Bilingual Pen

These are the ways of the world: Spot the mistake:  Project = Emergency. Payment Terms = 60 to 90 days We all know the deal. Most projects are due for yesterday. Clients on our backs, constant emails, we can’t pay this much, pretty please and a bunch of hypocritical excuses, while we work like maniacs to meet insane deadlines for often a mere pittance. But when it’s all set and done, should we have a question regarding our daily bread, only silence replies.  These are the ways of the world. Everyone looks after him/herself. Each to their own and nevermind the disposable poor sods who worked so hard for a few breadcrumbs.  Fortunately not all of us belong to this world but we are a minority.  Most clients have such little faith. No matter your qualifications and experience, countless free tests must be performed.  Imagine walking into a computer shop to have your laptop mended and asking for a free job just to test the technicians providing the service. We’d be kicked out on the spot! Y

 A creative translator pays attention to sounds as well as meaning. OK, let's say that you must translate 'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Bronte into French. No, not the book, only the title. Well, GOOD LUCK! Rendering the 'wuthering' sound as well as the meaning is a Mission Impossible.  And yet, an incredible translator came up with  "Les Hauts de Hurlevent" (sometimes spelt "Les Hauts de Hurle-Vent"). What an absolutely mind-blowing translation!!! Not only do the French sounds render the rather scary 'Wuthering' but the meaning is also present. I don't know how long it took to translate such a title but my guess is a rather long time.  Yes, we're only talking about 2 words. 2 incredibly difficult words to translate which exemplify rather well the work of a translator. We must pay attention to sounds as well as meaning, especially in a literary and marketing context and this can take ages. You can 'Chat GPT' or whatever, on