Women in translation — shattering stereotypes
In a quest to celebrate the remarkable women within our community, I embarked on a series of interviews ahead of International Women’s Day. Their insights not only captivated but profoundly inspired me, and what started as a quest to honor unsung heroines evolved into a journey of empowerment. Read on for the stories of four extraordinary women who show us the indomitable spirit of womanhood.
Valérie Revolu — terminologist, mother, and drummer
Clients don’t care so much about gender; they need skilled linguists… I am really proud to show that women are not just good at using a vacuum cleaner; they can name all the parts in it!
We start with a remarkable lady, Valérie Revolu, a terminologist and proud solo mother of two teenagers, who resides in the tranquil countryside of Gers, France. Her days blend familial devotion with personal pursuits and a thirst for knowledge. “My bedside book is Bridget Jones’s Diary which I have read 2,000 times. I am secretly in love with Dave Grohl from the Foo Fighters. I play the drums and I am learning to play the piano. But my favorite hobby is eating M&M’s while watching Netflix.”
Valérie’s linguistic expertise spans English to French (France and Canada), with aspirations to expand into German and Spanish. Armed with Master’s degrees in translation and international education science, her journey into linguistics was punctuated by a detour into education.
I asked each one of the ladies how they manage to stay motivated in a field that, let’s admit, is far from easy. And I loved every single answer. One theme they all had in common, but I’ll let you discover it yourself.
“Indeed, the translation industry is far from easy. What keeps me motivated is that good translators can make a difference in the crowd, no matter if you are a man or a woman. Clients do not care so much about gender; they need skilled linguists, who have deep knowledge of specific fields. Of course, some can be surprised that a woman masters electricity or industrial maintenance topics, but they don’t dwell too long on that, and they don’t offer her lower rates. I am really proud to show that women are not just good at using a vacuum cleaner; they can name all the parts in it!”
Her answer is reverberating in my mind, with each word carrying its own weight.
Valérie’s inspirational figure is Simone Veil, renowned for her advocacy for abortion rights and her resilience as a survivor of Auschwitz. Veil’s groundbreaking achievements, including becoming the first female president of the European Council, exemplify her unwavering courage and determination to improve the lives of others. “What struck me the most was seeing her in the Assemblée Nationale, a woman on the platform in front of a male audience, live on TV, and not faltering during her 40-minute speech! She was a feminist who understood how to work with men, not against them, and with politicians and people from all sides for the better good. She had to deal with her share of opposition and threats, but she always remained poised and dignified, working so hard to achieve what she believed in.”
Valérie has a powerful International Women’s Day message for our community “I would say that we must keep on the hard work and be proud to help disseminate knowledge in so many different fields. Women can translate anything, inspirational speeches, and medical research, and can gather (and understand) all possible information about power drills to build a comprehensive glossary. We have busy lives, dealing with so many things every day, as a mom, a friend, a community member. So let’s not be afraid to use all of our experience and face new challenges.”
Ioanna — Reviewer, Graphic Designer, and mother of two furry souls
Navigating the translation industry, for me, is like trying to sail in constantly changing winds… As languages evolve and new jargon appears like mushrooms after rain in various fields, the quest for knowledge is never-ending.
Our second interviewee, Iohanna, embodies a fascinating fusion of cultures, hailing from a lineage of Japanese immigrants while being born in the vibrant landscapes of Brazil. “I grew up in the 90s using some Japanese words at home without even realizing they were Japanese words. This linguistic mix-up led to some funny (others, not-so-funny) incidents at school where people didn’t understand something I said.”
Transitioning from Biomedical Engineering to the dynamic realm of Graphic Design, Iohanna found her calling in the fluidity of artistic expression. Her role at Unbabel, initially a financial lifeline, blossomed into a platform for personal and professional growth. Immersed in the evolving landscape of translation, she navigates its challenges with resilience and a thirst for knowledge.
“These days, I’m settled in the south of Brazil, sharing my life with a dog who’s perpetually on a happiness high and a cat who is a furry bundle of grump. As for me, I’m comfortably nestled in the middle, living a story that is part-sitcom, part-drama, and entirely mine.”
I’ve asked Ioanna how she came to work in translations. “I’ve always been enchanted by the melody of the English language, so diving into it has been more of a joyride than a struggle for me. But honestly, I never planned on working in translation; it was more like stumbling upon a hidden treasure than charting a course to it. Since then, I’ve studied and learned a lot, and have also come to appreciate my native language even more.”
Speaking about how she manages to stay motivated, Ioanna says: “Navigating the translation industry, for me, is like trying to sail in constantly changing winds — exciting yet challenging, not only when aiming to consistently deliver highly accurate translations, but also when grappling with the ebbs and flows of demand. As languages evolve and new jargon appears like mushrooms after rain in various fields, the quest for knowledge is never-ending. Nevertheless, I believe that maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential. Carving out time for a jog, a coffee with friends, or even a bizarre hobby isn’t just good for the soul; it’s one special secret weapon for keeping perspective. Additionally, I find it beneficial to try to think about the impact of my work. With each task, I envision myself helping to solve someone’s problem or, depending on the situation, contributing to someone else’s education or entertainment.”
