Aliya Esmail

Aliya Esmail has studied linguistics, anthropology and French extensively throughout her undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto and has continued to link them to her current studies. She is pursuing an MA in translation studies at the University of Ottawa, with a focus in literary translation, though she is also well versed in the fields of technology and terminology. She is a French-English bilingual and is trying to master Spanish as well. She consistently works hard and is always determined to deliver her best work.

Throughout her academic and professional career, Aliya has worked on her inter- and intrapersonal skills, resulting in an open mindset and a willingness to try anything! She enjoys travelling, cinema, literature (her favourite books series will always be Harry Potter) and good food.

Career Goals

Ultimately, I want to find a job that is stimulating and provides a constant challenge. I have always been interested in languages, communication and culture and have thus decided to focus on a career where I can combine all three of my interests. Pursuing a Master’s of Translation at the University of Ottawa has given me the tools to find a fulfilling career as a translator where I can help bridge communication gaps and make information more accessible to different groups of people.

Along with my fluency in French and English, I intend to improve my Spanish so that I can work with more languages and make myself that much more employable.I am also planning to become to a certified translator with the Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario (ATIO), as I know it will enable me to become a more trusted and recognized translator by the public.

Although I know it is quite difficult to become a successful literary translator, I have always wanted my translation of a book to become published. Currently, I have been translating short stories on my own in the hopes of getting them published in various literary journals for more exposure.

Coming from an immigrant household, I have always wanted to help those in need. There are various communities and groups of people that do not have access to important information because they do not understand the language. As such, one of my goals is to learn how to write in Hindi and Urdu (as well as improve my speaking ability), so that I can give back to the community that I have been raised in and help new immigrants navigate the system.

Aliya Esmail is a Summer Intern 2018 at Modlingua