I’ve looked through some of the language school posts on Reddit and best language school lists. It seems like the schools are either geared toward conversational ability, or toward JLPT/studying/working in Japan.
Since I’m aiming to translate, JLPT is a more important consideration since I’ll need N2/N1 on my resume. And it seems like in my country most of the translation work involves translating technical manuals for Japanese companies. That said, I do want to go beyond textbook Japanese as well, and get the nuances of “real” Japanese.
I’m approaching my mid-30s and this is something of a career shift for me, so I’m looking to spend a year in Japan, or two if necessary just to get to N2/N1 as soon as possible.
I’m planning to go sometime next year, after taking the N3 in December. Genki JACS’ flexible approach and small class sizes appeal to me, but I can’t seem to find too many reviews on their intermediate/long term classes. Do you guys have any recommendations?
Thank you!
5 comments
Translate or interpret?
One of my friends is working at Bandai as a translator. I remembered he used to copy out the words in the dictionary and did a degree in English studies. His grammar was also way better than mine.
University of Toronto has 3 courses on Japanese translation. You might want to look into that.
Not an answer to your question but you might be interested in this new podcast called [Source 2 Target](https://sites.libsyn.com/423245/s1e1-lindsay-bywood-masters-degrees) that just started about routes into translation work. Their first episode was about what you learn on translation MA as opposed to a language degree, and what skills you’re expected to have before you start. It might be help you think about what you want to get out of your time in language school and so narrow down schools that way. (full disclosure: I work at the same University as the MA discussed, but don’t have any involvement with that course)
A general language degree or focus might not fully cover the entire scope of translation which a more specific translation degree might address.
Three books I’d recommend are:
Is That a Fish in Your Ear
Found in Translation
The Routledge Course in Japanese Translation
Each provides some insight to translation in both general ways and, in the case of the latter book, specific considerations for J-E, E-J translation.
On top of that, consider your expertise in other areas. If, let’s say, you have a background in law, you should use that to your advantage. Anyone can translate a novel, few people can translate law.
My friend works as a translator in the US and he regularly has to talk to clients in Japanese, so I wouldn’t entirely discount speaking. I think a lot of schools that laser focus on the JLPT often neglect speaking, which I think could hurt you later during interviews or meetings with clients. I think to he a translator, you’d want to have strong Japanese skills overall, with a special emphasis on reading. You’ll also need to have impeccable writing skills in your native language.
Maybe a weird suggestion, but my idea would be to enroll in language school and then do Kumon’s 国語 course on top of that. The 国語 course is made for Japanese children. It’s an entirely self paced reading course. I’ve found it to be extremely helpful in getting my reading fluency up. All of the readings are extremely well scaffolded to raise your reading level smoothly. It won’t help with the specific genre of technical Japanese, but it’ll be a very good crash course into “real” Japanese