昨日、お世話になっているQ社の忘年会に出席したところ、お向かいに座った社長のAさんが僕を別の方にご紹介いただいた中で、「鈴木さん、翻訳ストレッチの努力をずっと続けられて・・・」とお褒めの言葉をいただいた。その話をお聞きしながら、僕が続けているのは単にこれが好きだからであって、そういう類いの継続を「努力」という、何か価値のありそうな文脈の中で褒められ、飾られてしまったよいのだろうかと、恐縮しながら思ったものである。
Yesterday, I attended the year-end party of Q Company, a firm I deeply respect. There, sitting opposite me was Ms. A, the president, who introduced me to another attendee. During this introduction, she complimented me, saying, "'Translation Stretch' is something Mr. Suzuki has been persistently dedicated to..." Here, 'Translation Stretch' refers to a pre-translation warm-up routine, akin to stretching exercises before physical activity, that I engage in before delving into my translation work. As I heard her words, I contemplated whether this personal ritual, framed as a dedicated effort, should be highlighted and praised in such a manner, suggesting significant value. I felt honored, yet simultaneously humbled by her words of appreciation.
