First English To Chinses Translation Job

 My first English-to-Chinese translation job was translating a company document. Well, it is challenging as there are many business terms and much research to provide a quality translation. 

It may be some time since I did my first translation job. But I remember I was pretty happy that I was able to get my first job at that time. I didn't really focus on any categories at that time. I tried out many types of documents after that. But, of course, it was more challenging than I thought. 

But actually, the "first" job I did was newsletter translation. It was for an NGO, which I volunteered for. I help out for a few years, but it was very interesting as I can read the stories of different people. 

Difference Between Interpreter And Translator

 Since I started taking translation jobs for a side income, I realized that many people don't know the difference between an interpreter and a translator. 

Many customers would tell me, I have a meeting tomorrow with a China client, and I need someone to help me translate our conversation verbally. Another scenario is I have a seminar at this place, and I need a translator to help me to translate, again translating verbally. 

I have to explain to them that I work with written words and can't help much with verbal. I'm not saying I can't speak, but you really need to react fast on the spot, which I can't really do it. Many people don't seem to understand the difference between interpreter and translator and insist that they wanted you (most probably they can't find one on short notice).

Here's an infographic to explain the difference between an interpreter and a translator. So be sure to know who to find the next time you need one.