Andrey B.
Translator of the Month

The Bridge is pleased to introduce Andrey as our “Translator of the Month”, February 2006.

Languages: English, Russian, and Ukrainian
Years as professional linguist: 15+ years

When asked how long he has been a professional translator, Andrey’s quick wit takes over and he jokingly replies “Far too long!” Andrey started his life’s work as an interpreter/translator in the Soviet Union in the early 90’s. It was a desire to travel that sparked his interest in languages. During the Cold War, travel for average civilians was not an easy task, but being an interpreter brought him opportunities to venture outside the borders of the Soviet Union. After the Iron Curtain fell, many Eastern European translators pursued other occupations, but he kept at it; even after relocating to Canada, thoroughly enjoying every minute of his chosen profession.

In 1993, Andrey earned a degree in Translation and Interpreting from Kharkiv State University in the Ukraine. His specializes in legal, medical and technical translations, avoiding literary pieces. Although he spends the majority of his time completing translations (some 60,000 words per month), he makes an effort to get out of the office and interpret for a variety of settings: seminars/conferences, business meetings, court hearings and legal matters, medical appointments and more.

Andrey is certified with The American Translator’s Association (ATA) as well as the Canadian Translators and Interpreters Council (CTIC). He is an exam marker for CTIC certification exams and conducts admission examinations for the Society of Translators and Interpreters of BC (STIBC) and The Association of Translators and Interpreters of Alberta (ATIA). Although he is highly regarded in his field and has years of experience, he believes strongly in continuing education and regularly attends professional development opportunities.

On a final note, Andrey would like to encourage new comers to this business. “If someone tells you that this is not a real profession, or that there’s not jobs in this [field] or that computers will replace humans – do not believe them! It takes lots of hard work, but there’s more than enough work for everybody, and if you like languages and do a good job, sooner or later you will surely have enough clients and projects and will feel good about what you are doing.”