“This is an area in constant evolution, so it is necessary for educational institutions to regularly review their training plans, adapt them to new market demands, and integrate the latest technologies,” says Ivo Vital, translator and Macau delegate of the Portuguese Association of Translators, to PLATAFORMA.
Thus, it is “necessary to support the continuous training of teachers and invest in modern translation equipment.” Investment in technology and innovation could provide educational institutions with the necessary tools to train more competent translators, he concludes.
“Young translators must master the working languages and intercultural skills, as translation involves more than simply transposing words; it is about conveying messages faithfully and fluently. It is essential to understand the message in its source language, within its specific context and language register,” says Vital.
Due to the law requiring official documents to be drafted in Portuguese—or Chinese—accompanied by translation into the other language, there is still a high demand for qualified translators, with the Government obviously being “the largest employer,” notes Vital.
“Macau has advantages because it has highly qualified teachers, educational resources, and a rich cultural environment,” says Lurdes Escaleira, professor at the Macau Polytechnic Institute and founder of the linguistic services company LITS, to PLATAFORMA. She believes, therefore, that greater importance should be given to practical experiences, suggesting that students should interact more with public organizations and participate in events such as the MIF and Festa da Lusofonia; fundamental for students to apply their skills in real contexts.
Vital, in turn, emphasizes that greater cooperation between educational institutions in Macau, Mainland China, and Portugal can bring significant benefits to students, allowing them to access more comprehensive and diverse training.
Association Needed
Both believe that a strong associative movement could unite professionals and trainers, raising the quality of translators trained in the Macau SAR. “An associative movement is needed among professionals in the area to protect their interests and help young people integrate into the translation market,” highlights Vital.
For Escaleira, the lack of regulation and structured support has made it difficult for companies with more specialized resources to compete in terms of prices, as clients often prioritize cost over quality.
An association could help unite professionals and trainers, creating opportunities for them to “discuss their practices, difficulties, and future development opportunities together,” explains Escaleira.
“We have the linguistic, cultural, and institutional resources necessary to train high-quality bilingual professionals; we have higher education courses that include exchange programs with institutions in China and Portugal; and we have an excellent teaching staff to train the new generation of translators and interpreters,” concludes Vital.
