Christmas 2020 donation to WaterAid

With 2020 set to be one of the three hottest years on record (just behind 2016 and 2019), we’re experiencing not just a climate crisis, but also a water crisis of an unprecedented scale. Globally, temperatures are rising, resulting in more and more extreme weather phenomena and consequently in either too much or too little water.

 

2020 is set to be one of the 3 hottest years on record
(image by Alain Audet on Pixabay)

 

In the same minimalist vein as in previous years, I have once again donated to a charity instead of spending money on Christmas cards and gifts, and I've chosen the WaterAid charity this year. This winter, WaterAid will help bring clean water to 50,000 people across Ethiopia.

People in Ethiopia and around the world require clean water to stay healthy and safe, protect their livelihoods, and build a better future for themselves, whatever our rapidly changing climate brings. You can learn more about this charity or make a donation on the WaterAid website here.

 

The hallmarks of a good translator

What makes a really good translator? Maybe you’ve always wondered what a translator actually does and has to be good at. Maybe you are looking for a good translator. Or maybe you are a translator and perhaps, as you’re reading this post, find yourself nodding in agreement. 

A good translator …

… is a good writer

… specialises in one or more subject fields, such as medicine, IT or marketing

… undertakes regular CPD training and stays abreast of current developments in his/her subject field(s)

… enjoys working in his/her chosen subject field(s)

… reproduces the content and meaning of the original text skilfully, without additions or omissions

… doesn’t translate word by word, but with a view to creating a text that is fluent and characterised by idiomatic usage

… translates into his/her mother tongue or language of habitual use only

… generally notices language around him/her in everyday life (and any mistakes in it!)

… has excellent knowledge of spelling, grammar and punctuation in his/her languages

… is reliable and meets agreed-upon deadlines

… creates translations in line with clients’ requirements and style guidelines

… is inquisitive and tends to ask relevant terminology- and context-related questions

… uses a writing style in translations that is perfectly understood by the target readers

… demonstrates patience, tenacity and lateral thinking

 

What sets human translators apart from free, automatic translation tools? This blog post captures what to watch out for in a good translator.

 

What sets human translators apart from free, automatic translation tools?
(Image by Free-Photos on Pixabay)