ABSTRACT

The twin assumption behind this book is that it will help its readers acquire proficiency in translation, and that we are addressing ourselves to people who do enjoy translating, even if they are not brilliant at it. Indeed, this element of enjoyment is a vital ingredient in acquiring proficiency as a translator. This, again, is normal - elements of enjoyment and job satisfaction play a vital role in any skilled activity that might be pursued as a career, from music to computer technology. Note, however, that when we talk of proficiency in translation we are no longer thinking merely of the basis of natural talent an individual may have, but of the skill and facility that require learning, technique, practice and experience. Ideally, translators should combine their natural talent with acquired skill. The answer to anyone who is sceptical about the formal teaching of translation is twofold: students with a gift for translation invariably find it useful in building their native talent into a fully-developed proficiency; students without a gift for translation invariably acquire some degree of proficiency.