Well, well, well, look who’s taken the helm of TranslationsInLondon. That’s right, folks, we’ve got a new PM in town, and her name is Yiota. Hailing all the way from Greece, this linguistic powerhouse is taking the translation world by storm. We sat down for a Cuppa with Yiota to get the inside scoop on her journey to the top, her vision for the future of TranslationsInLondon, and of course, her go-to brew for a Tuesday morning pick-me-up. Get ready to be inspired, informed, and maybe even a little bit jealous of this rising star in the translation game.
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about your background and how you got into the translation industry?
A: Hey there! So, I’m originally from Greece and, as luck would have it, I made the big move to the UK in 2020 right smack in the middle of a global pandemic. Crazy, right? Despite the circumstances, I’m happy to say I’ve settled in quite nicely.
Back in my uni days, I studied French language and literature at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Then, I went on to get my MA in Audiovisual Translation at Roehampton. These days, I work as a subtitler in the Creative Industries and I absolutely love it. But that’s not all I do – I’m also a drama teacher at an after-school club called Arteach. It’s so rewarding to see kids explore their creativity and express themselves through the arts.
In my free time, you can usually find me with my nose in a classic novel or catching the latest flick at the cinema. And don’t even get me started on theatre – there’s just something so magical about experiencing a live performance.
But what really gets me going is learning about new cultures and their quirks. I’ve always been fascinated by languages and how they shape the way we think and interact with the world around us. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love discovering fun facts about different countries? It’s like a little mental adventure!
Q: In your opinion, what makes Greek a unique language to translate?
A: The Greek language is renowned for its richness, expressiveness, and creativity. Its unique alphabet and sound distinguish it from other Indo-European languages, making it a fascinating subject of study for linguists and scholars alike.
One of the many unique features of Greek is the abundance of expressions and words that perfectly capture the Greek spirit. These idioms and sayings often encapsulate complex emotions or experiences in a way that is difficult to convey in other languages. The challenge of finding the best translation while preserving the original meaning is one that many translators relish, as it allows them to delve into the nuances of language and explore the intricacies of other cultures.
Overall, the Greek language represents a rich and rewarding area of study for those who appreciate the subtleties and complexities of language. Its unique features and expressions offer endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.
Q: What do you consider to be the biggest challenges when translating Greek content into other languages?
A: Language is a complex and multifaceted system that varies widely across cultures and regions. Despite the many similarities that exist between languages, there are often subtle nuances and expressions that are unique to a particular language or culture.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Greek language is the existence of words that are difficult or impossible to translate into other languages. These words are often culturally specific and reflect the unique experiences and perspectives of a particular group of people. They may describe emotions, experiences, or concepts that are difficult to express in other languages.
Even when a translation is possible, it can be a challenge to capture the full meaning of the original word in just a few words or phrases. This is especially true in subtitling, where space is limited and the translator must convey the full meaning of the original dialogue in just a few lines.
Translators who are able to rise to this challenge are able to help bridge the gaps between cultures and languages, enabling people to connect and communicate across borders and barriers.
Q: How do you stay current with the evolving terminology and phrases in the Greek language?
A: As someone who has moved from Greece to London, I make a conscious effort to stay informed about current affairs in my home country. To achieve this, I frequently read books and articles in Greek. Not only does this help me stay up-to-date, but it also often introduces me to new words and expressions that I was not previously aware of.
In addition to reading, I believe that getting involved in the Greek community, regardless of where you are in the world, is key to maintaining a strong connection to the culture and people. Immersing oneself in the community can provide a unique perspective and a deeper understanding of the language and its nuances.
In short, staying informed and getting involved in the Greek community are crucial for maintaining a connection to one’s culture and language. As a translator, working with native speakers is essential for ensuring accurate and nuanced translations that capture the true essence of the original text.
Q: How do you approach cultural differences and ensure that the translated content accurately conveys the intended meaning?
A: I often try to find equivalent expressions in the target language when translating. This approach helps ensure accuracy and cultural nuance. However, if an equivalent expression is not possible, other strategies may need to be employed. The goal is to use the most effective approach for each individual project.
Q: In your experience, what do clients often overlook when it comes to translating content from Greek to another language?
Transliteration is always a challenge when trying to translate Greek proper names or titles into another language. We have to be consistent with the pronunciation but also to keep in mind any official guidelines and pre-translations.
Q: Can you share any tips or advice for those looking to enter the translation industry, specifically for Greek translation?
A: My advice for aspiring translators is to persevere and never give up. At the outset, the work can be challenging, but maintaining focus, doing thorough research, and cultivating connections within the industry can all help pave the way to success. In addition to staying current with trends in the field, it’s important to be well-read and knowledgeable about the subjects you’re translating. While rejection and unanswered queries are par for the course, if you’re committed to this profession, you’ll ultimately find your niche and achieve your goals.