In 2009 I moved to Madrid where I worked for two years as an Editorial Assistant at a lifestyle magazine. It was a baptism of fire to say the least. I had never formally studied Spanish, and being thrown straight into a job where I had to use Spanish every day was very daunting. Luckily Spaniards are patient and forgiving, and I am a fast learner. After a few months I was conversing like a local! During my time in Spain I had the opportunity to explore this fascinating country from top to toe. I am completely in love! Madrid is also a vibrant, cosmopolitan city, and is home to some amazing people from all over the Spanish speaking world. I am now fortunate enough to call many of them my friends.
How is this relevant to translation? Like English, Spanish has many international forms. The Spanish spoken in Spain is not the same as that spoken in Mexico for example. The vocabulary can be very different for example, and each culture adds something new to the language. During my time in Madrid, I was exposed to many of the international variants, and I have also travelled to Latin America on several occasions. I am able to bring the extensive cultural knowledge I have accrued to bear on any Spanish text I translate. Whether it is from Santiago or Segovia!