We wanted to share some insightful reflections following our recent testing of new language experts for Croatian at Verbosari. We evaluated 20 candidates, including several senior translators with over a decade of experience in the field. To our surprise, only two candidates managed to achieve a passing score of 98% in accordance with the MQM 2.0 standard.
This outcome raises some significant concerns that we feel need to be addressed:
>>Not All Translators Know Their Mother Tongue: It appears that having a formal education or claiming to be a translator does not guarantee proficiency in one's native language.
>>Decline in Knowledge of Standard Croatian: We observed a worrying decline in basic grammar knowledge among candidates, which is fundamental to providing high-quality translations.
>>Complexity of Similar Languages: Translators can't merely rely on their expertise in Croatian, Serbian, Bosnian, and Montenegrin as interchangeable. Each of these languages, while similar, has unique features that require specific, in-depth knowledge.
>>High Expectations vs. Quality: Many candidates had high expectations regarding compensation but failed to meet the standards of quality expected in our field.
>>Expectations from Senior Translators: It was disheartening to see that several well-known senior translators, respected in the translation community, did not pass the test. This demonstrated a lack of basic knowledge of Croatian, highlighting a disconnect between reputation and practical proficiency.
As we continue to seek and nurture talent at Verbosari, these observations remind us of the importance of rigorous standards in our industry. We must ensure that language experts not only claim expertise but can also deliver on the promise of quality translations. Let us aim for excellence and strive to elevate the standards of our craft!