Proofreading, editing, revising: What’s up with the confusion? Translators like to think about words. Using them precisely is important. But do we always practice what we preach? When it comes to the terms proofreading, revising, and editing, it feels like everyone has their own definitions. Just take a look into any place where translators gather […]
All work and no play makes me a bad socializer In the last 2 months, I’ve dropped the ball on my networking efforts. Reasons (or excuses) abound, but that doesn’t matter now. Unfortunately for me, if I don’t constantly give my networking and small-talk muscles a vigorous workout, they atrophy. Attending events becomes an exhausting […]
The low public opinion of the work language professionals do can be jarring at times. Some of us translators and copywriters have made it a mission to demystify our profession and show clients how much expertise and thought goes into crafting with words. But that doesn’t mean that people won’t still feel compelled to press […]
The fabled in-country translators “We only work with translators who are native speakers and live in the country you want to connect with!” That is a standard line often found on translation agency websites or in how-tos for choosing the right translator. Buzzwords such as “in-country” or “in-market” are usually lurking close by. In most […]
Talking about translation quality: like pulling teeth? Last week I received the rather unhappy news that I need to undergo some dental treatment. I hadn’t noticed anything wrong myself, and I definitely don’t like the idea, but after some grumbling I accepted the dentist’s verdict and will undergo the necessary treatment. And that’s what I […]
Why wouldn’t you improve mediocre translations? Discussions of the importance of translation quality keep cropping up. There are countless articles featuring translation blunders and describing the consequences for the companies that used them. We’ve all cringed at mysterious or wacky translations featured on virtual walls of shame (Engrish.com is a prime example). The translation problem […]
Other Translators Are Not Your Competition It’s no secret that I think that a professional network is very important for freelance translators. Translating can be a lonely way of spending your days. Sitting at our desks, it’s easy to let the world pass by. Other translators are a treasure trove of information and we’re lucky […]
Why talking about professional translators matters The last few days have seen a few articles popping up in which translators talk (brag?) about a rather simplified approach to translation. This post was written by a blogger in Japan who has started translating from Japanese to English, even though she happily admits that she is flying […]
Translator associations I am happy to say that I just received confirmation of membership in the translators’ association ATICOM. Translators stand to hugely benefit from professional associations. If I were you, I’d join at least one! What translator associations can do for you They’ll list you on their site in their translator database and increase […]
