1. What languages do you speak?
Although I have studied and used English for many years and am currently engaged in English-Chinese/Chinese-English translation, I dare not say that I have truly mastered either of them.
2. How and why did you become a translator?
I have been interested in language learning since I was young. Although I chose a science and engineering major in university, I spent most of my time in jobs that required language skills after graduation, and I was often required to do translation and interpretation. So at some stage, I naturally thought of changing my profession to a freelance translator.
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?
ECI is a professional and mature translation company, whose clients include various well-known local and global enterprises. ECI’s business covers a wide range of professional fields, which provides translators with a broad space for development and improvement. The cooperation process between ECI and the translator is clear. The employees of all departments have provided professional and efficient support for translators, making ECI an excellent partner.
4. How has your localization project manager helped you to do your best work?
The project managers of ECI are professional, efficient, and friendly, from preparing all kinds of reference materials in the early stage of translation to returning the reviewed translation afterward, they serve as a bridge between translators and clients during the process, helping me to finish my work smoothly while assisting in my continuous learning and improving.
5. What’s the most interesting content you’ve translated?
Because of my engineering background, my current assignments are mainly technical translation, but I am also interested in marketing content for they offer me opportunities to get in touch with new things beyond my familiar life. I once translated the content of the APP for a famous automobile brand. In addition to introducing the design details of luxury vehicles pursuing the ultimate as well as the refreshing luxury goods (such as the cigar wrapped with gold foil), I also introduced unique architectural designs around the world, such as the floating eco-hotel using solar energy, wind energy, and tidal energy to generate electricity, the exhibition hall using negative carbon structure, and the off-grid residential building built with recycled tires and rammed earth, etc. Although it takes a lot of time to verify translation accuracy, it also opened my eyes, as if I had gone through an in-depth tour.
6. What skills do you find critical to be an excellent translator?
In my opinion, to be an excellent translator, fast learning and searching skills are also essential besides language skills.
7. What is your favorite non-English word and why is it your favorite?
(For native Chinese speakers, this question may be: What is your favorite non-Chinese vocabulary? I haven’t thought of it for the moment…)
8. What do you like to do outside of work? How do you achieve work-life balance?
I used to be a foodie who loved to taste and make all kinds of Chinese and western cuisines. I also liked music and taught myself a variety of musical instruments. However, since I became a freelance translator with limited ability, I always think hard to complete my translation to my own satisfaction, so I gradually get away from food and music. In terms of balancing work and life, I still need to adjust my mentality and improve my time management.
9. What are things that visitors to your area should not miss?
If you travel to Hangzhou, West Lake is naturally a must-see attraction. You might as well sit by West Lake, enjoying tea while the panoramic view of the lakes and mountains. It is also advisable to bypass the visitor’s must-see spots and go to the nearby mountain roads or alleys to feel the beauty and customs of the south of the Yangtze River.
10. What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
What advice would you give to translators who are just starting out?
When I resigned from a company years ago, the boss of the company at that time said to me earnestly: Never give up learning English! To my shame, I’ve basically stagnated for so many years. Although I’ve been using English in my work, I’ve made little progress due to the lack of deliberate study. I believe that in this changing world, lifelong learning is essential for both newcomers and stagers.
