YOU have detention :O

Actually i'm just testing this posting thing out to see what happens ... i'm looking for teachers also who'd like to help me build a teachers abroad network ... it's on E-teachers.ning.com ...

well any how - happy learning Jay Chou lovers :P

My husband is in the process of becoming a Mandarin/English translator here in the US. Having worked with Chinese here for a few years, I really appreciate and admire those who dedicate themselves to translating to help others in need. My husband (a Malaysian Chinese who grew up speaking English and Mandarin) posed an interesting question to me: Do you think a non-native speaker could ever become fluent enough in a second language to become a translator? Da Shan-types aside, what are the chances someone who didn't start learning Chinese until age 22 could someday be fluent enough to translate professionally?

What do you think? Does anyone have experience actually doing paid translation for a language learned as an adult? Can I set my goals that high, or should I stick with teaching ESL? Any input is appreciated!

This discussion started in a Qing Wen episode, but I want to hear some input from other people or hear about experiences related to getting your MA in Chinese Studies or Linguistics with a concentration in Chinese. 

I am interested in knowing about any program or any name of a school to look up to get my MA in Chinese language or Linguistics with a focus on Chinese. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

If you want to give me more detailed information exactly to my situation, you can read below :)

I have just moved back to the west (currently I am in Istanbul, but will be returning to the States sometime September) after living in Sichuan for 2 years. I was working as a Peace Corps volunteer in 攀枝花. I have studied Chinese informally with a tutor for about 16 hours a week for 2 years. I think I have some solid foundations in Chinese (HSK level 3). My strength are in Oral Chinese and my eagerness to learn Chinese and my obsession with Chinesepod.

I am trying to figure out the next step in my life, but one thing is for sure, in 2010/2011 I want to get my MA and preferably in Chinese language. Since I am a native German speaker, I would optimally be interested in actually doing Chinese-German translations.

Anyways, that aside, I want to know how I can start an MA in Chinese, when I have only studied Education for my undergrad. Before my 2 years in China I had no idea about the language, so I am relatively new, and though I think my level isn't the lowest in practice, on paper I don't have anything but the past 2 years to show for Chinese. I don't even have my HSK certificate (different story, but it involved having to leave China with only 4 days notice).

I am looking for programs that would be willing to take me in preferably the Sates or Europe ( I am a dual citizen, so I would actually prefer Europe, cause it'd be cheaper, but am open to anything). I am not even necessarily looking for an MA program, I am just looking for something, even a job, in which I can use my Chinese and am encouraged to continue learning it.

Why not study in China?--- Down the road, yes, but after living sooo sooo far away from everything near and dear, I just want to spend some time with laoweis and family. Also, if I could actually get an MA from an American or European school, I think it'd be better applicable to finding a job in either the US or Europe.

Thank you!