Slator.com, being one of the biggest sources of information on the global translations and localisation market, reports that „according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage* for Interpreters and Translators was USD 46,120 as at May 2016. This was higher than the ‘All Workers’ median of USD 37,040. Total employment for 2016 was given as 68,200 and projected to grow by 18% to 80,300 by 2026. This growth rate was significantly higher than the ‘All Occupations’ national average of 7%.”

In another article Slator informs that the biggest players on the market (namely Transperfect) recorded the largest growth of sales in the last years.

The growth of the language services market is enormous: according to studies by the Common Sense Advisory  (CSA), an independent consulting firm from Massachusetts specialising in language services, the global language service market had a value of USD 34.8 billion in 2013, almost 37.2 in 2014, and in 2015 it was USD 38.2 billion – resulting in an annual growth rate of 6.46%.

According to the Globalization and Localization Association (GALA) , a global, non-profit trade association for the translation and localization industry, the language industry is big business, with the worldwide language services market growing at an annual rate of 5.52%. It also reports reports that localization and translation is the 4th fastest-growing industry in the United States. And, Inc. Magazine lists the language industry as one of the top industries for starting a business.

The industry is diverse and technology-driven, with an increasing impact on both global and regional economies. Here are three key facts to consider:

  • The size of the overall global language industry in 2016 is estimated at $40 Billion (USD), with estimates of up to $45 Billion by 2020;
  • The projected growth rate is 6.5-7.5% annually through 2018;
  • The size of the language technology industry is estimated at €29 Billion.

In other words – it is the best period of all times to be a language professional or LSP.

But this is only a global industry perspective. At the same time in Poland translators and interpreters are leaving the profession because of extremely low rates and disrespect from their clients. There is no communication between freelancers and LSPs. Public buyers contribute to and enhance dumping activities and unfair competition. Most of the industry players complain on the market situation.

What is wrong with us? The global market grows and language business is considered as one of the best investments.  There is a constantly growing demand for new translators and interpreters. Revenues are also growing everywhere. Market and revenues grow everywhere, but not here. Polish language industry situation is disastrous. Language professionals earn below an average monthly wage and salary in enterprise sector. LSPs conduct a bloodthirsty competition instead of investing money in employees and technology. High quality services are displaced by low cost unprofessional substitutes. Nobody cares.

At least such view and perspective is common among Polish language professionals and most of the LSPs. Hopefully, we are all wrong. But we cannot ignore obvious and notorious facts and numbers. Exteremely low rates are such type of fact. Fierce and devastating competition is another fact.

Where is the problem? In my opinion only in our heads. It is our stubborn mentality and lack of team spirit. It is high time to do something with that. It is time to take advantage of the favorable market conditions and to reach some market compromise allowing all of us to save dignity. Clients stand and look at us like at fighting dogs killing each other for a bone. Maybe we should eventually understand that in such a fight there are no winners. We should all understand that  it would be much better to behave like a pack of wolves. Cooperation, promoting high industry standards and fair competition – it is the only choice. Buyers and vendors shall be treated on equal terms and be loyal business partners.

Current situation is mostly our own fault. It has to be clearly stated – Polish language industry is guilty of losing respect from its clients.