The Linguist is a languages magazine for professional linguists, translators, interpreters, language professionals, language teachers, trainers, students and academics with articles on translation, interpreting, business, government, technology
Issue link: https://thelinguist.uberflip.com/i/322362
Vol/53 No/3 2014 JUNE/JULY The Linguist 13 FEATURES I discovered the hard way what it can do to your posture if you take the term 'laptop' too literally eye from looking beyond it. I wanted to apply that principle to my living room and IKEA provided the solution. Their free-standing shelf units make ideal room-dividers, and are deep enough to insert books on both sides, so they serve from one side as a living-room bookcase and from the other as an office bookcase (essential, even in these days of online resources). They are terrifically stable, and the range of sizes makes them versatile; a low unit will serve as a printer shelf. The arrangement does not entirely cut off the office space from the living area but it does at least delineate it. My current problem is the office chair: it has a leak in its hydraulics, so that the seat gradually sinks towards the floor over the course of a morning. My desk also needs replacing; it is cleverly designed, with a variety of useful shelves and drawers at eye level, but they all take up space and are clutter-magnets. Technological set-up There has been a lot of discussion on one of the online translators' forums I use about choice of computers and monitors. It seems many translators like to work with two monitors – one displaying the document on which they are working and the other displaying online dictionaries and other research resources. Indeed, some appear to use as many as three monitors simultaneously. I am tempted by the possibilities that a second monitor opens up, but it would mean dispensing with much of the desk superstructure – another incentive to rethink my office furniture. Ergonomics and physical comfort are important when you spend all day at the screen. To this end, I spent some time, when first setting up the office, determining the correct position for the monitor so that I would not over-strain my neck. Unfortunately, the monitor stand is too low, so I had to raise it by putting my much-loved (but seriously Translator Nick Tanner takes our series on working environments into his home office Let's get physical FREELANCE TRANSLATION dated) 1974 Langenscheidt German-English dictionary under it – although this might seem futile, in view of my Incredible Shrinking Chair. The computer itself is a laptop, but 90% of the time I treat it as a desktop, connected to a separate monitor, keyboard and mouse. I discovered the hard way what it can do to your posture if you take the term 'laptop' too literally. However, the ability to use it as a portable unit comes in handy when I go to a conference – and once I have my desk space sorted out, the laptop's built-in screen should serve well as a second monitor. Taking care of the mind Home working has its issues but I can be as flexible as I like with my own time, I can lift the spirits or sooth the nerves with my own choice of music, and nobody looks at me askance if I head to the kitchen for yet another cup of tea. Internet forums provide a great source of virtual support on specific subjects or languages, and I've started to get to know some of their members quite well. I make a point of attending conferences and seminars. Translators' workshops seem to be a good way of getting to know other translators and you can easily stay in touch by email, LinkedIn and Facebook. Or even by picking up the phone… or, perhaps not. A CLEVER SOLUTION Nick in his home office