Translators often have to deal with many misconceptions regarding their profession. Non-translators who have little or no contact with the translation business often assume things about translation that are not true. What matters is not what other people think but how happy you are with your profession. However, we can’t help but care, at least a little, how others see us and it is nice to be recognized for our skills and the work we do. Our intention is to recognize and dispel some of the myths and misconceptions about translation.
Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Myth: Computers can translate
Reality: Now that nearly everyone has easy access to instantaneous translation pages, such as Google Translate and the many other translation resources available on the internet, some people think that translation is simply a matter of copying, pasting and hitting click. As any legal, medical, literary or technical translator knows, there is a lot more to it than that! Computers can assist with basic and even more complex translation. However, no computer program, no matter how sophisticated it is, can replace a skilled human translator. Many words or word combinations can be translated in a number of different ways. A translator has to make decisions so that the translated text conveys the meaning of the original, and that it makes sense and flows well in the target language.
Myth: Anyone who speaks more than one language can translate
Reality: Obviously, in order to translate between two languages, one must have an in-depth understanding of both of them. If you understand and can communicate fluently in more than one language, you are certainly capable of becoming a translator, just as anyone with a good understanding of one language is capable of writing. But translating is a skill which must be learned through experience and studying. Like any skilled professional, a translator will grow and develop over time.
Myth: With so many bilingual people, there isn’t much demand for translation
Reality: Globalization and increasing international business, that is often multilingual, has actually increased the need for quality translations. There is definite need for quality, professional linguistic services. The business of translating is evolving and will continue to do so, but the need is not going away.
Myth: Only an expert in a field is capable of producing a translation in the field
Reality: In order to produce a quality translation, it is important to have a thorough understanding, not only of the source and target languages, but also of the language of the subject. For example, if you are going to translate a legal text, you need to have a solid understanding of legal language in both the source and target languages. Translators write. You need to understand the subject on which you are writing. You do not, however, need to be a lawyer, doctor, banker, etc. What you need is to understand the language of the field.
Although you may not be able to change the preconceived notions of other people, when you know a few facts about your profession, you are able to explain what you do and not be bothered by people who don’t really understand.
