Doing translation is like running a marathon
Having been in the language translation industry for more than 2 decades, I really think being a language professional feels like an endurance athlete, and doing translation or translating feels like running a marathon.
First, we receive a document from our client. Next, we open it with nervous anticipation. Tada! Once in a while, we see an enormous amount of words but they are not difficult to translate. Yay! Yet sometimes, the document is so difficult that we know for sure we have to do lots of research on the topic. To top that off, we have to accomplish the translation work very, very quickly.
As we start to translate the first sentence, it really feels like a painful and impossible task. Time is a luxury we do not have as busy translators so we cannot afford to stop and ponder how we should move on. This is where and why I think being a language translator feels like an endurance athlete. Just as what Nike says in its commercials, “Just Do It!”. We just have to do it because there’s no turning back once you accept a translation assignment.
The way we manage translation projects that are very huge, very difficult and have very quick turnaround is the same way we approach running. We have to steadily and continuously put one foot in front of the other in running, just like we have to translate one word after another, one sentence after another when we work on a translation project. But the amazing thing is that after translating a few paragraphs, we will begin to feel that the document does not seem as daunting as they first appear to be. So doesn’t this feel like marathon running? I think it does. All you need to do is to start with just one step or two, start translating with just one sentence or two.
Translating and running are all about endurance, perseverance, accomplishment, persistence, and going all the way even when there are obstacles or when things get tough during the process. Whatever it is, we just don’t give up. Quitting is never an option or a good spirit whether it is during a marathon or with a translation assignment you have decided to take on.
Do you want to make a guess? Do you think I am an endurance athlete? Well, the answer is no. It is tough enough to be a translator and I don’t think I can cope with another endurance sport or fit in another of such routine in my life. I am contented to just make translation and translating a part of my life.