tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207131942011-12-14T21:09:54.299-06:00The life and adventures of an English-Spanish freelance translator living in the Midwest, learning about her craft, and seeking work.jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.comBlogger1321100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-75950696190229097222007-01-28T13:29:00.000-06:002007-01-28T13:32:24.231-06:00

As of yesterday, I have started to blog at Wordpress. Any future writing can be found at http://sehablaenglish.wordpress.com.¡Hasta luego!

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1168750869328204752007-01-13T22:49:00.000-06:002007-01-13T23:01:09.613-06:00

Honestly. Given my current computer troubles and having to have my motherboard replaced, I tried to use a clever pun on the word motherboard ("my motherboard, myself"? Wasn't that a title of an episode of Sex and the City?) Apparently, my brain is devoid of inspiration after working on this project that is due Monday.The good news is that despite a week's delay, I was able to restart my

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1168388278218775152007-01-09T18:15:00.000-06:002007-01-09T18:17:58.446-06:00

One week without my motherboard = no posts.One week without my motherboard = insanity.One week without my motherboard = going to the library to check my e-mail. Being somewhat relieved that there was no vital information, just spam.One week without my motherboard = FINALLY OVER

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1167590594793386532006-12-31T12:32:00.000-06:002006-12-31T12:43:19.196-06:00

Año Nuevo, vida nueva (New Year, New Life). It's been a little over a month since I started my job at the SGN (Shall Go Nameless) agency. My voice has gotten somewhat used to the stress of talking for hours on end, but my mom still thinks I have a cold. I have gotten to the point where I am not completely ignorant, yet still have a lot to learn.The same old lifestyle resolutions (eat right,

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1166286273062435592006-12-16T10:09:00.000-06:002006-12-17T10:06:12.123-06:00

I do a lot of talking at my Present Job. Pretty much, most of my time is spent on the telephone. I drink a lot of water, but despite this preventative measure, last night I found myself with a sore throat that continues up until now. Dang. Hopefully, it will clear up by Monday. I have always been prone to throat problems. I will need to be more vigilant about those. Throat lozenges and tea with

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1165452753128681422006-12-06T18:33:00.000-06:002006-12-06T18:52:33.376-06:00

Update my proz.com profile in order to report my certification as a Court Interpreter by the Supreme Court of Nebraska and my interpreting rates.Update my website to reflect that the above information and that I no longer work for my former employer.Update my profile at Translators Cafe for the reasons stated above.My original post was a rant about a nasty and particularly charm-free individual I

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1164676116692273812006-11-27T19:04:00.000-06:002006-12-06T18:28:01.506-06:00

I no longer work at the Nonprofit agency. It is now the Agency that Shall Go Nameless (ASGN, for short), where I do work that must not be discussed in my public blog.Speaking about things I can talk about, I got a phone call. As it turns out, I passed the interpreting test!Translate this expression, as an exercise: Boo-yah!Technorati tags: se+habla+english, translation

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1164057690202132152006-11-20T15:17:00.000-06:002006-11-20T15:21:30.646-06:00

I was asked to translate an e-mail, about two paragraphs long and not particularly complex. In the heels of that, I was asked to translate a five-page documento on regulations on agriculture.Such is life for an in-house translator.Next week, I start work at the New Organization (which, in order to preserve its anonimity and my employement status, will not be identified by name in this blog any

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1163453641317395002006-11-13T15:28:00.000-06:002006-11-13T15:34:16.983-06:00

I have already mentioned that I have given notice at my (present) employer so that I can work for somebody else. Again. It appears my dream of working in my pajamas on a full-time basis will be put on hold.Maybe it won't be so bad. Maybe wearing pajamas all day, every day, is only fun for the first few days.All I know is that at least, if I was working at home, I could accidentally flick a piece

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1163101806199408532006-11-09T13:40:00.000-06:002006-11-09T13:50:24.113-06:00

...I gave my two-weeks notices at my present employer? As many other important moments of my life, it was strangely anti-climactic.I will still be a part of the 9 to 5 world, however. And I will still be seeking out freelance work as a translator. I don't get to find out how I did in the interpreter certification exam.Speaking of interpreter news, I got an e-mail today, sent to all the members of

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1162683018687078622006-11-04T17:25:00.000-06:002006-11-04T17:30:35.726-06:00

I get to find out the results on December.I haven't told many people that I have taken that exam. Next on my schedule is to alert former clients that I am currently available for jobs.