Inspired by Nise da Silveira’s groundbreaking work in mental health care, Iohanna champions compassion and innovation in her own endeavors. “She was one of the first Brazilian women to obtain a medical degree (born in 1905) and advocated for a more compassionate approach during a time when procedures like lobotomies and electroconvulsive therapy were the norm. She introduced art and expression through images as therapeutic tools, helping those who struggled to communicate their feelings and thoughts verbally. Not only that, but she was also a pioneer in the use of animals in mental health therapy because she understood the profound healing benefits they could offer. Her visionary work changed not only psychiatric care in Brazil but also prompted a global re-evaluation of how we treat mental health. She was, in fact, a rebel with a cause, defying expectations with grace and determination.”
Raquel Duato Garcia — annotator, terminologist, and mother
I love my work. That’s the only secret. I love working with languages.
We’re now journeying to Spain with Raquel, a mother of two, who found inspiration in her family’s embrace and her husband’s unwavering support. A fortunate encounter with Latin during her formative years ignited a love for translation, setting her on a path led by language and literature. Her dreams, once mere whispers, now stand as proof of triumph.
“My dream was to translate a book (Achieved! And more than once!) and an even wilder dream was to have the chance to translate Oscar Wilde, my favourite British author (Achieved! Yaaay!). In this ever-changing world, another dream was to be able to work with something I love: languages”.
I asked Raquel about how she stays inspired and motivated in such a tough industry, and she responded: “I love my work. That’s the only secret. I love working with languages. I love seeing the result of my work in the customer marketing campaigns, websites, or product manuals and feeling that I am helping to connect people that don’t speak the same language.”
Asked about a woman who inspires her, Raquel mentioned Marie Curie, an icon of resilience and determination whose legacy continues to reverberate even today. Through the translation of Marie Curie’s thesis, Raquel found herself awestruck by the achievements of this pioneering woman. “I was impressed with the amazing work of this woman in a field such as chemistry and in a time when the world was ruled mostly by men and women weren’t supposed to study or do this kind of work.”
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, Raquel’s message to us resounds with clarity and conviction:
“If you keep trying and trying, you will reap the rewards”
Edwige — reviewer, mother, and musician
I make it a point of honor to do my very best for all the translation tasks I perform, whether small or large, always paying attention to details.
We now delve into Edwige’s world, a French reviewer and a mother of three in the serene Dordogne countryside, where nature soothes her soul. Edwige’s passions extend far beyond the realm of translation, encompassing a love for music, nature, and the nurturing of her family. In her leisure moments, Edwige finds peaceful moments in the company of her loyal canine companion, embarking on strolls in the splendor of her surroundings. A virtuoso of the musical arts, she finds joy in the harmonious melodies of her cello and clarinet, lending her to be part of not one, but three musical bands.
Specializing in the English language, Edwige’s expertise is enriched by her academic background in French Law. Initially embarking on her career path after completing her studies, she temporarily sidelined her professional aspirations to embrace the joys of motherhood, dedicating herself wholeheartedly to the upbringing of her three children.
Upon re-entering the fray of professional translation, Edwige found herself confronted with a landscape transformed by the internet:
“The internet made things both easier and harder. It was easier to contact new clients, but the competition with other translators was also harder. I make it a point of honor to do my very best for all the translation tasks I perform, whether small or large, always paying attention to details. Most of all, I love translating, because I know it is very useful work. Translators are kind of a bridge between people not speaking the same language.”
Asked about a woman who inspires her, Edwige said she pays homage to Jane Macpherson, the guiding light that illuminated her path, who first gave her a chance to prove her translating skills. “She was the helping hand that opened the translation world door for me. She left us a couple of years ago. I will always be grateful to her, and hold her in my heart.”
Edwige’s message to us for International Women’s Day is something we should all remind ourselves regularly: “Quality and professionalism will always be recognized and rewarded”, she affirms, “Work hard, be professional, and never give up!”.
Across diverse fields spanning from arts to law and biomedical engineering, the remarkable journeys of these four women have left an indelible mark on me, defying expectations at every turn. Their achievements have left me awe-inspired, humbled, and profoundly grateful not only for having the opportunity to discover and share with you their stories but also for realizing what multitalented ladies we have in our community.
In these wonderful stories, we find echoes of our own aspirations and dreams, a demonstration of the enduring power of the human spirit to transcend barriers and forge new paths in pursuit of our deepest desires. As we celebrate the achievements of women like Raquel, Edwige, Valerie, and Ioanna, let us be inspired to chart our own course, guided by hope and possibility.
Happy International Women’s Day to all of you!
