At the ATA63 conference in Los Angeles, the Dutch Language Division had the pleasure of presenting Tia Nutters as the division’s Distinguished Speaker.
Tia is an academic editor at Rijksuniversiteit Groningen (RUG). She also conducts research on a host of translation-related themes and works to bridge the gap between translation theory and practice.
She did the latter with two thought-provoking presentations at ATA63 that addressed the challenge of translating the singular “they” into Dutch and an evaluation of the use of translation machines in literary translations.
Two of our DLD members took the time to write insightful reviews of these two presentations. However, before we publish these, DLD Administrator Irene Stoel had a virtual chat with Tia to get to know our Distinguished Speaker a bit better.
How did you end up in the world of translation?
TN: I did a Master’s in Translation Studies at the University of Groningen. I come from a family of entrepreneurs, so starting my own business as a translator after graduation felt like the right step. I developed my services “on the fly” and discovered that I also like teaching translation, editing and writing. A couple of years ago, I decided I wanted to have colleagues, so now I am part of a wonderful team of grant proposal editors at my alma mater.
What book is on your nightstand right now?
TN: The Promise by Damon Galgut. I try to read all Booker Prizewinners, as well as the International Booker Prizewinners – the latter because I am curious as to how the translations turned out.
If you were not involved in translation, what other profession would you have chosen?
TN: As it turns out, I like teaching a lot, particularly translation students.
Many translators enjoy discovering new cultures. What is the most interesting place you’ve ever been? What is your dream destination for a future trip?
TN: What a difficult question! I love traveling and exploring cultures, but somehow I always find myself wanting to return to London, which is not too far from home. It has so many languages and cultures living together, all within arm’s reach! Also, I love going to the theatre and try to see as many shows as possible when I am there.
My dream destination? My husband and I are thinking about visiting South Korea, but we want to wait a couple of years till our son is old enough to enjoy it too. (He is six now.)
During your presentation at ATA63 you indicated that you participate in research projects pro bono. Can you give more details about that?
TN: Yes, of course. I am mainly driven by curiosity and by wanting to bridge the gap between translation research and practice. Curiosity led me to contact Lette (Vos) and ask her about her Dutch translation of non-binary singular they. When I read that Antonio (Toral) was building translation machines for specific domains, I wanted to know what the quality of the translations would be like. We were introduced and I got involved in the project as quality assessor.
You experienced the ATA Annual Conference phenomenon for the first time this year. What were your expectations and how did they compare to reality?
TN: I had no idea the conference would be this huge! I have to say though, despite its size, I felt at home straight away. I found it easy to meet and talk to other attendees, and it felt like I had a lot in common with everyone around me. It was an amazing experience, also thanks to the Dutch Language Division, who took fantastic care of me.
- Keep an eye out for the upcoming blog posts with a comprehensive review of Tia’s two presentations at ATA63!