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1162060123476346992006-10-28T13:28:00.000-05:002006-10-28T13:28:43.796-05:00

My appointment for the Oral Interpreting Exam for the Certification of Court Interpreters was earlier this morning. How did I do? Honestly?I have no idea. I left the examination site in a combination of an euphoric state and a shell-shocked one.I still can't believe it. And I don't get to find out the results until December. I don't even know if it is early December or late December.But at least

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1161709457510203232006-10-24T12:03:00.000-05:002006-10-24T12:04:18.346-05:00

So, for no good reason, I use Google to search myself. Among the sites that list my name, KidAngel Foundation, a nonprofit for which I volunteered my translation services has listed my name and given me credit for my work.Newcomers to the translation industry may consider volunteering their translation services. Let's forget for a minute that it will give you valuable experience. It also entails

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1161273782594185272006-10-19T11:02:00.000-05:002006-10-19T11:03:28.203-05:00

My oral exam for certification as a court interpreter is in 9 days. Nine days of practicing, studying, and worrying, worrying, worrying.I have had some practice sessions for consecutive translations during the past few days. I have noticed how often my hands want to participate in the translation process. I have to remind myself that I am not competing in a charades tournament.I am also studying

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1160781250747808002006-10-13T18:08:00.000-05:002006-10-13T18:14:11.056-05:00

Things I worry about that I probably shouldn't:The conclusions to which other people arrive when they see me.The prospect of nerves overcoming me at the oral interpreter test and making me vomit all over the judging panel. Things I don't worry about even though I should:Making sure I take the time to study for the test.Doing the laundry so that not a single member of my household is forced to go

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1159991820247950222006-10-04T14:56:00.000-05:002006-10-04T14:57:00.803-05:00

This was not the post I wanted to write.I wanted the cyber equivalent of a dance of joy. As I found out yesterday, the score on my written test (passing is 70%; I scored 95%) qualified me to take the oral test for court interpreters later this month. After doing an Internet search, I found an article with tips for preparing for the oral test. It consists of three parts: sight translation,

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1159630679944725272006-09-30T10:32:00.000-05:002006-09-30T18:07:43.966-05:00

So I took the test yesterday. I went prepared with three No. 2 pencils, an apple in my bag, and a stomach in knots.I left the room knowing that [Editor's note: portions of this entry have been deleted because before taking the test, Jo-Hanna swore an oath not to discuss the contents of the test. She takes this stuff seriously.]. After handing in the test, I had some lunch and bought new shoes.

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1159021617947690452006-09-23T09:18:00.000-05:002006-09-23T09:26:58.356-05:00

A post on being an ASL interpreter, from Audra Williams's blog Your Dirty Answer. This post includes a list of pros and cons for schools for Deaf kids.Hey, I didn't know ASL was recognized as an official language relatively recently.

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1158717431436772162006-09-19T20:52:00.000-05:002006-09-19T20:57:11.756-05:00

I have said it before, and I will say it again. Translation is not a hobby for me. I take it seriously. From the smaller assignments I may be given at work, to the more complex ones that require painstaking research. From the pro bono projects I have done, to the ones that involved a nice paycheck.Then again, it might be easier if it was. What are your thoughts on the matter?

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1158072935303087212006-09-12T09:49:00.000-05:002006-09-12T09:55:36.116-05:00

Dear readers:I didn't want to say anything because I didn't want to "jinx" it. Or, to be honest, because I didn't want to have to admit defeat in case I failed. Then again, is that the right mindset? No.I am planning on taking a written test later on this month. If I pass, I will be one step closer to becoming a certified interpreter.Right now, I am studying legal terms. I have heard most of

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1157656566123604302006-09-07T14:10:00.000-05:002006-09-07T14:16:29.486-05:00

You won't find these in any book. Trust me:If you use your mobile phone as a contact number, DO keep it within easy access. DON'T stash at the bottom of your gigantic purse, briefcase, or backpack. While we are at it, make sure your cell phone does actually receive calls.You must be able to handle the content you are translating in a mature fashion. If you, for example, are reading up on say,

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1156800066120200282006-08-28T16:16:00.000-05:002006-08-28T16:21:30.606-05:00

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

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1156356630573615832006-08-23T12:59:00.000-05:002006-08-23T13:10:31.110-05:00

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

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1155481038972829232006-08-13T09:47:00.000-05:002006-08-13T09:57:57.986-05:00

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

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1155421156885110792006-08-12T17:12:00.000-05:002006-08-12T17:19:24.856-05:00

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

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1155134473494545462006-08-09T09:37:00.000-05:002006-08-09T09:41:13.946-05:00

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

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1154787170915546022006-08-05T09:10:00.000-05:002006-08-05T09:12:51.186-05:00

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!

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1154491152756478552006-08-01T22:51:00.000-05:002006-08-01T22:59:12.866-05:00

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

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1154098100504858732006-07-28T09:35:00.000-05:002006-07-28T09:48:54.520-05:00

Hello! I am back from my week in PR. Out of all my noble goals, only one was achieved: reading El Nuevo Día. Between my grandmother's illness and eventual passing away, and my mother informing me that the only decent bookstore in Arecibo closed, no stocking up on reference books was possible. I also tried learning to knit, but I only managed to turn yarn into a jumbled mess of

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1153575238896026902006-07-22T08:31:00.000-05:002006-07-22T08:33:59.280-05:00

"They are so last month!"The following words were said by my little sister (age 10). Some context: These words were uttered in English. She and I were chatting in the car... in Spanish.The topic? Why Barbie dolls are not as cool as Bratz dolls. Oy.I am now going to read El Nuevo Día.

