Who we are

I am a York-based professional translator working with Japanese, English and German. My passion for languages and cultures developed during my childhood and adolescence in Japan. In my twenties I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the multilingual environment of a university on the German-Polish border, where I earned a Master's degree in European Studies. As a committed lifelong language learner, I aspire to be a supportive guide for fellow young learners, helping them find enjoyment and motivation.

I am a cross-cultural communicator based in Hull, specialising in the interpretation and translation of Japanese, English, and Korean. My enthusiasm for languages and cultures intensified through training and international commerce in Korea, Canada, Japan, and Vietnam. Working for an international company in my 30s exposed me to multiculturalism, and I recently finished a postgraduate program in the UK, which deepened my language skills. I am enthusiastic about bridging linguistic and cultural divides and working to provide a motivating and encouraging support system for young students.

As a Sri Lankan-Italian linguist, I bring a unique blend of cultural diversity and linguistic proficiency to the world of languages. Holding a bachelor’s degree in French and Spanish from the University of Manchester, I have honed my language skills with a deep passion and commitment. Fluent in five languages - English, Italian, French, Spanish, and Sinhala - I possess a multifaceted linguistic repertoire. My academic journey at the University of Manchester not only equipped me with a solid foundation in French and Spanish but also instilled in me a love for exploring diverse linguistic landscapes. With a solid academic foundation, practical teaching experience, and a passion for continuous learning, I am eager to contribute my linguistic expertise to diverse professional settings.

I am currently studying a BA in Japanese, TESOL and Linguistics at York St John University. Although I have lived in England for over 25 years, my hometown is a beautiful place in the south of Spain called El Puerto de Santa Maria where my community volunteering with children first started. On moving to England, I worked for 3 years as a Teaching Assistant and Spanish Teacher at my children's then primary school, Clifton Green. The fantastic feedback from this experience greatly influenced my interest in linguistics, how the language works and especially how language learning happens. As a volunteer in CLS I am looking forward to continuing to develop this passion to the fullest and learn through interactive engagement, promoting both the acquisition of language as well as an understanding of Spanish culture.

I hold degrees in Finance and Management, as well as a Master’s in Educational Psychology from the University of York. After a successful international career as a manager in the financial sector, I am now dedicated to the exciting fields of education and counseling, serving as a mentor and counselor. My passion for education and Chinese culture has inspired me to volunteer at the St. John’s Language Community. I feel deeply honored to teach Chinese in a warm and supportive environment, contributing to the growth and development of local young people.

I am a current student on the BA Honours in Religion, Philosophy and Ethics at York St John University. Having studied Spanish from scratch at A/ Levels, I went on to work at a Spanish camp teaching English to Spanish children and enjoyed immersing myself into the Spanish culture. As a volunteer at the community language school, I will get the opportunity to show my passion for languages and my willingness to learn and grow with the team.

I am currently doing a BA in English Language and Linguistics at York St John University. I am from Argentina and before moving to England I worked as an English Teacher Assistant in both a kindergarten and a primary school. Working with children has been most enriching and I am looking forward to passing on my passion for languages and language learning. Additionally, as a Spanish language volunteer I am excited to introduce the students to other dialects and accents of the Spanish language.