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There are many skills necessary to become a full-fledged translator. And these skills are not as easily acquired compared to the kinds of skills and attributes that a bilingual possess. So what is translation? What is its difference from interpretation? And what are the kinds of attributes necessary to become a successful and accomplished translator? Difference with other Professions The term translation is usually interchanged with the term interpretation due to the fact that it involves the same process of transferring the meaning of one language into the other. However, the difference between translation and interpretation is with the process. While interpretation involves the the facilitation of oral or sign-language communication, either simultaneously or consecutively, between two, or among more speakers who are not speaking the same langauge, translation involves the the communication of the meaning of a source-language text by means of an equivalent target-language text. This is also similar in terms of profession in which interpreters and translators practice different procedures and methods in delivering their services to their clients. As for bilinguals, many have come to consider that being able to speak or write different languages, such as bilinguals, can also become a professional translator. However, many experts have said that being a bilingual does not make him/her a professional translator. Although both can offer Proofreading and editing service, bilinguals and translators are not equally prepared to perform document translations. The ability, skill and even the basic mental processes required for bilingualism are fundamentally different from those required for translation. Required Attributes According to many experts, some of the most important types of attributes that an individual must possess to become a fully-accomplished translator is to possess these skills: Excellent Knowledge of Both Languages An accomplished translator is said to be able to translate any source languages into any target languages. This is because these individuals are not only bilinguals, but also biculturals which can relatively help in their efforts to accurately translate one language into the other. However, for typical translators, their skills would usually only go as far as to offer their services into their own language. This is because it takes a lot of time for them to achieve full-fluency of their 2nd or 3rd languages rather than their first language. Experience in the Task Another is the experience in the task at hand. This is important for sensitive cases such as legal and Medical translation services which would require background experiences so as to accurately translate the source language, as well as its idea, into another language. Relationship of Both Languages It is also integral for a translator to possess a keen sense of when to metaphrase ("translate literally") and when to paraphrase, as well as to possess profound understanding of the etymological and idiomatic relationship between the languages.
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proofreading and editing service, medical translation services,
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