Wednesday, July 29, 2015

3 Things Only Linguists Will Understand

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Being an interpreter is probably one of the most difficult careers besides other professions such as doctors, lawyers and the likes. Not only do they have to take years of language classes in order to earn a certificate, they have to learn a plethora of languages at the same time without mixing them up! Their knowledge serves as a bridge, connecting people across the globe despite the existence of language barriers. However, their careers are often underappreciated by the society. Having said that, here are some three things that only translators will understand.

1. Maintain Correct Accents At All Times. 
More often than not, interpreters experience the trouble of remembering the correct accents for each language that they acquire. While there are tons of languages for them to study, the thought of pronouncing each word with correct accent might be the least of their concern. The problem becomes significant when both languages bear similar pronunciation but entirely different meanings. 

2. Speak Wrong Language To Clients.
While both clients with entirely different languages are conversing vigorously with impeccable fluency, translators bear the responsibility to interpret each word correctly to ensure both of them understood what each of them are conveying. However, sometimes as interpreters are having difficulty to catch up with clients that we blurted out incorrect language to them.

3. Understanding Clients’ Dialects and Accents.
As if comprehending multiple languages are not tough enough already, linguists often face another major problem which is to understand their clients’ dialects and accents. Although a country may use common type of language, say English in the UK, every states in the country actually have their own very style of speaking the same language. This can cause a big problem for translators even though they are perfectly fluent with the language.




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