Categories: community, translation
Date: 08 August 2008 21:53:58
Required: mental gymnastics to unravel impossibly long sentences combined with fleetness of finger to type the words out against the ticking of the clock; good stretching abilities to allow one hand to continue typing while the other tries to open the dictionary and select the correct page; a steady eye to fall on the requisite solution and keep the unfolding translation in view. Steady and steely nerves are also needed so as not to panic as the finishing line seems impossibly far ahead. You can imagine: the stakes are high and the race is on!! Years of training and dedication are put into play for a relatively short period - and the potential of accolades and glory.
Just a normal day in the office - translating a contract. Not any old contract. No, I am a part of the Olympic Games, gentle reader! I have translated a contract at break-neck speed for a company to be the official supplier of its product to its country's national team at the Olympic Games. Not a moment to lose!
The Olympic Games to be held in London in 2012, that is.
Translation is not officially one of the sports involved. But frankly, I think it should be.
On the theme of fun and games, if you read this post before 7.30pm (BST) tomorrow, 9 August, would you be kind enough to put "I woz here" or some such comment in the comments box? All will be revealed very soon. Thanks :-)