If you think there’s nothing intimidating about translators, you
seriously got it all wrong. We’re not even talking about individual characters
here. There’s something – many things actually – common to translators that you
may want to be aware of. Avoid the “shock” of dating a translator by knowing
these idiosyncrasies.
7. They can be ridiculously passionate about
languages and translation.
Obviously, translators know languages and they are passionate for them
if they know them by heart and if they’ve been doing translations for years. If
you don’t want to get yourself in hot water, don’t even think of engaging them
in discussions like; which language is better or whether or not it’s really
necessary to know different languages. Don’t even dare raise the speculations
about computers and AI taking over the language translation industry.
6. They expect you to know the difference between a
translator and an interpreter.
As much as possible, avoid mistakenly using the terms translator and
interpreter interchangeably. These are two different things in translation.
Hint: A translator is to write, while interpreter is to speak. In their
defense, though, this is not really a matter of being obsessive compulsive. If
you don’t know what they are actually doing, it can be easily interpreted as
your lack of interest in them.
5. Sometimes they love exhibiting their
superiority.
Don’t dare compare, even implicitly, a translator you are dating with
your ex. Translators know their worth as they are usually exposed to various cultures
because of the nature of their work. They are usually tolerant but they know
they have an edge in their multilingualism alone that they can easily brag
whenever they feel like you are making comparisons. This often makes them
appear judgmental or critical of other people especially when it comes to their
written or verbal use of languages. When going to foreign-themed restaurants,
for example, they tend to easily catch errors in menus or signages, and raise
an eyebrow over misspellings or mistakes in the words used. If you are not sure
how to pronounce certain foreign food names, it’s better to simply point it on
the menu to the waiter to avoid the embarrassment or not-so-secret grin from
your date.
4. They are strict with grammar.
Annoyed by online “commenters,” forum members, or social media users who
are excessively fond of correcting people’s grammar and punctuation use, word
choice, or spelling? Prepare to encounter someone similar in the flesh.
Translators have been trained to be meticulous and precise to properly convey
the idea of the texts they are translating. They are somewhat obsessed with the
thought that a little mistake in spelling or punctuation can change the message
of what ought to be conveyed.
3. They are always on work mode.
Those who work in the translation field rarely rest their brains. Even
when they are simply strolling around or doing some window shopping on their
way home, their neural networks continue moving to associate the words and
things they see with their equivalent terms in other languages. And they’re not
even intentionally doing this! It’s a habit they could hardly undo. This
shouldn’t be annoying, though. Just think of it as a learning opportunity.
2. They can use languages to tease, irritate, or
curse you.
Familiar with instances when someone wants to say something to you but
he or she couldn’t muster enough of the courage to say it. How about situations
wherein someone wants to cuss at you or give you a less than pleasant
treatment? Translators know how to use the third, fourth, or fifth languages
they are fluent with to indirectly do these. Many of them want to express
themselves to release the pressure they are feeling but they want to do it in a
less confrontational way.
1. They will ask for context…and more context.
Translators know the value of context more than anyone. If you argue
with them or if you are trying to reason out to them, be ready to properly
present the context. Most likely, this is because they are trained to always
look at the context in everything. Likewise, if you are asking them to
translate sentences or phrases, don’t expect them to automatically generate a
translation. Remember that they always want to be precise in understanding and
translating messages. Also, if you want to use one-liners and witticisms on
them, don’t expect them to simply show an expression of awe without looking
into the context of the words you are using.
Lawyers, programmers, and financial analysis experts are not the only
professionals who have the inherent ability to intimidate their dates.
Translation professionals, too, possess qualities and attitudes you may not
find easy to handle. If you ever plan on dating one, remember the pointers
above.
PORTAL DA
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referred to in this post, and does not guarantee that any context on such
websites are, or will remain, accurate or appropriate.
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instances, I have been unable to trace the owners of the pictures used here;
therefore, I would appreciate any information that would enable me to do so.
Thank you very much.
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Um comentário:
:D Very interesting article
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