1. What languages do you speak?
Chinese and English.
2. How and why did you become a translator?
I learned English at an early age. I majored in English linguistics in college. After graduation, I made a targeted choice to work in a translation company. I was determined to do something I love all my life, so I have been engaged in this profession for 15 years.
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?
What impressed me most is that ECI’s PAs/PMs are very professional and familiar with my expertise, thus greatly improving the efficiency of both sides. The delivery date can be arranged according to the specific situation, which is humanized. The proofreaders are native speakers. Learning the edited content can also help me improve my English skills effectively.
4. How has your localization project manager helped you to do your best work?
Before the assignment, I will receive detailed instructions. For any problems during translation, they can get the clients’ replies in time. I remember once, the tool Trados went wrong suddenly, and all the translated text of more than 10,000 words disappeared. Tara (the PM) helped me contact the engineering team in time, which really helped me a lot. Thank you very much, Tara.
5. What’s the most interesting content you’ve translated?
An auto information APP. I didn’t know about this APP until I was translating it. After I installed and used it, I found it really useful, and the information provided is authoritative.
6. What skills do you find critical to be an excellent translator?
I think it is necessary to have a thorough understanding of the source language. For example, when translating a product, we must be familiar with the product first, and we may use it by ourselves as well. Then, it is necessary to check the official information frequently. Because my translation field is relatively professional, it is essential to check relevant information to make sure the target language is as authentic and accurate as possible.
7. What is your favorite non-English word and why is it your favorite?
“自律 (self-discipline)”. There are too many temptations in the world. Only self-discipline can make you a better person.
8. What do you like to do outside of work? How do you achieve work-life balance?
I take my baby out to play or watch a movie. During holidays, if not for an urgent job, my time is usually reserved for family members.
9. What are things that visitors to your area should not miss?
The Tianjing Lake Scenic Area, a national AAAA-level tourist scenic spot, has pleasant scenery and safe amusement facilities. There is a natural well in the middle of the lake, which is one meter higher than the water level of the lake all year round. There is lots of delicious food sold on Tongling Pedestrian Street. By the way, the noodles in Tongling are spicy and delicious, which is absolutely unique.
10. What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received? What advice would you give to translators who are just starting out?
Specialization. Translation involves various fields. To maintain competitive advantages, you need to identify several fields you are good at and master rich professional knowledge, so that you can translate effortlessly like insiders. Of course, language skills are the foundation. For newcomers, practice makes perfect. Reading the translation is not enough. They need to translate frequently and pay attention to the feedback provided by native proofreaders to understand the thinking and expression of foreigners.
