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Article: Professional Translators: an Endangered Species
Thread poster: ProZ.com Staff
ProZ.com Staff
ProZ.com Staff
SITE STAFF
Jun 30, 2009

This topic is for discussion of the ProZ.com translation article "Professional Translators: an Endangered Species".
 
angel88
angel88
Local time: 16:53
Human Translation vs Digital Translation Jul 19, 2009

I like this article very much but the reality is causing pain to all translators. While human translation is still appreciated certain translation software is considered COMPULSORY by client - professional human translators, good in languages, provide "sensible" translation but not using the specific software - can't even bid for that job. Professional translators who used to do human translation started to learn or buy different translation software to aid their translation (or rather,... See more
I like this article very much but the reality is causing pain to all translators. While human translation is still appreciated certain translation software is considered COMPULSORY by client - professional human translators, good in languages, provide "sensible" translation but not using the specific software - can't even bid for that job. Professional translators who used to do human translation started to learn or buy different translation software to aid their translation (or rather, to secure more translation jobs - they are serious because translation IS THEIR JOB).

Note that client still appreciate human translation. Therefore translators who rely on digital translations started to learn their grammar to add "human" touch to their translations (they are serious too, translation IS ALSO THEIR JOB).

Professional translators - human translation, learn software to fulfill COMPULSORY criteria to apply for jobs.
Some translators - digital translation, learn grammar to fulfill clients' requirement.

Advantages and disadvantages of human vs digital translation are obvious. Professional translators are still very much appreciated. It is because of lack of professional translators that clients are seeking translators who use certain software that they think will aid them in translations. Those who rely purely on digital translation (who get the job), unless their client is happy with the purely digital translation, need to redo the translation. Otherwise client will have to post a vacancy for editing...giving another opportunity to professional translators (although pro translators may have missed the job earlier due of compulsory software requirement).

Are professional translators endangered species? Errr...still they survived, evolved and got stronger.

[Edited at 2009-07-19 04:17 GMT] ▲ Collapse
 
Jorge Castillo
Jorge Castillo
United States
Local time: 00:53
English to Spanish
I had to stop reading Jul 16, 2012

I had to stop reading in order to post that "The professional translator is a wordsmith, a creator, a sculptor. Like the jeweller, he cuts, carves and polishes. Just as the jeweller selects the best stones and the most appropriate tools, the professional translator shapes his translation like a gem. " really touched my soul.

God bless you.
 


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Article: Professional Translators: an Endangered Species






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