The skills of translation are becoming ever more important and desirable. Today’s multicultural and multilingual society demands effective, efficient, and empathetic communication between languages and cultures. That’s important for various reasons, which we’ll now explore.
Not Everybody Speaks English
English is the most prominent language in the world. As a result, one might question the importance of translation, and ask, why doesn’t everybody just speak English?
The reality, however, is that not everybody can speak English, fewer still are able to speak it well enough to communicate effectively, and perhaps even more importantly: language is much more than the communication of words. It is also an expression of culture, society, and belief. Promoting a universal language, therefore, would likely lead to a loss of the culture and heritage communicated through native languages.
It Enables A Global Economy
As communication and travel advance, geography is becoming less and less of a barrier to doing business. Companies benefit from working overseas. They can take advantage of the lower cost of products and services in some countries, the professional and industrial expertise of others, and additional markets to trade in.
When they trade in countries with a different native language, they need high-quality translation to communicate effectively. When there’s a demand for translation there are opportunities for translators. When there’s a demand for translators, there’s a demand for Translation Studies. They need to learn the skills to practice at a high level, and perhaps even contribute to advancing the field even further.
Looking ahead, whilst English is the world’s most prominent language at the moment, it may not always be. When a market emerges and grows rapidly, like the Chinese market has in recent years, the demand for translation to and from its native language is also likely to increase.
The Spread of Information and Ideas
Translation is necessary for the spread of information, knowledge, and ideas. It is absolutely necessary for effective and empathetic communication between different cultures. Translation, therefore, is critical for social harmony and peace.
Translation is also the only medium through which people come to know different works that expand their knowledge.
Arabic translators were able to keep the ideas of ancient Greek philosophers alive throughout the Middle Ages
The Bible has been translated into at least 531 languages
Translation is helping sports teams and organisations overcome language barriers and transcend international boundaries
TED Talks run open translation projects that allow people around the world to understand their talks, offering non-English speakers to learn from some of the best educators in the world.
The Role of Translation.
Effective, efficient, and empathetic translation requires highly skilled practitioners. Translation Studies helps practitioners develop those skills.
Ger quality help now. Because I am good translator.