[Originally published on 24 September 2012]

When one thinks of translation one immediately thinks of languages. True, but not exclusively. In reality, translators are mediators that decode information. A simple example: the computer language is composed by 0 and 1 and we use computers with our own language. Yes, there are coding and decoding instruments inside the computer to make the translations.

Other example: in Law there are the mediators whose job is to understand what each side is actually saying in order to reach a common basis to work on. People often say the opposite of what they mean, especially when they’re upset or hurt. Sometimes they just want to hear “I’m sorry” to move on and facilitate the negotiations. Remember, people have very complicated minds and they live in their own world, with their own way of thinking, and have the belief they’re right.

Scientists from different fields also kind of need translations. In a world where interdisciplinary studies are more and more important, knowing how to decode information from another field of study is essential… and sometimes very hard to do.

So, basically, translation is about facilitating communication between people from different backgrounds and decoding information in order to put everyone at the same page.

Check other articles related to translation and languages.