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1153162037894460632006-07-17T13:44:00.000-05:002006-07-17T13:47:18.220-05:00

How do you succeed as a freelance provider of translation services? I am still figuring that out. Hint: It’s not like show business. You can’t do it without really trying.Corinne McKay’s book How to Succeed As A Freelance Translator shed some much needed light on that subject. McKay (http://www.translatewrite.com) is an ATA-certified translator (French to English) who specializes in marketing,

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1153151413302959662006-07-17T10:43:00.000-05:002006-07-17T10:50:13.516-05:00

Tomorrow I will be going on a trip, where I will be working as an escort interpreter for my most demanding customer: my daughter.AMG (not her real name) is autistic. She speaks no Spanish. Her English skills are limited. She can ask for juice, cereal, cookies, peanut butter, and other things. She can say mommy and daddy and identify assorted body parts. She can giggle, howl in indignation, shed

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1152823003951660552006-07-13T15:30:00.000-05:002006-07-13T15:36:44.093-05:00

I just signed up for "Accessing the Future: Technology in Language Access Education & Services", a 3-day conference sponsored by NATI. I plan to attend workshops on consecutive interpretation and interpreter certification exams.Last year's conference at Omaha was a very valuable experience. I got to meet other translators (most of them in the English-Spanish language pair) from Nebraska, chat

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1152721405174379002006-07-12T11:04:00.000-05:002006-07-12T11:23:25.556-05:00

All through this week, my mind has been occupied with my upcoming trip. What to pack, what to wear and how to pack it. You name it.And to top it off, I recently got a notice from the online retailer in regards to my Diccionario Panhispánico de Dudas. Or to be exact, why I am not getting it yet.I need to know. Is there some sort of dictionary crisis that somehow manages to escape unnoticed by the

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1152208581414226562006-07-06T12:56:00.000-05:002006-07-06T12:56:21.906-05:00

Your average tourism guide can point out great things to do in Puerto Rico. Beaches, nightspots, cuisine, shopping... you name it. However, I suspect that at most, I might go to the beach a couple of times and perhaps eat some mofongo.While my trip is not exactly a working vacation, I would like for it to be somewhat productive. Below is a list of things I would like to accomplish while over

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1152112343452623182006-07-05T10:10:00.000-05:002006-07-05T10:12:23.963-05:00

Todayat proZ.com, the survey asked whether translators checked with their clients after delivering their work to see if the latter were satisfied.That does sound like a good idea.

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1151693954595208072006-06-30T13:45:00.000-05:002006-07-01T03:18:26.763-05:00

I have posted already about the reactions I get when I tell people I am a translator. Some context may help.The circles where I usually find myself chatting with others about my occupation (relatives, my daughter's school and daycare, places where I run errands) are all located in or near the area where I live: Nebraska, USA. These circles typically consist of people who speak English as their

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1151692643108414072006-06-30T13:34:00.000-05:002006-06-30T13:37:23.500-05:00

I ordered the DPHD a month ago from a certain online retailer. It still has not arrived. It is entirely possible that I am attributing this particular dictionary more power than it promises. It is not like it will energize my career, or land me more clients, or even clean up my desk. It's only a reference guide.Right?

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1151170502959396512006-06-24T12:27:00.000-05:002006-06-24T16:10:05.336-05:00

Every day (except last week) I get a silly coffee drink at a nearby coffeehouse/performance space/insert your own use. This place has recently employed a lovely young woman who, it turns out, was raised in a major city in Latin America by her missionary parents. She speaks Spanish. Whenever she sees me, we make small talk. In Spanish. Our different accents(her delicate, melodic one; my

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1150753595060733562006-06-19T16:44:00.000-05:002006-06-19T16:46:35.080-05:00

Check Céline's post in Naked Translations about multi-lingual websites.

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1150207526378870452006-06-13T08:56:00.000-05:002006-06-13T09:05:26.390-05:00

There are many requirements for being a translator, beyond knowing two or more languages: attention to detail, easy access to coffee, reference tools, knowledge of special vocabulary, etc.And apparently, according to a job posted recently at proz.com, you need to not be easily offended. The gig asked for a translator to work with the website for an escort service. The description clarified that

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1149817316395761812006-06-08T20:37:00.000-05:002006-06-08T20:41:56.413-05:00

Forget exercising, dieting, eating 5 or 7 vegetables a day.My resolution for this summer? Pursue translating opportunities more aggresively. I have gotten a little lazy about the whole "marketing myself" aspect of translation.In other news, proz.com has a new rates calculator. You plug in your desired gross income, anticipated expenses, how many hours you want to work, and other bits of info.I

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1149203210595549232006-06-01T18:01:00.000-05:002006-06-01T18:06:50.596-05:00

In another collision with my interest in crocheting: the following was found on the label of Red Heart Tiki Yarn:Combine with other yarns! Cosechadora con otros hilos!The section in italics was the Spanish translation for the English phrase. EXCEPT... if you translate it back to English:Harvester with other yarns!

