What Translators Need: Practice

Even if a translator in Singapore has a formal education in the languages they work with, there is still further effort required on their part. To succeed in the many ever-competitive certified translation companies in Singapore, one must constantly endeavor to maintain their strong understanding of their languages of choice. Better yet, one can improve their skills with such languages and provide document translation services of an even higher quality. To address this ever-present necessity for retention and improvement, there are several activities that one can undergo, whether one is an aspiring translator or an experienced professional. One such act is ‘Practice’.

This does not just mean the active ‘study’ of a language, such as through textbooks and learning exercises. Rather, it is recommended to put your knowledge of a particular language to use in a ‘real’ situation, which can include reading a text written in such a language, using it in conversation with another person, or writing something for someone else to read. Though the effects are rarely immediate, every use of a language not native to a person is one small step on a long path, and with every step that person gets closer to having that language become second nature to them. In turn, this of course makes one even more capable of being certified to provide translation service in Singapore.

Granted the process of these continual acts may grant one greater prowess with a specific language, but the question then arises as to how this would help with translations of a more specific nature, or rather translations that must be precise on the use of particular words and phrases. This is the case with PR application translations and legal translation, where specific words must be used in the correct manner and associated with the correct meaning. Translating such words incorrectly or placing them in the incorrect position or context can lead to several unpleasant consequences for all involved.

Though opportunities for practice in this context may be comparatively rarer to come by, options still exist. In their free time, translators could find a sample document to translate and later refer to. They could also build up a stockpile of previous works they have produced, which they can then use as reference materials to more quickly produce future translations.

In the same way one might get to Carnegie Hall, there is a single word to keep in mind for any one professional who seeks to provide certified translation services to clients in Singapore: “Practice”.