Meet Zhang J., a partner who translates both to and from English and Chinese. Zhang was once an in-house linguist for Lionbridge before becoming a partner in 2015. Read more about Zhang below.

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

I like the stable partnership and friendly contacts.

How did you get into this field?

I majored in Education of English Language at university, but I like translation much more. After my graduation, I tried several jobs in some small translation companies in Beijing, and in 2012 I entered Lionbridge as a linguist and then a language lead. In 2015, I became a Lionbridge partner.

Describe a day in the life of a Lionbridge partner.

In a normal weekday, I get up 6:30 a.m., prepare breakfast, and then escort my elder daughter to her school. Once back home, I start my daily translation tasks from Lionbridge. At 11:30 a.m., I fetch my daughter back home and prepare lunch. After lunch, I continue my work if the schedule is tight or go out with my younger daughter to play. I spend the evening doing translations in the busy season, or reading or doing housework when it is a bit slower.

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

Be patient and open-minded, and read as many books related to your areas of interest as possible.

Tell us about some of your hobbies and interests.

I like reading during leisure time, and cycling when the weather is not too cold.

How many languages do you speak?

I speak Chinese and English, and can read and write in French.

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

My favorite phrase in Chinese is 有志者事竟成, which means "Where there is a will, there is a way". I am a translator, and have the CATTI Level II certificate for English-Chinese translation. In fact, my expertise and translation skills comes from my hard work and study year after year, and I managed to obtain the recognition by Lionbridge and other partners.

What is your favorite food and why?

I like noodles most, because I am a expert in cooking noodles.

What do you like most about the country you live in?

I live in China, and I like the stable social order and excellent public security here.

What country would you like to travel to and why?

If I have the chance, I would like to travel in Scotland, especially University of Edinburgh, because I had the chance to study there as a graduate student but had to give it up due to economic reasons.

What, in your opinion, makes your field special?

Translation is the bridge for the communication among different languages and cultures, and translators are the supports.

What is the coolest language task you’ve participated in?

I participated in the translation of a summer vacation program for a popular video game, and I found the content was very cool and good for the intended audience, students.