Improving writing skills Thread poster: Trans7
|
|---|
Trans7
Local time: 21:10
French to English
As we all know, the routes into translation are many and varied. In my experience, I've found that the best translators are those who have trained/worked in journalism in the specific field they translate. These translators tend to have a better understanding of the writing process and as a result produce more natural, free-flowing texts.
One of my resolutions for the New Year is to write as many articles as possible in my areas of specialisation, and to get feedback from professio... See more As we all know, the routes into translation are many and varied. In my experience, I've found that the best translators are those who have trained/worked in journalism in the specific field they translate. These translators tend to have a better understanding of the writing process and as a result produce more natural, free-flowing texts.
One of my resolutions for the New Year is to write as many articles as possible in my areas of specialisation, and to get feedback from professional editors on my work.
Given that maintaining one's source language writing skills is of utmost importance, I am wondering how common it is for translators do write in their fields. ▲ Collapse
| | | | Parrot 
Spain
Local time: 21:10
Spanish to English
+ ...
| I don't know about "best" | Dec 29, 2010 |
... but in the past - before there were this many T&I schools - the people who were asked to translate in academia used to be field specialists, so you're right to some extent. I don't know about the journalists (though I used to be one - so guilty on that count, although I can say lots of others didn't take up translation ). I still write academic articles when asked, correct and revise a lot more, and sometimes write in my sour... See more ... but in the past - before there were this many T&I schools - the people who were asked to translate in academia used to be field specialists, so you're right to some extent. I don't know about the journalists (though I used to be one - so guilty on that count, although I can say lots of others didn't take up translation). I still write academic articles when asked, correct and revise a lot more, and sometimes write in my source languages with the help of native editors. ▲ Collapse
| | | | Trans7
Local time: 21:10
French to English
TOPIC STARTER | Depends on nature of texts | Dec 29, 2010 |
Parrot wrote: ... but in the past - before there were this many T&I schools - the people who were asked to translate in academia used to be field specialists, so you're right to some extent. I don't know about the journalists (though I used to be one - so guilty on that count, although I can say lots of others didn't take up translation ). I still write academic articles when asked, correct and revise a lot more, and sometimes write in my source languages with the help of native editors.
True, many academics make good translators too, it really depends on the nature of the texts. Since much of the work I do is journalistic, I often think I'd be better qualified to translate these texts had I some journalistic training.
On that note, if anyone can recommend any good p/t distance journalism courses, please share!
| | | | Eid Ibrahim
Egypt
Local time: 21:10
English to Arabic
+ ...
| I agree with you | Dec 29, 2010 |
First; I'd like to thank you for giving us the opportunity to discuss this top important topic. I agree with all that you have said. As translation is not a matter of changing or transforming the source text into the target one. It needs the translator to be well- equiped with the tools that help him to produce a higher quality target text. We; as translatrs; forget about this point, and think that we are able to translate any text in any field. But as a matter of fact; to translate, you have to... See more First; I'd like to thank you for giving us the opportunity to discuss this top important topic. I agree with all that you have said. As translation is not a matter of changing or transforming the source text into the target one. It needs the translator to be well- equiped with the tools that help him to produce a higher quality target text. We; as translatrs; forget about this point, and think that we are able to translate any text in any field. But as a matter of fact; to translate, you have to be prepared with the skills that help you to understand the source text message and master the translation technique and procedures of your interest fields. If not; you have to search for the professional development and training programs that help you achieve this target.
In order to be a good translator, you've to work to improve your writing skills in addition to continuous development for your translation skills and background information in your interest fields. By doing so; you are well prepared to be a professional translator whatever your field is.
By the way, I thank you all. ▲ Collapse
| | |
|
|
|
Anja Weggel
Local time: 21:10
Member (2007)
English to German
I agree that writing skills are very important for translation. So, a question for you all. Where can I train writing skills in terms of further education? I have a degree in English and German so I do not want to start all over again so are there possibilities of distant learning courses, seminars, workshops?
Thanks for all your help!
| | | | | you don't need a course for that | Dec 30, 2010 |
Anja Weggel wrote:
I agree that writing skills are very important for translation. So, a question for you all. Where can I train writing skills in terms of further education? I have a degree in English and German so I do not want to start all over again so are there possibilities of distant learning courses, seminars, workshops?
I think simply reading as much as possible in your target language and writing (translating eventually) as much as possible makes more than any theoretical course. Any course would ultimately give you this advise, or it would train you to practice this. Of course one of the most important thing is to learn grammar/orthographic/punctuation rules, then to learn new words and how to use them appropriately in different contexts (even for your native language). Simply reading does this for you most of the times and it is also fun and relaxing.
Veronica
| | | | | Same wavelength | Dec 30, 2010 |
Trans7 wrote: On that note, if anyone can recommend any good p/t distance journalism courses, please share!
This is funny because I have been having very similar thoughts lately. Here is what I found: London School of Journalism Post-graduate Diploma in Journalism.
http://www.lsj.org/web/opg/opgindex.php
They also had a summer school option last time I looked, but I can't seem to find it on their new website (the one described now is on English literature).
So far I am only thinking of enrolling - I wonder if anyone else has done and has thoughts on it?
| | | | To report site rules violations or get help, contact a site moderator: You can also contact site staff by submitting a support request » Improving writing skills | Wordfast Pro | Translation Memory Software for Any Platform
Exclusive discount for ProZ.com users!
Save over 13% when purchasing Wordfast Pro through ProZ.com. Wordfast is the world's #1 provider of platform-independent Translation Memory software. Consistently ranked the most user-friendly and highest value
Buy now! » |
| | Anycount & Translation Office 3000 | Translation Office 3000
Translation Office 3000 is an advanced accounting tool for freelance translators and small agencies. TO3000 easily and seamlessly integrates with the business life of professional freelance translators.
More info » |
|
| | | | X Sign in to your ProZ.com account... | | | | | |
Login to reply/comment 
