Benefits Of Knowing More Than Two Languages As Translator

Benefits of knowing more than two languages as translator

This world where the process of globalization has expanded further than ever, makes the importance of knowing more than two languages as a translator. It is an obligation of the translator and of the interpreter to learn as many languages as he/she can. A professional translator with more than two language in his/her curriculum has a higher level not only in the labor scope but also in other ambits of his career; hence, all this open a new world of opportunities such as improving his/her mental development, the inter-connected communication, and so on. The languages keep changing, knowledge continues growing, but the professional translator stays on top of it all. Although there are significant benefits of be a bilingual translator, to be announced as a multilingual translator has more possibilities of growing professionally.

Firstly, it helps widen the line of communication with other cultures, not just with one or two. To speak and to understand more than two languages benefit the translator to thrive in his/her work area because being able to communicate with other people of the world open more possibilities for work, traveling, learning about the world and of course have a secure job. "Using language in an effective manner increases the effectiveness of communications" (Herschell Gordon Lewis, 55). In addition, a translator who is able to speak more than two languages may have a language ability that enables him/her to achieve greater mental flexibility, and therefore he/ she can communicate more effectively with people of other countries and cultures.

Secondly, for a professional of the languages, to be a bilingual translator and become a multilingual means that he/she is a person with a highest level of understanding and analyzing contexts in other languages. For example, be able to speak a foreign language gives the translator unique insight into other cultures and builds their cultural competency skills and consequently it create a powerful link among different people from different countries. When a translation is ongoing, a translator enjoys reading and writing in different languages; similarly, he/she finds interesting to know different literatures. Therefore, it gives the translator a totally new level of knowledge and gives him/her new appreciation of various ideas and traditions.

Thirdly, the stimulation it offers to the translator’s mind. According to some studies to learn languages allows us to acquire easily knowledge of other persons; besides, it demonstrate stronger cognitive skills, and people become more effective problem solvers. The last study that gives more arguments to this theory is the investigation of CRP-Santé (The "Centre de Recherche Public de la Santé" (Public Research Centre for Health)) and it conclude that those who speaks two or more languages have five times less possibilities

...