What is Professional Translation

This chapter discusses the issue of Translation and Interpreting (T&I) education in the global age. Its focus pivots on why, what, and how to train T&I students for the job market. In order to facilitate global trade and communication, the majority of T&I students ought to be trained as T&I practitioners or other language professionals instead of researchers of translation studies. Accordingly, the designing and structuring of the T&I curricula should be closely linked to the practice of translating and interpreting in the real world so that T&I students will enjoy their study at school, as well as the pathways paved for their future career. The methodology advanced by Kiraly (1995, 2003) based on the principles of cognitive apprenticeship is recommended, as it is closely related to translating and interpreting practice and helps T&I students effectively acquire the translating and interpreting skills employed in the T&I profession.