Good Grasp In Language Does Not Make You a Good Translator

KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama) - "We need several translators to
translate from Malay into English and the other way round and the criteria that
we are looking for is fluency in both languages.

"Those with Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (Malaysian Certificate of Education -
SPM) qualification can apply".

The above is the general criteria found in job advertisements for
translators in local newspapers. But, the question here is whether the SPM
qualification is good enough for one to become a translator?

Translators have big role in translating texts or even verbal communication
and throughout the ages they have contributed profoundly for the intellectual
development of the different communities by literally enabling the transfer of
ideas and breakthroughs in different languages.

"I regret that there are some who look down at this profession. They believe
anyone with SPM qualification can become a translator," noted the senior
executive of the National Translation Institute of Malaysia (ITNM) Ahmed Adam
Broughton to Bernama recently.


GOOD COMMAND IN LANGUAGE DOES NOT GUARANTEE GOOD TRANSLATOR

The general perception that the translator only needs to be well versed in
the languages involved in the translation process has contributed to a great
misconception, that anyone can translate.

"I do not deny that the criteria that one has to have a good grasp in the
languages is among the pre-requisite in taking up the role as a translator but
not everyone can become a good translator as this line of work also depends on
talent," he said.

Ahmed Adam who hails from England and fluent in Malay, English, Arab and
Bentawi (Indonesian) compared the translator with a singer and actor where the
talent counts.

The misconception that one can translate as long as they are good in the
languages had inadvertently contributed to poor quality translation works.

"For example the phrase "Saya duduk di sini" in Malay, the translators who
are not familiar with the local context may translate into English word by word
'I'm sitting here' when it could also mean 'I live here'.

"Translating word by word has inherent risks, often the end result is that
the translation goes out of context where the meaning is ambiguous or wrong
altogether.

"This is why I always emphasise that translators have to translate within
the context of the language and customs and not literally translate word by
word," he said.


THE CHALLENGES AHEAD FOR A TRANSLATOR

Like other occupations, the translating profession has its own challenges in
coming up with a compelling translated piece.

Therefore, Ahmed Adam who has been in this line for over two decades
emphasised that reading is important to enrich one's knowledge and understanding
the mechanics of translation to come up with excellent translated pieces.

"The biggest challenge is to translate original books and documents that
have many errors in them. This is where the translator's knowledge comes handy
in identifying the mistakes.

"Apart from this, when you find that there is no particular word in the
language it is being translated into, for example the Malay word 'melatah'. In
cases like this it is better to explain the word so that the readers understand
what 'melatah' means," he said.


GUIDELINE FOR ASPIRING TRANSLATORS

As for those who are keen to become a translator, they must have interest in
this field and the required diligence.

They can start by translating feature articles in newspapers to another
language in their free time.

"To master the world of translation, one has to get involved in a number of
translation projects. The new translators can start by translating articles in
the newspapers.

"Courses are also important but practice in doing translation will help
enrich one's skill and experience," he said.


THE TRANSLATION INDUSTRY IN MALAYSIA

Though many think that the translation industry is relatively new to the
country compared with professions like lawyers, doctors, engineers, the industry
has actually been there for quite sometime now but has been in low profile.

This is the view of ITNM's Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Mohd
Khair Ngadiron when asked on the industry's current status.

"The society does not see this as a glamorous occupation because translators
work behind the scene.

"Though the translators work behind the scene they play an important
role in extending the lifespan of the documented texts and also enable their
adoption by various nations, societies and institutions," he said.

Stating that the translation profession is here to stay for good, he pointed
out that the industry promises longer term employment.

However, due to the lack of knowledge and the averse to risks, many take
translation as part time work only.

"At ITNM we only take those who can both edit and translate. ITNM, has a
role in boosting the translation industry.

"As for translation work only, ITNM outsources the work to more than 1,000
translators in its register of which only 150 to 200 are active translators," he
said, adding that ITNM is now in the midst of introducing the trainee translator
programme to train graduates in translation.


ONLY USM IS OFFERING TRANSLATION STUDIES

According to a lecturer in translation studies at the Humanities Studies
Centre of Science University Malaysia (USM), Associate Professor Dr Hasuria Che
Omar only USM offers translation course at three levels, first degree, masters
degree and PhD.

She said the translation course was first offered in 1992 under the Language
and Translation Centre before the course was transferred to the Humanities
Studies Department in 1998 as there was good demand for the course.

Those keen to take up translation should consider their interest and
abilities in translation and just give it a try.