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Korean Soft

Korean Translators Get Crazy

Korean translators are getting crazy once again. No, not with the ever-popular noreabang (karaoke rooms), but with the documents they are translating for big businesses like Kraft, Microsoft, and Dell. Korean translators are insane (in a socially acceptable way) about providing impeccable translations for these companies, because one error could cost the company thousands of dollars, and could mean the korean translator is out of work. Then there is the gut-clincher: Korean-American translators don't want to make an offensive mistake, for political reasons.

 

Korea is largely overlooked in the business world, due to political problems, and therefore is a hotbed of opportunity. More companies are exporting to South Korea than ever before, and wise investors, with nerves of steel, are aggressively exploring the economy. Since Korean is a language not oft spoken by Americans, the demand for korean translators is high. Translators help with conversations, business documents, websites, marketing materials, and more.

 

Typically, American businesses about to enter into Korean business transactions will first hire a translator through an American translation company. That translator usually lives in Korea, but may be American or of another nationality. Why does the translation company station the translator in Korea, instead of close to the business headquarters in America? Because linguistics is so tricky, and so demanding, that staying near to the native tongue is vital for the translator's work to remain accurate. With translation work, especially of Asian languages, perfectionism is key. Whether you are a Thai translator, a korean translator, or a japanese translator , you've gotta get crazy perfect.

 

How does the typical day look for a translator in Korea, aside from excruciatingly perfect word representation? Well, there is travel, and just enjoying the country and culture. South Korea is an underrated travel destination, with most Asia-destined Americans heading to Thailand, with its accessible cuisine and famed beaches. South Korea has a lot to offer the eye, and the palate too, if you are adventurous enough. South Korea could be called the Switzerland of Asia, with its rolling green hills, wild hiking, and many national parks. South Koreans go hiking all the time.

 

Not a hiker? What about an eater? Korean cuisine is appreciated first for texture, second for flavor. The variety of texture in one Korean dish can be shocking, even revolting, for an American who grew up on soft McDonald's hamburgers and melt-in-your-mouth Krispie Kreme donuts. Koreans love to toss in gelatinous textures, rubbery, firm textures, crunchy and melty textures, all in one dish. One "plate" might consist of seven or eight little plates, each with a distinct and surprising texture.

 

When translator's aren't exploring national dishes like Kim Chee, or hiking in the great outdoors, they can choose from several noraebang karaoke rooms. Yes folks, it's not just the clich?karaoke is so established in Korea that in July 2007, North Korea actually issued an edict banning karaoke bars from operating. The Ministry of Security officially stated that the ban was enacted to "crush enemy scheming and to squarely confront those who threaten the maintenance of the socialist system."

 

Luckily, this repression of the right to sing karaoke has made it even more beloved among South Koreans, who retain the right to sing their little hearts out to Madonna, with a microphone, standing on a restaurant table, beer in hand. Americans looking to make Korean friends might want to learn one or two Korean songs. You never know when the lyrics will be just the thing that Microsoft needs for their translation, or when a politically tense moment can be saved by singing emo pop.

About the Author

About the Author: Amy Brevard is a Freelance Writer working for Innuity. For additional japanese translator or korean translator references, see MuliLing

what's that korean ice cream that looks like a soft sreved ice cream cone, when you take the top off?

I don't know.

Whisper 47: Practicing Korean Soft Talk

Tags: korean, korean soft drinks, korean soft tofu, korean soft tofu soup calories, korean soft tofu soup recipe, korean software, opensource, recipe, software, translation

This entry was posted on Sunday, February 15th, 2009 at 11:55 pm and is filed under bedding. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.