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Qualified Translator

Cannot be replaced by a computer programme!

This is what can happen: a qualified translator may surf the net for a bit at the end of a working day and stumble upon a machine translation of 'Boys in the 'hood' in German as 'Jungs in Kapuzen', which would then erroneously mean 'boys in hoods/cowls'. Now, 'hood is the contraction of 'neighbourhood' in slang, but which still cannot be translated literally by using the German equivalent "Nachbarschaft" since what is meant here interpretatively is 'inner city' or "Problemviertel" in German.

In such cases and many others it is prudent to either refer to the dictionary, or better still hire the services of a qualified translator. Do you not believe too that computers are no match for qualified translators and therefore cannot replace them? For, a human mind has not only the ability to pick up contextual vocabulary, but possesses above all linguistic instincts and a feel for the language.

Qualified Translator

Unfortunately translation is not a regulated profession. Basically, anyone can call himself a translator. There may well be talented people with a flair for languages, who can translate very well without academic training in languages. But for important private or official matters we would still recommend you to resort to the services of a qualified translator. A qualified translator has formal academic training.

Formal Education of a Qualified Translator

Many different universities and polytechnics offer degree courses in this field. At the Department of Philology of the Heidelberg University, for instance, it falls under the purview of the Institute for Translators and Interpreters (IÜD). The equivalent of the training school at the Leipzig University is called the Institute of Applied Linguistics and Translatalogy (IALT). A degree course in translation takes four to five years. Out of this, four semesters (two years) are allotted to basic studies and five semesters (two and a half years) to advanced studies. Followed additionally by the phase of examinations and working on a dissertation for the degree. Education at universities and polytechnics is a combination of theory and practice. Students are introduced to the basics of linguistics and go through a lot of practical translation exercises in the two languages (minimum) that they have chosen as their subjects of study. Many students opt for an overseas stay in their semester break or even study a few semesters abroad. Incidentally, qualified translators and qualified interpreters in the making attend common seminars and lectures during the basic study period. They go separate ways only once they reach their advanced study course. Whereas translators put their abilities to test by mainly solving difficult technical texts, interpreters practice interpretation in real life situations.

We Translate These World Languages For You

Going through the study course described above qualifies us to work on a sound basis of knowledge. Of course not without an innate love and for the sheer joy of languages. We handle German, Spanish, English and French texts ourselves. Work in other languages is entrusted to colleagues vetted by us.

Translations for Corporate Clients

Do you want to go international with your company? Do you require texts for internal corporate communication, translations of contracts or register entries? Assign us with your work. As your qualified translators we will always work meticulously and with precision to keep your colleagues and clients more than happy.

Translations for Individuals

We would be happy to take on personal assignments too for you. There is the odd chance that you come into an inheritance from a relative who had immigrated in the past. Possibly documented in archaic English. It is not just these exceptional cases that we can field, but are equipped more so to take on routine tasks, like translating certificates, advertisements and personal correspondence. Our translation agency would be happy to help you with genealogy as well.

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Qualified Translator

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