Forums about proz.com » Poll Discussion »
Poll: What drives your passion for translation or interpreting?
Thread poster: ProZ.com Staff
ProZ.com Staff
ProZ.com Staff
SITE STAFF
Sep 17

This forum topic is for the discussion of the poll question "What drives your passion for translation or interpreting?".

View the poll results »
 
Maria Teresa Borges de Almeida
Maria Teresa Borges de Almeida  Identity Verified
Portugal
Local time: 12:01
Member (2007)
English to Portuguese
+ ...
N/A Sep 17

When I started translating many many moons ago I was looking for some financial independence, it wasn't love at first sight, but it was true love!

Eugênio Paiva e Silva Filho
 
Kay Denney
Kay Denney  Identity Verified
France
Local time: 13:01
French to English
. Sep 17

All of the above, actually.
I see myself as a bridge over the culture gap which kind of sums up the first options in the poll. For my French clients I describe myself as an English-language ambassador for French culture, they seem to like that.

I need financial independence so that's definitely something that drives me, it doesn't drive my passion for translation, only my passion for working.

And I definitely appreciate the freedom to work when I want, it makes... See more
All of the above, actually.
I see myself as a bridge over the culture gap which kind of sums up the first options in the poll. For my French clients I describe myself as an English-language ambassador for French culture, they seem to like that.

I need financial independence so that's definitely something that drives me, it doesn't drive my passion for translation, only my passion for working.

And I definitely appreciate the freedom to work when I want, it makes meeting deadlines so much easier. It was very frustrating at the agency when I had to turn work down because it would mean doing unpaid overtime, when earlier in the week I had been twiddling my thumbs because I was supposed to start at 9 on Monday whether or not there was any work. Since all French office workers are in a meeting on Monday morning, I knew I wouldn't get any work until the afternoon, but the boss wouldn't listen when I suggested changing my hours to match the times when there was the most work. Go figure! ▲ Collapse


Liena Vijupe
Sundar Gopalakrishnan
 
Sandra Boca
Sandra Boca
Italy
Local time: 13:01
Member (Feb 2024)
English to Italian
+ ...
All of the above Sep 17

I'd say a combination of the options. Helping people communicate across barriers was my main driver as, when I was young, I saw how my Italian family struggled to communicate with American relatives, and that was my first "translation" experience. Then, love for languages and cultures, which I nourished during my studies. The other aspects (the intellectual challenge, flexibility and work-life balance, financial independence) are all things that I appreciate every day in my work.

Liena Vijupe
 
Lieven Malaise
Lieven Malaise
Belgium
Local time: 13:01
Member (2020)
French to Dutch
+ ...
Miscellaneous Sep 17

- Love for languages
- The intellectual challenge
- Financial independence
- Flexibility
- Freedom to do as I please every single day
 
ADIE Translations
ADIE Translations
Germany
Local time: 13:01
German to English
+ ...
? Sep 17

I'm "passionate" (= I like) about language. I'm not about translating per say, but I'm good at it, it keeps me entertained and it pays the bills.

Marijke Singer
 
Thayenga
Thayenga  Identity Verified
Germany
Local time: 13:01
Member (2009)
English to German
+ ...
Primarily the love for languages Sep 18

They open the way to other cultures and the people living in them. Helping someone to overcome a language barrier makes both parties feel good. I like exploring different countries and learn about their ways of life... far away from tourism.
 
Shah khan (X)
Shah khan (X)
Oman
Local time: 15:01
New user
Great Sep 18

Thanks for sharing

[Edited at 2024-09-18 06:23 GMT]
 
Zea_Mays
Zea_Mays  Identity Verified
Italy
Local time: 13:01
English to German
+ ...
money Sep 18

I know it is not romantic, but all your passion for translating and interpreting doesn't help if you can't pay all your bills at the end of the month.
So I guess the monetary aspect is the compelling driver for full-timers.

Dan Lucas
Kevin Fulton
 


To report site rules violations or get help, contact a site moderator:

Moderator(s) of this forum
Jared Tabor[Call to this topic]

You can also contact site staff by submitting a support request »

Poll: What drives your passion for translation or interpreting?






Anycount & Translation Office 3000
Translation Office 3000

Translation Office 3000 is an advanced accounting tool for freelance translators and small agencies. TO3000 easily and seamlessly integrates with the business life of professional freelance translators.

More info »
Pastey
Your smart companion app

Pastey is an innovative desktop application that bridges the gap between human expertise and artificial intelligence. With intuitive keyboard shortcuts, Pastey transforms your source text into AI-powered draft translations.

Find out more »