REF Series: Conversation with a Translator

Rapid English Fluency Series

In our last few blog posts, we have shed some light on the field of translation. We offered insights into what it takes to become an English translator, tips that you may need, certifications that you can consider obtaining, and popular languages needing translation. We close this topic of translation by letting you in on our conversation with a professional translator and giving her the chance to share about her own experiences. 

The Rapid English Fluency Series is a chance for our readers to connect with other English language learners who are using their skills personally and professionally. We give our special guests an opportunity to share their experiences with our community to inspire, encourage, and speak truths about their language learning journeys. Happy reading! 

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Tirza, and I’m from The Netherlands. I have been married to Hans since 1987 (he is a freelance journalist), and I’ve been working in Christian relief and aid work since 1986. Part of the relief work requires me to visit our field offices in Asia and Eastern Europe. I also have a few other hobbies including reading, gardening, fixing things around the house, cooking, mountain hiking, and photography. I worked as a volunteer in Christian politics for 22 years at night and have been involved in music and worship (playing the piano, singing, and leading worship) in church since I was 17 years old. Additionally, I am a volunteer for a major Dutch Revival Movement, as an interpreter and electricity crew member.

When did you start translating?

I attended a grammar school as a teenager. That term only works in British English. In American English, I would call it a high school that focused on languages. I studied six languages there: Dutch, English, French, German, Latin, and Greek. I have been translating ever since I joined the Christian relief organization back in 1986.

What motivated you to become a translator?

I really like being a channel, a sort of ambassador, between the speaker and recipient. I am driven to do this as accurately as possible. In my case, I translate for my colleagues and our donors. For instance, I translate a report or a letter, wait for the feedback, then translate that information back into the language of our colleagues in the field. It is rewarding to be in the middle of this communication. I don’t feel as comfortable as a native speaker, but I feel very comfortable helping someone else be better understood by a listener who does not speak the same language.

In which context are you a translator?

With the Christian relief organization I work for, we are present in about 70 locations in 26 countries, and there is daily communication with the people in the mission field: local pastors, evangelists, children’s workers, relief aid workers, and missionaries. On a typical working day, it is normal for me to work between 4 or 5 languages.

Which language pairs do you translate? Do you translate in one direction or multiple?

I translate from Dutch to English and English to Dutch. I also translate between Dutch and German, as well as from German to English. 

Furthermore, I translate from Dutch to Indonesian and Indonesian to Dutch. The same goes for English and Indonesian in both directions. 

Additionally, I translate from Dutch to Russian and vice versa, as well as English to Russian and Russian to English. 

I’m also able to translate a bit of Afrikaans to English or Dutch and Romanian to Dutch. Although, I am not very fluent in Afrikaans or Romanian. 

When translating in two directions, which direction do you prefer? Why?

I think it is easier for everyone to translate into their native tongue. Being fluent in English and German, translating into them from another language is not a big challenge for me anymore.

Do you mostly translate or interpret? What’s the difference between the two?

The difference between translating and interpreting is that a translator translates the written word and an interpreter translates spoken language orally.

The regular office work is mostly written. Although, I also have quite a number of Zoom meetings and WhatsApp phone calls nowadays. During those calls, I have to speak English, German, and sometimes Russian. During normal times, before the pandemic, I visited some of our projects in three countries on average and spoke several languages in those locations.

I also interpret in church for foreign guests or asylum seekers and at Christian conferences. Sometimes I do consecutive interpretation, and other times it is simultaneous.

What are some differences you experience between translating and interpreting?

For me, there is one big difference: translating is mostly in a setting without pressure, when you have enough time to carefully weigh the words and choose the best options. Interpreting comes with more pressure. With consecutive interpretation, the speaker often doesn’t let you finish your sentence, so you have to be spot on all the time. With simultaneous interpretation, you have to listen and speak at the same time, which is also challenging. Not many people are skilled enough to translate 100% of what is being said in the moment.

Between translating and interpreting, which one do you prefer?

I don’t really have a preference. It is nice to do both and switch from translation to interpretation.

How did you improve your translation skills?

Practice, practice, practice. Since I work for a Christian organization, I read my Bible in different languages. I also read English and German novels, as well as training books. Plus, I try to learn new words in the process. I sometimes translate a sermon or seminar in my mind to get extra practice. When I hear certain words in foreign languages, I try to find good Dutch equivalents. English is slowly taking over the Dutch language. Although we have a huge vocabulary and many times these Anglicisms are totally unnecessary and annoying.

Did you get a certification for translating?

Apart from my high school diploma, I don’t have any other translation certifications. Although there are certain specialized schools that might be good for translators and interpreters in secular jobs, they don’t prepare you for a job working with Christian organizations. The expressions commonly used by Christians are really something else and often cannot be found in dictionaries. They are certainly not available using Google Translate. But for translators who do not necessarily work for Christian organizations, I would definitely recommend obtaining a certification to prove your translation skills.

What are some difficulties you encounter when translating?

The biggest pitfall is being too close to the original language. That makes a translation sound unnatural and clumsy. I have also heard interpreters who made up a sermon of their own instead of interpreting the message of the speaker.

What do you like about translating?

Let me use this question to point out a spiritual aspect I have not covered yet. As a Christian, I believe that the Holy Spirit can help me with thoughts and words inspired by God. I find it intriguing to see how the Holy Spirit prompts me when I am translating and interpreting. Through the years, I have discovered that I cannot do this job correctly when I am not in tune with the Holy Spirit (or when the speaker isn’t). For instance, I can’t interpret for a Christian speaker engaged in teaching something that is not in line with the Bible even though the speaker talks slowly and uses easy words. That also has to do with spiritual discernment and knowing what is right or wrong according to the Bible.

It is true the other way around, too. When interpreting for a good speaker, I often already know the verb that will be used at the end of several sentences (which I need to say at the beginning of the sentence in the language I interpret for so that I make a good sentence). I don’t typically see an outline before the sermon starts. For me, being in tune with the Holy Spirit is the only way to do this job well. That is really motivating and awesome.

What tips can you share with someone who wants to become a translator?

Practice a lot. If you want to work for a Christian organization, read your Bible in the languages you speak. In general, read a lot and be open to correction. Try to be a channel of communication, not the one in the spotlight.

Takeaway

Tirza is able to translate to and from many different languages. During high school, she was able to study various languages and improved her skills as a translator by practicing and reading a lot. Because she works for a Christian international relief organization, she travels to countries and interacts with people who speak other languages. Besides translating, she also interprets, which can be challenging sometimes because it has to happen on the spot. With written translations, she can take her time to think over the best words to use in her texts. 

When translating, Tirza suggests that newcomers not translate too literally word for word. Instead, they should keep in mind that different languages have different sayings. However, she also recommends not translating too loosely because you may make up your own message and forget about the intended message of the original author. In the end, being a translator is not about being in the spotlight, but it is about using your services to make others better understood. 

If you are also a translator and have similar experiences or totally different experiences, we’d like to hear from you! 

Email info@speakwriteplay.com for a chance to be featured on our blog!