Today I attended my first ever coffee morning, a virtual one organised by the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI). I was asked by Ann Brooks, the ITI’s Professional Development Officer, if, as a new ITI Board member, I’d join the panel for the event.
I accepted the invitation, not realising that this would pose two major challenges…
First, Ann asked me to send her a photo of my office. Cue frantic dumping of piles of papers from my desk into a cardboard box (to join the many other boxes in the “keep, throw, think about” decluttering pile).
Second, Ann told me that the coffee morning included a quiz based on the ITI Bulletin. I assumed this would refer to the latest issue of the Bulletin but when I watched last week’s coffee morning to get an idea of the format, I saw that the questions were drawn from issues dating back two, three or more years. Cue frantic skim-reading of past issues of the Bulletin, realising as I went what a fascinating range of interests ITI members have, and how broad and varied our profession is. To be honest, I already knew that (ITI’s Scottish network, Scotnet, also produces a great newsletter with fantastic articles, which always astonish me with their range and scope). But it’s good to be reminded from time to time. Cue new resolution: in future, read the Bulletin as soon as it arrives, and take time to savour the contents.
Anyway, the result is that I now have a reasonably clean and tidy desk (let’s hope it stays that way), on which sits a pile of ITI Bulletins with interesting-looking articles bookmarked to read in more relaxed circumstances with a nice cup of… tea.
Published by Marian Dougan
Marian is a translator and editor (specialising in web content) currently based in Glasgow, Scotland. Marian previously lived in Italy for over 20 years, working as a language teacher, translator and policy analyst with the British Embassy in Rome. A qualified member of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) and its Italian-language and ITI Scotnet networks, she is currently Scotnet's Convenor and Deputy Webmaster.
From 2003 to 2006 Marian taught translation skills at the Italian Department of Glasgow University and now gives Master Classes as part of the new Masters in Translation Studies course. She also conducts web-writing and usability workshops to help people improve their websites and communicate more effectively with their readers, users and customers. In September 2014 Marian obtained User Experience Certification, with specialisation in Web Design, from the Nielsen Norman Group.
She loves language, especially English, and is convinced that learning languages opens up people’s minds and horizons (and increases their brainpower!). To share her enthusiasm, she advises schools and educational authorities on language skills and enterprise. She gives talks to pupils on how to combine language studies with other subjects and so enhance their potential and increase their career options.
Marian is an active member of organisations such as: Scottish Council Development and Industry (SCDI); Association of Scottish Businesswomen; Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce and the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Scotland.
She also loves architecture, design, fashion (British Vogue!), cities and chocolate. She’s a great fan of Twitter and you can also find her on Linkedin.
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