There was a time when translation was done simply with a translator's wits and a few reference books.
Actually, that was pretty much the global standard since the beginning of different languages.
If you do a bit of in-depth research, you will eventually discover that most languages are the evolution of a specific set of ancient primary languages. As those languages transformed, structures changed, terms were added, vocabulary was coined - but in the meantime, new knowledge and new technologies developed, requiring new ways of describing things.
As knowledge grew, and new ways of saying things became more specialized, languages evolved into distinct communication systems within communication systems.
So what am I getting at?
The point is that language/communication is the most complex function humans can perform.
It really takes a lot of brainpower to describe things the way you intend them and often times the description that's in your head does not equate with what you've transmitted to another person. In addition, since we all describe things according to the languages we know internally, there are many times when we find ourselves unable to conceptualize something due to language limitations. This means that our internal description of a concept/idea/action becomes approximate, seeing that we don't have the vocabulary necessary to describe it.
“What does having a good computer have to do with this?” you say. Everything.
Computers are the modern tools translators use to look up definitions, research subjects, understand rarely used grammar structures, verify spelling, and generally keep a record of the reusable knowledge a translator has gained.
The performance, functionality, and suitableness of your computer directly influences how well you'll translate. This is because the brain has the distinct characteristic of considering any tool you use as an extension of yourself.
This is why you will get frustrated when you use an improper or ineffective tool.
Let me illustrate.
Sooner or later most of us are going to have to drive a nail into something, either a wall, furniture, or some other project (hopefully no coffins...). Let's say that the handle of your hammer is a bit curved, but you did not notice it.
You hold the nail with your other hand and get ready to whack it with your hammer. You take your aim, and bam! The hammer slips off the nail and hits you straight on the thumb...
Uh, that's not really what you wanted... or even how you envisioned it.
Reiterating, the brain considers tools as an extension of its capabilities. This is why it's important that you have a good computer. What do I mean by good?
Well, it should be fast enough not to be a distraction, input devices should be accurate (mice, keyboards, etc.), software should be properly updated/upgraded (yes Windows 10, yes OSX El Capitan, yes latest Linux distro, yes latest CAT tool). In addition, it should be clean (no malware whatsoever), and it should be comfortable (extra monitors with multiple desktops, proper ergonomics, a good chair, etc.).
Believe me, if you have been putting off buying that new second monitor or adding a primary SSD you've been shortchanging yourself. The improvements you will have with just a single upgrade may not be noticeable in the beginning - you will be in a better mood; you will not slow down, and won’t be distracted by what your computer "isn't doing".
So, it's time to stop giving yourself a sore thumb and get that second monitor.
Actually, that was pretty much the global standard since the beginning of different languages.
If you do a bit of in-depth research, you will eventually discover that most languages are the evolution of a specific set of ancient primary languages. As those languages transformed, structures changed, terms were added, vocabulary was coined - but in the meantime, new knowledge and new technologies developed, requiring new ways of describing things.
As knowledge grew, and new ways of saying things became more specialized, languages evolved into distinct communication systems within communication systems.
So what am I getting at?
The point is that language/communication is the most complex function humans can perform.
It really takes a lot of brainpower to describe things the way you intend them and often times the description that's in your head does not equate with what you've transmitted to another person. In addition, since we all describe things according to the languages we know internally, there are many times when we find ourselves unable to conceptualize something due to language limitations. This means that our internal description of a concept/idea/action becomes approximate, seeing that we don't have the vocabulary necessary to describe it.
“What does having a good computer have to do with this?” you say. Everything.
Computers are the modern tools translators use to look up definitions, research subjects, understand rarely used grammar structures, verify spelling, and generally keep a record of the reusable knowledge a translator has gained.
The performance, functionality, and suitableness of your computer directly influences how well you'll translate. This is because the brain has the distinct characteristic of considering any tool you use as an extension of yourself.
This is why you will get frustrated when you use an improper or ineffective tool.
Let me illustrate.
Sooner or later most of us are going to have to drive a nail into something, either a wall, furniture, or some other project (hopefully no coffins...). Let's say that the handle of your hammer is a bit curved, but you did not notice it.
You hold the nail with your other hand and get ready to whack it with your hammer. You take your aim, and bam! The hammer slips off the nail and hits you straight on the thumb...
Uh, that's not really what you wanted... or even how you envisioned it.
Reiterating, the brain considers tools as an extension of its capabilities. This is why it's important that you have a good computer. What do I mean by good?
Well, it should be fast enough not to be a distraction, input devices should be accurate (mice, keyboards, etc.), software should be properly updated/upgraded (yes Windows 10, yes OSX El Capitan, yes latest Linux distro, yes latest CAT tool). In addition, it should be clean (no malware whatsoever), and it should be comfortable (extra monitors with multiple desktops, proper ergonomics, a good chair, etc.).
Believe me, if you have been putting off buying that new second monitor or adding a primary SSD you've been shortchanging yourself. The improvements you will have with just a single upgrade may not be noticeable in the beginning - you will be in a better mood; you will not slow down, and won’t be distracted by what your computer "isn't doing".
So, it's time to stop giving yourself a sore thumb and get that second monitor.
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