Translation at inter-governmental organizations the set of skills and knowledge required and the implications for recruitment testing

Identifier:  TDX:1076

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TDX1076

Authors:  Lafeber, Anne Patricia

Abstract:
This study investigates the relative importance of 40 skills and knowledge required by translators at inter-governmental organizations from the perspective of recruitment testing. On the basis of a survey conducted of translators and revisers at various organizations, specific skills-knowledge hierarchies required at individual organizations are drawn up. Current testing practice is examined in the light of the hierarchies to identify adjustments that could be made to help organizations select the candidates with the profile they need. To examine the implications of the findings further, the performance of a group of translators on a traditional recruitment test is compared with their performance on a “profile-adapted” test that is designed on the basis of measurement theory. The findings also have implications for translator training.