Translation is quite similar to reading inasmuch as there are texts that a translator is attracted to and texts they have no interest in at all, but of course, all translations are of interest because they help pay the bills.
It seems that, generally, the topic and size of the project are the main factors likely to influence both the speed and enjoyment by which a translator completes atranslation project. And, of course, there are other personal elements that come into play, such as the translator’s typing speed, their familiarity with the topic, the amount of time they have available each day to work on the project, the value of the resources they have at their disposal, and so on; all of which can either slow down or increase the likelihood of meeting the deadline for the project.
Below we’ve listed some suggestions which may help translators cope with the pressure of those long and challenging translations –
Divide the Entire Project into Bite-Size Chunks
We know there are professional translators out there who are capable of spending long hours at their computer and never get bored or tired of what they’re doing. However, we do suggest that, prior to commencing a large project, you work out how long you believe the translation will take and how many pages per day you need to complete in order to meet the deadline. Once you’ve divided the project into equal portions, it doesn’t mean that you necessarily need to stick to the plan: there’s no point wasting time when you have both the time and inclination to carry on working on certain days. In fact, if you do get ahead of schedule it can only help you enjoy the whole experience more, so if you feel like working longer hours on certain days then don’t hesitate to do so. Being ahead of schedule will just confirm that what you’re doing is much less stressful than what you initially thought and that the entire project is actually quite doable. It will certainly take the pressure off your shoulders to know that you are ahead of schedule.
Reward Yourself with Treats
Just because your workstation is your place of business and it already contains your laptop, reference books and so on, that doesn’t mean it has to be an uninviting or hostile spot. Your work area should be a light, friendly and inviting area, with space for your cup of tea/coffee, your fruit, or your plate of crackers and biscuits. Most people who work long hours at their computer enjoy having little treats at their side, and when you’re trying to think of the right word or expression to use in yourtranslation, taking a moment to enjoy a cup of coffee and a snack can be exactly what you need to keep your energy levels up.
