In today’s post-globalization business economy, domestic competition has forced many individual entrepreneurs and large companies alike to seek new consumer markets abroad. The Farsi speaking market, consisting of about 82 million people spread across the Middle East and Central Asia, remains a huge untapped resource for these companies, but in order to take full advantage, they require the services of Farsi language translators. Corporations and small businesses alike who want to tap into the Farsi speaking markets need these gifted individuals in order to translate their advertising campaigns, promotional materials, technical literature, and daily business communications into Farsi, which means that those who are qualified to work in this field are able to realize a fantastic employment opportunity. Farsi translators are prized for the following qualities:

1.) Education and Training—Native Farsi language translators must possess extensive academic qualifications, having earned at least a bachelor’s degree in the target language of their choice. These Farsi translators must also be able to differentiate between the many dialects of Farsi, able to understand the subtle variations between Dari, the dialect spoken in Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, Tajik, the dialect spoken in Tajikistan, and standardized Farsi. If you are a native Farsi speaker who is planning to join the ranks of Farsi translators, we suggest that you enroll in a full-time undergraduate program that will grant you ample exposure to the target language of your choice.

2.) Areas of Expertise—Many Farsi translators also have a unique area of specialization, a business field that they focus on, in which they can conduct Farsi translations with an expert eye. For instance, a mining company in Tajikistan seeking to export precious aluminum to foreign countries will most likely hire the services of a Farsi translator who has experience with mining or metallurgy. Farsi language translators often possess a master’s degree or higher in their designated areas, and have years of experience working in their chosen fields. Are you willing to commit yourself to a graduate course of study, and put in the time necessary to acquire expert-level skills?

3.) Professional Memberships—Farsi language translators should be committed to maintaining the stringent international standards that their profession demands. This means maintaining a membership in a professional organization, such as the American Translators Association (ATA) or the International Federation of Translators (FIT). It can also mean attending workshops and training sessions to stay current. It may also mean passing certification exams, which many Farsi translators take. Computer aided translation has also become a necessary tool of the trade for Farsi language translators, which is yet another aspect of translation that they must learn.

4.) Certified Farsi Translation—In order to be able to produce certified Farsi translations, Farsi translators must be registered with the local courts, and must often pass difficult certification tests. This allows them to produce Farsi translations of legal documents, such as birth certificates, business contracts, financial agreements, and other legal papers, that will be valid in local courts. Farsi language translators who produce this kind of translation must be willing to swear that their translations reflect the entirety of the meaning found in the original documents, and must possess an extensive legal background.