Meet Nicolas Carlier, Lingua French translator

Image courtesy of Nicolas Carlier. Used with permission.

Global Voices: Tell us about yourself—who exactly is Nicolas Carlier

On a daily basis and for the last 3 years, I have been working full-time as a Senior School Administrator. However, I started my professional life working as a freelance translator 12 years ago, after studying a degree in translations at university. Therefore, I combine two very different jobs, but they both bring me a lot in my daily life. I translate all types of documents because I like to learn every day, but I do specialise mainly in legal, medical and tourism texts. Having said that, I have had the chance to translate two literary books, which I hope to reiterate.

GV: When did you join GV and what motivated you to do so? 

If I remember correctly, I joined GV 5 years ago for the following two reasons: to improve my translation skills thanks to receiving feedback from more experienced translators, which leaves room for constant progress, and to volunteer for a group which aims at promoting access to culture and information for all. I find it revolting that, in the 21st century, we still have to pay (and sometimes a lot of money) to get access to daily news, whether this is national or international news.

GV: Tell us more about your experience as a translator for GV. What aspects of the role have made the strongest impression on you? 

I was astonished by the mutual assistance in the group. There is no competition, everyone adds their own touch to the GV project. When needed, our colleagues working for GV try to help us within their capacity and knowledge whenever we are facing a difficult word or expression to translate or to understand the gist of a text. I am extremely grateful for this, and I hope to see this dynamic continue in the long run.

GV: As our translator of the month, any words of encouragement to offer our contributors?

Persevere, organise yourself as much as possible to continue being a part of such a human and stimulating project.

1 comment

Join the conversation

Authors, please log in »

Guidelines

  • Please treat others with respect. Comments containing hate speech, obscenity, and personal attacks will not be approved.