Translator's corner 11

Module 1

I.                  A. Job, work, post (position), occupation, employment, operate (machinery), manage (personnel), control (situation), university degree, work permit, license.

B. Vulnerable, extensive, hazard, effort, attempt, tender, sample, uncertain, risky, substantial, capable.

II.               Work in the great outdoors, be redundant (unemployed), be fully qualified for the job (position), seek legal advice, bread and butter, with flying colors, terrible habit, entail inconveniences, travel in style, at an early age.

III.           1. I have decided to take up Arabic and am already taking a course of oriental studies at the University.

2. At the end of the day (in the end, eventually) we decided to invest money in building a house to live in the countryside.

3. The rumors have generated (caused) much worry in the population, and the city mayor went on TV to reassure the population.

4. This virus threatens humans because our immune system can’t fight (against) it.

5. School-leavers (graduates) are not always aware of the challenges that life will send to them in the future.  

6. Every company usually does its best to promote its brand and to increase business profits.

7. This position involves regular business trips, but you will be entitled to bonuses for good results.

8. I decided to explore the outskirts of Cairo on my own and did not join the guided couch tour.

9. Having celebrated his 65th year jubilee, my Dad made up his mind to retire from work and to travel (around) the world.

10. Someday you will understand the whole value of my advice, and I hope it will not happen too late. 

11. Forest fires (bushfires) were put down by volunteers, who had been working twenty-four hours (round the clock), forgetting about sleep, food and rest.

12. The sportsman sprained his leg and was unable to continue the competition because of the sharp (acute) pain.

IV.             

1.     – Many people are not aware of the amount of waste that is carried to the dumping ground on a daily basis.

– I am not aware of this problem either, but perhaps we can attempt to do something about it. 

– We can form a habit to buy things made from recycled materials to cut down (reduce) the waste.

– Excellent idea! I am all for it!

2.     – There is nothing left in the fridge to eat.

– Do you want to order home a takeaway?

– We can order pizza. There is a pizzeria nearby, and the delivery is free.

– Why not eat out at a café? We will listen to music, dance and then take a walk.

3.     – It’s high time you had your hair cut. You have grown it too long.

– I am having my hair cut next week.

– You can do it anytime you want, but do remember to do it.

– Don’t worry. I have made it a point already.

4.     – I don’t like waiting.

– Neither do I. Nobody likes waiting, but sometimes we have to.

– I must be an impatient person because sometimes I can’t hold my breath.

– It happens. But we have to be patient when we badly need it.

5.     – The psychologist suggested him that he listened more attentively to other people.

– Yes, he needs it. He usually speaks more than listens instead of taking turns to talk.

– Listening skill seems to be very important for communication.

– No doubt. Without this skill one gets an impression that you are not interested in what other people think.

You know, my younger brother is very sensitive and can even cry if he does not like something. But he is not stubborn, and one can always come to terms with him. It’s good that he is not jealous, and if the parents give me a present he is just as glad as I am. Generally speaking, he is an easy-going boy and always understands when I am busy and can’t play (have fun) with him. We have moved to the new house quite recently, but he has already made many friends of his age. Though he is quite small, he is a very good mixer. So we always have guests at home, who leave every room in a mess when they go. But I don’t mind it. Life would be boring without guests. And recently he fell down the stairs. Of course, if he was a more careful child he would not have fallen down. Children will be children!