When I have a new assignment, whether it is for a translation or an interpreting service, the first step for me is defining, along with my client, what the text or the meeting is about. That is where I start my research, a sort of warm-up just like athletes do.
Once the subject is clear, I begin to study it, the main themes of the assignment and the latest relevant updates. Arts, engineering or legal issues – my task involves understanding the context where I will be working in order to identify all – or nearly all – the words I will have to translate, in the source and target languages.
Therefore I need to know about the topics I will be dealing with, and that is one of my favourite parts of this job. Sure, I will not become an engineer, a notary public or an artist in the short time span of an assignment, but I will still know enough to let two or more people communicate clearly and accurately.
Put me to the test with difficult subjects; I am sure that you will be satisfied and maybe even a little surprised.
