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¿Se habla English? Life of a Translator

Monday, August 28, 2006

Mariela Eula's blog

Check out Mariela Eula's blog for posts about how to become a translator, pitfalls to avoid, etc.

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Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Occupational hazards (not for the squeamish)

There are relatively few occupational hazards for us translators. Sore throats for the interpreters. The potential of a major case of carpal tunnel syndrome.

One particular side effect for me? As someone who translates a fair share of agriculture documents, I end up learning certain things about which I would rather never have learned anything:
  • To this day, I know of at least three particular names to refer to manure from specific animals: guano, gallinaza, lombricompost (bats, chickens, worms).
  • Certain practices related to raising poultry, such as debeaking. I'll spare you, dear reader, the details, but ew.
  • Some of the diseases and pests that can affect plants, and the measures taken to control these.

Lack of squeaishness should have been listed in my job description. How do medical translators cope?

Sunday, August 13, 2006

Vik's Crochet and Knit Translator

As both a translator and a crocheter, Vik's Crochet and Knit Translator has proved very helpful.

Perhaps some explanations are in turn. British and American crocheters have different names for the same stitches. It appears that Spanish and Argentinians (like Vik) are in the same situation. Not only has she provided an English-Spanish glossary for knitting terms (for the record, knitting and crocheting are NOT the same thing), but she also included a list of crocheting terms in Spanish for Spain AND for Argentina.

And all of this started because I decided to add crocheting terms to my proZ.com's glossary. I used Lion Brand's instructions on how to crochet to build a vocabulary. Mind you, their Spanish translation leaves something to be desired, such as a proofreader. However, I found it helpful to learn how to call crocheting stitches in Spanish.

Fast forward to me realizing that I had used the Argentinian terms, as opposed to the Spanish terms. (I also find Vik's blog, by the way). It also appears that the Spanish terms are the most common, if Google can be trusted. Maybe there are more crocheters in Spain than in Latin America? Maybe the translations are mostly done in Spain? Who knows?

Saturday, August 12, 2006

The InTrans Booth at the NATI conference

Today was the last day of the NATI conference. Despite all my fears and burning myself with the iron, I managed to find myself a suitable outfit. There will be further posts about the activities, as soon as I have had some time to collect my thoughts.

But I must discuss InTrans Book Service. They were hosting a booth and displaying some of their fine translation books, including my friend, the DHPD. I ended up buying a Spanish style guide and almost bought another book. First of all, Freek Lankhof, the owner was an absolute sweetie and very helpful. Second of all, if you find yourself talking to him, or about him, don't embarrass yourself by mispronouncing his name. It sounds like "Frake", NOT "Freak".

Wednesday, August 09, 2006

Need help with chemistry terminology?

Once again, I am working on a project that requires me to translate chemical terms. I found a link providing an English-Spanish glossary clinical chemistry terminology and nomenclature in a variety of formats, from the Federación Internacional de Química Clínica

Saturday, August 05, 2006

The DPHD is here

Finally, an end to the DPHD saga. The Diccionario Panhispánico de Dudas was on the dining room table, waiting for me when I came back from Puerto Rico.

Now, I just have to start using it. Hooray!

Tuesday, August 01, 2006

Preparing for the NATI conference

The NATI conference is in a few weeks!

First on the list of things to do: I must print out or get more business cards.

I also must find suitable attire. Last year, I remember feeling somewhat overdressed in my dress-for-success "interview" pantsuit. I suspect the "business casual with the emphasis on business" look is in order. Too bad I spilled Tilex on my good black pants.

Last, I must figure out how to work the swanky digital recorder I got.