The path of translation is long; where shall my heart go?
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Colleagues! I have been working as a translator for nearly 4 years, and over this time I have developed a clear understanding of the profession. Meanwhile, through exploration, I have gradually found my direction: moving from business translation to industry-specific technical translation, which has defined the path for my future career. At work, I gradually realized that although I had found a direction now, I had encountered new puzzles. I’m not sure whether this confusion is something that can be resolved, or if it’s due to my improper work attitude; so I’m sharing this here in the hope that everyone can offer some advice. At present, I am able to take on on-site interpretation and document translation tasks, and I have also completed the study of relevant materials related to foreign equipment and devices for projects. In my work and studies, I gradually realized that I could understand words and expressions, but I didn’t grasp what the author was trying to say... In fact, I really wanted to figure out the meaning behind the translated text. Also, I feel that translating materials is like a transparent mirror: everything goes in—and everything comes out. This is one of the problems that plague work nowadays; I hope to act like a filter, capable of filtering and collecting knowledge. I wonder if that idea is feasible? Question two: Now that I have started studying the relevant professional knowledge, I find that it covers a wide range of topics, and some of the issues are quite complex. Although I downloaded a lot of materials, I forget them as soon as I finish reading them ； Also, with limited energy, I don’t know where to start in order to study*. I see that the experts in the group not only translate but also provide explanations from a professional perspective. I’m so envious! Where to go, and how far? Waiting for a reply......
Reply to 1# robin83: I see that the experts in the group not only translate but also provide explanations from a professional perspective. I’m so envious! It is human nature to easily envy one another. In fact, the lives of those who specialize in technology are often monotonous. Technical leaders face high work pressure and bear great technical responsibilities; a single mistake on their part can cause significant losses to a project. As for being able to translate and provide professional explanations, this can be achieved by anyone with attention and practice. After all, the vast majority of engineering technologies are not high-tech.
Actually, it’s a question of whether one is willing to work in this field for life. Lack of experience in technical translation leads to inaccurate or inadequate translations. I think once I address the mindset issue, there won’t be any obstacles left.
Reply to 2# jeffreytang77: Okay. I’ll try my best! Breathe in, focus. . .
Reply to 2# jeffreytang77: Overcome all difficulties and believe in Miracle!
It is a process that requires long-term accumulation; in fact, it’s similar to the process of designing. It is necessary to be familiar with both theory and practice in order to address problems effectively. Even without professional English, professional Chinese can be confusing to those who are not in the industry. So, accumulate steadily and release it in due course. Good luck.
Due to a change in my position, I have been transferred away from the translation role. Currently learning in the production workshop! The help and guidance of all you experts. I’ll come often!
If your major is not English, having a good command of English allows you to work as a technical specialist with great prospects; in a few years you should be able to switch to working at a foreign-owned company. If you have a degree in English and switch to a technical field, it will take a long time to learn*.
Read more books in your field of specialization; having a good command of English gives you a significant advantage. After all, engineering has only been developing in China for a short time, so the amount of Chinese-language literature available is still limited. Reading more foreign books will be helpful. Additionally, if you are on site, there are likely many workshop maintenance manuals and similar documents that you can consult, which will be very useful for translating information related to foreign equipment and devices. Accumulate over the long term, and then release that knowledge in a focused manner!
Actually, this type of translation is neither particularly difficult nor easy. Although professional phrases are complex, they are fixed in structure, which makes them easy to master. Yet it is precisely because they are fixed phrases that, if one has no prior experience with them, trying to translate them word by word using individual words can easily lead to embarrassing mistakes
Comrades, I have completed the learning of the on-site equipment and processes! I’m back, haha.