Translator
Japanese Name:
翻訳家
Romaji Name:
honyakuka
Description
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A translator is a professional who converts written text from one language into another.
They focus on accuracy, clarity, and preserving the original meaning and tone.
Translators work with various materials such as books, documents, websites, and subtitles.
They often specialize in fields like law, medicine, literature, or technology.
Unlike interpreters, translators deal only with written content, not spoken language.
Strong language skills, cultural knowledge, and research ability are essential.
Some use computer-assisted tools (CAT tools) to improve consistency and speed.
Translators help bridge communication gaps in global business, media, and culture.
History
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Translation has existed for thousands of years, dating back to ancient civilizations.
One of the earliest major projects was the Septuagint, a Greek translation of Hebrew scriptures (~3rd century BCE).
Translation helped spread religious texts, science, and philosophy across cultures.
In the Islamic Golden Age, scholars translated Greek and Roman works into Arabic.
The printing press in the 15th century increased the demand for translation across Europe.
The 20th century saw the rise of professional translation as a career.
With globalization and the internet, translation became more essential than ever.
Today, translators work worldwide—sometimes alongside AI tools—to connect people and ideas.