A Great Translator

The Cambridge dictionary defines a translator as "a person whose job is changing words, especially written words, into a different language". Dictionary.com defines a translator as "Also trans·lat·er . a person who translates". Merriam-Webster.com actually defined the verb 'translate' as "to turn into one's own or another language".

Based on these definitions, any person who knows a language can be considered a translator. And let's face it - that means basically everyone on this planet (or in all the universes if you believe in the Multiverse).

However, most dictionaries will follow the Cambridge Dictionary definition, which includes a key element: it's a job. A translator is a person who has taken it upon themselves, as their primary profession, to work in changing words from one language to another.

With that in mind, is that enough for any person to say, "Hi, I'm a translator! Send me your files, and I will do this for $5?"

What actually makes a person a translator and a good one, while we are at it?

The ATA, the American Translators Association, says "Professional translators [...] have the education, experience, and expertise to understand the nuances in one language and transfer them to another. The right professional will have a solid knowledge of your industry and will know how to culturally adapt your content for the target audience you are trying to reach. You only get one chance to make a first impression, so make sure it counts."

Meaning, a good translator should have the education (secondary education is a must), experience (the longer the better), and expertise (there is no such thing as "I can translate everything").

You, who needs a certificate for immigration or a document translated for court, or a student who wants to have their thesis translated, cannot afford not to hire a professional translator. And not just that, but a translator who has lived and breathed the language in its natural environment.

There are many nuances in the language and culture of the place to consider when translating. Only a native will be able to identify spelling errors, specific phrases and idioms, and the culture to make the translation effective and great.

You may say, "but I can just put it in Google Translate or ChatGPT, and be done with it."

As it is true, let me tell you about a case I encountered in my line of work not so long ago. Someone, let's call him Steve, sent me a CT scan summary in Hebrew that he needed to translate into English for his elderly mother. He brought her to the US to be closer to him, and since she was treated for lung cancer in Israel, he needed to translate her medical record. You can all agree with me that Steve needs a professional translator, as this medical facility usually requires certified or notarized translations (I will expand on that in a separate post). The price I gave him wasn't the cheapest, but I knew exactly what types of errors I would find, and I managed to land him as a client.

I immediately started working on his translation, as I promised a fast turnaround, and I always keep my word and do not settle for quality. And, the first thing I did was check the doctor's name.

Why? Great question! In Israel, although I was part of an excellent education system, teachers did not always correct or teach spelling. I'm not talking about the lower grades; in higher grades, if you are not a language teacher, you are instructed not to correct or grade for spelling mistakes. And that's how you end up with great alumni who write with spelling mistakes.

Also, Israel is an array and mix of all countries and ethnicities. Many Jewish people do an Aliya (immigrating to Israel), at all ages, and many of them are very educated - professors, teachers, engineers, and yes, doctors. So, a new immigrant has a higher chance of making spelling mistakes (as does a native). I confess, I sometimes catch myself making spelling mistakes here, but I have the luxury of software that helps me hone my spelling, while doctors use simpler systems that are not online due to HIPAA and medical confidentiality laws. So, to sum it up, even doctors might have spelling mistakes.

But why is it such a big deal?

It's not wrong when the medical document is intended to be read in its source language (Hebrew) and by a native or highly proficient speaker of that language. The problem begins when you need to translate it, and the person who does the act of translation, aka the TRANSLATOR, doesn't know that.

That's when 'funny' mistakes occur and "מפל לחצים" (reads: Ma'pa'l Le'cha'tz'eem) turns to "pressure waterfall". The non-native translator doesn't know that the letter 'ת' (taf) is right beneath 'ל' (lamed) on the Hebrew keyboard, and it's most likely just a typo, and it should be translated as "pressure map". Can you imagine the MD's face when they read this CT with "pressure waterfall" in the sentence? I sure can. It will only cause more hassle and delays in the care that Steve's mother deserves.

If you want excellent quality, contact a great translator.

And if you want a great translator, you contact D.O.L Group!