Translator | Account Executive

(NOT) LOST IN TRANSLATION

ERINA BOTHA

TRANSLATOR/WORDSMITH SELF-EMPLOYED AT DREAMLINE

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO BE A TRANSLATOR?

I’ve always loved words and reading. I started taking out books from the library next door to my home in the Karoo from age 4 – in English and Afrikaans.

WHAT TRAINING DID YOU UNDERGO?

I studied BA Journalism at the

DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY

Read the book, document, advert or copy that needs to be translated into English from Afrikaans, or into Afrikaans from English. Then do the translation, with a good dictionary at hand. Mark the words and phrases I’m not 100% clear on how best to translate and come back to them later. The next day, read the completed translated copy done the previous day, to check if it fl ows or needs a few more adjustments.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR WORK?

Learning about new worlds and new things; reading clever, stimulating, entertaining and/or artistic copy. I also like fi nding the words, phrases and idioms in either English or Afrikaans that will give more people access to the copy.

WHAT DON’T YOU LIKE ABOUT YOUR WORK?

Translating boring copy – like a boring speech.

“A love of both the languages you’re translating into and from, is most important”

“The solutions that I sell make changes in a positive way”

ANY HIGHLIGHTS IN YOUR CAREER?

The translation of 100 Bible Stories from Afrikaans to English for Lux Verbi (Naspers). Translating South Africa and the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AC by Charles K Robertson from English to Afrikaans for ABC Uitgewers. Translating

MAPE MODIBA

SAP SENIOR INDUSTRY ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE SAP SOUTH AFRICA

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO BECOME AN ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE?

I chose my profession based on the fact that information technology is innovative and always changing. It changes your point of view from a purely human perspective to more of a customer perspective. I am always learning new things, meeting new partners and customers and, through travel, I get exposed to new cultures and requirements. University of the North, Potchefstroom, and then an MA in Marketing. And LOTS of reading in both English and Afrikaans.

A GOOD SOLUTION

WHAT IS YOUR TRAINING, AND WHERE DID YOU DO IT?

I studied a BCom (Informatics/ Information Systems) at University of Pretoria, and did an SAP Human Resources Management and Payroll Certifi cation with SAP South Africa, SuccessFactors Training in Germany and Spain, and did Clicksoftware Training in Portugal.

IS THERE A TYPE OF PERSONALITY BEST SUITED TO THIS WORK OR TRAITS YOU SHOULD HAVE (OR NOT HAVE)?

Yes, you must have the skills to manage diff erent personalities and cultures because you deal with customers from diff erent industries and backgrounds. Confl ict resolution skills are also important – there will always be confl ict situations to manage. Passion, leadership and always being willing to help and assist are good traits to have in this industry.

IS EXPERIENCE AS IMPORTANT AS FORMAL TRAINING?

No, not all the time, because it’s through mistakes and experience that we learn the best.

DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY ON THE JOB

A typical day involves customer meetings, internal meetings, dealing with escalations with a customer and attending events or user groups.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE?

The solutions that I sell make changes in a positive way to citizens within my country. I love dealing with diff erent customers and cultures. from English to Afrikaans: Handbook for Community Guides in Knysna, by Martin Hatchuel.

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE GOALS?

Translating BP Frank Retief’s book, God Said “YES” – the story of the early years of St James Church, Kenilworth.

IS EXPERIENCE AS IMPORTANT AS FORMAL TRAINING?

Yes, it is, but a love of both the languages you’re translating into and from, is most important.

IS THERE A TYPE OF PERSONALITY BEST SUITED TO THIS WORK?

A person who is self-disciplined and loves reading.

ANY ADVICE FOR NEWCOMERS?

Read books and magazines in both languages.

YOUR JOB IN FOUR WORDS

Opening worlds via words.

WHAT DON’T YOU LIKE?

When customers are unhappy or I am not able to accommodate the expectations of the customer. At times, the hours can be long.

WHAT’S BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT TO DATE?

Closing the biggest SuccessFactors deal in Africa and being the Rookie of the Year at SAP in 2013.

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE FUTURE?

To be able to share all my experiences with my customers and any youngsters who come after me; to impart my knowledge.

ANY ADVICE FOR SOMEONE STARTING OUT IN YOUR CAREER?

Work hard, be focused and always be willing to learn.

YOUR JOB IN THREE WORDS