I am a freelance scientific and medical translator working from English into French. I am relatively new to the profession, having recently decided to swap a career in scientific research for one in translation. After obtaining a degree in biochemistry, a PhD in biology and working in a number of fields as a research assistant then as a research associate, I took a professional break to become a mother. This gap gave me the opportunity to reconnect with my other major interests - languages and linguistics – and to retrain as a translator. I am currently in the process of acquiring a Diploma in Translation from the Chartered Institute of Linguists. I have decided to attend the ITI conference to learn more about the industry and to get a better idea of who my future clients might be. I am looking forward to meeting other translators, including members of the ITI North East group which I joined last year.

What I like about Newcastle

I have lived on the outskirts of Newcastle for the past six years and I feel at home here, so much that this is where my partner and I have decided to start a family. I have a soft spot for the people of Newcastle who I find friendly, affable and easy-going. I also love the bridges of Newcastle, especially where they stretch over streets rather than water. I find the sight incongruous and full of charm, the tall and narrow buildings looking precarious in the shadows of the monsters of steel and concrete looming overhead…Oh, and I love the interior of the cathedral.

Favourite places

What I prefer about Northumberland is not so much particular places but their diversity and their proximity: from my house, I can drive for an hour or less and find myself by the sea, in an area of outstanding coastline sceneries, on a boat trip to bird crowded islands, on a walk up a wind-blown hill, in a picturesque old village, inside beautifully kept walled gardens or historical buildings, among ancient Roman ruins etc…

Favourite Geordie word

As I could not think of a favourite word, I went on a digital search and came across this one: Pitmatic (or “yakka” in colloquial speech). It describes the dialect - separate from Geordie - that coalminers used in the North East in the 19^th and 20^th centuries. It might not technically be a Geordie word but it highlights the fact that Geordie is not the only local dialect and it is a reminder of the impact that the mining industry had in this area.