Translating is something I have done ever since I learned the English language. Growing up in a first-generation immigrant family has made me familiar with impromptu translations, giving me some familiarity with Spanish translation communications. Whether it was casual parent-teacher conferences or translating government documents/bills, as the years went by, I slowly started to understand how to bridge the gap between these language barriers. But when it came to translating for a small family business, it was an arduous experience unlike anything before.
Translating the Unknown
My time as a translator for Suarez Express LLC – an Ecuadorian convenience store – had me initiate all the steps to register their business in Connecticut. Translating certain words to my mother is one thing, but having to do so for my boss, contractors, and government workers (who do not know a lick of Spanish), makes translating difficult.
Several things need to be done to acquire permission to run a convenience store. To gain permits and licenses, inspectors need to visit the store and make sure everything is up to code. This would include checking if we do not have products that we don’t have the supposed license to sell or if the store follows certain guidelines (such as refrigerators not being right next to walls or bathroom availability).
Fresh Problems
During the inspection, the inspector found out the owner was selling cheese imported from Ecuador. A huge problem arose as the owner did not have a permit to sell fresh goods, only packaged ones. In cases like this, de-escalating the situation and making sure you stay on the inspector’s good side is key. Being the middle man for these conversations made it difficult; I had to convey to the owner their mistake and also make sure to the inspector that this wouldn’t happen again until we acquired the permit. Of course, I did not want to give any input that would drastically change the original person’s message as that would be detrimental, especially in a business environment. I also avoided directly translating words as certain sayings in English, as they do not make any sense when translated to Spanish and vice versa. Making sure the other party accurately understands what one said was crucial.
Translating for a beginning business has taught me the importance of interpersonal communication as well as how one communicates ideas/words, especially when it comes to business and regulations.
