兴趣爱好TranslaDocs: The social work of the sworn translator
One of the many advantages of sworn translation, unlike other forms of this discipline, is that it has a social aspect, not so much focused on entertainment or commercial purposes as on resolving important procedures for people's lives.
In this sense, thanks to us, marriages are celebrated, contracts are signed, legal problems are solved, all kinds of certificates and foreign degrees are validated, it is possible for other professionals to practice and live in other countries and, in short, transcendental steps are solved for other people that, in many occasions, can end up being a great step forward in their professional or personal lives.
For some people it may seem like simple paperwork, academic or technical documents, but the truth is that the sworn translator's contribution is a link in a chain that can even save lives. What used to be a simple surgeon's employment record that needed to be translated and stamped in another language ends up allowing that doctor to operate on children in Ethiopia, to give just one example. So, fellow translator, if you are demotivated, stop for a second and think about what you bring to the table, which is more than you think.
You rock! Image by Jeremy S
You rock!
Image by Jeremy S
On the other hand, the fact that these translations have to be delivered on the original paper, either in person or by shipment, facilitates direct contact with the client, for whom we are no longer invisible from that moment on. The fact that we have helped them through a somewhat cumbersome bureaucratic process makes them appreciate us, and I have found that sworn translation clients tend to show more gratitude, which gives us an added satisfaction that is much appreciated. After all, who doesn't like to be recognized for their work?
In conclusion, this is an unknown facet of our work, but from time to time it is worth remembering that what we do serves a purpose. Because not only do we pour content from one language to another, we also help people, and that is the ultimate goal that motivates me every day.
