
Some believe that literary translation is more difficult. However, it should be noted that this is not always the case, as all specialized translation necessitates a certain level of knowledge in specific fields. For example, the legal translator must know and understand the law of the country for which he or she is translating, just as the economic translator must have a thorough understanding of the subject matter. In literature, translation also plays a more social and cultural role. The terms and expressions are sometimes complicated depending on the time of publication of the source book, but they can be just as complicated as in other fields. As a result, the complexity of these various types of translation has no bearing on their role in society.
The translator works to inform people but also to impart knowledge by speaking to a specific audience, that is familiar with and understands the subject matter. While the translator may plays a more social, economic, or legal role at times, he or she may also plays a more cultural role, as is the case in literature.
Furthermore, it is sometimes more beneficial to specialize in various fields in order to diversify one’s work. On the other hand, a translator who only works in one field may be more limited in terms of translation requests. This is why the majority of independent or contract translators work in a variety of fields. Thus, their knowledge expands from translation to translation.
In all cases, working as a translator or interpreter is often motivated by a love of languages and communities.