6 November 2013

The ultimate translation interview: Chris Durban by Katarzyna Slobodzian-Taylor

If you are planning to read only one translation-related post this month, or even this year, do make sure it is this one: Translators' Wall of Fame: Chris Durban.

I fell upon this post in the Mastermind Translations blog thanks to Catherine Christaki, and I found it hugely inspiring. The interview has a fantastic texture and feel to it. It holds every reason why I want to be a freelance translator and puts forward a sort of ideal picture of what I want to be when I grow up professionally. I can only thank Katarzyna Slobodzian-Taylor, and of course, Chris Durban herself, for reinforcing my urge to work harder, learn more and do things better. I really hope you enjoy it too!

4 comments:

  1. Chris is just amazing, such an inspiration for translators and every tip she gives in her presentations is a gem. If you see a conference where she's giving a talk or a seminar, definitely attend it, your head will be full ideas afterward! :)

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    1. I certainly look forward to attending one of Chris's talks if I ever have the chance!

      And by the way, Catherine, thanks a lot for this tip and for so many others, particularly in the weekly favourites. It's a really valuable resource of both knowledge and motivation. I missed you last week! Hopefully next year I will be at the ATA conference too...

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  2. Hi Veronica,

    I'm glad you enjoyed the interview. Meeting Chris was a great experience for me at both professional and personal levels. Her story inspired me and, most of all, motivated to work harder to be even a better translator. I hope I managed to show it in the interview. Thank you for your kind words and sharing the link with others. Good luck with your translation career!

    Best wishes,

    Kasia

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    1. Thank you, Kasia! I had the same feeling when I read the interview, so congratulations for managing to put across what you wanted to put across! As for sharing, I know there are quite a few newcomers who read my blog, and I thought your interview was exactly the kind of thing that can make a difference when you are starting out. Not that I don't think veterans would enjoy it, but sometimes it's hard to get some perspective when you are starting out, and looking at a long career like Chris's is great to give you a sense of what life (rather than a year or two) as a translator may be like.

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