Speaking language of satisfying career
ALICIA NALLY
With a degree in modern languages and work experience in Spain and back in England translating, Ms Ellis set out to start work as a Spanish and French translator and interpreter.
A translator transforms written information from one language to another while an interpreter does the same for spoken language.
Ms Ellis was surprised at the level of demand for speakers of European languages in the Far North.
“I thought you’d need Asian languages in Cairns, but not many people are able to speak French or Spanish,” she said.
Most of the work the Holloways Beach resident takes on are the translation of official documents and paperwork such as birth certificates.
“Lots of people want to live here, or be a citizen, so they have to translate all their official paperwork,” Ms Ellis said.
“The best bit is helping people achieve an objective.”
The most unusual task Ms Ellis was assigned was interpreting at the World Avocado Conference for a group of Mexican farmers.
Ms Ellis encourages people to learn a second language or even more.
“You can really appreciate other cultures if you can talk to people in their own language,” she said.
“The practical side is it’s not very secure. You have to work really hard when the work is there because there is always times when work is not there.”