Translator Traverse

[Little Linguist]

So, tomorrow I have a test to become a translator; the interpreting section takes place in about 4-8 weeks from then. I thought it might be interesting to hear from other people in the field and exchange experiences. Perhaps it might be an interesting way to learn from each other.

Any helpful tips or hints? Or any interesting experiences you'd like to share?

I can't imagine I'm the only one on here who does this kind of work, so it would be good to hear from you.

 

[wolfy]

I'm not a translator. I live in Japan and speak Japanese fluently. I'd like to become a translator in the future. Specialising in sports and health related work.
Just thought I'd say I'm interested in how it goes and what you learn.

 

[groovejet02]

Hi,
First of all, good luck! I'm not working as a translator, but I've had a bit of experience in it. Since I'm (merely) bilingual I've done translations from Malay (my mother tongue) to English. When I'm translating, I get sort of a high (lol) because I get to be technical and all anal-retentive. Nothing satisfies me more than a well-translated document, and when watching movies I'm always comparing the subtitles to what is spoken. Sloppy subtitles piss me off.

Anyway, what languages are you fluent it?

 

[Little Linguist]

Hi,
First of all, good luck! I'm not working as a translator, but I've had a bit of experience in it. Since I'm (merely) bilingual I've done translations from Malay (my mother tongue) to English. When I'm translating, I get sort of a high (lol) because I get to be technical and all anal-retentive. Nothing satisfies me more than a well-translated document, and when watching movies I'm always comparing the subtitles to what is spoken. Sloppy subtitles piss me off.

Anyway, what languages are you fluent it?

Hey, thanks for your reply....I have phases - sometimes I love translation and other times it drives me bat-shit crazy. But all in all, I think it would be a good supplement to my regular job, which is teaching. That would allow me to get out and interact with people and do this job on the side. It would also be nice if I decided to have kids and wanted to work from home....

LOL I do that too - always watch movies with subtitles because I figure it will help my brain to think in two languages at once.

My native language is English, but I'm C2 in German (near-native speaker). In the past I used to be fluent in French and Spanish, but I've forgotten almost everything, so I would have to brush up on it if I wanted to use it again. I've also dabbled in Russian, Italian, and Latin. When I say dabble, I mean dabble: I took it for one year...buttttt I gave it up because I did not have room in my schedule to complete all my requirements and take all those languages...

I had my translation exam the day before yesterday. I have an okay feeling about it - not brilliant, not totally terrible. If I pass, it will be a great supplement. If I don't, I can always try again. It's not a must for me - just a way for me to develop and use the grey cells in my head!

If you have any useful tips, that would be cool! Thanks!

Anyone else translate here?

 

[Little Linguist]

I'm not a translator. I live in Japan and speak Japanese fluently. I'd like to become a translator in the future. Specialising in sports and health related work.
Just thought I'd say I'm interested in how it goes and what you learn.

Hey, that's awesome! You should give it a shot - why not???

Well, at my school I train people to take a foreign language correspondent test, so I figured I could give the translation exam a shot. Not only will it open up possibilities on the job market, but it is a good extra qualification for my current job. Since my degree is not accepted in Germany, I feel more comfortable knowing I have a qualification that would be accepted everywhere in Germany...

I taught myself with some help from mentors at my language school. It's really awesome because you have all the sources you need right there! They have been really awesome about supporting me - correcting my work and explaining mistakes. They are some really great people. That's why I'd never do it full-time because I really love teaching and interaction with people - both students and colleagues. But like I said before, it would be a good supplement or a possible opportunity if I ever became a mom and wanted to work from home!

If you have any questions, just let me know. I'm new at this too, but if you have any questions on how to prepare, I might be able to help.

 

[Dali]

Hi,
First of all, good luck! I'm not working as a translator, but I've had a bit of experience in it. Since I'm (merely) bilingual I've done translations from Malay (my mother tongue) to English. When I'm translating, I get sort of a high (lol) because I get to be technical and all anal-retentive. Nothing satisfies me more than a well-translated document, and when watching movies I'm always comparing the subtitles to what is spoken. Sloppy subtitles piss me off.

Anyway, what languages are you fluent it?

Oh, a Malaysian! Awesome, I just got back from 4 years living in Nilai (dont ask) and Petaling Jaya. I LOVE the yam-cha culture and miss those late nights spent with pals at Mamaks & Malay stalls drinking teh o ais and talking about absolutely nothing. I never thought I'd say this but I miss the weather too. Nairobi is too cold for me!

Speaking of subtitles, ever switched on the English subtitles on those pirated movies? Comedic gold.

 

[groovejet02]

Oh, a Malaysian! Awesome, I just got back from 4 years living in Nilai (dont ask) and Petaling Jaya. I LOVE the yam-cha culture and miss those late nights spent with pals at Mamaks & Malay stalls drinking teh o ais and talking about absolutely nothing. I never thought I'd say this but I miss the weather too. Nairobi is too cold for me!

Speaking of subtitles, ever switched on the English subtitles on those pirated movies? Comedic gold.

Sorry, just saw your reply. Don't know how I could have overlooked it. And yeah, I get what you mean with the subtitles -- but the ones in the cinema are worse. Haha. By the way, were you studying or working in Malaysia? Malaysia's a great country - I love introducing it to other people - but it's too .. laidback