Rethinking Translator Competence in the Machine Translation Era

This study readdresses translator competence in light of the transformation translation profession, with a particular focus on Türkiye’s “National Occupational Standard: Translator/Interpreter—Level 6” (“NOST/IL6”). Motivated by need to readdress given technology-induced argues that embracing ‘entrepreneurship competence’—which is versatile, unstable, and based ‘adaptive expertise’ ‘lifelong learning’—in crucial for translators provide value-added products services. The suggests incorporating entrepreneurship into education may bridge alleged ‘skill gap’ between industry demands contribute demand-oriented, functional, added value-focused prioritizing innovation, value creation, entrepreneurship. In this regard, also analyzes “NOST/IL6”—reported display, as standard, required translation-related knowledge, skills, attitudes reflect current needs future trends market system Türkiye—with competence. analysis results indicate document underrepresents not suffice address what brought automation digitalization, attributing proactive stance translators. Hence, concludes reconsideration standard document, an emphasis considering evolving roles areas, could instigate pivotal mindset shift. “In new turning point where questions come fore” (Bengi-Öner 1997, 8), such help view uncertainties opportunities rather than threats, potentially restoring ‘human’ at core translation—a field increasingly perceived ‘dehumanized’ due growing technological domination—and significantly building strong professional self-concept among them enjoy are likely arise unpredictable unclear future.