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Let’s Talk
Let’s Talk

Your inclusivity
and diversity expert

“Alicja is honestly the kind of person
you dream of working with.”
MEET ALICJA

A Polish linguist specialising in communication that includes

Hi, I’m Alicja Tokarska, a Polish-born translator. I help my clients communicate in a respectful way, in both English and Polish.

Having been living and working in Scotland since way back in 2009, I’m a true linguistic expert, fully immersed in both my native and adoptive cultures.

I spent years building up my experience and qualifications…

  • MA Hons in Spanish and Comparative Literature and an MSc in Translation Studies
  • A year spent in Barcelona building fluency in Spanish
  • Six-month translation traineeship at the European Parliament in Luxembourg, perfecting my skills and using French every day

…and founded Polka Dot Translations in 2017. Since then, I’ve been combining my professional skills with my passions to produce careful, fluent translations for clients like you.

A keen vegan cook, amateur dressmaker and volunteer at a local arts cinema, I make a point of living sustainably, and love collaborating with clients on the same wavelength.

Let’s work together
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Professional organisations

I believe in the importance of actively taking part and helping shape my profession, as well as keeping my skills razor-sharp for the benefit of my clients.

To that end, I’m a member of several prestigious translation organisations, and sit on three committees.

The extensive network I’ve built means I can help you with multilingual projects or refer you to a trusted colleague if necessary.

  • Membership secretary for ITI’s Scottish Network
  • Coordinator of the ITI Polish Network
  • Events coordinator of Subtle Subtitlers’ Association
  • Award-winning: Best Performance on a Translation Assignment, ITI, 2022
MY VALUES

Get the best results working with a professional who cares

Inclusivity
The core of my business. Translation and education that welcome everyone into the fold.
Sustainability
I collaborate with businesses that value our beautiful planet, and prioritise sustainability both personally and professionally.
Reliability
Choose to work with a trusted translation partner with a proven track record, who will never let you down.
Quality
Turn to me for spot-on texts and the highest standards of customer service, always.
Communication
The best results are born from consistent communication. I’ll keep you in the loop throughout your project.
Precision
I’ll study your brief carefully and take a thorough, detail-oriented approach to your projects.

Does that resonate with you?

Then trust me to produce translations that will strike a chord with your ideal customers.

Tell me about your project
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Working with Alicja was a wonderful and stress-free experience. She was very professional throughout all communications.
Every step of the process was a pleasure.
Lynne,
Glasgow Women’s Aid

Why the Polka Dots?

Did you know “Polka” means “Polish woman”? With my native Polish being so gendered once upon a time, including a feminine noun in my business name was a no-brainer.

Add to that my expertise in fashion and style translations, and my forays into amateur dressmaking, and you’ll see why “Polka Dot Translations” was a spot-on choice.

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Appearances

Over the years, I’ve shared my knowledge about inclusion and diversity, as well as translation and running a successful freelance business, through webinars, conferences, podcasts and articles.

Find out more about my inclusion and diversity training, or get in touch to discuss any events or opportunities you think I could be a good fit for.

Talks and workshops delivered:

Podcast appearances:

Writing samples:

Dot, dot, dot.

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