Remember the 6 Attitudes That Beginner Translators Must Understand Essay

Many say working at a company built from other countries’ investment is fun, both the matter of prestige, salary, company facilities, and others. I admit that. Although you could say, my salary was not overflowing. I still often had to find a freelance job to fulfill my passion for books and traveling. I was happy to live it anyway. Work anywhere as long as the legitimate way makes us gain blessings.

I like writing and foreign languages. That’s why I was so happy when I finally got a job at a Japanese company. The words I learned, English and Japanese, are all used, and I can acquire new knowledge. However, good at a language is not enough. Being an interpreter and translator also needs another ability, which can adapt. In the following, I describe what attitudes a beginner interpreter should do to avoid being shocked when working with strangers.

Understand the Way of Thinking Foreigners and Questions of Our Country.

The stranger has a very different culture and habits. Understand that and also don’t forget to deepen your insights into the patterns and culture of our nation. When I work as an interpreter, clients from Japan can ask about what new things that they find in Indonesia will undoubtedly ask interpreters. No need to understand until it’s too deep, at least we don’t stammer or shrug. Interpreters can also be considered as ambassadors of the nation on a small scale. Most importantly, adapt to their habits, especially in terms of work. For example, be a person who arrives on time when dealing with the Japanese.

Vocabulary Research Related to Work

Who says that research is only useful for writing a thesis? Becoming an interpreter that mastering vocabulary is essential, unlike the translator who can sit while opening a dictionary. If you become an interpreter, the opportunity to open notes will be very minimal. Before starting the work, check in detail the scope to be translated. For example, going to be an interpreter in the world of motor racing, then look for vocabulary in the field of motor engines, terms in the world of racing, and so on. Read it again and again until it sticks to memory.

Training the Tongue for Foreign Food

When becoming an interpreter who accompanies foreign guests, usually we will also be invited to eat together whether it’s lunch or dinner with other clients. Get used to our tongue to enjoy different countries food that may not initially match. No need to be able to eat it all, choose a few menus that we can enjoy. Usually, the client will feel very appreciated if the interpreter can eat the list of their country.

Avoid Asking Personal Problems

Even though you have been conversing intimately with clients, avoid asking about age, marital status, and religion. It includes sensitive topics that enter the private sphere, and if requested, can potentially offend them. Open a conversation about the season in the country, their traditional culture, favorite food, or the impression about your country. Casual conversation will also melt the atmosphere so as not to appear stiff. We also have to see what kind of client character. When they look tired, let the client rest.

Make the Client a Mentor

Although we have prepared ourselves with vocabulary and complete understanding, there will be parts that we do not fully understand as interpreters. When we do not know what the name and function of an object, for example, the function of a machine, immediately ask the client to avoid translation errors. When you are free, write down things you don’t understand and ask back to those who are more expert. Foreigners appreciate interpreters who want to learn and are not knowledgeable.

Be Professional, Not Double-faced

One problem that arises when we become interpreters is trying to be neutral between two different clients. The task of the interpreter is to interpret the language. Especially in the middle of a meeting for business decision making, for example, there will be suspicion from the local party or the stranger if each other keeps a secret. Interpreters must not take sides. Don’t leak the secrets of both parties. Be professional. If there is one party who says bad, convey the opinion in polite language so as not to offend.

That’s the six attitudes that must be understood by beginner interpreters. Be kind and broaden your horizons so that the process of translating is smooth and satisfying the client. Good luck!