When I very first started translating (not all that long ago), I read an article by an established translator who insisted that the idea of translating into his mother tongue actually frightened him because he was so used to going the other direction. Practically anyone else I've heard from has told me the opposite.

I definitely only translate into my native language (American English). One time I was talked into doing a very small project into Norwegian... I tried to add the caveat that it would not be as good, but I was weak-willed in those days and ended up doing it anyway. It was a disaster! Never again, not even a little.

Originally written by Maxi Schwarz-Bastami on April 9, 2009 4:47 PM It wold be reasonable to deduct the extra costs incurred from the fee of the first translator

Unfortunately, simple arithmetics in calculating the penalty does not apply because professionals with very high hourly rates got involved in cleaning up the mess and the cost of their time outweighed the whole translation cost, so a different approach is needed in evaluating what to do with the translator's fee.

Hi,

Yes, I have made a few translations into English, and it is very difficult. I have had to study and research a lot.

My translations have been reviewed and accepted not only in my country but also in another country, Brazil.

All those translations were technical, on topics that are not known by many people-benthos, for example. You can read two or three of them on my promotion pages, on TC.com.

But I agree that we should all translate into our native tongue. Another problem that I have noticed is that people do not study or research enough when translating- I have noticed it in the questions they ask, and the level of Spanish is unfortunately going down.

Kind regards,

Elsa Ramos,

Translator

The Issue of Direction of Translation in China:

A Historical Overview

by Wang Baorong
The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong

Unlike the general situation in the West, translation into the non-mother tongue, i.e. inverse translation, is a time-honored practice in China.

http://accurapid.com/journal/49direction.htm

Option 1. Majority, it would seem, and no surprise, as Translators should only translate into their mother tongue. That`s why I`m constantly surprised at colleagues demanding me to translate verse and sayings (those should never be translated into anything but your A) into English, which is my C...

Originally written by Dodo Kaipdodo on July 2, 2009 8:35 PM I`m constantly surprised at colleagues demanding me to translate verse and sayings (those should never be translated into anything but your A)

Dear Dodo,

With all respect for your language, among these fora partcipants (not: lurkers) only Liliana can make something of it, if I am not mistaken. If you are desperate to only address her here in Lithuanian, with no one else made privy to what you two are talking about, I think you should clearly state: Liliana, ...

Double standard?

To a very limited extent, why not? But only, as I said, if you are desperate to tell Liliana something right here in Lithuanian and you are unable to render it in an, excusez le mot, comprehensible language.

Hi, Jacek,

I think you should specify also WHICH Liliana, because, while I am fond of Dodo birds, I am afraid I do not speak their language ...

(the other) Liliana

You see, Dodo, our little double standard becomes too complicated after all to practice...