Vending machine sandwich or mum’s comfort food?

Ah, yes, I enjoy cooking — and having a nice meal even more. Today I’m not sharing a recipe, though, but a reflection on how crafting a good translation is a lot like cooking a great meal. In my opinion, both require:

* Knowledge of your ingredients, AND experience to follow (or break) the rules

* Precision in every detail, BUT ALSO creativity to add your personal touch

* Respect for tradition and context, BUT ALSO emotion to pour your soul into the creation

And last, but not least:

* Time to let the flavours develop

Okay, you can satisfy your hunger with a vending machine sandwich — fast and convenient, but certainly not comparable to mum’s lovingly prepared comfort food. Her dishes are nourishing, personal, and memorable, aren’t they?

Well, the same goes for translation — while quick, generic solutions exist, they are the opposite of a thoughtful, carefully-crafted piece of work. It could be that both fulfil your basic needs, but which would you prefer for your next project?

This analogy takes inspiration from the ideas in the Slow Translation Manifesto prepared by the Institute of Translation and Interpreting, which I’m sharing here. I encourage colleagues and clients to read it.

* Photo: Institute of Translation and Interpreting