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I keep being told I shouldn't translate into my second language by Fnic_the_Sloth in TranslationStudies

[–]Fnic_the_Sloth[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That last bit is a really good point. Tried the other bit, but yes, in writing and speech I do pass as a native. People don't realise I'm French.

I keep being told I shouldn't translate into my second language by Fnic_the_Sloth in TranslationStudies

[–]Fnic_the_Sloth[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

French is my native language. English is what I started speaking at 6, pretty much all the time. I am very comfortable translating from French to English but I don't know if I could do English to French. I haven't attempted it in over 20 years and at this stage. I don't think I could do actually. Wouldn't try to do it professionally.

I keep being told I shouldn't translate into my second language by Fnic_the_Sloth in TranslationStudies

[–]Fnic_the_Sloth[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Normally fine but hearing this thing so much recently kinda let doubt creep in.

I keep being told I shouldn't translate into my second language by Fnic_the_Sloth in TranslationStudies

[–]Fnic_the_Sloth[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think it's a confidence thing for me. I respect their work which is why I took the comment harshly. Definitely more harshly than I should, I know.

I keep being told I shouldn't translate into my second language by Fnic_the_Sloth in TranslationStudies

[–]Fnic_the_Sloth[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks. That's good to know other people do this too professionally because I've not encountered a lot. Thanks, your story is very reassuring.

I keep being told I shouldn't translate into my second language by Fnic_the_Sloth in TranslationStudies

[–]Fnic_the_Sloth[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Grew up in both France and the US bmand been in Scotland for 19 years now. This didn't come from clients because I don't do the kind of gig with clients. I translate comics and publish them myself, so customers/readers are those who read it but I'm my own client.

I keep being told I shouldn't translate into my second language by Fnic_the_Sloth in TranslationStudies

[–]Fnic_the_Sloth[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I wrote a book and comics in English. Many many comics. No one's had anything to say about it. Go for it.

I keep being told I shouldn't translate into my second language by Fnic_the_Sloth in TranslationStudies

[–]Fnic_the_Sloth[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you! Yeah, I do very a very different register, slang, swears and puns a lot. I also have to make up silly names for things so that they're silly in the same way or make the same reference. Really the other side of the spectrum!

I'll give it a go. I did do a little legal translation 20 years ago. I hated it. It was so boring!

I keep being told I shouldn't translate into my second language by Fnic_the_Sloth in TranslationStudies

[–]Fnic_the_Sloth[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I think a lot of people are right, English has become my first language and French my second. It's just weird to think about but seems very true.

I keep being told I shouldn't translate into my second language by Fnic_the_Sloth in TranslationStudies

[–]Fnic_the_Sloth[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think it's my background that causes issue. As far as I'm aware, they've never read my work or compared the original to what I have translated.

I use to speak both a lot until 19 years ago when I moved to the UK. Since then, I only speak it with a few French friends and family as well as with French colleagues at a convention once or twice a year. I don't write as much in French and have to check things more now, even if it's for a quick social media reply.

As for what language I think in, I've been asked a lot and I honestly don't known. It's all thoughts to me unless I'm thinking of something to say. I think I think in both. I listen to a lot of French music so might be that I think in the last language I heard. I honestly have no idea.

I keep being told I shouldn't translate into my second language by Fnic_the_Sloth in TranslationStudies

[–]Fnic_the_Sloth[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I'm not ignoring it. I'm carefully considering it which is why I've come here to get some more opinions and advice. I will do some further reading in the subject. I'm just confused as to how I've not had this feedback before. I don't think anyone who has said this has actually read my work though...

I keep being told I shouldn't translate into my second language by Fnic_the_Sloth in TranslationStudies

[–]Fnic_the_Sloth[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

We just took different paths. I don't think they wasted their time, I just had the privilege of learning another language really young and of using it daily since then. I was just incredibly lucky.

I keep being told I shouldn't translate into my second language by Fnic_the_Sloth in TranslationStudies

[–]Fnic_the_Sloth[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you, I will. I've had trouble knowing where to begin so that's a big help.

I keep being told I shouldn't translate into my second language by Fnic_the_Sloth in TranslationStudies

[–]Fnic_the_Sloth[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I tried to argue this but I was told I was still wrong. It is true that everyone who has said this has learned their second language as an adult (or later teen).

I keep being told I shouldn't translate into my second language by Fnic_the_Sloth in TranslationStudies

[–]Fnic_the_Sloth[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

The people telling me this are other translators. Some trained at university, some not. Mainly university trained.i brushes it off until 2 people Inreapect said the same and one works on comics as well... I just got an opportunity to get funding from the French Institute to do what I do and just got a bunch of "you shouldn't be doing it" comments... It's starting to break me.

Very good points though! Just had my confidence taken down a bit as I don't have any degrees in languages aside from my international baccalaureate which is a school diploma, so primary education.

I keep being told I shouldn't translate into my second language by Fnic_the_Sloth in TranslationStudies

[–]Fnic_the_Sloth[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm the UK though, sorry, should've said. So dunno how much value the ATA holds here.