What languages do you speak?
Arabic, Catalan, English, French and Spanish
How and why did you become a translator?
When I was studying Pharmacy, I translated scientific articles for myself. When friends became aware of the translations, they started to ask me to translate abstracts, articles, book chapters and so on for them. After that, I moved to Translation and interpretation and I started to work as scientific translator for a patent’s agency located in Barcelona. That was 20 years ago.
What do you like most about being a part of the EC Innovations’ Community? / What do you enjoy most about working with EC Innovations?
The opportunity to collaborate with an agency that can translate current scientific content and with a great team of Project Manager.
How has your localization project manager helped you to do your best work?
Good communication with them. Project documentation and information is complete and sent on time.
What’s the most interesting content you’ve translated?
Scientific translations are exciting for me and patents on new drugs or medical procedures allow me to keep up to date with the latest innovations.
What skills do you find critical to be an excellent translator?
I consider a good knowledge of the subject to be translated as well as the ability to search for information, tenacity in the work. Proofreading and checking the texts to be delivered is an important part of our work as translators.
What is your favorite non-English word and why is it your favorite?
“Seny” is a Catalan word that has several meanings: to apply good judgement when making decisions, to keep one’s temper in difficult situations, to be restrained in one’s actions, among others.
What do you like to do outside of work? How do you achieve work-life balance?
I love reading, photography, spending free time with my loved ones, travelling and discovering other places. I like gardening but I confess that I am not very good at it, but I don’t give up.
Being self-employed it is sometimes difficult to achieve the perfect work-life balance but it is possible.
Things that visitors to your area should not miss?
Barcelona is an impressive city to visit. “Modernist” architecture is present in every corner of the Eixample and none of them should be missed. I would recommend to not leave Barcelona without visiting La Casa Batlló, La Pedrera and all the gothic quarter.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received? / What advice would you give to translators who are just starting out?
I was advised to get deep into the texts to be translated and it works.
The advice I would give is to enjoy every translation assignment you receive. Read, understand, look for the best options to deliver a good translation. Sometimes this work can be hard, complicated and time-consuming, but with each new translation you get renewed energy to tackle a new text.
