Academically, I hold a Master’s Degree in Statistical Science, specialising in Bio Statistical Science Analysis from Lebanese International University, Graduate Diploma in Management from Sydney University and a Graduate Certificate in Health Services from Box Hill Institute of Health in Melbourne.

Previously, I worked with the United Nations and the International Red Cross as a refugee support worker in Lebanon and Jordan. Also, worked at the Department of Nutrition (long stay patients) at Melbourne Hospital and St Vincent Hospital, Melbourne.  I have also worked with several major medical and pharmaceutical companies in Australia while functioning as Coordinator and, currently, Part time Assistant Manager of International Logistic Services with Boston Scientific.

I am currently a student at the University of Western Sydney, undertaking my final year of studies.Upon completion of my course, I will receive my degree in Translation and Interpreting and will then be a NAATI accredited Interpreter / Translator. I specialise in English – Arabic and Arabic -English Languages.

So, why Translation ?

You may be surprised to hear  that the reason is ‘the bad gene’, the one I inherited from my family which makes  me a voracious reader, driven to discover the answer to every question that crosses my mind - by reading.

Born in Iraq, I lived in Kuwait for several years as my father worked there. With the Gulf War on the horizon, my family and I moved to Jordan and shortly afterwards we settled down in Lebanon. After less than two years graduating from the university, I moved to the United Arab Emirates for work and in 2008 to Australia. These experiences helped me to acquire a broader understanding of cultural differences, as well as understanding a range of accents and dialects including Iraqi, Lebanese, Jordanian, Kuwaiti, Emirati, local idioms and different ways of communicating.

My extensive experiences working in various jobs and my exposure to a myriad of cultures including Arabic and Western has greatly broadened my linguistic and cultural knowledge. 

These experiences, together with my academic achievements, has exposed me to terminologies, abbreviations and idiomatic expressions, in several languages, pertaining to Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Biology, Medical equipment, Medicinal Substance (general) and Community Services. 

Hold on, is that all that you need to be a good translator? 

Indeed not. With confirmed knowledge of two languages Arabic and English and an absolute attention to detail, there is still more that elevates a great translator above the ordinary.

I strongly believe that a so-called ’good translation’ should have original or its own value as a work of art and so the translator becomes the author’s accomplice. 

The extras I possess include an inquisitive mind which drives me to learn more, to search and to dig deeper, to dig out the origin of the words, discovering differences and similarities between languages and patterns. I analyse a client’s work to carefully comprehend (or interrogate) each word of the text. Also, I ask, who are the readers? What is the intended message? Is there some pragmatic but hidden meaning the author or client intends to send?

Without exaggeration, I go even further to request clarification from my clients on any ambiguity I may come across, so as to avoid making assumptions. 

My translations are works of art and professionalism, and their secret lies in blood and sweat, not mere facility of language. It is this love, passion and professionalism that have driven me to creating my own brand in the translation industry, and I want my clients to always feel confident that their message is completely and carefully conveyed to their reader.