Example of graduate school translation program personal statement

Perhaps it is a little bit clichéd today, but the world is increasingly interconnected. Modern, affordable air travel has increased people’s capacity to travel to far-off lands for both business and pleasure. Furthermore, the rise of the Internet has facilitated contact and communication with diverse cultures, which not too long ago would have seemed impossible. Finally, the British Empire, and its successor in global hegemony the United States of America, along with Hollywood and the Internet have cemented the use of English as a lingua franca in International affairs and business. Despite the rise of English, significant portions of the world still conduct business, manufacturing, and enterprise in a myriad of languages. Professional translators facilitate business with emerging markets and allow for the movement of novel goods and professional services between borders.
Recently I graduated university with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, with a concentration in marketing. My bachelor’s degree provided me with a firm foundation in the business world. While working in various internships and with many individuals, I developed a love of language, and its finer utilization. Furthermore, during those internships I learned the value of good international communication. While China is still developing, it is without a doubt a major economic engine in the modern world. It is necessary to have competent professional translators available in order to simplify transactions between Chinese and English speaking professionals. The importance of the professional translator cannot be overstated. Lay bilingual individuals may attempt to translate between people or documents, but they often lack technical aptitude in both languages and the translation may be inaccurate at best. Translation could be performed by computer services such as Google Translate, however, machines lack an understanding of the nuances of language and it is often self-evident that a computer performed the translation. Computer translation often means that two people are conversing at each other rather than with each other, with the contextual basis of the language being lost and inappropriately literal use of words being the norm. Thus, the importance of the professional translator exists in order to perform a good and clean translation that can be relied upon by both parties in a transaction. My background in business has enriched my vocabulary and will allow me to utilize important and nuanced trade words which otherwise might get lost in translation.
One of the main draws of the M. S. in Translation program being offered by NYU is the program’s location in New York City. Most courses that lead towards a degree in translation are online. A live course in New York City provides a great opportunity to learn substantive and practical skills in translation. New York City is the world’s capital, with major corporations from all over the world maintaining operations in the City. The United Nations and the multitude of international diplomatic missions that support it are also located in the city. New York City remains the dream destination for a substantial part of the world and the international presence in New York City is world renown. The need for good translators is felt very acutely due to its status as a center of world finance and business, as well as the extensive amounts of diplomacy that takes place within its confines.
Languages have always been a great passion of mine. In China I worked as a private English tutor, teaching children and adults alike an appreciation for the fluidity and power of the English language. Furthermore, while studying in University, I took two years of Japanese language courses in which I achieved excellent marks. I also took a class entitled Language and Society in East Asia, as well as Cross-Cultural Business Communication. These courses taught me about the power of language to shape a culture, and also the necessity of culturally sensitive communication between varying business cultures.
My ultimate goals are to provide excellent, culturally sensitive, precise, and contextually accurate translations. My native understanding of China, my immersion in the business world, and all my prior experiences will contribute to the M. S. in Translation program by allowing me to explain different concepts to colleagues and classmates alike. My love of languages drives me to ponder the meaning of words ad infinitum so I can understand their usage in the many settings that they may appear. The types of positions that would be made available to me with a professional qualification in translation are too many to count. Chinese to English translation would allow me to work with international businesses and organizations. This is important work given the rise of China as an economic powerhouse. In the business setting, I would be able to provide translations that promote innovative and new products into both markets, or help in the creation of global marketing campaigns. International organizations would allow me to stimulate cultural and societal links that will increase global understanding and potentially forward the lofty cause of international goodwill. Another possibility would be to work for diplomatic organizations such as the United Nations, where my work would be relied upon to aid the completion of International Treaties and the facilitation of programs that lead to the betterment of humanity. A final possibility would be to remain in the academic setting. Academia appeals to me because it would be possible to influence future generations of global thinkers and impress upon them the beauty of the English language and the magnificence of Chinese language and culture.