Farsi Translation by Sepideh Moussavi
Farsi native speaker. I know what gets lost in translation – and how to keep it.
About Sepideh Moussavi, ATA-Certified Farsi Translator
"Translation is not the transfer of words. It is the preservation of meaning, tone and intent across languages."
Drawing on extensive experience in literary, legal, and academic translation, I work at the intersection of language, culture, and communication. My work is guided by a simple principle: good translation preserves not only meaning, but also tone, context, and intent.
My relationship with languages began early, with the study of French in Iran, and continued in the United States, where I learned English. Living and studying in Iran, France, and the United States has given me a perspective shaped by more than one language and culture—and by an enduring interest in how meaning travels between them.
Over more than 25 years as a translator and interpreter, I have worked on books, articles, publishing materials, legal documents, and other culturally nuanced texts. I have interpreted for MSNBC, the Asia Society, and the Federal and New York State courts, and have translated for individuals, museums, and universities. I hold bachelor’s and master’s degrees from California State University, Northridge.
Building Standards for Farsi Translation
From 2015 to 2021, I worked with the American Translators Association (ATA) on the development of its first Farsi–English certification program. Over several years, I helped bring together a team of professional Farsi translators and contributed to the process that led to ATA approval of Farsi–English as a certification language pair—a necessary step toward developing a certification examination. I also contributed to the development of professional standards and examination materials.
The certification has not yet been implemented, and the initiative remains under development. Although my involvement ended in 2021, this work remains one of the most substantial professional commitments of my career and an important part of my contribution to the field of Farsi translation.
Featured Interview:
Interview with the New York Circle of Translators (NYCT) →