A budding linguist at Cockburn John Charles Academy has made headlines with her remarkable talent and dedication.
Manuella has been awarded a commendation in the esteemed Stephen Spender Translation Competition, a prestigious event that celebrates the art of translation and multilingualism.
Originally from Congo, Manuella moved to the UK in 2022 and brought with her a rich linguistic heritage. Fluent in French and Lingala, she has also taken on the challenge of mastering English, her newest language. Despite only recently learning English, Manuella demonstrated exceptional skill by translating a French poem into English for the competition.
This accomplishment is particularly impressive given her limited experience with the language, showcasing her deep understanding of poetry and her keen ability to bridge linguistic gaps.
Reflecting on her achievement, Manuella shared her thoughts on the experience:
“Translating is like building a bridge between two worlds. It was an opportunity to connect the beauty of my heritage languages with English. I loved being able to express the poem’s emotions in a new way.”
Head of School, Mrs Roberts, praised Manuella’s hard work and determination:
“We are incredibly proud of Manuella’s success. Her dedication to learning and her willingness to take on such a challenging task is truly inspiring.
“Manuella embodies the spirit of our school community, embracing new opportunities with courage and grace. Her achievement in this competition is a testament to her talent and her passion for languages.”
Manuella’s recognition in the Stephen Spender Translation Competition is a milestone for both her and Cockburn John Charles Academy, highlighting the incredible potential of young, multilingual voices in today’s global landscape.
This post is based on a press release issued by Cockburn John Charles Academy
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