Ask our Language Analyst

Eugénia Rocha, or Geninha, as she’s known around here, came to Advertio just over a year ago. She joined the team as an intern to help with translations and all linguistic-related issues.

When she joined us, we were just getting started translating our entire app to different languages, so she was a crucial part of the process. Now, she’s no longer an intern, and she’s in charge of making sure we’re using the right words for each of our screens and our international users have access to our platform in their preferred language.

We asked her a few questions about her job and interests. Check them out and get to know her a little bit better.

What do you love about your job?

I am one of those lucky people who have the privilege of working in the field of their choice. But, that is not the strongest reason for loving my job. I feel that at Advertio, I will continue to challenge myself, learn more about Digital Marketing and acquire many more professional and social skills. Advertio is a young company that allows me to build my schedule and orientate my work in the best way possible.

As someone who speaks Portuguese, English, French and Spanish, do you dream in different languages depending on your mood/day?

This is a great question, and I remember talking about this at university. Some studies show that it is normal to create a different personality while learning and speaking a different language, which is quite logical if you think about it.

Did you ever feel like a movie lost its essence when translated to a different language? Or that your childhood cartoons are kind of awkward when you see them in a language other than your mother tongue? Well, that happens for the same reasons we attribute more romanticism to a certain language or assertiveness to another.

The same happens to me. Just as my tone changes depending on the language, so does my mood. I would say that English is more connected to my professional and cultural side, French enhances my capacity to romanticise life, Spanish connects to my more adventurous side, and Portuguese is part of my essence.

What made you pursue this career?

What made me pursue this career was the combination of my love for communication and literature. Words have great value, and it is wonderful to understand them and write/speak in as many languages as possible.

What’s the biggest challenge in balancing studies and work?

Undoubtedly, easy is not the word that comes to mind when thinking about the balance between studies and work. Of course, everything is possible with willpower, motivation and excellent personal organisation, but I recognise that my biggest challenge in balancing studies with work is time management. There is a constant battle of priorities, so knowing when to work, study, and rest is essential. 

Which language would you like to learn next?

The following language I would like to learn is German. German is a Germanic language spoken in many countries and one of the most widely spoken languages in the European Union. In addition, German is one of the languages used by Advertio.

What is your favourite word in all the languages that you know?

Honestly, I don't think I have a favourite word in Spanish, but I love the expression "¡qué precioso!".

In English, it is "Cellar door", considered one of the most beautiful English words because of its sound. Cellar door means a door to a room underneath a building, often the back door of a bar or wine cellar.

In French, I like the word "Papillon" because of the way it is pronounced. It means butterfly. Finally, I choose, of course, "saudade" for Portuguese, which is a word with an almost uniquely Portuguese meaning. Saudade can convey either happiness or sadness. It is probably the word with the most emotional ambiguity ever.

If you hadn’t chosen the linguistic area, what would you like to study/do?

Well, putting all the areas I have always been most interested in together, if I hadn't followed linguistics, I might have followed journalism or international relations.

What's the easiest/quickest way to learn a language?

The fastest way to learn a new language changes from person to person. The key is to choose your favourite way to communicate. In my case, it is movies and music. Both methods are great because you get exposed to linguistics, phonetics, and some cultural aspects.

Learning a new language takes time and dedication, just like learning a new instrument, for example. The key is not to give up and trust the process.

Favourite place to travel to in 2022?

This year I am aiming to make a self-improvement trip. So maybe Bali for a yoga course. I mean, why not? Meanwhile, I would never say no to an affordable and funny trip with friends.

What’s your favourite ice cream flavour?

Impossible to choose; I love them all.