Allison Sonneveld
Translator or interpreter (or both): translator
Language(s) and direction(s): Indonesian>English
Location: , Canberra, ACT
Practising as a translator/interpreter since: 2023
Member of AUSIT since: 2016 (associate), 2021 (student), 2023 (ordinary)
Main area(s) of practice: identity documents and international engagement
Q1:
How did you come to be a T/I?
A1:
I have a long-standing interest in the Indonesian language. It was the only language offered at my high school, and before I even got there my older sister taught me some. I ended up running with it through undergrad uni, then got to use my language skills to translate archival resources and conduct interviews for my international relations theses, for honours (on the Timor Gap) and PhD (on the Malacca Strait). I dabbled in T&I while working in international engagement for the Australian Government, including informal language support for Indonesian delegations visiting Australia, and support for Australian delegations’ return visits. One of the best times I had was working at the G20 Summit when Australia hosted it in 2014. I got to see many world leaders, and randomly shook hands with Ban Ki-moon, who was UN Secretary-General at the time. I struggled to source NAATI-approved T&I training here in the ACT until ‘the pandemic’ moved education delivery online, and I was finally able to enrol in RMIT’s coursework, then seek accreditation.
Q2:
Tell us about a project you have worked on that was especially interesting or challenging (within the bounds of confidentiality of course).
A2:
Last year, through an international media company, I picked up some English transcription work for the international governing body for soccer, FIFA, and had the best time supporting the FIFA Women’s World Cup, jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand. Following on from this, I was hired to provide both translation and subtitling services for the FIFA U-17 (under 17 boys’) World Cup, which was hosted in Indonesia later in the year. As a soccer fan it’s been very rewarding to be able to work in this space, doing things that I love.
Lulu Shen
Translator or interpreter (or both): translator
Language(s) and direction(s): English>Chinese
Location: NSW
Practising as a translator/interpreter since: 2009
Member of AUSIT since: 2023
Main area(s) of practice: CALD diverse media and communications
Q1:
How did you come to be a T/I?
A1:
I’ve been fascinated by languages from a young age, when I would imitate characters from BBC dramas without understanding English. Upon arriving in Australia I realised that mastering English was the key to unlocking my future here, and this marked a turning point in my journey. I immersed myself in local culture, honed my language skills, and later graduated from Monash University with a master’s in T&I (thanks to my supportive teachers and mentors). After achieving NAATI accreditation I started my career as a translator, working on diverse tasks – from movie subtitles and academic literature to localising websites. My focus gradually shifted to communications, as I found my strength lies in bridging the gaps between English-speaking and CALD communities. I didn’t have to break down language barriers – rather, I built trust by providing CALD community members with a voice in their own language.
Q2:
Tell us about a project you have worked on that was especially interesting or challenging (within the bounds of confidentiality of course).
A2:
Here’s a glimpse into a challenging yet fascinating project I took on with the ABC’s Four Corners program, serving as the lead translator for an investigative episode on James Packer’s Crown Casino operations in China. Without giving too much away, the project demanded extensive research and a keen understanding of cultural nuances. What was initially expected to be a short-term commitment turned into nearly a year of work. I collaborated with the production team to piece together the key characters and events leading up to the arrest of Crown’s employees in China. You can catch the episode online, titled ‘Crown Confidential – Packer’s Losing Hand’.
