By Ravishankar Govindraj | Published 07/17/2005
We often encounter translators claiming proficiency or efficacy in translating into a particular language, mainly on the basis of it being their mother tongue. Similarly very often agencies look for native speakers of the target language for translation. The general belief appears to be that native speakers are good translators into their native language. Let us examine how far this is true, and whether it is true for all categories of translation.
Translation v/s Interpretation
To start with we should distinguish between the processes of translation and interpretation, as they are generally understood. We can view translation as the process of creation of text, in a target language, which conveys the same meaning as a given piece of text in the source language. Interpretation on the other hand is the process of creation of speech, in a target language, which means the same as a piece of verbal communication in the source language. These two processes differ mainly in their input/outputs, duration and the subject matter. In other words while interpretation involves instantaneous verbal transformation of communication on general subjects translation involves a delayed transformation of written communication on subjects including highly specialized ones. Read the rest of this entry »
This time, I would like to share about my own experience of being translator. Some people say that to be a translator is quite an easy matter. However, I would say otherwise. To be a translator is a quite problematic matter. Having a degree in English Literature or Education doesn’t guarantee that we could become a good translator. There is another thing that also plays a great role in translation: Experience. Yes… experience is very important to be a good translator. Perhaps it will take years in order to have abundant vocabularies in our minds, although we still have many tools (dictionary, internet, encyclopedias) to assist us in doing the translation job.
Back in 2000s, the beginning of my journey in translation works, I started to translated various text books just for fun. Yap… just for fun… No commercial intention. At that time, I only practice what I have learned from college subject, such as English Grammar, Syntax, Semantics, etc. Later on, I started to accept my friends request for translating his teacher’s assignment, either from Bahasa Indonesia to English or vice versa. Very exciting experience.
Many friends of mine did not really interested in translation. They thought it was wasting time. Hmmm, was it? May be it was true for them, but not for me. I really enjoy translating various materials, that it has great impact in my Writing Class.. although my handwriting is rather bad (perhaps I could choose to be a doctor), I got A in Writing Class. Translation made my brain becomes faster in finding vocabularies. Unfortunately, I missed my opportunities of writing thesis, not because of my lack of writing skills, but lack of time, hi hi hi. Read the rest of this entry »
