Maruf Mollah, 23, is a professional translator. He went to study MBBS in China and besides his medical studies, he learned the Chinese language. Today, Maruf is working as a Bangla-Chinese translator in China. Maruf believes anyone can learn a new language, but to become a professional translator, one needs the mindset to work hard.Y&I recently interviewed him via email. |
Sheikh Iraj
How did you become a translator? What motivated you?
Well, it’s not easy to become a translator, especially when it comes to speaking and writing Chinese. I came to study MBBS at Sun-Yat Sen University in Guangzhou, but soon I realised that learning Chinese would be the best move as far as my career is concerned. I have learned the language and now I can speak, write and read Chinese.
Please tell us about the job prospects of a translator, both at home and abroad.
When I was studying for HSC (Higher Secondary Certificate), my uncle visited China and later told me about the country. He was the one who really made me interested in learning about China. I understand that China is a major player in the world economy and it is growing very fast. When I came to China, I noticed that very few Bangladeshis could speak good Chinese. So, I decided to learn the language and my uncle supported me the whole way.
What are your biggest achievements?
I think learning Chinese is my biggest achievement. For my services, I charge about USD 200-300 per day. Of course, if any Bangladeshi wants my help as a translator, I don’t think about the money.
What will be your advice to those who want to become professional translators?
First of all, remember learning a new language is not easy. You have to work really hard, it doesn’t matter whether you are learning Chinese, French or English. You have to have a clear understanding of the local culture, cuisine, places and much more. Of course, if you are a natural when it comes to learning a new language, then that’s a different thing altogether.
When you are learning a new language, practice it all the time. Don’t feel shy to use it. Overcoming shyness is very important when it comes to speaking a language well. Always be positive and remember, there is nothing called impossible and you can do it if you really put your mind to it.
Please tell us about your future plan.
My future plan is to start a Chinese learning institute in Bangladesh.
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Editor : M. Shamsur Rahman
Published by the Editor on behalf of Independent Publications Limited at Media Printers, 446/H, Tejgaon I/A, Dhaka-1215.
Editorial, News & Commercial Offices : Beximco Media Complex, 149-150 Tejgaon I/A, Dhaka-1208, Bangladesh. GPO Box No. 934, Dhaka-1000.
Editor : M. Shamsur Rahman
Published by the Editor on behalf of Independent Publications Limited at Media Printers, 446/H, Tejgaon I/A, Dhaka-1215.
Editorial, News & Commercial Offices : Beximco Media Complex, 149-150 Tejgaon I/A, Dhaka-1208, Bangladesh. GPO Box No. 934, Dhaka-1000.