Why Being Bilingual Doesn’t Automatically Make You a Translator

As a native English speaker who works in translation, people often assume that if someone speaks two languages fluently, they’re automatically qualified to be a translator. But that’s far from the truth.

Speaking two languages means you can communicate. But translating — especially when it comes to legal documents, academic writing, or creative texts — is a much deeper craft. It’s not just about knowing words in two languages; it’s about understanding tone, register, intention, and cultural context.

I work closely with native Serbian speakers to ensure every translation is both accurate and naturally written. But it’s my job to shape the final English version so it reads as if it was originally written that way. That takes years of editorial experience, deep cultural awareness, and a commitment to clarity and tone.

I’ve seen what happens when translations are done by people who are “just bilingual.” Resumes sound awkward. Important documents get rejected. Even marketing loses its impact. Why? Because being bilingual doesn’t mean you know how to write well — or translate with purpose.

At Balkan-Translations, we don’t just swap words from one language to another. We work as a team — combining native knowledge of Serbian and Bosnian with professional English editing — to ensure your message is delivered with precision, style, and the cultural nuance it deserves.

Translation is not just a language skill. It’s a writing skill. And that’s where we shine.