1. What languages do you speak?
Italian (my native tongue) English, and French
2. How and why did you become a translator?
I chose to become a translator when I was a child, at the age of 13, after seeing an advertisement from an interpreters’ school.
The reason? I have always loved my native language, Italian, and then the love for translation was transmitted to me by all of my English and French teachers in middle school, high school and at the interpreters’ school. I was lucky enough to meet special ones.
3. What do you like most about being a part of the EC Innovations’ Community? / What do you enjoy most about working with EC Innovations?
Flexibility.
PMs are available at any time if I have a doubt and they are always able to find a solution. Furthermore, the jobs they assign to me are always interesting and challenging.
4. How has your localization project manager helped you to do your best work?
As I previously said, they provide me with the tools to do the job perfectly, I just have to do my best.
5. What’s the most interesting content you’ve translated?
In 30 years of work, I have translated all types of content in various fields and disciplines. However, the two most interesting ones are undoubtedly a book about the culture and territory of South Korea and an extraordinary story of a family at the time of colonialism in Libya. Not to mention the translations on the latest discoveries in the medical field.
6. What skills do you find critical to be an excellent translator?
The curiosity that allows you to learn and know, the ability both to adapt to the needs of the customer and to listen to the customer. And finally, the desire to adapt to new technologies.
7. What is your favorite non-English word and why is it your favorite?
That is precisely, “curiosità”, the desire to be curious. Because it is the basis of knowledge.
8. What do you like to do outside of work? How do you achieve work-life balance?
Singing in a choir. It is the moment when I dream, and I am in harmony with others.
I make a list of things to do always having in mind what the priorities are.
9. Things that visitors to your area should not miss?
The proximity in a small area of the sea (the Adriatic Sea), mountains (Majella and Gran Sasso), lakes (Barrea, Scanno etc.), and wonderful historic villages (Pescocostanzo, Rivisondoli, etc.). All within a few kilometers. Having the opportunity to ski in winter and watch the sea at the same time (Passolanciano) is an almost unique thing in the world.
10. What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received? / What advice would you give to translators who are just starting out?
Study, study and study.
As far as advice is concerned, never get tired of being curious…Curiosity comes back here too. In a few words, there is a world to discover and knowing how to best use a word allows those who do not know that language to read and understand it. What luck and, at the same time, what a fantastic service to do for the benefit of others. If you have this in mind you can set out on this fantastic adventure.
