Meet Andres, Our Spanish Translator
Andres has been working for Alpha Omega Translations for many years. he was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he currently lives. He attended University in Buenos Aires, (Universidad del Museo Social Argentino), where he completed two majors: Interpreter and Sworn Translator. He paid for his education working as an English as a Second Language teacher, and also working as an apprentice in a translation buffet located in downtown Buenos Aires which served several important computing, oil and government firms. He has been working as a translator for 11 years as a freelancer.
Here is what he has to say about the profession:
- What are some of the unique complexities in translating from English to your language? Between other languages?
One of the most common mistakes seen in English to Spanish (or vice versa) translations is the use of “false friends”. Translations completed by amateurs or people not properly trained or sufficiently committed turn to be confusing, and more often than not do not convey the proper meaning, which could be fatal in the case of sworn translations.
- What is your specialty area?
Being a translator in Argentina means diversifying. Although I’m more comfortable with humanitarian subjects, such as social issues, politics, etc., adapting has required to focus on subjects that range from Law, MSDS, subtitling, Government, Oil, etc.
- What is your favorite type of translation project and why?
The translation of books and literature is the one that I derive the most pleasure from. Being a writer myself, having a few literature professors in the family, and absorbing that while growing up, has made me very fond of literature and its translation comes easier than technical documents.
- What specific problems do you face regularly in translation?
Work flow and rates are usually a common problem for translators. Working in a relaxed customer-translator relationship with clear goals and communication of terms and requirements can help solve many problems before hand.
- How has Alpha Omega Translations helped you do your job?
When I started as a freelancer it was a pleasure to find AOT, Dimitra has been very supportive and trusting ever since I started working with AOT.
- What issues you would like to see resolved in your work or relation with AOT?
I would certainly like to have more work from AOT, it is always rewarding to work with them, and serious and committed agencies are hard to find.
- What benefits have you seen as a result of your work?
Thank to the varied topics I have translated, my personal and academic knowledge has grown and keeps growing every day.
- Who are most of your clients that need help with translation?
I believe very technical, specific documents are the most difficult to translate when one is not used to that terminology. Once accustomed, translations flow.
- What are the issues or problems that you are asked most frequently to help solve?
I can’t think of any specific issue, perhaps I could mention translations to be done in a short period of time.
- What do think would help to improve translation in general?
I believe focusing in a few subjects and having more time to complete jobs would certainly improve translations, together with traveling and ongoing training.
- How do you view your role as a messenger of knowledge between different cultures?
Being a writer and actor myself, in the beginning of my translator years I felt as a simple medium between the author of the document/book/article and the end reader. As I matured as a translator, I realized that my job was very important, since without the translation link in the communication channel the message would be lost. Having lived in Australia gave me a deep knowledge of the English language, an advantage at the time of knowing two cultures, so as to translate expressions and meanings properly.
For an overview of our translation expertise, visit our technical translation service page.
Category: Alpha Omega News
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