Meet the Community: Christina D.

Meet Christina D., a Portuguese interpreter from Mississippi, USA. Christina has over 10 years experience as an interpreter, working with Lionbridge for over five of those years. Her professionalism is a true example of what makes a Lionbridge qualified interpreter exceptional. Read on to find out more about Christina. 

What do you like most about being a part of the Lionbridge Community?

What I like the most about being a Portuguese interpreter in the Lionbridge Community is that I am a voice for people in need. I am able to tell their stories to other people, word for word. Their stories, failures and successes make me become even more interested in my important role as an interpreter. 

How did you get into the industry? 

I speak four languages fluently and when I moved to the United States in 2014, I found Lionbridge. I got into Lionbridge's Community in December 2014 when I went to Washington on a trip. That's when I fell in love with Lionbridge and met amazing people.

Describe a day in the life of a Lionbridge partner.

Whenever a client is assigned to me, I wake up an hour before and get ready for calls. Some calls might take three or four hours, others five. It always makes my day when I receive compliments from whoever I'm working with. 

What advice would you give your younger self if they were just starting out in this industry?

Study. Learn glossaries. Learn things like medical terms, legal vocabulary, court vocabulary, car parts, body parts, medications, health insurance vocabulary and tax terms. It is a lot to learn, but there are so many open "drawers" in your mind to fill them up with new words every day.

Tell us about some of your hobbies and interests.

I love gardening. After a long call, I need to relax and clear my mind by going outside to the yard and looking at my flowers, and planting new ones. I also love reading and watching TV series.

How many languages do you speak, and do you want to learn a new one?

I speak Brazilian Portuguese, English, Spanish and French. I understand Hebrew (I lived in Israel for two years). I've always wanted to learn German but never tried. It is not a Romance language like Spanish, French, Portuguese or Italian, which makes it a bit more difficult for me to learn.

What is your favorite word or phrase in your native language and why is it your favorite?

Beleza! It means beautiful, a beautiful thing, beauty, the beauty or in a colloquial way: Cool! (meaning Okay!, Alright!).

What country would you like to travel to and why?

My dream is to go to Scotland. There is something Celtic, outlander or wicca in me. I'd love to go there soon! 

What, in your opinion, makes your field special?

It helps governments, companies and people in need to be heard in all languages.