Join us in celebrating Translation Day, dedicated to the incredible work of language professionals worldwide. On this special occasion, we recognize the power of words in bridging cultures and fostering understanding. And our brilliant Translation Team. Proceed reading this article about our Translation department’s team.
But first, let’s answer the question – why do we celebrate this day?
– Because that is the feast day of St. Jerome, the patron saint of translation. He studied the Hebrew bible and translated it into Latin. Martin Luther did not approve of Jerome’s beliefs, but even he could not deny the volume of work that had been accomplished. Luther recognized his contribution by saying that St. Jerome had done more for translation than anyone had or ever would. Without his strong work ethic, the bible would never have been translated as accurately, and in turn, English bibles may have been changed completely.
St. Jerome may have done the most work on the bible, but he is not the only important translator. There have been many translators who have shaped the way the world understands classic literature, and this work continues today.
To understand more about the importance of this day, we spoke with Florencia Gomez Homeland Language Services Translation & Localization Department Manager, and with Martina Viegas Homeland Language Services Linguist Quality Specialist.
– What inspired you to become a Translator?
Florencia: I started learning English at the age of 5, by myself. And as a teenager, I started translating books and songs. (yeah, I was a fan of Guns n’ Roses) and I loved reading the story of Titanic. When I finished high school, I decided to become a doctor but for some reason, I was diverged from that path and my love for this colorful language got me into the University.
Martina: I started my English studies when I was 4 years old. And a later age, I got to the point where I didn’t want to pursue my studies, but my parents encouraged me to keep studying English. When I grew up and was in the last school year, I suddenly went into labor, and that’s how I knew I was pregnant. Unfortunately, and also by fortune, I thought my only option was to pursue the Translator’s degree. Then, I got to know that my daughter had a disability, and I was left alone with her. Being a single mom of a disabled girl at a very young age was the worst and most challenging thing I’ve ever had to experience.
– What are the important skills of a good project manager to ensure a smooth process of project implementation?
Florencia: To perform well, you have to be attentive to detail, and extremely organized, you must develop good skills to relate to your clients and co-workers but also you must prepare yourself to solve problems on the spot, not miss any deadlines, always have a Plan B at hand the very moment you receive your project. Always trust your team, and don’t do things on your own, there will always be a lower risk of failure if you work together.
Martina: Professionally speaking, start working on organization skills, teamwork, leadership, communication, negotiation, team/time/risk/budget management, motivation skills, and critical thinking, and you will be ready to be a project manager. These skills are also helpful in our personal lives: who is an excellent money administrator or who communicates effectively even when driven by our worst feelings? Don’t be afraid of challenging yourself and challenging the system!
– What advice do you have for others who may be interested in pursuing this career path?
Martina: The key is to not stop dreaming once we reach the goal. Be strong enough to make the best effort to set and achieve your goals, and then set new goals but never settle. Be grateful because you are who you are because of everything you live.
Whether it’s celebrating International Translators’ Day, exploring the rich legacy of language, or embarking on a personal and professional journey, one thing is clear—language can transform lives. It’s a tool for connection, understanding, and growth. So, embrace your dreams, challenge the system, and never stop learning because, in the world of translation, the possibilities are endless. Happy International Translation Day!
