By Danielle Maus

Danielle is completing her final semester at Wayne State University and will be graduating with degrees in Global Studies, Italian, and Film. Besides working as an intern translator for the Abruzzo Film Commission, she holds a full time job as producer for a media and entertainment production company.

To be a translator is to be so much more than a person who converts words in one language to another.

Translators need to be introduced and referenced with much more esteem for the work that they conduct. So let me tell you about the work that translators really do! 

For background knowledge, my name is Danielle Maus and I interned as a translator over the Summer semester of 2021 for the Abruzzo Film Commission. My job was to translate Italian articles into English for English speaking audiences who want access to the resources and information that the commission puts out on their website. 

My job for the Summer required a great amount of attention and dedication. This was something that I learned quickly! I am still learning the Italian language and by taking on this internship, I could practice my skills and test my knowledge of the Italian language and culture. What I did not realize before taking on the internship was that translators do A LOT! 

Therefore, I argue that translators should receive the credit and respect that they deserve. The very task of translating is hard work. Of course there are many types of translators and depending on certain circumstances, the velocity of brain work used switching between languages varies. Some translators have to translate at a quicker speed than others if they work in person while others, like myself, could spend slightly more time understanding the content in front of them. It was quite challenging for me this summer to translate articles and other materials quickly because I often had to look up unfamiliar words or phrases. That being said, the quicker a translator works, the more they can charge for their craft. 

Besides the years of education, studying, and the acquired talent that come with practice required to translate, translation is extremely important in sharing knowledge and culture around the world.

Without translators, the spread of resources and information would be limited to certain groups of people. This is no trifling matter and we should remember that every piece of translation is important. 

Arguably most important, there is a great deal of attention and dedication put into translation work. Transforming content from one language to another requires a deep understanding of context behind the words and the culture from which it originates. Translators make crucial decisions about which parts to leave in an original language versus which parts to translate as well as exactly how to phrase the new content.

There is not one word not contemplated intensely by the translator even if that contemplation occurs in a few seconds.

While I do not feel comfortable enough labeling myself as a translator due to the brilliantly crafted skill and great commitment from translators for their job, I have masses of admiration for translators. I feel that my time working as an intern translator over the summer months of 2021 has altered my curiosity and enjoyment in multiple language learning for the better. I hope to continue the work and spread awareness about the magnificent and significant work of translators around the world!