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Heidi Koponen has always been drawn to the field of macroeconomics and policy.
The translator from Colombia
With a decade of translation experience, PhD Candidate Claudia E. Zapata Urrego dives into new research at NHH, exploring the future of human involvement in translation.
AS PART OF A PHD SERIES INTRODUCING CANDIDATES AT NHH, MEET CLAUDIA URREGO!
Name: Claudia E. Zapata Urrego
From: Colombia
Department: Department of Professional and Cultural Communication
Research interest: Translation and machine learning
Started: 2024
Main supervisor: Associate Professor Claudia Förster Hegrenæs
Claudia Elena Zapata Urrego was born and raised in Medellín, Colombia. Now, she resides in Bergen with her twelve-year-old daughter.
Her academic journey spans diverse fields, holding a master’s degree in Translation from the Universidad de Antioquia (2017) and bachelor’s degrees in civil engineering as well as English-French-Spanish translation from Universidad Nacional and Universidad de Antioquia, both located in Medellín.
Translations expert
`With over a decade of experience in translation, editing, proofreading, and teaching, I also spent four years managing a university translation agency´, Urrego shares.
After many years in the translation field, she wanted to dive deeper into her academic interests.
`NHH presented the ideal opportunity by offering a research scholar position, which perfectly blends work and study. It provides a top-tier education, offering diverse perspectives on sustainability and the latest trends in the field of languages´.
She also highlights the institution “outstanding faculty of renowned researchers” and the range of courses that both methodological and application focused.
Acquire new skills
Urrego´s research areas are broad, encompassing the translation of scientific texts, language universality, the history of translation, cultural transfer, and the role of translation agents.
`Currently, my research explores Pre-Editing in Translation, emphasizing the ongoing need for human involvement even with the advancements in neural machine translation and the diminishing role of the translator´.
`What excites you most about your work? ´
`I find it incredibly rewarding to acquire new skills and stay informed about industry developments, which keeps me energized and motivated as I work on my PhD´
Adjusting to a completely different culture
When asked about her first impressions of Bergen, she says:
`Bergen is such a beautiful, peaceful, and well-organized city. I love its mountains, landscapes, fresh air, and the vibrant colors all around…and the friendliness of its people. I have been told to expect the opposite! ´
Adjusting to a completely different country has been a process.
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Jovinary Kajuna has studied banking and finance in Dar es Salaam and completed a master's degree in Kristiansand. The 28-year-old from Tanzania is now a PhD research fellow at NHH.
`My hometown in Colombia is lively and bustling, while here I’ve discovered a sense of calm. Although it has only been two months, and I do still miss aspects of my home country, I feel that Bergen is one of those places you instantly fall in love with. I’ve been exploring the city, visiting museums and restaurants, participating in local festivals, and have especially enjoyed hiking and walking, two activities I’m definitely becoming more involved in.´
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