Comments | buffalo_dorks: Language Classes?

saikaro_x in buffalo_dorks

Language Classes?

Apr 28, 2009 16:48

Recently I've been very interested in possibly pursuing a career in translation/interpretation. Two languages that I would like to learn are Japanese and Arabic. I'm just wondering if anyone knows of any place that offers lessons/classes on learning either language? I know UB has a Japanese language program, but I'm just trying to explore different ( Read more... )

classes, language

Comments 14

bloria April 29 2009, 01:28:38 UTC

UB offers I think Arabic 101 and 102, and the International Institute has basic Arabic classes as well if you're starting from scratch. Just a word of advice about translation; be sure that this is something that you really want to pursue and that you are willing to put a lot of time into it. I went to Mexico to study oral translation with what I thought was a phenomenal level of Spanish, but they tore me apart. A hesitation, a non-exact translation of an idiomatic expression, all these little things are hard to overcome. In my experiences with translation, you really need to know the language as well as your native language. Good luck to you if that is something you want to pursue!

saikaro_x April 29 2009, 04:01:06 UTC

Thanks...I wasn't aware UB offered Arabic as well. Thanks for the advice...I know it will definitely be a challenge but lingustics has always interested me and it's something I'd like to pursure. I know what you mean though. Thanks for your help!

k_i_m_ April 29 2009, 01:46:17 UTC

Try talking to someone native in the language. UB is full of international students.

of_salfarro April 29 2009, 02:34:38 UTC

alljapaneseallthetime.com

of_salfarro April 29 2009, 02:35:18 UTC

also, for studying IN Japan itself there are some great scholarships out there.

But yeah, as others said... learning to be a translator ain't easy and it's a lotta work.

saikaro_x April 29 2009, 04:00:02 UTC

Yeah, Japan is a place I've always wanted to visit and I know it would benefit me if I am going to learn the language.

the_angelic_sin April 29 2009, 07:05:00 UTC

I don't really have experience with Japanese or Arabic but grew up speaking two languages (English and Polish). It's a tough thing to gain fluency and to do translations really well (written is easiest [probably not for Japanese since kanji will be difficult], harder if you're going for live-action interpretation). My mother is from Poland and her advice to me has always been the same: Immerse yourself in the language and the culture itself.

If you could go abroad somehow, do it! Try to live in the country for a while until you start gaining enough fluency that you'll feel comfortable with translations.

Do you speak any other language besides English? If you don't you might want to try reading some books on grammar and linguistics as a possibility.

Speaking to native speakers will definitely help... :)

Best of luck!

saikaro_x April 29 2009, 17:22:17 UTC

Going to Japan or Arabic-speaking countries would be ideal for me, as I've always been interested in the two cultures and traveling is something that I've always wanted to do. One reason why being a translator is intriguing for me, because it would give me opportunities to travel. It's definitely apart of my plan if I am going to pursue this that I would like to study abroad to help me learn the languages.

I speak Spanish as well but not fluent; just enough to get me around. But some of my family members speak it, and I can say that being around them when they are speaking it really does help me pick it up again. So I'm sure that going to the native countries would definitely be beneficial for me.

Thanks for your input, I really appreciate it! :)