Inaccurate translations

Ever see a bad translation? Be it on the label of a new purse or on the internet? Being a translator really opens my eyes and makes me realize the importance of not only proper spelling but having a good, solid understanding of your maternal language and its grammar. Sometimes I would love to see the original text of something I have read in English (supposing it was from French), just to see what the translator had to work with. I hate to say it but there have been times where I have seen translations and can't imagine it having been edited by a proofreader. If it was, the editor needs a new job!

Of course we are only human and everyone overlooks things from time to time, translators and editors alike. Everyone makes mistakes. However, for someone who has always been an overall good speller, being a translator has really forced me to become extra particular when sending emails (even to my family) for example.

And then there is the meaning you are trying to convey. Ever read something in your native language that just doesn't sound right or is ambiguous? This is the main reason I love translating. I love having to rack my brain at times to figure out how something would be said logically while still keeping the message of the source text. To me this is fun! Though it can be frustrating at times - especially when working on a text that is not really in your comfort zone, which we all do from time to time.

I really do love my job!

*For those of you who commented on this post on my old blog on my website I thank you!  Just giving my old blog a facelift!