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1148675090953242922006-05-26T14:47:00.000-05:002006-06-01T17:43:19.276-05:00

Disclaimer: This may or may not actually happened. Most likely it didn't. In fact, pretend it didn't.In my freelance work, the project manager will send me a proofread version of my translation and will ask me to review any changes and accept or reject them, as appropriate. I can look at the indications of my mistakes without viewing them as a personal insult or an affront to my abilities as a

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1148493623792260092006-05-24T12:51:00.000-05:002006-05-26T15:28:17.120-05:00

Today I received notice that Cystic Fibrosis Worldwide has published translated versions of some of its newsletter articles. Both my translated pieces, Mensaje de la Editora (From the Editor's Desk) and Mensaje del Presidente (From the President's Desk) are up.I can't exactly claim I did it for purely altruistic reasons. But I am glad I did it. I often translated newsletter articles for my

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1148130291450474162006-05-20T07:59:00.000-05:002006-05-20T08:04:51.463-05:00

Some words of advice for aspiring translators:Read the fine printIn my most recent post, I mentioned that I finally ordered the DPHD. Even though it was no longer as cheap as I originally thought. I also ordered a book completely unrelated to translation.So today, I check the confirmation e-mail, and I find out that the latter will arrive within 5 to 12 business days, but the DPHD will arrive by

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1148054212675459842006-05-19T10:52:00.000-05:002006-05-19T10:56:52.686-05:00

At my day job, I am working on a lengthy translation project. I am using this as an opportunity to make some necessary corrections to the TM.In other news, since Monday, we have had to reset our passwords for the e-mail accounts TWICE. We suspect the presence of a Trojan virus. Darn.However, not everything is bleak. I finally broke down and ordered the DHPD. Mind you, the RAE has an online

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1147714116803215882006-05-15T12:18:00.000-05:002006-05-15T12:28:36.820-05:00

Dear hacker:Yes, I am talking to you. The one who hacked into my e-mail account and sent 42 messages to 800 people, forcing my ISP to block both my e-mail accounts (personal and business) AND my husband's. I realize that I will never know your identity. I doubt you targeted me personally. To you I was just another randomly generated e-mail address. You probably don't think you are evil. I also

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1147563657921469792006-05-13T18:36:00.000-05:002006-05-13T18:40:57.940-05:00

A series of documents I translated four months ago has been revised, so their corresponding translations must be updated. This is at the office, where I use DVX.This is the kind of assignment that makes purchasing a CAT tool a worthwhile investment. The documents have plenty of technical language, lots of repetitions, and lots of complex tables.One of the advantages of on-site translation? Every

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1147364647330257192006-05-11T11:13:00.000-05:002006-05-11T11:24:07.366-05:00

My ATA Chronicle arrived this weekend, along with my copy of Entertainment Weekly.Instead of a cover featuring a larger-than-life Tom Cruise and his inescapable smile, the Chronicle had a cover I can't remember. Probably something pretty and tasteful.But the appeal of the Chronicle is not the cover, but rather, the contents. There was a dictionary review by a Puerto Rican translator. How often

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1147104644840454662006-05-08T10:57:00.000-05:002006-05-08T11:10:44.886-05:00

When my brother JC was in his teens, he started a band with some classmates. It evolved from a "hey, let's gather in Camacho's (there was another kid with his same name in his class, so he went by our surname around his friends) house to bang on drums!" to a Christian music ministry. At one point, he asked me for some help in translating a song.What exactly were my qualifications at the time?

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1146765543885714912006-05-04T12:51:00.000-05:002006-05-04T12:59:03.910-05:00

If the check I write to pay off my credit card bill/cell phone bill is even just one day late, they tack on all sorts of penalties.I don't have a policy regarding penalties for clients who think it is cool to be late.Maybe I should create one and stamp the following text, in boldface, in all my invoices: You must pay this bill when due. If you foresee your check being late, please contact me.

