L. Penny Wagner
Reykjavík
Summary
Versatile Icelandic-English linguist and translator with 14 years of experience specializing in environmental sciences, renewable energy, and Nordic literature. Expertise in terminology management, sustainable tourism translation, and geothermal industry documentation. Skilled in audiovisual translation and dubbing for Icelandic media. Passionate about preserving Icelandic language heritage while facilitating global communication in cutting-edge scientific fields.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Translator and Linguistic Consultant
Icelandic Green Energy Association
01.2017 - Current
- Lead translator for international collaborations, conferences, and publications in renewable energy sector
- Develop and maintain a comprehensive multilingual terminology database for geothermal and hydroelectric power
- Provide linguistic consultancy for Icelandic energy companies expanding into international markets
- Coordinate translation teams for large-scale environmental impact assessment reports.
Literary Translator and Nordic Literature Specialist
Icelandic Literature Center
01.2015 - Current
- Translate contemporary Icelandic literature, including novels, poetry, and children's books, into English
- Collaborate with international publishers to promote Icelandic authors abroad
- Organize translation workshops and mentorship programs for emerging translators
- Contribute to the preservation and global dissemination of Icelandic sagas and folklore.
Freelance Translator and Interpreter
Self-employed
01.2009 - Current
- Offer translation and interpretation services for diverse clients, including government agencies and private companies
- Specialize in technical translations for the fishing industry and marine biology research
- Provide simultaneous interpretation for international conferences on climate change and Arctic affairs
- Translate academic papers and research proposals for Icelandic universities.
Audiovisual Translator and Dubbing Director
RÚV (Icelandic National Broadcasting Service)
01.2013 - 01.2017
- Translated and adapted scripts for foreign TV shows, documentaries, and films for Icelandic audiences
- Directed dubbing sessions for children's programming, ensuring natural dialogue delivery
- Developed style guides for maintaining consistency in long-running series translations
- Implemented new subtitling software, increasing team productivity by 25%.
Environmental and Tourism Translator
Visit Iceland
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Translated promotional materials, travel guides, and website content for the Icelandic Tourism Board
- Specialized in eco-tourism and adventure travel terminology
- Created bilingual glossaries for Icelandic flora, fauna, and geological formations
- Provided on-site interpretation for international journalists and travel writers.
Junior Linguist and Lexicographer
Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies
01.2007 - 01.2009
- Contributed to the compilation and editing of the Dictionary of Contemporary Icelandic
- Assisted in corpus linguistics projects, focusing on neologisms and language change in modern Icelandic
- Participated in sociolinguistic surveys on attitudes towards English loanwords in Icelandic
- Helped organize workshops on Icelandic language preservation and evolution.
Education
Ph.D. - Nordic Linguistics
University of Iceland
Reykjavík, Iceland06.2013
M.A. - Translation Studies
University College London
London, UK06.2009
B.A. - Icelandic and Comparative Literature
University of Iceland
Reykjavík, Iceland06.2007
Skills
- Native proficiency in Icelandic
- Near-native proficiency in English
- Strong knowledge of terminology management systems
- Excellent public speaking and presentation skills
- Advanced skills in corpus linguistics and lexicography
Certification
- Certified Translator (Icelandic-English), Association of Icelandic Translators and Interpreters, 01/01/11
- Certified Conference Interpreter, International Association of Conference Interpreters (AIIC), 01/01/14
- Professional Subtitle Translation Certificate, European Captioning Institute, 01/01/15
Affiliations
- Association of Icelandic Translators and Interpreters
- Nordic Association of Linguists
- European Association for Environmental Communication
- International Association of Professional Translators and Interpreters (IAPTI)
Languages
Icelandic
Proficient
C2
English
Proficient
C2
Publications
- Translating the Untranslatable: Icelandic Nature Terminology in English, Wagner, L.P., 2022, Journal of Nordic Translation Studies, 15, 2, 78-95
- The Challenge of Maintaining Linguistic Purity in Technical Translations: A Case Study of Geothermal Energy Terminology, Wagner, L.P. & Jónsson, H., 2020, World Geothermal Congress, Reykjavík, Iceland
- Bridging Sagas and Modern Literature: Translating Icelandic Literary Heritage, Wagner, L.P., 2018, Nordic Literatures in Translation, 156-178, Routledge
References
Available upon request
Timeline
Senior Translator and Linguistic Consultant
Icelandic Green Energy Association
01.2017 - Current
Literary Translator and Nordic Literature Specialist
Icelandic Literature Center
01.2015 - Current
Audiovisual Translator and Dubbing Director
RÚV (Icelandic National Broadcasting Service)
01.2013 - 01.2017
Environmental and Tourism Translator
Visit Iceland
01.2011 - 01.2013
Freelance Translator and Interpreter
Self-employed
01.2009 - Current
Junior Linguist and Lexicographer
Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies
01.2007 - 01.2009
M.A. - Translation Studies
University College London
B.A. - Icelandic and Comparative Literature
University of Iceland
Ph.D. - Nordic Linguistics
University of Iceland
Similar Profiles
Goitsemodimo KotopoGoitsemodimo Kotopo
Volunteer at Green Energy and Sustainability AssociationVolunteer at Green Energy and Sustainability Association
Sumeet ChamoliSumeet Chamoli
Assistant Manager- Projects at ADANI Green Energy Ltd- Renewable Energy SectorAssistant Manager- Projects at ADANI Green Energy Ltd- Renewable Energy Sector
Yi XieYi Xie
Deputy Director of Member Relation Department at Shenzhen Green Finance AssociationDeputy Director of Member Relation Department at Shenzhen Green Finance Association