20 (or so) questions on how Charles Ek works
This series of posts was inspired by Lifehacker’s How I Work series, which I’ve been reading for quite some time and thoroughly enjoy. It’s about time we discover how our colleagues work and get to know them a little better.
If you want to participate in this fun series, email us at info@linguagreca.com for the Word template where you can fill in your answers & bio (incl. site/blog/social media) and then send it back to us as an attachment along with your photo (optional but preferred). If you don’t like any of the questions, just delete them and add your own. Check out the previous interviews here.
Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Desired location: San Francisco, California
Current work title: Certified Translator
Desired work title: Dunder Mifflin’s employee of the month
Languages you have studied or currently speak: English & Spanish
The project you’re most proud of: Proofreading a super interesting book about adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Your current computer setup: PC Laptop and iMAC (I love my two screens)
Do you own a smartphone? Yes! Can you be a translator without one?
Favorite time of the day: I’m a morning person 🙂
Favorite gadget (apart from computer & smartphone): A smart boyfriend
Next conference/event you’re planning to attend: ATA’s 2015 Conference
How many hours per day do you usually work: 30/40
Are you an introvert or an extrovert? I’m an extrovert shower singer and an introvert translator.
Are you an early-riser or a night-owl? Both if the coffee is good.
What do you listen to while you work? Everything from Tango to Brazilian samba and songs in Toba language.
Bonus question for localizers
Tell us a bit about your localization values: Having lived in both Spanish and English speaking countries, and being exposed to various cultures, makes me familiar with idiomatic and formal usage, and highly accomplished at localizing messages for the Hispanic audience.
And a few non-work related questions to get more personal.
Your babies or pets, incl. names and ages: No kids yet and very interested in knowing how to become a freelance translator/mom; a.k.a: super woman.
Next city/country you want to visit: Salta, Argentina
Favorite vacation place: Oaxaca, Mexico and Granada, Nicaragua
Favorite book: “The Sun Also Rises” by Ernest Hemingway
Favorite song: El Rito, by Tonolec in Toba language.
What are you currently reading? “El juego de ripper” by Isabel Allende
Author bio
Maria Labaca: I am Certified English to Spanish translator, originally from Argentina, specializing in marketing and media translations. I lived in San Francisco for 6 years, where I got my degree in linguistics and a certification in translation. I work for advertising and marketing agencies, private companies, NGOs and similar types of clients. One of my recent localization projects involved creating Spanish versions of brochures and press releases that aimed to promote green business policies in companies around the world. I also enjoy studying new languages and doing linguistic fieldwork involving indigenous languages. I’m getting my masters in “Language Sciences” in Buenos Aires and I’m looking forward to keep studying communication and understanding how we communicate in order to better translate. www.mlspanish.com. @mlspanish
About the author
Catherine Christaki has been a full-time English-Greek translator since 2001 and co-owner of Lingua Greca Translations since 2012. She specializes in Information Technology, Medical, and Technical texts and loves writing for the Adventures in Technical Translation blog. She regularly shares her experience and insight on social media and blogging for translators, giving interviews and presenting at conferences. Connect with her on Twitter @LinguaGreca.
You may also like
Maria’s concern on parenting reflects my views exactly!