A Journey of Connection, Quality, and Community in Language Services

Written by

Argos Multilingual

Published on

25 Nov 2024

Introducing Nathalie Moyano González

In the ever-evolving world of language services, experienced professionals like Nathalie Moyano González offer invaluable insights on fostering meaningful connections, maintaining quality, and navigating industry challenges. With over two decades in localization, beginning on the client side with companies like Symantec, Nathalie brings a unique perspective to her current role as a freelance translator, language lead, and founder of MOYTILINGUAL.

In this candid interview, Nathalie shares her journey—from her bilingual roots in Spain and France to her life in Ireland and career in localization. She discusses the importance of transparent communication with Argos and her approach to maintaining quality in a field increasingly impacted by automation and AI.

Whether you’re a seasoned linguist or just starting, Nathalie’s reflections on the power of collaboration, curiosity, and adaptability are sure to resonate. Join us as we dive into her story.

The Interview

Stephanie Harris-Yee: All right. First question: Can you tell us about yourself, your role, and what you do in the language services industry?

Nathalie: Sure. My name is Nathalie, and I’m based on the northwest coast of Ireland. I’ve been here about 20 years, originally from France. I’m a translator and interpreter by training, with a BA in Applied European Languages and a Master’s in Legal and Economic Translation. I also earned a professional diploma in digital marketing in Dublin.

I grew up bilingual, as my parents are from Andalusia in Spain. English has been my passion, so I’m trilingual now, though that’s relatively modest in the language industry. I started in the localization industry around 2000, initially on the client side with Symantec. I worked there for 15 years, focusing on translation process and language quality management. In 2017, I decided to become a freelancer to find a better work-life balance and have been working with Argos and Chillistore since then.

Stephanie Harris-Yee: And what brought you to work with us?

Nathalie: Actually, Chillistore was a language partner when I was with Symantec, so I was familiar with them. When I went freelance, they reached out to me, and in 2019 I started working with them.

Stephanie Harris-Yee: Wonderful. Now that you’ve been with them for a while, what do you think makes this working relationship unique?

Nathalie: For me, it’s the transparency and communication. I genuinely feel part of a team, with daily contact and a close relationship with the project managers. Working with Argos doesn’t feel like we’re just resources being shifted around. There’s trust, support, and mutual respect, which makes a big difference.

Stephanie Harris-Yee: That’s great to hear. Any memorable projects or interesting experiences with Argos?

Nathalie: Nothing major comes to mind—things have been quite smooth. However, on a past account, we had to address perceived quality issues. Together with the PM, we worked to understand the client’s concerns, which turned out to be more of a miscommunication than a quality problem. It was a reminder of how important transparency and communication are in our work.

Stephanie Harris-Yee: Yes, absolutely. So, what do you think are some of the biggest challenges in the language industry right now?

Nathalie: One of the major challenges is working with clients who have low localization maturity. Some don’t fully understand localization, source and target content, or even language quality. Educating clients on the importance of quality, source content, and processes can be challenging but essential.

Stephanie Harris-Yee: Definitely. How do you see the industry evolving in the next three to five years?

Nathalie: I think it will continue to be about being that link between the client, translation teams, and reviewers. Being informed, using data, and having that open line of communication is crucial. We may see more automation, but human input will remain vital to maintain quality and meet clients’ specific needs.

Stephanie Harris-Yee: Speaking of technology, are there any innovations or tools that excite you?

Nathalie: I think automation and data analysis are exciting and essential for our industry. AI is a tool, like machine translation, and can be useful if used appropriately. But there are still limitations, so I don’t see it replacing human input entirely, especially when it comes to quality control and nuances.

Stephanie Harris-Yee: What about your current tools?

Nathalie: The tools I use depend on the client, and it’s mostly the usual ones—XTM, for example. For communication, Slack has been helpful in maintaining transparency. But I’m not using any new tools or innovations specific to translation and review.

Stephanie Harris-Yee: How does Argos support your work and growth?

Nathalie: Argos trusts its team members and empowers us to take ownership of our work. The open communication, support, and access to resources make it feel very collaborative and personal. They’re always ready to provide training or jump on a call to clarify new instructions.

Stephanie Harris-Yee: Do you have any advice for someone starting in language services?

Nathalie: Be curious, build a network, and engage beyond the language bubble. Try to connect with people in other areas to understand how things come together. The more you understand how different departments interact, the better prepared you’ll be.

Stephanie Harris-Yee: Do you have a vision for the future of the industry?

Nathalie: I think we need to embrace the idea of community. If we see tools and changes as opportunities rather than threats, we can achieve a lot. Working together, openly and transparently, will be key.

Stephanie Harris-Yee: Is there a way people can reach out if they want to connect with you?

Nathalie: Yes, LinkedIn is the best way. I’m less active there lately, but I keep my profile updated. I also have a website, moytilingual.com, and Instagram if anyone’s interested in my food photography.

Stephanie Harris-Yee: Perfect! Thank you so much, Nathalie.

Nathalie: Wonderful, thank you for this opportunity.