interpretation

As an anthropologist at large based between Phnom Penh and Cairo, I see language as more than a tool for communication—it is a bridge to understanding lived experiences.

I approach interpretation as a form of cultural mediation, attuned to the power dynamics and subtleties embedded in conversations through and beyond words.
My work emphasizes cultural sensitivity, aligning words with the socio-historical contexts in which they are spoken or silenced, particularly when amplifying the voices of marginalized communities.
By integrating anthropological methods—such as active listening, reflexivity, and an acute awareness of non-verbal cues—I ensure that the meaning conveyed is nuanced and relationally attuned and informed.
This approach has been pivotal in facilitating dialogue in high-stakes contexts, from community consultations in development projects to heritage initiatives requiring collaborative trust.
Whether interpreting for stakeholders or supporting the public articulation of cultural narratives, I work to foster exchanges rooted in empathy, precision, and mutual respect.

Since the early 2000s, my work as a Cambodia-based consecutive interpreter of Khmer has gone hand-in-hand with my role as one of the very few early women fixers in the country.
I deliver culturally sensitive and socially adaptive interpretation that facilitates meaningful conversations beyond words.
My approach prioritizes nuance, empathy, and precision, ensuring that communication bridges gaps that may appear incommensurable.
I excel in de-escalating tense situations, particularly in challenging contexts, and thrive on fostering collaboration among unlikely partners—crossing social, cultural, regional, and professional boundaries.
My primary areas of expertise include: investigative journalism, political detention monitoring, human rights assessments, public health, gender and social equity, community development, informal economies, involuntary resettlement.

For over 20 years, I have worked as a simultaneous interpreter in English and French, primarily on projects involving international organizations and state parties.
My expertise lies in facilitating seamless communication in high-stakes contexts, where precision and cultural nuance are essential.
My primary fields of intervention often align with my consulting work, including: interpretive planning, culturally sensitive training, and socially impactful heritage management, notably through (but not limited to) academic trainings and conferences.
I also support intergovernmental meetings, workshops for funding agencies, and international conferences, offering cross-cultural and multilingual insights that bridge diverse perspectives.