Saturday, 30 August 2008

A life as a translator

Since I have been here, my father in law has put me to good use: I am the official translator for every text that needs to be put in French (software he is designing, party invitations, etc). Don't worry, I have plenty of time for other things, and it's the least I can do for being received with such hospitality (and I am not only saying this because they read my blog). I found the work sort of intellectually stimulating too: it's not as if I was translating Anthony Burgess, but it's still enjoyable to find the "mot juste". Besides, it keeps my mind busy and is just a good excuse as any to use my French. I barely talked French since I am here, as conversations with the locals is often limited to things regarding purchases.

4 comments:

  1. Cool! Good for you.

    I was just attempting (with my high-school-level French abilities) to do a rough translation of a letter from Haiti last night for my mom. I'm very rusty :).

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  2. Your mom receives letters from Haïti? Funny, I have an aunt from Haïti, and a cousin who is therefore half-Haïtian.

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  3. Well, she sends Bible correspondence courses to people all over the world, and sometimes they write back. It's really cool

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  4. Yes, they are often very religious people (my aunt is not so much though). Faith is mainly Catholic, with officiously a bit of voodoo (fascinating little mythology in itself).

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