Choose to be Curious Ep. #285: Curiosity in Translation & Interpretation, with Silvia Villacampa
Jun 26, 2025
Silvia Villacampa, managing director of Liberty Language Services, shares her expertise in translation and interpretation. She highlights the critical role of curiosity in effective communication and navigating cultural nuances. Dive into bilingualism's impact on connecting diverse backgrounds and the joys of engaging with multiple languages. Silvia also discusses the ethical aspects of interpreting in sensitive settings and uses plant names as a fun analogy to illuminate the deeper insights that curiosity can foster.
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Silvia's Multilingual Childhood
- Silvia Villacampa grew up in a multilingual environment speaking Spanish, English, and learning French words from visitors.
- Her early exposure illustrates how translation and cultural curiosity were ever-present in her life.
Translation Versus Interpretation
- Translation works with written text, while interpretation deals with spoken language and happens live.
- Interpreters must think fast and convey meaning, not just words, in real-time settings.
Curiosity is Essential for Interpreters
- Interpreters need deep cultural and contextual knowledge of both parties during live interpretation.
- Being curious about setting, culture, idioms, and terminology is essential to accurate interpretation.
