Grammar issues

Translators are used to grammar issues every single day, not even to mention all other writing issues you encounter. However, I read a forumpost a few weeks ago where a translator stated that translators have the most intellectually challenging job in the world. I think that's a bit exaggerated, and not only a bit. I think as a translator you have to be modest all-over but not about your writing and skills, meaning you don't have to downgrade your services because of course it's indeed not an easy job (although translators are used to the fact that other people think so).

We are no history writers, but then again translating a history book will be intellectually challenging for sure, as well as many other books that need thorough research. At some point translators always get asked if they (want to) translate books.

It's an understandable question.

I myself don't have a huge need to translate books, although, when I think of it, I'd probably say yes if somebody offers me a book translation that's within my skill set. I have contributed a few times to children book translations via agencies I work with and that was very satisfactory.

Of course it's nice to go outside the corporate world and be free flowing a bit more, and be really creative. If there will be something on my wish list it would be writing a (small) children or picture book, but translating them would be perfectly fine too. The truth is that, and I know quite some parents agree, there are quite some sloppy children book translations out there, something I don't really understand as it is not so, very difficult. If something needs care, besides the children themself, it would be publishing books.

Naturally there are a lot of other things that need care too.

I will target children book publishers in the coming months to see if they give me a chance. I don't see it as a new career, as I am perfectly happy actually with translating mostly corporate stuff, but it would be nice as a side job. And writing one? Well, that will maybe happen one day, when my little boys, and my children mind and experiences maybe, are a bit bigger so I can come up with something creative.

#grammar #translations #children #books