Skills
Core Skills & Expertise:
✅ Translation & Localization: Literary translation (novels/short stories), academic translation (social sciences/anthropology), technical translation, subtitling (English↔Arabic), transcreation, proofreading, localization for MENA markets.
✅ Linguistic Proficiency: Native Arabic (MSA & Egyptian dialect), C2-level English (certified through BA in English Literature + 15+ years professional use), French (basic).
✅ Research & Writing: Ethnographic research, academic writing, journalistic writing, content creation, ghostwriting, editing (African Studies Review).
✅ Cultural Competence: African studies specialist (Oromo rituals, Sudan/Senegal research), cross-cultural communication, workshop facilitation (Luxor African Film Festival).
✅ Technical Skills: Translation memory tools (Trados basics), video subtitling software, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, CMS platforms.
✅ Soft Skills: Project management (book translations → film projects), teamwork (Africanists Group), deadline-driven, detail-oriented, adaptability (corporate + creative sectors).
About
I am Khalid Mikawy, a highly skilled translator, researcher, and language professional with over 15 years of experience in translation, academic writing, and cultural studies. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature and currently pursuing a Master’s in African Cultural Anthropology, I possess advanced proficiency in English and Arabic, with a proven track record in literary and academic translation. My key skills include translation (English-Arabic), subtitling, academic research, and language instruction, supported by certifications such as the Academic Writing and Translation Workshop from the American University in Cairo (2024).
My professional achievements include translating award-winning novels like Claudia Piñeiro’s All Yours and Aki Ollikainen’s The White Hunger into Arabic, as well as contributing to academic publications such as African Studies Review. I have also directed and subtitled documentary films, including The Griot: An Echo to Last Forever, and served as a jury member for international film festivals.
Previously, I worked as a freelance translator for Roots Production Studios and Middle East For Translation, an English instructor at EIA Center, and a training facilitator at Misr Petroleum Company. My diverse background in translation, education, and cultural research equips me with the adaptability and expertise to excel in multilingual and cross-cultural environments.