Translator Community Spotlight: Meet Cristina Alfranca

Here at Lilt, we’re focused on providing the highest quality translations possible, and that requires a large professional network of translators.

We've spent years building a community of experienced and quality translators, and we're excited to showcase the incredible individuals helping to lead the charge in building successful global experiences. Much like our Liltonian Spotlight series, we're sharing the backgrounds of the talented professionals in our community in our newest series, the Translator Spotlight Series. 

This week, we’re happy to introduce Cristina Alfranca, a mother, a learner, and a talented translator. We sat down with Cristina to learn more about her background, how she started her translation journey, and her thoughts on the ever-changing translation industry.

What does your day-to-day look like?

I usually check my emails after I drop my little kids off at school. Then, I work non-stop from 9 to 5 from home. Later at night, I do the latest check of the day.

What languages do you speak or have you studied?

How and why did you become a translator?

I've always loved languages. As a teenager, I had to interpret among friends quite often — and it was then that it all clicked. I knew I wanted to help communicate between two different cultures as part of my job. 

Do you like to listen to music while you work? If so, what kind?

While I listen to all kinds of music, I mostly like to listen to modern music. However, when I need the extra focus, I tend to turn it off or just listen to classic music.

What is your favorite non-English word and what does it mean?

Serendipia is the occurrence of an unplanned fortunate discovery. Laminero is typical from the Spanish region I'm from (Aragón), and it means sweet tooth.

When you have an hour of free-time, what do you like to do to pass the time?

I mostly spend quality time with my family and friends. If I am by myself, I try to do something calm, like watching series or films, but I also really enjoy reading articles or academic papers since I'm a very curious person. If the weather is nice, I also enjoy running or going for a walk with some company.

What's one fact or skill that you've learned recently?

I am still learning to measure my timing when it comes to working.

Has the translation industry changed in the last 10 years? Do you think it will change in the next 10 years?

It changed a lot indeed. When I finished university there weren't any advanced translation technologies and translation memories were still in their early stage. In the next 10 years, I think it will all be based on using more advanced neural technologies to help translators. 

Keep an eye out for our upcoming posts in both our Translator and Liltonian Spotlight posts! We'll continue to highlight people from across the company and our wonderful translator community.

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