The embarrassing clue that a life in languages beckoned? Asking Father Christmas for an etymological dictionary when I was about 10 years old.

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Since then, besides learning how to actually pronounce 'etymological', I've studied French, Spanish, Italian and Romanian, and racked up various language qualifications and accreditations:

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• MA Interpreting and Translating

• BA Modern Languages

• Diploma in Translation

• Chartered member of the Chartered Institute of Linguists

• Qualified Member of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting

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I've been a full-time translator since 2011, making it my business to craft translations that don't sound like translations.

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And I'm pleased to say that my collection of language-related books continues to grow each Christmas.