Attending a translation courses, learning through
Textbooks is not enough to become a good translator. The profession of
translation is a daily and permanent activity that requires a good background
and a high level of professionalism.
1. Severity
Being a good Professional
requires more rigour and diligence. The translator should be severe
both while doing the work and in time management. This implies that he should
be severe in the choice of words he uses, in sentences or phrases punctuation,
in proofreading and in correction before delivering the work.
2. Good knowledge
of the working languages
Translating from one language to another will not be
easy if you don’t master the bases of that language; those are: grammar, conjugation or
the vocabulary of that given language. Therefore, it is very
important to acquire and master the syntax and morphology of your working
languages.
Mastering languages also implies that you should
understand the culture related to that language. If not, at times, you won’t
get the meaning of some phrases.
3. Good knowledge
of working tools
For a better translation,
translators may use dictionaries, glossaries or translation software. Altough
they help them to save time and money, they also have limitations in the sense
that, at times they can lead you into errors. For example, the dictionary may
help you to check the spelling of a work, understang the meaning, but It won’t
help you to translate a sentence according to its context. Except it gives you
some examples of how the word may be used in different context.
4. Excellent
writing skills
Writing is an art. Writing is
also a key of better reading and understanding. A poorly punctuated sentence
may lead to the misunderstanding of the whole passage. Also, a passage with
many mistakes doesn’t encourages readers. It tired readers.
For instance: I sweep the
floor (in this case the speaker means he is the one who swept the floor) and I,
sweep the floor (in this case the speakers means that he cannot sweep or he
doesn’t want to sweep the floor).
5. Good general knowledge
A good helps you to better
understand types of translation and to be open minded. It also prevents from
softwares translation trap.
e.g: The French sentence: « SCRIBO-Cameroon met à votre
disposition une équipe de rédacteurs, de traducteurs et de développeurs
professionnels afin de produire des contenus qui s’adaptent à vos besoins et
qui épousent votre vision. » is translate by Google translate as
“SCRIBO-Cameroon puts at your
disposal a team of writers, translators and professional developers to produce
content that adapts to your needs and that embrace your vision.’’ Instead of “our team of
professional writers, translators and programmers are all yours for works that
fit your needs and embrace your vision.”. So be aware of
translation softwares limitations.
6. Promptness and
discretion
You may have private documents from individuals or
organizations. Make sure not to offend somebody sensibility.
A good professional is somebody who can keep
professional secrecy. Always make sure you honour your commitments towards
yourself and your audience. Humility is a virtue when you are unable to achieve
your objectives.
7. Flexibility and
adeptability
Translation in scientific domain is not the same in
general domains. Words may have several meanings according to their context of
use. The word bank may have several meanings in different
domains. For example: the phrase “to bank on something” means to count
on something while the phrase “to bank” refers to where to pay my school
fees).
8. Curiosity
Have you ever noticed that a phrase or a word may have
another meaning although it is written or spelt the same language or in another
language? The word library (bibliothèque in french) and librairies (Bookshop in
french). “Library” in english means bibliothèque in french, but the word
“librairie” in french refers to bookshop in english.
As such, mastering syntax and morphology of a language
is not enough. Words may have false friends or contextual meaning.
9. Warmthness
Make your workspace pleasant and be yourself friendly,
cheerful, hospitable to quickly acquire knowledge and experience in the domain.
10. Passion
Passion helps you to upgrade
quickly thank to your willingness. For Christelle Ngueajio, expert
translator, her passion for languages makes her to work as volunteer in
several NGOs in Cameroon. Nowadays, although she serves in a company, she also
works as freelancer for many NGOs and individuals to earn her daily life.
What do you think about automatic and human
translation? Share your point of view with us in comments!
Don't hesitate to share this content among you're
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Scribo-Cameroon is an enterprise
specialized in E-learning modules technologies, Translation and
interpretation, digital communication and websites development.
At Scribo-Cameroon, we digitized your content and process your
requests online and in our offices in Yaoundé, Cameroon and if necessary in
other countries in Africa, Europe, America, Asia and Oceanie. To know more
about at Scribo-Cameroon, visit our website on www.scribo-cameroon.com For
any express translation or certified documents, contact lingua-Express. Visit
our website on www.lingua-express.com or call us on
677 712 626
Laurine AZEBAZE
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