Look what I found: Another translator’s blog

I was curious as to my blog’s visitors (both of you hold a warm place in my heart), and somehow landed on Jill Sommer’s blog, Musings from an Overworked Translator.

Why I recommend: it contains a good mix of practical and entertaining content. You can justify visits to this blog because you are bound to find something actually beneficial (such as her post on 10 top rules for working from home). And because it offers glimpses into her life outside of translation. Well-rounded individuals make for better translators, don’t you think?

Edited to reflect the actual title of the blog. Thanks, Jill.

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Harry Potter, mon Dieu!

As published in the Guardian Unlimited:

French teen in trouble for allegedly posting his own translation of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

For those who care about such things, the article contains zero spoilers. Who knew that the French had to wait until October to read the grand finale of this saga? Or that the official French translator didn’t get to read it himself until the official publishing date in English?

I didn’t.

Odd combinations

In another collision with my interest in crocheting: the following was found on the label of Red Heart Tiki Yarn:

Combine with other yarns! Cosechadora con otros hilos!

The section in italics was the Spanish translation for the English phrase. EXCEPT… if you translate it back to English:

Harvester with other yarns!

Translator Tycoon – A Game for The Future!

Have you heard of Tycoon Sim games? Think Roller Coaster Tycoon, Lemonade Tycoon 2, and my favorite, Coffee Tycoon, which I love but am too cheap to buy. Based upon my life as a translator, somebody should design a simulation game called Translator Tycoon. The objective: become a successful freelance translator.

You must submit bids and complete translation jobs. You will be offered assignments and you must decide, based upon your workload and skill level, if you are able to complete them. If you wish, you can continue your education by attending workshops, or pursue certification, which could lead to higher-paying jobs.

Your income will grow as your clients pay for jobs completed in time. Your expenses include Internet access, CAT software, membership to professional associations, phone and fax bills, etc.

As in real life, disasters can happen. Your computer dies. Your client doesn’t pay you. You could even get sued! But unlike real life, you can opt out of these mishaps.

To any video game designers out there: if you ever create such a game, I demand credit, but will be satisfied with money.

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