One of three main ideas/concepts I find important is that there are three types of

interpretation; they are consecutive interpretation that is suitable for meetings with fewer

languages, whispered interpretation that is only appropriate for short meetings with very small

amount of languages, and simultaneous interpretation that requires high level of concentration. I

have also been informed that translators have rights like authors, with different kind of

professional standards and code of professional ethics to be abided. Aside from that, there are

two orientations for the definitions of translation: translation as an object of study and as the

process of translating.

I agree to the fact that translation studies are an emerging discipline internationally,

which may be a result of globalisation. I am also confident that translation studies are growing

rapidly throughout the years as more and more people dive into this new academic field. While

translation studies continue to grow, it does not indicate that it is an easy task but it is indeed a

very interesting and challenging academic field. These aspects are especially evident in my

previous experiences in translating. It was during my last co-operative placement that I was

asked to translate press releases from English or Malay to Chinese, Malay or Chinese to English,

and sometimes English and Malay to Chinese. I have also translated a short Hokkien script into

English to be used as surtitles in future productions. What I found most challenging in the

process was that, I was constantly forced to construct sentences in the target language while

looking for better alternatives. The transition from the source language to target language forced

me into a situation where I wanted to make sure that the meaning conveyed is as close to the

original meaning as possible. I didn’t want the translated text to be something far too different

from the source text. It was very challenging to put my interpretation into words in a language so

different from the source text. However, I did find the whole experiences interesting as I

translated more and more texts as I was able to make decisions quicker compared to when I did

my first translation. It was overall a very fruitful experience because it somehow gave me an

insight and prepared me mentally for the taking of this subject in this semester.

When I was younger, I used to think that I might be a translator someday because of my

passion for learning many languages. However, after years of experience working and studying, I

am more determined to pursue a career in the field of performing arts. Though it seems that

translation is not of much relation to performing arts, I feel that translation studies can still be of

great help in my future career path. This is mainly because in the field of performing arts, we

pursue the essence of performance to the extent of reaching out to as many people as possible. In

order to make them happen, translation is an emerging means of aiding as much audience to

understand a certain play or performance that might not be in their native languages or mother

tongues. For example, there is always free films screening in penangpac from time to time; most

films chosen are of foreign language and it is the staffs’ duties and responsibilities to search for

the DVDs with subtitles of at least two to three languages – English, Malay and Chinese. This

aspect is especially essential in our multilingual culture where translation is highly visible, thus it

is very important to make sure that translations of different languages are available.