Is being bilingual and translating two different things?

[Anonymous]

I hate my job as a phone translator and only working for the money. I don't care to ascend to a skilled translator used for courts. I'm writing this while translating a neverending call.

I hate it because it reminds of when my parents would pressure me to translate for them. Even when my father could already understand practically everything (he can speak more English when he's underestimated) the letters said and clearly didn't need to use me, I was still expected to translate it good. He saw my frustrated expressiong but didn't care. Grrrr

Is being bilingual and translating different? I don't feel like translating for people forever nor even have the patience to teach someone my native language, which is Spanish.

[Screenwriter]

Yes, they are two distinct things. You can be proficient in two languages. That's being bilingual. However, you don't have to translate from one language to another for two people who speak the two languages you know, but can't speak to each other. That's what translation is. And it is a job.

But if you don't WANT to do it, why are you still doing it? What else are you skilled at? Have you explored other avenues? What is you degree in? Or do you not have a degree? Sounds like you need more education in something else so you can do a different job since you don't enjoy translating between people.

[Asker]

I have a degree in tourism, hotel management and culinary arts but I'm not working on my major. I want to eventually own an international restaurant.

[Screenwriter]

This sounds very good. IS there a reason you aren't working in a hotel or restaurant? Too much stress with school? Or the pay isn't good enough? Well, remember, what you're doing is only temporary.

[Asker]

They never called me for a job interview and the payment is lesser than phone translations.

[SiberFox]

Yeah, I can speak two languages fluently and 1 more conversationaly. Translating needs proficiency and professionalism in both languages.

[Asker]

More of all, translating should be also for someone that really likes it. Honestly I like cooking and telling stories, not translating.

[Asker]

There are many things I still have to look up on google whenever I can't think of how to translate it. I would be totally lost if I were to translate at a court or immigration documents. For instance when it comes to immigration, I still don't know how to propertly say ''motion to terminate removal proceedings'' in Spanish. It's hard.

[SiberFox]

I guess, plenty of people do jobs they don't like for the money, you could find a job you really like and keep translation as a side job for extra cash.

[SiberFox]

When it comes to law, don't worry too much, my relative is a judges assistant and does translation work, you learn quickly what you need and can easily rely on people with experience to help you translate properly.

[SnowedIn]

They are definitely two different things. The other posters have great answers so I won't try to improve on those. 😎