Traits of a Good Linguistic Professional

After I stepped into the project management side of the translation/localization industry, it came as a mild shock to find that few linguists read instructions and how few are comfortable using the various CAT tools out there. In fact, every time I talk to a project manager within the industry, I get a knowing chuckle when I tell them "this linguist is one of those that actually read all the instructions."  

As a linguist, I always want to know how a client thinks of my performance.  As a project manager, I get asked quite often by linguists who want to know how well they've done their jobs.  Having the advantage of being on both sides of the process, I've decided to share with fellow linguists what their clients look for in a linguistic professional.

1. Always read instructions - The client gives written instructions because it's the only way to ensure everyone is on the same page about what's expected.  And of course you should follow the instructions unless you need to...
2. Ask questions when instructions don't make sense - As humans, we're known to make mistakes.  If something in the instructions doesn't make sense, be sure to ask for clarification.
3. Be responsive and flexible - When a linguist is cheerful and accommodating in his/her availability, it invariably opens a lot of doors for future opportunities. 
4. Have excellent time-management skills - Like I've said before, many things often come down to the wire in this industry.  Failing to plan is planning to fail.
5. Be unafraid to use new software - A good linguist isn’t afraid to use a new CAT program, digging in on their own to learn how it works; to "boldly go where no one has gone before."  I've seen many a good linguist falter when asked to use some software for the very first time.  For this group I'd like to offer some encouraging news: CAT tools are made for translators and linguistic professionals, not for software engineers.  As such, they are actually very similar and quite user-friendly.  If you've used one of them, chances are you will be able to figure out the rest without too much difficulty.  
6. Know your limits - Most linguistic professionals are eager to please and tend to say Yes to everything.  From a growth mindset, this is definitely the way to develop yourself into a well-rounded linguist.  However, it is perfectly okay to turn down an assignment if you feel you won't be able to deliver because you don't have enough time or subject matter expertise. Be frank with your client if you have serious reservations about taking on a task.  More often than not, the client will thank you for the candor because it gives them time to place the assignment elsewhere.
7. Can out-Google the best of 'em - How is your Google-fu?  If a rush translation job about an oil transportation contract lands in your lap, do you have the research chops to get up to speed on the subject matter so you can deliver quality work?

 
This industry, which is not known for compensating its individual contributors handsomely, sure asks a lot of these same contributors.  But it does have some rewarding moments.  It is my belief, though, that good linguists will shine through and be kept busy by their appreciative clients.



Please translate responsibly.

Ham Hocks vs. Sexual Harassment

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A reader sent me this picture and asked, "What does the Chinese say?"

Sitting at home, I burst out laughing.  For this case not only shows a lack of understanding of the languages from both the content writer and the translator, but also demonstrates the breakdown of communication between these two key players.

First, let us dissect the Chinese on the placard:

德式 = German style
咸 = salted; salty; cured
猪手 = ham hock(s)

However, in many parts of the Chinese-speaking world, 咸猪手 is slang for "grabby hands."  Therefore, whoever decided to name this dish 咸猪手 was either careless or completely unaware of its "grabby hands" annotation.  Seeing that the translator didn't raise the red flag that the use of 咸猪手 was questionable, it is very likely that most people in 长沙 (where Quan Sheng Hotel is located) are not familiar with this particular "grabby hands" slang.

It is plausible that the person tasked with translating  德式咸猪手 into English used machine translation such as Google Translate for the job, but didn't bother to check what "German type sexual harassment" actually means in Chinese.  For if they had taken the time to do a back translation of "German type sexual harassment" they would've found that this would by no means refer to a dish.

So, how does one say "Cured Ham Hocks" in Chinese?  咸猪脚 and 咸猪蹄 are both fine choices, but definitely not 咸猪手.

And the placard should've read:

德式咸猪脚

German Style Cured Ham Hocks

Or, if 猪手 absolutely has to be used because that's the way the locals say "ham hocks" in Chinese, then the placard could read:

德式猪手

German Style Ham Hocks

Please translate responsibly.  
 
Image credit: Imgur