How did you come across Apostroph and what prompted you to stay?
I worked at Global Translations on Lake Biel for a long time and of course the company was then taken over by Apostroph. After two years of working as a freelancer, I accepted a part-time position at Apostroph in Bern, working 50 per cent, and I am really excited about being part of a team again.
Which languages do you work with and which areas do you specialise in? What kind of texts do you translate?
Well, I translate and proofread almost exclusively from German into French as this is very definitely my strongest combination. Most of all, I like working on texts from tourism, culture and marketing/advertising. I find transcreation incredibly exciting because it allows me to live out my creative side.
What do you like about languages and translation?
We build bridges and make communication possible across all (language) barriers. Translations are also absolutely essential in literature and film and give us access to the artistic work of other linguistic and cultural areas. I think the task of dubbing films must also be pretty fascinating: actors giving others their language and voice. That is very similar to what we do as translators.
Has anything at work or in life been challenging or exciting you recently?
You sometimes have to work under considerable time pressure but that doesn’t mean you can miss a typo or a double blank. That can be very challenging. But what I love about my work is that I often get to deal with contemporary topics from all kinds of areas.
What do you most look forward to doing when you wake up in the morning?
My first cup of coffee! Although it’s not something you really do, is it? But in my case it’s certainly a necessity. :-)
Do you have any funny stories from your time at Apostroph?
I find it funny that after all these years I’m once more working with colleagues and freelancers I know from the past.
You know what they say about all work and no play. What do you like doing in your private life and in your free time?
As soon as I get a free minute, I grab a book and immerse myself in another world. And I try to do sport once or twice a week.
What book is on your bedside table and what’s your favourite listening on a relaxing Sunday morning?
Most of all I like reading Scandinavian crime fiction, but I also read extensively on personality development. We’ve always got music on at home – and all kinds of different genres, depending on who switches Spotify on. :-)
Did you enjoy reading this post? Would you like to read more about the people of Apostroph?
Send us an email to freelance@apostrophgroup.ch.