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1146232609271393122006-04-28T08:47:00.000-05:002006-04-28T08:56:49.326-05:00

WARNING: This post may involve a little TMI (too much information). I apologize to sensitive readers.Yesterday, I was working on a short-but-sweet assignment that wasn't quite as simple as I thought. The terminology involved required some research.To top it off, while doing the research and typing like a madwoman, I am also tending to my daughter. She is not fully potty-trained yet, which makes

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1145977541254454792006-04-25T09:59:00.000-05:002006-04-25T23:57:58.996-05:00

In my March 10 post, I mentioned the work of writer/literary translator C.M. Mayo. Somehow, she found my own blog. She sent me a nice note and has kept me updated about her work. She now has her own blog: Madam Mayo. I recommend it to all of those both interested in literature and translation.

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1145663815051630632006-04-21T18:51:00.000-05:002006-04-21T18:56:55.053-05:00

Thanks to one of a visitor who left a comment on my previous post, I found another translator blog. Una traduttrice (A Translator) is an Italian-language blog. Mind you, Italian is not one of the languages I speak. However, Italian and Spanish are similar enough that I could figure out the gist of Chiara's posts. If you read Italian or don't mind using one of those Web translators, check it out.

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1145387369364085092006-04-18T14:04:00.000-05:002006-04-21T15:47:15.966-05:00

The other week, I was complaining of not having enough to do. Funny, every time I do that, the universe solves the problem for me.I am in the midst of completing some rather interesting and challenging projects at my day job. A pro bono assignment has come my way. A paid assignment will come my way as well.

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1145128570808591622006-04-15T14:05:00.000-05:002006-04-15T14:16:11.336-05:00

As you may know, Easter (whether you observe it or not) is tomorrow. Yesterday was Good Friday.Having lived in the United States for almost 12 years, I think I have finally adjusted to the way people observe this holiday (egg hunts, Easter baskets, chocolate bunnies), as opposed to the way it is observed in my homeland (government holiday on Good Friday a.k.a. Viernes Santo, processions of people

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1144773358297749512006-04-11T11:19:00.000-05:002006-04-11T11:35:58.336-05:00

Easter is coming.I have to admit that now that I am no longer:enrolled in parochial school, or;a resident of Puerto Rico, which is mostly Catholic;somehow, Lent and Easter seem to be under-emphasized. Heck, I never even heard of the tradition of Easter baskets until after my child was born.Anyway, this upcoming Sunday, my mother-in-law and uncle-in-law will come to celebrate Easter. This year, it

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1144424872158143682006-04-07T10:24:00.000-05:002006-04-07T10:47:52.273-05:00

Every day, my husband (codename: Conan) picks me up after work. We chat. I ask about his day. His responses are brief. As a city employee, "Conan" deals with the public every day. Most members of the public act right, but every so often, there is somebody who fails to observe basic standards of behavior. His own method of coping with these unpleasant incidents is to summarize his workday as "Best

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1144168582064286152006-04-04T11:05:00.000-05:002006-04-25T16:59:10.100-05:00

I love to translate. I also love to crochet. There has been a surprisingly large overlap in these two areas in my life ever since I started my Spanish-language crocheting blog.All my blogs are a labor of love. With this blog, my main goals were to give my translation work a little exposure, and to talk about issues in the translation industry to an audience interested in reading about such issues

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1143920292140862962006-04-01T13:19:00.000-06:002006-04-01T13:49:15.936-06:00

While completing an assignment on work of a technical nature, I called my dad to consult him on a translation term. Let's say it was widgets and the Spanish term, "widgetos"My papi worked as an engineer for the past 40 years. He recently retired. He is fluent in both English and Spanish, an avid reader, has a "different" sense of humor, and is simply awesome and the most personable person in the

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1143841412630888212006-03-31T15:36:00.000-06:002006-04-01T18:51:37.386-06:00

I just completed a very small job for a repeat client and I am happy about that. I also received another assignment from somebody who heard about me "on the Internet". Was he talking about my profile at ProZ.com or Translators Cafe? This blog? My official website? I should have asked, but I didn't want to appear nosy.I should be less afraid of appearing nosy.Technorati tag: translation work

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1143653685667083802006-03-29T11:25:00.000-06:002006-03-29T11:34:47.046-06:00

I had an epiphany yesterday. Translation is my passion and what I want to do. The events that made me realize that are best kept to myself.In the ProZ.com's forum, somebody asked about the reactions from others when they find out you are a translator. Pretty much, I get one of three reactions:*blank look*"Really? That's... nice."A conversation that confirms that most people don't know the

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1143477753557815332006-03-27T10:37:00.000-06:002006-03-27T10:42:33.576-06:00

It is time to renew my membership at Proz.com. Oddly, I have to justify an investment on my career to myself. I am holding animated debates on my head on whether I should spend $70 dollars on the six-month membership, or $100 dollars on a year membership. A bigger up-front expense, or a worthwhile expense that will pay off? Unfortunately, while both sides of my brain argue their valid points,

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1143160799704174612006-03-23T18:26:00.000-06:002006-03-23T18:39:59.736-06:00

