowledge. There are two main types of conference interpreting: consecutive and simultaneous. The first type is used for communication in both directions, while the second is used for communication in one direction only.
Court interpreters are specialists in oral communication who interpret in courts of justice or administrative tribunals. They provide both consecutive and simultaneous interpreting. Consecutive interpreting, which is the most common type, is used when communication in both directions is needed, for example, during a cross-examination. Simultaneous interpreting is carried out using wireless electronic equipment and allows continuous, real-time transfer from one language to another. This method is used to establish communication in one direction only, for example, when it is necessary to interpret entire court proceedings.
Qualities of an interpreter
Interpreters must have strong concentration skills, an excellent memory, a pleasant voice, perfect elocution and physical and mental strength. They must also be tactful and flexible. Interpreting requires attention to detail, perceptiveness, well-roundedness and extensive general knowledge.
Conference interpreters must be ready to travel, as their work often requires them to leave the country.
Working conditions
Just like translators and terminologists, interpreters can be divided into two categories: salaried and private practice. Salaried interpreters are recruited in teams of varying numbers depending on the context. They work in insulated booths with a direct view of the speakers.
Private practice interpreters have irregular workloads, with slow and peak periods. For this reason, clients must request their services as far in advance as possible.
Court interpreters generally work alone. During long proceedings, two interpreters share the task, switching out at regular intervals. For foreign language interpreters, the interpreting may take place outside of court. The interpreters accompany lawyers, investigators or other official representatives during face-to-face meetings with defendants or witnesses, either in private, at the office of the probation officer or elsewhere.
For expert testimonies, the interpreters will ask to see a copy of the witness report in advance in order to conduct the necessary terminological research and obtain clarifications.
Court interpreters are independent contractors with irregular and often unpredictable schedules as proceedings are subject to judicial demands, which can change without notice based on developments in the proceedings.
Training
Currently, no Quebec university offers a program specialized solely in interpreting. However, both simultaneous and consecutive interpreting are taught in various universities and specialized schools around the world. The Order studies each candidate’s file and may recognize these studies as equivalent.
In Canada, conference interpreting is taught at the master’s level at the University of Ottawa’s School of Translation and Interpretation.
Certified interpreter: a reserved title
Only OTTIAQ members in good standing may practise under the title of certified interpreter in Quebec. Certified interpreters have qualifications recognized by the Order and are therefore professionals.
For more information on the responsibilities of OTTIAQ members, refer to the General public section.
President
Certified Translator
Purpose
OTTIAQ protects the public by issuing the professional titles of certified translator, certified terminologist and certified interpreter
It ensures compliance with its Code of ethics and professional standards, and implements the other mechanisms set out in the Professional Code.
Mission
The Ordre des traducteurs, terminologues et interprètes agréés du Québec (OTTIAQ) protects the public by implementing the mechanisms set out in the Professional Code and by ensuring compliance with the highest professional standards in the fields of translation, terminology and interpreting. OTTIAQ promotes the recognition of its titles through its prominence on the local, national and international stages.
Our members help build recognition for their qualifications through their professionalism and by displaying their titles.
Vision
Position ourselves as a reference in translation, terminology and interpreting.
Provide a community and professional development hub for practitioners in these fields.
Responsibility means commiting to holding ourselves accountable for our actions, respecting ethics and standards of professional conduct, and protecting the public.
Professionalism means ensuring skill and quality in our professions and our interactions. It requires diligence, efficiency and proactivity as well as creativity, ongoing development and a high level of autonomy.
Leadership means being able to guide, influence and inspire others. It requires a vision and a strategy, confidence in our abilities, and communication and persuasion skills.
