ITI Profile: Asma Louki
After completing my translator qualification, as a journalist, avid reader, and lover of the written word, I found myself spontaneously drawn to literary translation.
As a translator working with the English-to-Italian language pair, I was at a crossroads in my career. I knew that to stand out and highlight my dedication to the profession, joining a reputable organisation like ITI was essential. Little did I know that this decision would open a world of opportunities and resources to bolster my skills and knowledge in the field.
From the moment I joined ITI, I was impressed by the wealth of support and advice that was readily available. The newsletters, online materials, courses, and regular webinars hosted by industry experts are valuable resources at your fingertips providing you with the needed tools to excel at work. What is more, many of these resources are free of charge, making them accessible to all translators.
Collaborating with authors to bring their works to a new audience was an incredibly fulfilling experience for me. As a translator, I had the opportunity to delve deep into the nuances of a text, to understand the author's voice and intent, and to find the most viable way to convey that to a diverse set of readers. It was a challenging but immensely rewarding process, and I soon found myself immersed in a world of words and ideas that I had never experienced before.
One of the greatest joys of literary translation was the chance to collaborate closely with talented writers. Collaborating with them on their works allowed me to see firsthand the passion and dedication that goes into creating a piece of literature. It was a privilege to be able to help these authors reach a wider audience and to see their stories and ideas come to life in a new language.
I had the pleasure of collaborating with several talented writers, each with their own unique voice and perspective. From novels and short stories to academic content and essays, I have had the opportunity to translate a wide range of texts, each presenting its own set of challenges and rewards. I have learned so much from these collaborations, both about the art of translation itself and about the power of storytelling to transcend cultural and linguistic boundaries.
As a written word lover, I have always believed in the importance of communication and the power of words to connect people across diverse cultures and backgrounds. Through my work as a literary translator, I have discovered a whole new world of literature that I may never have encountered otherwise.
The joy of being able to disseminate a story, a point of view, or a fact to a wider audience by breaking down language barriers is what drives me to excel in my translator and journalist career. While the journey has not always been easy, the satisfaction that comes from connecting people through the power of language is immeasurable.
Looking ahead, I am excited about the prospect of continuing to collaborate with talented authors and expanding my portfolio. Whether it is collaborating with talented authors, working on challenging translation projects, or authoring impactful articles, I am eager to continue growing and learning in this field. With the support of organisations like ITI and the wealth of resources available to me, I am confident that I can achieve my goals and make a positive impact through my work. The journey may be challenging, but the rewards are well worth the effort.