I went back to work yesterday. The mounds of snow that fell on Lincoln (and the rest of NE) are melting. Too bad, because some industrious folks have made some beautiful creations with their snow, elaborate artforms beyond a simple snowman.Yesterday I received a break from translating e-mails when I was assigned the translation of a chart, fifty-something pages in length. It's bizarre but I love

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1142966951199749672006-03-21T12:40:00.000-06:002006-03-21T12:49:11.216-06:00

Yesterday was the beginning of spring. It was also one of the snowiest days ever. Public schools had to close. My present employer had to close. It continues until today, when even my daughter's daycare center closed for the day. Oddly enough, my dentist's office evidently managed to open, because they called me to remind me of my appointment.And yet, somehow, thanks to the wonder of remote

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1142781374076343752006-03-19T09:11:00.000-06:002006-03-19T09:16:14.090-06:00

Yesterday, I opened Word, and I discovered I had two TRADOS toolbars. The old one, and the new SDL TRADOS 2006 one.I went ahead and uninstalled the old TRADOS 6.5, the tool I used for my first translation job (an occupational health and safety manual, written in Puerto Rican Spanish). Funny, I thought it would be about as emotional as the time I packed up my belongings prior to my move to the

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1142556504924525902006-03-16T18:40:00.000-06:002006-03-16T18:48:24.940-06:00

As you all know, last week I installed SDL TRADOS 2006 in my computer. Yesterday, I downloaded the new version of SDL MultiTerm 7. Before installing, I had to uninstall the old version. Brr. Of course, I forgot to backup my termbases. This is not necessarily a problem, as they were developed for one-time projects.In any case, there it is. I have the latest on translation software on my computer.

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1142467839977288262006-03-15T18:01:00.000-06:002006-03-15T18:10:39.993-06:00

[Advertisement: If you are interested in renting a vacation home in Orlando, check the link that follows: Vacation home Orlando.]I was checking my e-mail today, and there it was. A prospective client was asking me if I was able to translate an important document. I did not feel comfortable translating the particular text, so I had to decline politely.To protect this person's privacy, I won't go

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1142313217669022572006-03-13T23:10:00.000-06:002006-03-14T09:00:50.670-06:00

Finally, the much anticipated SDL TRADOS 2006 has arrived.Actually, it arrived in the middle of last week, but I was afraid to download my copy for reasons I cannot explain. It took 40 minutes of waiting, with my stomach all tied up in knots.I still need to download the new version of MultiTerm, but I am nervous about uninstalling the old version first. Let me read those instructions again.To be

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1142044653284088892006-03-10T20:29:00.000-06:002006-03-13T21:25:45.610-06:00

In my translation work, I typically encounter form letters, employee procedures, and specialized terminology. The closest I have ever come to literary translation was the time I was asked to translate a line in a greeting card. I have nothing but admiration for literary translators who produce quality work and strive to retain the author's tone in a different language. On that note, I found a

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1142020207957664062006-03-10T13:19:00.000-06:002006-03-10T13:50:07.996-06:00

A few announcements:I have signed up for Blogitive. So if you decide to join, be a dear and tell them I referred you.In order to fulfill my Blogitive obligations, I may include links to items (such as "Fish finders") that are marginally, if at all, related to translation.I will not be posting any new content until at least Monday. Hopefully, all my dear readers can wait until then. Future topic:

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1141949938059253842006-03-09T18:13:00.000-06:002006-03-09T18:18:58.126-06:00

Today, I answered a phone call at work from a Spanish-speaking customer. We chatted for a bit, and all of a sudden:"So, how did you learn to speak Spanish so well?"A brief tale of spending the first twenty-something years of my life in Puerto Rico followed. Now, I am left wondering whether my speech sounds like that of a native Spanish speaker.Technorati tags: bilingualism

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1141844648409381272006-03-08T12:59:00.000-06:002006-03-08T23:47:31.930-06:00

The Real Academia Española now has an online version.On one hand, the DPD is a great resource for language service providers, and it is very useful that the RAE is posting its content. On the other hand, it is not very user-friendly. The font size used is very small, so you may want to bring a magnifying glass or prepare to squint. The subjects are organized in a confusing way. Their search

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1141692751053250222006-03-06T18:47:00.000-06:002006-03-06T18:52:31.073-06:00

I found a link to WebTranslators.com. In their own words: WebTranslators.com is a portal for the translation & interpretation industry. We maintain a collection of useful information for language professionals including news about the industry, available tools and upcoming events. The news are not very recent (headlines appear as though they were last updated in October 2005). However, the list

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1141569761759463092006-03-05T08:28:00.000-06:002006-03-05T08:43:17.680-06:00

For fun, I did a search on Google using the phrase "translation news". The link for the Translator's Home Companion was the first to come up (www.lai.com/thc.html).The section on news is hopelessly outdated, with the most recent posting dated July 2004. However, this section also includes links for translation organization online newsletters, such as the ATA Chronicle.Other offerings include:

