Manuela Palagro

Ever since I can remember, I've been fascinated by the **power of language**. In a world where information travels fast but sometimes without nuance, I deeply believe that **a well-chosen word can make all the difference**. It is often said that the pen is mightier than the sword – and it is true that words can open doors, convince, appease, or influence. They carry meaning, shape cultures, and evoke emotions. Used well, they reinforce a message; chosen poorly, they can betray it.

My academic background reflects this commitment. I hold **three Master's degrees**, which allow me to approach languages and translation with a technical, literary, and intercultural perspective:

It was at the end of my 3rd year of Bachelor's in Translation at UMONS that I received a **research scholarship**, which ignited a true passion for **translation research**. This first experience marked a turning point and directed my entire academic path towards a deep reflection on the challenges of literary translation, particularly in postcolonial contexts.

My Master's thesis at the ULB, focusing on the **specific challenges of translating postcolonial literature**, was awarded the **prize for the best research thesis in translation studies**.

I also had the honor of receiving an **excellence scholarship from the Wiener-Anspach Foundation**, which allowed me to pursue my research at the University of Oxford. **I am proud to be the first person in French-speaking Belgium to have received this scholarship in the field of translation studies**.