Nowadays the
demand for translation and language related services has increased
exponentially. Translation is not only needed for the promotion of literature
and cross cultural activities, it has become an essential tool for keeping pace
with the globalization phenomenon which is inseparable from technology and
localization processes.
The role of
Translation becomes more critical when companies with global reach need to
contact in real time their customers in local languages. Therefore, it is quite
evident that over the past decades, localization has progressed from being an
added effort by some software publishers to a multi-billion dollar professional
industry. Localization, web site globalization, language engineering, and
software internationalization have become important issues for companies that
want to market and sell their products in international markets. In many cases,
localization has proven to be the key factor for international product
acceptance and success.
Translation,
localization, IT and Technology have added unprecedented dynamism in economic,
social and cultural activities across the globe. India, being one of the major players,
has undergone revolutionary changes within its economic, social and cultural
systems giving way to Informational Technology and Business Process
Outsourcing. The steady economic growth and reforms have helped Indian economy
attract record inflow of Foreign Direct Investment and joint ventures creating
a high demand for language consumption in local languages as well as foreign
languages. It is important to note that Languages being essential tools of
communication have also undergone fundamental changes in order to be part of
essential determinants of economic changes. Therefore, language learning is not
merely a natural acquiring process; rather, it has become a specialized field
that needs professional
training and
technological integration.
Therefore,
translators can no longer rest on their laurels but, like any other service
provider, must continuously upgrade themselves by coming to terms with an ever
developing technology (including IT resources such as CAT tools and project
management tools) and adapt to increasingly stringent professional demands
involving good commercial practices, project management processes, terminology
management, development of quality standards and effective client services.
It follows
that there is an urgent need to identify the gaps and take effective measures
by providing required training to language professionals, translators,
interpreters and other stake holders including service providers and service
takers and make best use of the immense opportunities being offered in this
area.
