Behind the screen: Alex Miller

In this issue: Alex Miller, Editor & Translator

• What are the most difficult words to translate?

I find certain particles particularly hard to translate, such as “erst”, “schon” and “nur”, as they often don’t translate literally and their meaning changes depending on their position in the sentence. They can very easily be mistranslated, and they are always something to watch out for!

 

• What is your preferred workspace like?

I have to admit I need it to be fairly quiet – but not to the extent that it is intimidating and I feel like I can’t ask a question for fear of breaking that silence. I like an atmosphere where everybody feels like they can bounce ideas off each other and ask if they are not sure. Ultimately, this makes everyone feel comfortable and gets the best out of everyone.

 

• What do you like most about your job?

I like the variety of the texts we get to work on. Obviously, I find that texts in fields I haven’t had much experience with before are more challenging. But that’s all part of the job, learning as you go along. The field I’m strongest in now is financial translation, but I remember that was also all foreign to me at the start. It is a continuous learning process.

 

• Dogs or cats?

I am without a doubt a dog person. In fact, we have two golden retrievers at home in England. I like the fact they are loyal, affectionate and playful. Going out for a walk with them is also a great way of clearing my head.

 

• Audiobook or paperback?

Paperback. I have tried audiobooks a couple of times but find that my mind wanders and I am not actually paying attention to what is being said anymore. So it’s kind of just like background noise.

 

• Tea or coffee?

I have to be in the mood for a coffee and find it more of a social drink, particularly here in Germany as the black tea in cafés isn’t great. But I am a Yorkshire Tea girl at heart and every time I go home, I bring some back with me.