This post is based on my final blog post prompt for ENG 212 at BYU. The purpose of the assignment was to challenge a current dogma while discussing its history or origin. In a previous post, I addressed the dogma of credit. In the last couple of weeks I decided to change my topic from consumerism to translation. You will see key historical events that relate to translation highlighted. This was the end result:
Although many Americans don’t have a constant need for translation, those who do need to understand that translation cannot be bought as a commodity (Inspired by an ATA publication). When I say “translation,” what I really mean is any language service; be it sign language interpretation, literary translation, medical interpretation, etc. And when I say it’s not a commodity, I mean that translation services cannot be compared solely by price. Maybe one translator charges 5 cents per word while another charges 12. If translation were a commodity, the choice is obvious: buy the 5 cent translation. But there are many factors that play into the 7 cent difference. I’m not saying that you should always pay for the most expensive translation, but that you should know what you are buying. Consider the following: (more…)
Kekoa Riggin 