Translation is not just about translating from one language to another, in a way, it is also about interpreting professional terms used in the same language.
When you look at English language too, one can see the use of business language, medical term and legal language. If caught in these professional languages one can easily be lost so then you can imagine when you are interviewing these professionals.
Now we all are aware of the terms acute and chronic. Acute is an infection that has caught on suddenly but is severe; while chronic is an enduring long-term illness. What is interesting is most of the medical terms originate from Latin and Greek words. So we know we need to get familiar with these two languages and these ancient languages are very much alive because of this relevance even today.
We also have special respect for the medical professionals because of all the terminologies and years of education invested in and the fact that they have to keep up with the latest advancements, in addition to the admiration for their medical practice consisting of the right diagnosis and treatment skills.
But even doctors have to communicate to their patients and the challenge is to impart their diagnoses in common man’s language - this requires patience.
The world of legal terms are something we come across too. The legal language is also known as Legalese. That gives an idea on how distinct it is. The terms we are familiar with and use might mean something else in legal language.
For instance, ‘In Writing’ in legal language means something that is written by hand or electronically for the record. ‘Written law’ are the laws that are written and enacted by a legislative body. Then there is plain language legal writing which refers to a language that is understandable to the client, in other words technical language is not used.
When we move away from legal English to Business English the subject varies because legal writing is used to define legal rules, legal analyses, legal concepts, legal points and legal arguments, but business English has an emphasis on vocabulary that is used in conversation to terms of the industry.
Business English has distinct terms used in different sectors such as banking, finance, human resources, IT, logistics, travel, import and export, publishing, advertising, travel etc. it is also style of writing. Business English has functional words and they are regularly used in the sectors for business letters, memos, presentations, contracts etc. the words could range from ‘clause’ in a contract to ‘invoice’ to describe the performed service, ‘trademark’ that represents the company which is a registered design or logo.
A lot of times the technical terminologies used in various sectors can often be referred to as ‘jargons’. In the media sector, journalists are taught to avoid jargons so that the story is understandable for all readers.
Words are to communicate and while they convey the message some words that we use commonly might have specific interpretations in business language such as the words ‘calling’ and ‘employment’ as in the case of profession and employment in a company.
No matter whether the words originate from a different language or has a different usage, or are from different professions, what is required to communicate clearly is the right attitude with empathy and compassion especially when it comes to the medical field. That is because people who approach health care are vulnerable. When it comes to legal affairs it is extremely important to know what paper you are signing. However when it comes to business sector it is a competitive field that requires confidence.
To gain confidence the best tool is to master the terminologies and their usages.
I’m other words no matter what the profession, what sets a person apart is the character - a human quality.
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