Translator - J.S.
J.D. Law & Master
Environmental
Management
7 yrs. experience
Why did you choose to be a translator?
I have always been fascinated by linguistics, especially the Japanese language, which I began to study at a young age. But my interests are broader than just language. What I enjoy about translation, then, is the opportunity it gives to gain access and delve deep into a variety of professional and academic fields. I also greatly enjoy translation’s blend of fidelity and creativity: creativity is the link between being faithful to the content of the original text and the idiosyncrasies of the target language.
It is very interesting to know that you chose Japanese translation service though you have never lived in Japan. What made you select this language?
I lived in Japan for four consecutive years: one year as a university research student and three years as a translator/interpreter for prefectural government offices. Before that, I spent many summers visiting Japan and a Japanese family with whom I had a host–family relationship. It was because of this relationship that I began to study Japanese at a young age. Translation checking involves thorough knowledge of both the languages – Japanese and English. Can a person be an expert in 2 such different languages?
Yes, I believe that with enough linguistic exposure and study, a person can become an expert in two languages and be able to convey nuances in phrasing and connotation from the original language to the target language.How do you continually maintain and improve your Japanese skills?
I maintain as much exposure to Japanese as possible, listening to Japanese newscasts and reading a variety of Japanese texts, from academic papers to novels.
Could you give us an example of an assignment that challenged your skills as translator?
One of my assignments included a collection of essays from a variety of medical professionals about their experiences and reflections after the disaster in Fukushima. The translation needed to convey very personal experiences from a variety of different narrative voices, and at the same time accurately express the medical procedures taken and the authors’ recommendations to improve post-disaster medical care. It was an uncommon combination of narrative and academic translation, but I believe that by continuously polishing the translation, I was able to create English text faithful to the original.
How do you keep yourself updated with the recent happenings in the industry and the subject you translate?
I keep up to date on the legal and environmental realms in Japan by reading relevant news articles, journals, and professional websites.
