Categories: translation, trials
Date: 19 September 2007 15:26:48
I translated a document the other day and then phoned a friend/colleague to ask if she could proofread it for me.
Me: Hi, I was wondering if you could proofread a document for me.
Her: Yes, sure. What's it about?
Me: Ah, well. I'm not sure really, it's a bit vague and general which is why I need a second opinion. I'm wondering if I have interpreted it correctly.
Her: Any clues at all?
Me: General manufacturing with a few technical bits thrown in for good measure. Probably. The project manager couldn't tell me who her client was, or what the company produces, or why they need it, or who is going to be reading it.
Her: Oh. So all the usual handicaps, then.
We translators don't need a company's trade secrets to do our work but just a teensy weensy bit of background to put the words in the right context is always helpful. **Sigh**