To my fellow Collegians,
It’s my pleasure to share with you my personal experience attending the XIX World Congress of the International Federation of Translators, held in San Francisco California, USA, from August 1st to 4th 2011. The theme of the congress “Bridging Cultures” describes the city where it took place but at the same time reflects the very essence of what we as translators, interpreters and terminologists do. Not only from the language core itself, our work has contributed to the emergence of national literatures, dissemination of knowledge, as well as the spread of religion. We as facilitators of communication help to distinguish the niceties of nations from one to another through its major differenciator: language. Hence, let me be a bridge as I share with you my enthusiasm of what I experienced in San Francisco, from my educational learning experience to the discovery of a new place.
As in every school, there are always good and bad professors. FIT Congress wasn’t the exception. However, regardless of the bad sessions, I attended a great deal of valuable ones from educational and practical to theoretical. They were featured in a vast array of topics and skill levels. The high quality of the presenters and presentations gets you inspired and challenged to consider new perspectives and ideas. In addition, the chance to interact with top-notch professionals in the field was very tangible.
Let me give you my stance as a student of Translation Studies. As I move forward in my bachelor’s degree program and as I attend these events, I realize we have much to learn. We are missing a great deal of pretty much everything. However, as translators we need to be curious about everything, and as students we have to be constant researchers. “The level of students coming out of schools doesn’t reach the future technological challenge” said Olga Comidou, Director General of The European Parliament from her keynote presentation. She was talking about students in European schools (universities). Ergo, you can imagine what is left for us as students from the state universities in Mexico. In spite of our disadvantage on the cutting edge, we must see this as an opportunity to improve ourselves by being inquisitive. Translators are nothing but multi-skilled individuals.
As the congress unfolded, I realized that from keynote presentations to the regular sessions, all participants were encouraged to embrace technology to enhance translation productivity as well as efficiency. As I reflect on that, there’s a lot of truth there. In spite of what many scholars may say about being replaced by technology that is able to translate as accurate as a human being. I disagree, we won’t be replaced by technological tools or machines, but we will by people who had an early understanding of them. Many of you may also disagree with me on my remark, since university translation programs in Mexico are so lagged behind with regard to this field. However, my stance is based on a global language market, where we are bridges between cultures, not the local one. Depending on how far you want to go; I suggest you to think about the importance for professional translators as well as students to see the benefits on the use of TM and terminology management tools that will empower us to enter into a global market. In doing so, you will fill the gap left by our school translation program. For the local market, just stay where you are.
These events where an exchange of ideas takes place everywhere you turn also give us the opportunity to see new sites and places, places we wouldn’t see unless we have a compelling reason to visit. San Francisco’s charm is undeniable, stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Coit Tower, Alcatraz Island, the cable cars, and Chinatown, etc. San Francisco is a city where culture collides everyday on every single street: Europeans, Asians and Latin Americans inhabit every corner of the metropolis. It’s a melting pot of ethnic diversity, where there’s a stronghold of tolerance and respect you can sense. A city with such diversity also offers a globally inspired cuisine, from humble neighborhood establishments to sophisticated pillars of fine dining. In addition to its many cultural, historical landmarks and cuisine San Francisco gave me a full interaction with the locals. Memories I’ll never forget.
In the end, the challenge ahead for each and every one of us (as translators) lies deep within ourselves for us to take full responsibility to become well versed professionals. This writing was not meant to discourage you but to inspire you into being all that you can be.
For further information about presentations, contacts, books and more feel free to ask iochoaperez@gmail.com
It’s my pleasure to share with you my personal experience attending the XIX World Congress of the International Federation of Translators, held in San Francisco California, USA, from August 1st to 4th 2011. The theme of the congress “Bridging Cultures” describes the city where it took place but at the same time reflects the very essence of what we as translators, interpreters and terminologists do. Not only from the language core itself, our work has contributed to the emergence of national literatures, dissemination of knowledge, as well as the spread of religion. We as facilitators of communication help to distinguish the niceties of nations from one to another through its major differenciator: language. Hence, let me be a bridge as I share with you my enthusiasm of what I experienced in San Francisco, from my educational learning experience to the discovery of a new place.
As in every school, there are always good and bad professors. FIT Congress wasn’t the exception. However, regardless of the bad sessions, I attended a great deal of valuable ones from educational and practical to theoretical. They were featured in a vast array of topics and skill levels. The high quality of the presenters and presentations gets you inspired and challenged to consider new perspectives and ideas. In addition, the chance to interact with top-notch professionals in the field was very tangible.
Let me give you my stance as a student of Translation Studies. As I move forward in my bachelor’s degree program and as I attend these events, I realize we have much to learn. We are missing a great deal of pretty much everything. However, as translators we need to be curious about everything, and as students we have to be constant researchers. “The level of students coming out of schools doesn’t reach the future technological challenge” said Olga Comidou, Director General of The European Parliament from her keynote presentation. She was talking about students in European schools (universities). Ergo, you can imagine what is left for us as students from the state universities in Mexico. In spite of our disadvantage on the cutting edge, we must see this as an opportunity to improve ourselves by being inquisitive. Translators are nothing but multi-skilled individuals.
As the congress unfolded, I realized that from keynote presentations to the regular sessions, all participants were encouraged to embrace technology to enhance translation productivity as well as efficiency. As I reflect on that, there’s a lot of truth there. In spite of what many scholars may say about being replaced by technology that is able to translate as accurate as a human being. I disagree, we won’t be replaced by technological tools or machines, but we will by people who had an early understanding of them. Many of you may also disagree with me on my remark, since university translation programs in Mexico are so lagged behind with regard to this field. However, my stance is based on a global language market, where we are bridges between cultures, not the local one. Depending on how far you want to go; I suggest you to think about the importance for professional translators as well as students to see the benefits on the use of TM and terminology management tools that will empower us to enter into a global market. In doing so, you will fill the gap left by our school translation program. For the local market, just stay where you are.
These events where an exchange of ideas takes place everywhere you turn also give us the opportunity to see new sites and places, places we wouldn’t see unless we have a compelling reason to visit. San Francisco’s charm is undeniable, stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Coit Tower, Alcatraz Island, the cable cars, and Chinatown, etc. San Francisco is a city where culture collides everyday on every single street: Europeans, Asians and Latin Americans inhabit every corner of the metropolis. It’s a melting pot of ethnic diversity, where there’s a stronghold of tolerance and respect you can sense. A city with such diversity also offers a globally inspired cuisine, from humble neighborhood establishments to sophisticated pillars of fine dining. In addition to its many cultural, historical landmarks and cuisine San Francisco gave me a full interaction with the locals. Memories I’ll never forget.
In the end, the challenge ahead for each and every one of us (as translators) lies deep within ourselves for us to take full responsibility to become well versed professionals. This writing was not meant to discourage you but to inspire you into being all that you can be.
For further information about presentations, contacts, books and more feel free to ask iochoaperez@gmail.com