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1141428621520349272006-03-03T17:29:00.000-06:002006-03-05T13:26:23.306-06:00

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1141399787389572832006-03-03T09:27:00.000-06:002006-03-03T13:07:25.693-06:00

I just translated an e-mail message for somebody at work. This kind of translation is done manually, without any DVX to help me. CAT software really spoils me.To amuse myself, I am doing searches on Google by combining keywords such as “translation” and “stock option trading”. One would think that this search would yield bilingual sites or information about translating financial material, but

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1141342064810250602006-03-02T17:25:00.000-06:002006-03-02T17:27:44.810-06:00

I am between projects right now. Nothing to do except post bids in ProZ.com, prepare translation samples, and submit applications. Oh, and wait for the update to TRADOS I ordered. I heard it is going to take until the end of the month. How annoying.I should be relieved I have some spare time, but I would rather have work.

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1141259002104903022006-03-01T18:12:00.000-06:002006-03-01T18:23:53.740-06:00

I would like to think that I am not a one-trick pony. In addition to posting bids for translation jobs, I am also considering becoming a writer.I have done research on how to make money blogging. The idea of being paid to do what I currently do for free (this blog is a labor of love) is very attractive.Translation is not a hobby for me. It's my job. I have invested in the software, I have

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1141240643536369662006-03-01T13:01:00.000-06:002006-03-01T13:17:23.560-06:00

Have you heard of Tycoon Sim games? Think Roller Coaster Tycoon, Lemonade Tycoon 2, and my favorite, Coffee Tycoon, which I love but am too cheap to buy. Based upon my life as a translator, somebody should design a simulation game called Translator Tycoon. The objective: become a successful freelance translator. You must submit bids and complete translation jobs. You will be offered assignments

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1141140853559396942006-02-28T09:27:00.000-06:002006-02-28T09:34:13.583-06:00

I am checking craigslist.org for job leads. It is rather tedious, as a search must be conducted in EACH city. Plus, it appears that craigslist.org is fertile ground for all sorts of jobs, but not necessarily for Spanish translators. I am going to approach this the same way I approach shopping for clothes at the Salvation army. You can't go in thinking, "OK, I will get the perfect pair of black

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1140996873455111872006-02-26T17:19:00.000-06:002006-02-26T17:34:34.586-06:00

Yesterday, two magazines arrived in my post office box. One of them is inmensely popular, features glossy spreads of movie stars, and disseminates gossip. However, Entertainment Weekly has nothing to do with translation, so I am left with the propspect of discussing the ATA Chronicle.Among other articles, it featured an article by Janet Bonet, former president of NATI (Nebraska Association for

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1140884644591019282006-02-25T10:19:00.001-06:002006-02-25T10:24:04.613-06:00

The bad news: I was sick yesterday and couldn't update the blog.The good news: Somebody found my profile at the Translators Cafe site, and sent me a note asking for translation samples. Maybe this will go nowhere. Then again, I could get more work. Who knows?Technorati tags: Translators Cafe, translation

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1140721132488624762006-02-23T12:50:00.000-06:002006-02-23T13:01:31.546-06:00

Earlier on, the ad displayed above this post read "Translution Software". At first I thought it was a typo. It turns out it isn't.Read [Genx Caps] - Translution Removes Language Barriers for a description of this program, its prices, capabilities, etc.Will programs like this make translators like myself obsolete? Right now, I translate plenty of e-mails at my job because online translators

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1140628559148186202006-02-22T11:02:00.000-06:002006-02-22T11:15:59.166-06:00

Yesterday, a co-worker asked me to find the Spanish term for "rapeseed honey", a term related to honey production. The awkward thing was that he was referring to it without writing the "seed" part of the word. In the word of apiculture (beekeeping), this is correct, but I had never heard of rape honey, and I wasn't sure I wanted to.It took me a while to realize that he was talking about

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1140559592473154672006-02-21T16:02:00.000-06:002006-02-21T16:06:32.473-06:00

I have created a translation team in ProZ.com. At this point, I am the sole member.According to ProZ.com's directory, there are 497 translators specializing in agriculture (my subject of interest). I am trying to gather the nerve to invite them to join the team. My fear of rejection is rearing up its unattractive head.P.S. I finally figured out how to work this AdSense thing. Whoo-hoo!

