RECENT POSTS
The Best Google Search Tips for Translators
All translators know that research is one of the key parts of the translation process, but not everyone knows that there are some simple ways of making your Google searches more effective. Below is a list of some Google search tips and strategies that are particularly useful for translators. If you didn’t already know about them, try them out! You should find that they make your searches more efficient and that you get better results.
5 Key Takeaways from the ITI Conference 2019
Last weekend, I went to my very first translation conference- the ITI Conference in Sheffield. I had an amazing time catching up with old friends and colleagues, meeting new people and learning a lot. Throughout the conference, there were a number of topics and ideas that kept cropping up, so I just wanted to briefly share with you the five main points that I took away from the conference.
My Top 5 Spotify Playlists to Listen to While Translating
I love music and hate working in silence, however, I find it really difficult to translate whilst listening to music with lyrics. I get confused and focus on the lyrics instead of the words that I’m supposed to be translating. Having spoken to lots of other translators about this, I’ve found that many others have the same problem. So, I’ve put together this list of five of my favourite Spotify playlists of instrumental music to listen to while translating. The playlists span a range of genres including classical, electronic and film scores, so there should be something for all tastes and moods. I hope you enjoy them and they help you focus on your translations!
10 Tips for Taking Time Off as a Freelance Translator
Taking time off when you’re self-employed isn’t always straightforward, so here are some tips for taking time off as a freelance translator.
What to Put on a Business Card for Freelance Translators
Some people may argue that business cards are old fashioned or even redundant these days, but I believe that they remain relevant. Business cards are inexpensive and convenient to distribute, making them a great marketing technique for freelance translators. This is especially true when networking at conferences and events. However, in order for a business card to be effective, it has to provide the right information. So, let’s take a look at what you should (and shouldn’t) put on a business card for freelance translators.
Useful, Free Tools for Translators
Every translator will tell you that they use tools in their day-to-day business, whether to actually translate or for other reasons. For example, there are many time management and productivity tools available. Unfortunately, many tools out there can be very expensive. However, there is a vast range of tools that won’t cost a penny of your hard-earned money but which still do a great job. The following list of free tools for translators is made up of some of these great, money-saving tools. Many of the tools in my list are not aimed specifically at translators, but I have personally used all of them and found that they have made my life easier in some way. Some of the following tools are completely free, while others are what is called ‘freemium’, meaning that there is a free version with limited features and you can pay to upgrade. (more…)
Translating Neologisms in A Game of Thrones
Many of you will have heard about the challenge of translating ‘Hodor’ and some of the inventive solutions that the various translators came up with. But there are many other terms in A Game of Thrones that also caused issues for translators. Many translation problems in A Game of Thrones were caused by neologisms. These are new words or phrases, or new meanings for existing words or phrases.
Useful Keyboard Shortcuts for Translators
Translators spend a lot of time behind computers, so it’s important to know how to use technology to its full potential. Keyboard shortcuts are just one of the ways that you can make technology work for you. They involve using a combination of keys to perform different functions without needing to use the mouse. Once you get the hang of keyboard shortcuts, they can speed up your work and even prevent injuries.
10 Must-see Spanish-language Films and TV Series on Netflix
Watching TV series and films is a great, informal way of learning a language or keeping up a language that you already know. Watching series and films is obviously a great way to improve your listening skills and expand your vocabulary, but it also has some less obvious benefits. For example, it also exposes you to the culture(s) of that language and a variety of different accents. As well as that, it lets you experience authentic conversation. That includes everyday expressions, varied language, real-life speed of speech and slang or colloquial language. Most importantly, it’s an enjoyable and motivating way to learn!
A Review of the University of Portsmouth’s Distance-learning MA Translation Studies
Before applying to the University of Portsmouth’s distance-learning MA in Translation Studies, I remember trying to find reviews and comments from previous students to understand more about what the course was really like and being unable to find much. Having now completed the course, I decided to write this review in the hope that it will be useful to other prospective students. (more…)
Katie L Ward says:
Saloni says:
Katie L Ward says: