Poll: Does one "have to" be a bookworm to be a translator? Thread poster: ProZ.com Staff
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This forum topic is for the discussion of the poll question "Does one "have to" be a bookworm to be a translator?".
This poll was originally submitted by Satto (Roberto). View the poll results »
| | | neilmac Spain Local time: 04:24 Spanish to English + ...
... and I don't see why it should be a plus. I've never liked the term "bookworm", implying inferiority and perhaps an unhealthy obsession with reading. Being an avid reader is not necessarily a prerequisite to being a decent translator in my (ahem)book. Having an open mind, a good level of education and being conversant in different language registers and knowledge areas are probably the first things I'd look for, coupled with an aptitude for language/s. | | | Adnan Özdemir Türkiye Local time: 05:24 Member (2007) German to Turkish + ...
Agree 100 % neilmac wrote: ... and I don't see why it should be a plus. I've never liked the term "bookworm", implying inferiority and perhaps an unhealthy obsession with reading. Being an avid reader is not necessarily a prerequisite to being a decent translator in my (ahem)book. Having an open mind, a good level of education and being conversant in different language registers and knowledge areas are probably the first things I'd look for, coupled with an aptitude for language/s. Anadolu'dan selamlar Saludos desde Anatolia | | | tradu-grace Italy Local time: 04:24 English to Italian + ...
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Cecilia Rey Argentina Local time: 23:24 English to Spanish + ...
Regards!
[Edited at 2011-04-02 11:16 GMT] | | | tradu-grace Italy Local time: 04:24 English to Italian + ...
Hi neilmac, my previous agree 90% was for your opionion (just forgot to point it out). | | | it helps to be a reader | Apr 2, 2011 |
I also don't like 'bookworm' probably since i was labelled that as a kid. I would say it helps to be literary or a reader. Of course, these days, that would refer to anyone who reads a book a year. I think having good writing skills is really a plus, especially when you translate into your native language. I came from a more literary and journalist background and I think that has really helped with the quality of translation and how I approach it. I'm a good researcher and can work under p... See more I also don't like 'bookworm' probably since i was labelled that as a kid. I would say it helps to be literary or a reader. Of course, these days, that would refer to anyone who reads a book a year. I think having good writing skills is really a plus, especially when you translate into your native language. I came from a more literary and journalist background and I think that has really helped with the quality of translation and how I approach it. I'm a good researcher and can work under pressure, plus i have decent writing skills and language skills. ▲ Collapse | | | R. Alex Jenkins Brazil Local time: 23:24 Member (2006) Portuguese to English + ... No, but it depends | Apr 2, 2011 |
I think it helps to be well read in your native language. | |
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neilmac wrote: ... and I don't see why it should be a plus. I've never liked the term "bookworm", implying inferiority and perhaps an unhealthy obsession with reading. Being an avid reader is not necessarily a prerequisite to being a decent translator in my (ahem)book. Having an open mind, a good level of education and being conversant in different language registers and knowledge areas are probably the first things I'd look for, coupled with an aptitude for language/s. | | | Thayenga Germany Local time: 04:24 Member (2009) English to German + ...
This greatly depends on one's understanding of the term "bookworm". Personally, I associate the term "bookworm" with a) a strong affinity, even love for the written (or the spoken) word b) an instilled "crave" for knowledge c) enjoy this particular kind of entertainment. In this light, it does help to be a "bookworm" because a translator must (at least should) have a strong affinity for the written word as well as the desire to improve her or h... See more This greatly depends on one's understanding of the term "bookworm". Personally, I associate the term "bookworm" with a) a strong affinity, even love for the written (or the spoken) word b) an instilled "crave" for knowledge c) enjoy this particular kind of entertainment. In this light, it does help to be a "bookworm" because a translator must (at least should) have a strong affinity for the written word as well as the desire to improve her or his knowledge, and, last but not least, enjoy anything that is word or language related. Happy Weekend. ▲ Collapse | | | Interlangue (X) Angola Local time: 04:24 English to French + ...
neilmac wrote: Having an open mind, a good level of education and being conversant in different language registers and knowledge areas are probably the first things I'd look for, coupled with an aptitude for language/s. | | | You may not "have to," but reading can make all the difference :) | Apr 2, 2011 |
I am proud to say that I have NEVER taken a translation course. My mother tongue is Spanish, but English has been my chosen second language since I was thirteen years old. I have a Bilingual Secretarial degree from Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, and studied English at the Chilean-British Institute. I did NOT attend a bilingual school before that. My mom, whose parents were Italian immigrants, is a teacher of English, but she got married immediately after grad... See more I am proud to say that I have NEVER taken a translation course. My mother tongue is Spanish, but English has been my chosen second language since I was thirteen years old. I have a Bilingual Secretarial degree from Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, and studied English at the Chilean-British Institute. I did NOT attend a bilingual school before that. My mom, whose parents were Italian immigrants, is a teacher of English, but she got married immediately after graduating and had four children in a row, so she never practiced. She did sing us some lullabies in English, but only one of her five children inherited her passion for languages AND her library. I pride myself on having become an excellent translator thanks to my avid reading in English and Spanish. My college studies were a complement, of course, but I think the finishing touch was my 17-year career as a secretary to CEOs who depended on me to understand one language or the other. Therefore, I beg to disagree with those who think that a passion for reading is not essential to become a good translator. By definition, a “bookworm” is a person who spends much time reading or studying. That's me! Cheers!
[Edited at 2011-04-03 01:59 GMT] ▲ Collapse | |
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Allison Wright (X) Portugal Local time: 03:24 No, but it is a plus. | Apr 3, 2011 |
I don't think my clients care how many books I have read. Love of language(s), and how ideas are expressed is more important. Watching TV documentaries, listening to the radio, and how other people speak are equally important. | | | Trinh Do Australia Member (2007) English to Vietnamese + ... Reading certainly helps, but being a 'bookworm' is not mandatory | Apr 3, 2011 |
The term 'bookworm' is very insulting and derogatory, as my jealous uncle-in-law used to call me. I take much pride to being an avid reader, regardless of what people think, and reading opens my mind to new cultures, e.g. English, American, French, German cultures, as well as gain an elevated educational level. It teaches me new terms required to be a translator and reading gems is so much joy, besides training to be a translator. | | | To report site rules violations or get help, contact a site moderator: You can also contact site staff by submitting a support request » Poll: Does one "have to" be a bookworm to be a translator? Anycount & Translation Office 3000 | Translation Office 3000
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