Our Story

Translation - the art of bridging worlds and people, and Editing - the art of clear, accurate and articulate wording, are both challenging and creative vocations, which are a necessity in almost all walks of life. Rapid technological development in recent years has made it easier for people to write, translate and edit texts, and yet, the demand for professionally translated and edited texts has not declined, and may even have increased. However, working conditions for professionals in these fields have not improved.

 

 

There are very good editing and translating training programs in institutions of higher education in Israel, and even special academic departments. However, there is no state-recognized certification mechanism in these fields. Moreover, governmental and public sector agencies which issue tenders for translation and editing jobs, have no obligation to include any certifications, qualifications or even proven experience in their selection criteria or in their list of requirements.

 

State of the industry

The translation and editing professions require skills and abilities that are based on broad education, experience, creativity, rigor, and flexibility and often great problem solving and juggling skills, as well as the ability to work under pressure.

 

 

In contrast, the main criterion for selecting service providers or tender bid winners in the fields of editing and translation is the lowest price. At the same time, clients usually lack the necessary tools for quality assessment of the end product they receive. In this state of affairs, any person can assume the title of a translator or editor, or set up a new agency. The big translation agencies are the main contenders for major tenders, employing in most cases those who are willing to work for low fees.

 

 

This leads to a slow but steady deterioration of translation and editing quality - which is detrimental to all those involved: Clients are harmed, often without even being aware of it; The livelihood of professionals is compromised; And a loss of prestige is inflicted on the translation and editing professions.

 

 

Inspired by various social solidarity-based projects, we have made a choice to walk down a new path, and we believe that the entire industry can profit from this decision. For the first time in Israel, we, the members of Common Language, have decided to set up a cooperative, incorporating professionals in the field of translation and editing, both men and women.

 

Quality

The cooperative will ensure the quality of services and products it provides by various means. Firstly, new members are selected carefully through internal screening mechanisms, and members who meet quality requirements can continue to be part of the cooperative. Secondly, the cooperative’s implements various quality assurance methods, including a mutual proofreading network among members. We believe that fair wages to service providers, due to minimizing brokerage fees, will help recruit translators and editors of the highest order to our cooperative.

 

Cooperation

Working together, in cooperation, holds a myriad of benefits. Editors and translators are able to provide and receive mutual assistance, undertake large and urgent projects, and work in teams. They can also learn from others and receive feedback on their work. In such conditions, developing various professional skills becomes easier, and members will experience creative prolificacy and a strong sense of belonging to a community that holds high professional and ethical values.

 

The new emerging cooperative will be able to collaborate with ITA, as well as other associations and organizations, in striving to institutionalize a recognized and binding certification mechanism, and advance the trade.