Embarking on a journey through the evolution of English Turkish translation unveils a fascinating story of technological and methodological advancements. From the humble beginnings of the early 90s to the cutting-edge tools of today, this field has witnessed tremendous growth and transformation. Join this English Turkish translator as we explore the milestones and personal experiences that have shaped the world of English and Turkish translation over the decades.
The Early Days of English Turkish Translation: A Personal Journey
Reflecting on the journey of English Turkish translation over the past decades reveals a remarkable transformation. This transformation spans both technology and methodology. My initial exposure to this evolving landscape began in a unique way: surprisingly, not as an English Turkish translator. I started as an errand boy in a translation agency in Istanbul. This was in the early 90s, just before I attended university. It was a time of great learning and observation for me.
Back then, the tools and processes used in translation were vastly different from what they are today. Translators relied on what now seems like primitive technology. They used DOS-based word processors. These processors were installed on PCs with 286 motherboards (imagine a hard disk that has only 512 Mb space). Compared to modern computers, these PCs were enormous. So much so that special compartments had to be built under the desks. These compartments were specifically designed to accommodate the large size of the computers. It was a different era in the world of translation.
Transitioning Tools in English Turkish Translation
I vividly remember the translators discussing the significant changes in their work over time. They often reflected on how much easier translation had become. This was especially true when compared to just five years prior. Back then, they worked with mechanical typewriters. These typewriters were in their Karakoy office, before the advent of the bulky PCs. The transition to computers was a major step forward.
The Dawn of the Digital Age in English Turkish Translation
Computers were a relatively new phenomenon at the time. Even banks had only recently started incorporating them into their daily operations. When you went to the bank, the teller would press a key on the keyboard, and then watch as the corresponding letter appeared on the screen. This simple act was a cause for celebration. The teller would then turn to a colleague, who was watching in awe, and they would high-five each other, exclaiming, “Yay! It worked”. OK, I made this up. This never happened to me. But I’m sure in that period of time, this has happened to someone. The general public was that computer illiterate.
Electronic dictionaries, now a staple in the English Turkish translator’s toolkit, were not available then. Instead, the office functioned in a more traditional manner. It housed 6-10 translators on-site at any given time. Additionally, there were freelancers who contributed remotely from their homes.
Dictionaries: The Unchanging Pillars in English Turkish Translation
A significant feature of the office was a room dedicated entirely to dictionaries. This room was a library of sorts, a testament to the translation era of the time. It housed an extensive collection of dictionaries. These included English Turkish, Turkish English, German, Spanish, Japanese, and more. They covered a wide range of fields such as medical, legal, and civil engineering. The translators would select the relevant dictionaries based on their current subject matter. Often, this meant carrying 4-5 heavy books to their desks for reference. This practice highlights the physicality and extensive research involved in translation during that era.