What led you to the language industry and your current position?

My passion for languages and education naturally led me to the language industry. Growing up, I was always fascinated by the power of language to bridge cultures and communicate ideas. My love for French, in particular, deepened as I pursued my Bachelor of Education with French as my major. I realized the importance of preserving the integrity and richness of the language. Having taught French at the high school level for 10 years, this passion drove me to become a French Curriculum Specialist, where I focus on developing effective, culturally relevant educational materials that make the language accessible and engaging for learners.

Simultaneously, my interest in translation grew as I recognized the crucial role it plays in connecting people across linguistic barriers. As a Sesotho-French/English freelance translator, I am able to combine my linguistic skills with my dedication to accuracy and nuance, ensuring that messages are conveyed with clarity and respect for the original context. Being part of the language industry allows me to contribute to a world where communication is seamless and understanding is deepened, which is both fulfilling and inspiring.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

As a curriculum specialist, I love the challenge of creating educational materials that are not only effective, but also engaging and culturally relevant. The process of designing curriculum requires a deep understanding of language, pedagogy, and the needs of learners, which keeps me constantly learning and evolving. There’s a unique joy in knowing that the resources I create will help students connect with the French language in meaningful ways, opening doors to new opportunities and cultural understanding.

In my work as a Sesotho freelance translator, and member of Women in Localization, I relish the precision and creativity required to convey the essence of a message from one language to another. Translation is not just about substituting words; it’s about capturing the nuance, tone, and cultural context of the original text. I enjoy the problem-solving aspect of translation, where every project presents a new challenge and the opportunity to deepen my linguistic skills. Being able to contribute to cross-cultural communication and making information accessible to a broader audience is incredibly rewarding, and it’s what keeps me passionate about my work every day.