Most people (and many clients) have some misconceptions about translators that lead to misunderstandings:
- As a translator you can translate all subjects
- If you speak a foreign language you can automatically translate into it
- If you can hold a conversation in a foreign language then you are bilingual
- Translators are mind-readers and can produce a perfect translation without having to consult the author of the original text, irrespective of whether it is ambiguous, vague or badly written
- No matter how many versions of the original were made before final copy was
approved or how long the process took, the translator needs only one stab at the task,
and very little time, since he gets it right first time without the need for checking or
proof-reading. After all, the computer does all that for you.
What were the most unrealistic expectations from you as a translator? Feel free to share your experiences.