Why do people expect free translations?

Question

There are many sites which will translate for, and there are on-line dictionaries. Try typing in dictionary - then you have to find the language combination you need. Translators like to eat and sleep in a bed with a roof over their head just like normal people.

Answer 1

I completely agree with you, being a translator myself. I don't know why people see this profession as something so easy and free, we need more respect.

Answer 2

Yes I know what you mean. The on-line translating dictionaries often act like robots, translating word by word from one language into another, rather than a phrase or the hidden meaning of a sentence. This is why many times the on-line translation just doesn't sound real - it isn't how real people would talk in real life.

I agree that it's way better to engage a living person to do the translation. It is more likely that the "spirit" of both of the languages will be recognized and embraced.

Answer 3

Online translators are rubbish, so I wouldn't advise people to use them.

Dictionaries are great, but if your knowledge of the language you want to translate into is limited, the result won't be much better than if you used a dictionary.

Most people ask translations of very short documents. They are usually for private use (like letters sent to a friend, a few sentences they read in a magazine, etc.). I don't see why they would ask a translators to do that. It would be ridiculous.

I'm currently translating a website for a Swiss guy I don't know and who doesn't have much money. I want to be a translator and it's good practice. However, it's from French into English, which is not my native language. I can't guarantee that my translation will be perfect, but I'll do my best (I'm loved translation at university). What's my point? It's good practice for me, and I'm glad to help someone! Why do people always talk about money. When I'll be a translator, I obviously won't work for free. But for the time being, I'm glad to help someone set up a business.

That being said, if I were a translator and someone asked me to do it for free, I probably wouldn't be happy about it. That's a lack of respect, because doing a good translation takes quite a lot of time.

Answer 4

The free services give you only a flavour of the message, If I wanted to know what a word or phrase meant, then I would use a free translater. If I needed work on a whole document, or if precision of translation is important, then I would pay.

Answer 5

Dont worry-
Internet translation sites arnt worth the time that went into to build them. I tried one today to translate some Japanese words - rubbish! There are some things that computers really cant replace - they can`t put the grammar in the right place and cant detect tone or subtext. I hardly think that you`ll be out of a job - they arnt reliable

Answer 6

There are numerous sites for free translation on here, whats your Problem. They get a % age every time the site is visited???

Answer 7

Freedom Of Speech

Answer 8

If you're bilingual and people ask you to translate for them, smile and reply,
"Of course I will. My fee is $___ per page/hour/paragraph. How soon would you like it completed?"

The person will then either leave you alone or you'll have a little extra pocket change for your trouble...

Answer 9

i totally agree with you. as a linguist i find it frustrating that people think i should translate for free when i had to pay for my studies and work my way through college. ask them what they do for a living and see if they'll give you a free sample! how many times are you having a meal on holiday and someone says 'your the language expert..go on order for us all' I feel like saying 'you're the accountant..go on pay for us all' worth a shot hehe i'm going on holiday tomorrow...to Cornwall!!!

Answer 10

Same reason that people show doctors their moles at parties, or ask for celebrities autographs when they're out for dinner, or ask estate agents how much their house is worth. Some people just don' get that its rude.