Kotoha Yabuki from Japan has just started her internship at FILI. She recently graduated from Tokai University, where she majored in Nordic Studies, with a generous helping of Finnish language and culture on the side. Meanwhile, Júlia Pataki from Hungary has completed her six-month internship at FILI.
Júlia Pataki is especially pleased to have picked up plenty of colloquial Finnish during her internship and, as she had hoped, to have gained insight into the principles of literary exports.
“I’ve had lots of opportunities to speak and hear Finnish, including colloquial Finnish – during my last week at work, for example, I learned the expression pillit pussiin for when it’s time to pack up at the office for the weekend. It’s been wonderful to get to know key Finnish books, authors, translators, and the work of literary agents. I now have a small network to build on as I set out as a translator. FILI also has a really nice team and a strong work ethic. I’m grateful for how warmly I was welcomed.”
She is also currently taking part in FILI’s nine-month mentoring programme for emerging translators.
Kotoha Yabuki has studied Finnish for five years at Tokai University, including a period as an exchange student at the University of Turku. During her internship at FILI, she hopes to gain experience that will deepen her understanding of literature, translation and Finnish working culture.
“What you learn at university isn’t enough if you want to truly become a master of something. I’m interested in translation. In my bachelor’s thesis, I looked at translations of Finnish and Japanese literature. I analysed a range of texts and conducted a survey to explore whether readers’ perceptions of characters change between Finnish and Japanese translations. I made many interesting discoveries. At the moment, I still don’t know whether I can translate. But hopefully I’ll find the answer during this internship.”
Two wonderful translators in the making!