If the translator cannot produce the best possible full translation within the time available, then an “optimal” solution should be agreed upon.

Such translations could fall into one of the following categories:

- “a translation that provides what is necessary for the stated purpose”

- “as good as possible in view of the customer’s requirements”.

In the case of the 600 page technical report mentioned above, the “ideal” translation might consist of faithful adherence to the source text, which would involve full reproduction of the detailed report. On the other hand, providing the persons attending an international meeting with 600 pages of typescript is certainly not the best way of communicating the contents of the report to them. Due to the obvious time limitations, a summary could be proposed as an alternative. This could have the additional advantage in that key bullet points raised for discussion in the international meeting would be more easily accessible in a summary.

Of course, production of the summary would itself involve the translator reading all 600 pages of the report and that alone could probably take more than the two days available. So from a practical point of view, it might be that the person who is asking for the translation could provide a summary in his or her own language – after all that one person is most likely the one person who is fully aware of the salient points in the report. The summary could then be translated into the language required for the international meeting.

However, there are also many situations in international business when a full translation of a long original text is required for distribution to persons or companies in other countries. This occurs with technical translations, tender documents, quotations, technical documents, scientific documents, operator’s manuals and repair manuals and with many other documents of all types.

Translation of literary works is also required and this can be one of most fulfilling tasks for a translator – also one of the most difficult on occasions.

One of the ways in which an experienced translator can produce a long translation in a short space of time is by dictating the translation into a digital recorder and then emailing the translation to one or more typists who in turn type out the translation and send it back to the originating translator for correction before delivery to the customer. Using this technique, a translator can produce upwards of 10,000 words per day. Almost everyone can speak faster than they can type.

A similar technique uses one of the computer speech recognition programs, which have seen a great deal of improvement over the last few years. Using one of these systems, the translator can dictate the translation into a small microphone while at the same time his or her computer types the translation directly onto the computer screen. When completed, it can then be corrected, proof-read and sent to the customer.

Of course a translation agency is always pleased to accept a long translation (as long as the deadline for completing the translation leaves enough time for the translation itself and for proof-reading, etc.). If the original text is a technical document, translation memory systems can be used and this ensures that repeated expressions are translated automatically by the memory system. The reader is then reassured by repetition of the same phrase for the same action and vocabulary is standardized by the system, avoiding any ambiguity to the reader. The same word is always used for the same thing. This can also result in lower costs, which can be passed on to the customer of the translation agency.

Sometimes for a quick translation, it is necessary to use several translators working on different parts of a long text to meet a very short deadline. In this case, the translation memory system comes into its own, since translation memories (TM’s in the language of the trade) can be sent to the various translators, to ensure that the vocabulary is standardized.

Modern systems used by translation agencies have made it easier to produce long translations in times that would have considered to be amazingly short only a few years ago and doubtless we can expect more improvements in future.

What a beginning copywriter may not seem to understand, usually because he’s just trying to make a few bucks, is that the fate of your client is in HIS hands. Think about it. This person is coming to you asking you to write a sales letter that is going to launch his product into six or ever seven figures.

But there is more to it than that, and the great copywriters at the Warrior Forum said it so much better than I ever could. See, a product creator, of whom I am one, wants a copywriter who believes in himself. He doesn’t want, as Mike Humphreys said so well, a copywriter who thinks “that maybe… well, possibly… they could write something that makes their clients a little bit of money.” Thanks Mike…you hit the nail on the head.

The product creator wants somebody with the chutzpa to believe that they walk on water and anything they put in writing is going to be gold for the product creator. This instills confidence in the person hiring the copywriter. I know personally, as a product creator, that this is what I would want.

This doesn’t mean that you have to have been writing copy for a lifetime, though it can’t hurt. If you have confidence in your work and have samples to show off, even if it’s for your own products, this could be more than good enough to show your prospect that you have what it takes to pull off the job.

Here’s the bottom line…and you can take it for what it’s worth to you. Nobody wants to work with somebody who doesn’t believe in themselves. Sure, when the bell rings, you have to come out and throw some punches that actually make contact. All talk and no deliver is a recipe for having your reputation destroyed before it even gets off the ground.

But if YOU don’t believe in yourself and your ability, nobody else will. So get the education you need to write a killer sales letter, get some experience under your belt, even if it’s just writing for yourself, and then show the world what you’re capable of doing.

And don’t be afraid to let your ego show…as long as you can back it up.

So, how can a person improve their English grammar? There are several things that might help someone struggling in this area. First of all, it might help to be with people who use correct grammar when they talk and read material that uses good grammar structure within the English language. Since everyone learns his or her native language by listening, even from back to the time of infancy, it reasons that if he or she listens to and reads material with good grammatical structure, they will slowly learn the correct way to write and say things.

It may also help to study a grammar book that gives explanations for the rules of the English language, along with helpful examples. It may not be necessary to understand every detail and concept, but with good examples and practice exercises, one can learn much about correctly forming sentences that are grammatically precise. Learning rules and doing exercises can be monotonous at times, so it will take much patience to continue to learn. However, through consistent practicing, one can overcome most grammatical errors through trial and error.

One of the most helpful ways to learn and understand English grammar is to hire a tutor. In order to make progress, one needs to know when he is making mistakes. With a tutor, a person can work on sentences and phrases throughout the week and then have a tutor check them. A tutor is also helpful because he or she can force the student to be accountable so she can continue to improve her grammar skills. It is hard to learn sometimes and grammar seems to be a boring subject to many people. The personal touch of a tutor, however, can make the learning experience less stressful and more enjoyable.

Although dyslexia and other learning disabilities are difficult to overcome, there is no doubt that people with these problems have the ability to improve. There is software available today that can help those with language problems to improve their writing problems. Some programs even have personalized reports that are generated; and then each person can see what common spelling errors were made. These reports will allow students, professionals, and teachers to see the common dyslexia writing errors that are being made.

It has been considered why English grammar seems to be difficult for some people. There are many factors that can contribute to this. If a person has dyslexia or a learning disability, it could be because he was born with this problem and thus, it could not be helped. Far more often, however, are those who simply did not understand or learn grammar rules while in school. This could be due to lack of quality teachers, parental support or just laziness on the part of the student. Because some people struggle so much with grammar, many teachers will not emphasize its importance and students are pushed to the next grade.

Another issue with English grammar comes from those who have a different native tongue. If your mother-tongue is close to English in some ways, then English grammar will be easier for you. However, if your native tongue has nothing in common with English at all, it will be more difficult to learn and understand English grammar. All languages have their own idiosyncrasies and take time and patience to conquer.

Learning and understanding English grammar can be made easier or more difficult based on several factors. If a person is older, his memory may not be as good as it used to be. Some people just seem to learn easier than others and have a greater aptitude for language. Other things that can make a big difference are having consistent exercises and learning and also having confidence as you learn.

Thankfully, there are tools, books, and tutors available to help those who struggle. Many computer programs and websites give huge amounts of information and downloads that can help a person to use correct English grammar and/or learn the English language better. Even if a person continues to struggle with English grammar, there are tools available to help them correct their grammar and spelling errors so they can write without unnecessary and embarrassing mistakes.