The American Translators Association (ATA) today announced that the organization has surpassed 10,000 members. The ATA founded in 1959, is the largest professional association of translators and interpreters in the U.S. with members in more than 80 countries.

"We are thrilled with the explosive growth that this vital profession has recently experienced," said Marian S. Greenfield, ATA's President. "The business of translation and interpreting continues to expand with the global economy and has become the new, hot career."

In the past ten years, the $11 billion translating and interpreting services industry has experienced tremendous growth, increasing at a rate of 10 percent to 15 percent annually, particularly in the areas of the global marketplace, healthcare and national security, Greenfield pointed out.    

In today's global business environment, the stakes are high. Translation mistakes can be costly, embarrassing, and even disastrous. Having a professional translator is vital and translation has proven to be one of the most sought after professions in the 21st Century.

Parade Magazine recently listed translation as the 2nd hottest job right now, saying that industry growth will be 26 percent in the coming year. The rapidly evolving global economy has given rise to a greater demand for translation services, and translators and interpreters are visible and being acknowledged as an indispensable force in the global arena.

"Translators and interpreters are no longer behind the scenes; they are now key players in an increasing number of international companies and organizations," continued Greenfield.

Translators and interpreters are in hospitals, courts, banks, telecom, pharmaceuticals, tech, and dozens of other businesses that speak to people around the world on a daily basis.

About The ATA
The American Translators Association (ATA), founded in 1959, is the largest professional association of translators and interpreters in the U.S. with 10,000 members in over 80 countries. ATA's primary goals include fostering and supporting the professional development of translators and interpreters and promoting the translation and interpreting professions. For more information on ATA, please visit www.atanet.org.