I don't know about other countries, but in Romania everybody who took a few lessons in English thinks they
can be a translator - and a good one at that! As a professional translator, that tends to rub me the wrong way, and I know
I'm not the only one being affected by this.
Translation is a misunderstood profession as it is - we don't need so-called "professionals" to ruin it
completely.
When seeing an offer from these people, most costumers hear "cost-effective". Indeed, why pay more
for something you could get for less? After all, a translation is a translation, regardless of who does it... Or is it?
What some customers (and so-called translators) fail to understand is that a good translation takes
more than just knowing the language. It takes good grasp of both the source and the target language grammar, vocabulary, syntax
and so on. It takes having a good knowledge about the cultures of the countries in which the respective languages are spoken.
And, let's face it, it takes just an ounce of talent and passion. A real translator will understand that in a heartbeat. Doing
it because "it's easy money" is not an option.
Another "competitor" is the "machine translation". Is that really an option? Will software packages be able
to replace human translators? Maybe, but not any time soon. Why? For the same reasons I mentioned above. Add to that the fact
that language is never simple. Take one look at the examples shown before and I know you'll agree with me.
1) The bandage was wound around the wound.
2) The farm was used to produce produce.
3) The
dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.
4) We must polish the Polish furniture.
5) He could lead
if he would get the lead out.
6) The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert.
7) Since there is
no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.
A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum.
9) When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.
10) I did
not object to the object.
If you still believe that machine translation is a valid, "cost-effective" option, try the following experiment:
Go to a website advertising machine translation and input your text in English. Have it translated in French, for
instance. - or any other language, for that matter. Then copy the text in French and have it translated back into English.
It does not look like your original text, does it?
Or... try reading the following:
So, dear potential customers, if you want "cost-effective" (read"cheap"), you might not be entirely satisfied.
However, if it's quality you're after, then don't hesitate to give me a call or send me an e-mail.
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