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1140454845793218292006-02-20T10:51:00.000-06:002006-02-20T11:04:47.620-06:00

I received an e-mail from the ForTranslators.com website, informing me of their upcoming sale. Featured titles include: The Translator's Handbook and a Multicultural Spanish Dictionary (although it evades me why it is listed as a Multicultural Spanish Business Dictionary).Technorati tags: ForTranslators.com, dictionaries, translation

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1140371893101834482006-02-19T11:52:00.000-06:002006-02-19T11:58:13.113-06:00

I found this message from ProZ in my e-mail today:Hello Jo-Hanna Goettsche,Within a few minutes of the time this message was sent (19Feb 10:47 GMT), you will have become the "featured pro" atProZ.com. This means that it was your (randomly assigned)turn to have your profile image on display on the ProZ.comhome page. In other words, as one member jokingly put it,you will have had your proverbial "

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1140279101945857952006-02-18T10:07:00.000-06:002006-02-18T10:11:41.986-06:00

Temperatures around my region are hovering above and below 0 ºF. My Puerto Rican blood is not designed for this ridiculous weather.Today I received a translation test which I intend to complete once the kid drops off to a nap. But first I need to buy printer paper, which means I need to leave the house. Oy.Technorati tags: translation test

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1140215865984646382006-02-17T16:34:00.000-06:002006-02-17T16:37:45.986-06:00

And if you don't live in the U.K., still beware. A test translation is one thing. But being asked to pay in order to work is beyond the pale.[Via Kwintessential]Technorati tags: interpreter scam

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1140205018778301952006-02-17T13:26:00.000-06:002006-02-17T16:30:15.636-06:00

My project has been finished and delivered (along with a nifty invoice) to the agency. Life can return to normal (whatever that is).In other news, I added the Diccionario panhispanico de dudas to my Amazon.com wishlist. I also plan to add Garner's grammar guide (thanks, Tomato Nation). Unfortunately, I am too shy to e-mail my wishlist to people likely to give me gifts. (and my mom doesn't even

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1140119833818975402006-02-16T13:51:00.000-06:002006-02-16T14:00:49.996-06:00

(Note to self: You are not allowed to eat ice cream while translating. Coffee is allowed in moderate quantities. And drink water, for crying out loud. And eat raw veggies, even though you hate them. It builds character.)Enough about me. I was looking up my name in Google (and don't pretend that you don't do it) and somehow, found a profile I had completely forgot I made at TRADUguide. Not only

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1140056052390563032006-02-15T20:02:00.000-06:002006-02-15T20:14:12.406-06:00

At work, I have at my disposal the Collins English-Spanish dictionary. Half the time I use it; the rest of the time, it is WordReference.I must say I sometimes prefer using the printed copy, even though it is falling apart (I am very hard on books). Plus you can read tidbits about things like April Fools' Day. WordReference has an advantage in that it features discussion board. This helps in

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1139965162782675362006-02-14T18:59:00.000-06:002006-02-15T20:02:22.550-06:00

The project I am working on is going OK.  At first I was intimidated (it has nothing to do with agriculture or the organic industry), but once I got going, my confidence level went up.  It has become clear, however, that if I am to do this seriously, i.e. full-time, every day, I will have to get rid of all the crackers, popcorn, cookies, ice cream, etc. in the house, and replace them with bottled

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1139875126581288812006-02-13T17:54:00.000-06:002006-02-13T17:58:46.970-06:00

So, somebody at ProZ.com posted a question about the proper translation for "nostrils". I replied with "fosas nasales", the term I am familiar with. (Note: I am not a certified medical translator).Nine people agreed with my translation. One person didn't.Which one do you think I remember?Technorati tags: translation, proz.com

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1139780794954880692006-02-12T15:37:00.000-06:002006-02-12T15:46:34.976-06:00

Thanks to the Las palabras son pistolas cargadas blog, I found another Spanish-language blog of interest called Patada al diccionario (literally, "A kick to the dictionary), a Spanish-language site about crimes committed against the Spanish language.Technorati tags: translation, Spanish, language,

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1139672318994742842006-02-11T09:33:00.000-06:002006-02-11T09:38:39.300-06:00

I have posted before about how I am often mistaken for an interpreter.You probably know it already, but not everybody does. There is a difference between translation and interpreting. Read on.Technorati tags: translation, interpreting, translator, interpreter

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1139618527356701482006-02-10T18:20:00.000-06:002006-02-10T18:42:07.450-06:00

Last month, I sent a letter of interest to an agency, listing my rates, the software in my computer, etc. A few days ago, the XYZ Agency (thus named to avoid breaching confidentiality) responded to my query. It appears they are interested in my services for a small project.Pros of doing this assignment: ExperienceThe income.Increasing my base of clients.The project is small enough that I can

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20713194.post-1139535138721007462006-02-09T19:22:00.000-06:002006-02-09T19:32:18.730-06:00

This morning, as I was getting ready for work, the phone rang. Of course, I automatically thought somebody died/was sick/there was a snow day at school (it has been unseasonably warm here in Lincoln).The caller in question was phoning from Europe. He asked if I could translate Russian. It broke my heart to admit that no, I can't translate Russian. I referred him to a contact that could possibly

jo-hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00417560294107553421noreply@blogger.com2