Any man who does not make himself proficient in at least two languages other than his own is a fool. ~Martin H. Fischer

Now, I think this is a bit harsh and not necessarily the case (yes, I am aware that sounds like I am not advocating the learning of languages - but of course I always am, I just don't think people should be considered fools for not doing so) I believe in the value of learning other languages. I also think there is a value in knowing your own language so well that you can express yourself with ease at all times. Now, I haven't done remarkably in the latter if today's results are considered and it makes me wonder if my knowledge of my other two languages is up to scratch. I know I need to focus more; I'm not working hard enough. I need to be reading more and practising more. Not just basic language. I need to practise translation more.

I spotted a sign up in university the other day offering paid translation work of 180 pages of a German book into English. I thought, why not? I need the practise, I need to refine my art so to speak and if they like my sample page then I'll get to do the rest which will be money, (which I also need) not a great deal of money for the work, but better than nothing. I have also submitted a CV to another translation agency and they should email me a test translation to do. The other agencies I haven't heard anything back off before and so I'd kind of given up for a bit, but I want to try again. I've even been looking into setting up a website where I can create a translation profile for myself but I don't want to do that until I know what I want to say and until I can get some paid work...or any work.....otherwise it will just be my university assignments being mentioned. There are still things I wouldn't mind pursuing besides this and areas where I believe I could combine a couple of the things I love....but translation is definitely something I want to do, especially of literature and even if I only ever do it as something every now and then, that would be ok.

So, all that remains is for me to do the test translations and see what happens.....oh, and do all my university work too! I've got so much to do and not enough time. It's always the way.