--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: To me a translator is very, very…" description: "\"To me a translator is very, very important. If the fixer is also the translator, so much the better. I have known photographers who didn't speak the la..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c18/peter-menzel-19533_common_to-me-a-translator-is-very-very-importan_2232032.jpg" --- # To me a translator is very, very important. If the fixer… ![“To me a translator is very, very important. If the fixer is also the translator, so much the better. I have known photographers who didn't speak the language and would work in a place for weeks without one, getting by on common sense and smiles. But how many situations did they miss because they…” quote by Peter Menzel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c18/peter-menzel-19533_common_to-me-a-translator-is-very-very-importan_2232032.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c18/peter-menzel-19533_common_to-me-a-translator-is-very-very-importan_2232032.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c18/peter-menzel-19533_common_to-me-a-translator-is-very-very-importan_2232032.jpg) > “To me a translator is very, very important. If the fixer is also the translator, so much the better. I have known photographers who didn't speak the language and would work in a place for weeks without one, getting by on common sense and smiles. But how many situations did they miss because they couldn't talk to someone and get the back story on details, small daily life things, etc.” [Peter Menzel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peter-menzel/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A translator who also serves as a fixer bridges language gaps, enabling deeper storytelling and accurate context for visual projects. **In simple terms:** Translators who also fix problems improve storytelling. Key Takeaway Combine translation and local knowledge for richer work. Themes communication collaboration accuracy Mood practical insightful Type professional educational When to use this quote - photojournalism - field research - documentary filmmaking - anthropology Key Concepts cross‑cultural mediation visual storytelling Questions to Reflect On - How can teams ensure diverse perspectives? - What safeguards prevent misinterpretation? A Different Perspective Relying on a single person may create bias or over‑dependence. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Common sense](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/common-sense/) [Daily life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/daily-life/) [Fixers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fixers/) [Language](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/language/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Photographer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/photographer/) [Stories](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/stories/) [Translators](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/translators/) [Week](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/week/) ## Related quotes > [Without translation, I would be limited to the borders of my own country. The translator is my most important ally. 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