5 Common Misconceptions About Translation You Don’t Know

Without translation, I would be limited to the borders of my own country. The translator is my most important ally. S/he introduces me to the world.– Italo Calvino

In today’s connected world, skilled translators and interpreters play a significant role in bridging the gap that language creates across the world. However, unfortunately, several myths and misconceptions persist about them.

Let us clear some common ones of them.

If a person is translator, s/he is an interpreter too

Of course not! Translation and interpretation are entirely two different things. Translation deals with the written texts, while interpretation deals with the spoken language. Translators must have improved writing skills and training in translation. On the other hand, interpreters should have short-term retention and note taking skills to recall the things instantly.

Translation doesn’t take much time

Translators are humans, not robots. So, (in)appropriately, they take required time to translate the documents. On an average, a translator translates around 2,000 – 3,000 words per day.

The need of translation is shrinking

If you think the same, you are wrong. The job market of translation is growing by leaps and bounds. The data by United States Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the job market of translation is expected to grow at 29% from 2014 to 2014! It is much faster than the average rate.

Any bilingual can be a translator or an interpreter

If a person is bilingual, people automatically infer that s/he can skillfully translate, which is totally wrong. Ability to write or speak two languages doesn’t mean that the individual can translate or interpret. The art of translation requires advanced knowledge, degrees, and training in this field.

Translators and interpreters work in more than two languages

“How many languages can you speak?” It is perhaps the most asked questions a translator or interpreter has to face. In reality, most translators & interpreters work only in one way – from one language into another. Moreover, they possess in-depth knowledge of two languages, a lot more than an average person. It is not that easy you think.

We keep ourselves abreast of several such facts and information about translation as our experts are proficient in every branch of translation, be it legal translation or birth certificate translation. Need help in translating a document? Contact us at 888-670-3369.

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