What made you decide to become a translator or interpreter?
I have always been fluent in both Arabic and English. I moved to Australia soon after I finished school in Lebanon in 1994, so I chose to study a field that would keep me attached to my language and my roots, and something that I was already good at. I did exceptionally well in both interpreting and translation at university!!
List one strength that you think sets you apart from your colleagues.
I mastered both languages equally and received the same marks for both directions in the NAATI exam.
Name the one thing that you most enjoy in your translating or interpreting career.
Being able to apply my perfectionism...
We all have worked on those not-so-perfect assignments. Write about one such assignment that was not ideal and what you learned from it.
Worked for the Australian Federal Police for 5 months and had to deal with graphic and distressing content. I learnt that the best way to deal with the challenge is to remain detached, professional and ethical.
If you could go back in time to when you were just starting out as a translator or interpreter, what advice would you give to your younger self?
Never ever compromise on perfection, make perfection your goal, even though knowledge has no limits. Perfect with what you know and keep learning.
Name one resource – such as a phone app, CAT tool, website, and so forth – that you find especially helpful in your translating or interpreting work.