About Me
I am a literature and translation graduate interested in exploring the intersections of literature, translation, art, and culture. With a diverse background spanning higher education, publishing, writing, journalism, language education, and cultural institutions, I've cultivated a dynamic skill set adaptable to various contexts.
Asena K. Karaca
Translator | Lecturer | Content Creator
Welcome
I'm Asena Karaca, an academic specialising in literature, art, cultural studies, and interlingual and intercultural translation studies; I bring over nine years of professional expertise in text, image and discourse analysis, content curation, publishing and editing and translation.
My forte lies in delving into cultural narratives, crafting compelling content, and expressing creativity through writing. I bring an interdisciplinary mindset fuelled by a deep-seated passion for unravelling the intricacies of human expression.
Proficient in creative content creation, publishing, and translation, backed by solid research, writing, communication and presentation abilities, I'm poised to contribute meaningfully across a spectrum of roles—from editorial endeavours to cultural analysis, content creation, translation, and curation
On this website, I invite you to explore my research, professional and creative works, and passion projects. Enjoy browsing and get in touch with me.
My Education
BA, English Language and Literature | 2004 - 2009
Yeditepe University, İstanbul, Türkiye
- With a full merit scholarship
- Graduation rank: 1st
- High Honours (3.89 GPA)
MA, Cultural Studies & English Language and Literature | 2009 - 2011
Yeditepe University, İstanbul, Türkiye
- With a full merit scholarship
- Graduation rank: 1st
- High Honours (4.00 GPA)
- Thesis Title:
PhD, Humanities | 2012 - 2013
Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain
- Thesis Title:
PhD, Interlingual and Intercultural Translation Studies | 2014 - 2021
Yıldız Technical University, İstanbul, Türkiye
- Graduation rank: 1st
- High Honours (4.00 GPA)
- Thesis Title:
Summer School Children’s Literature | 2024
Antwerp University, Antwerp, Belgium
My Work Experience
Lecturer / QME Member | Bilkent University, Ankara, Türkiye
Translation and Interpretation Department
2021 - 2023
- Introduced new lessons to the curriculum that align with emerging trends and industries, covering literature, translation & publishing studies, culture, and art, leading to a diversified and modern curriculum.
- For QME (Quality Management in Education), collaborating with the Psychology Department, introduced wellness programs for students addressing mental health and holistic well-being.
- Expanded the department's global reach by forging strategic partnerships with industry stakeholders, publishing houses, language service providers, translation companies and international organisations.
- Spearheaded cross-cultural communication seminars with guest speakers from diverse backgrounds, fostering cultural awareness and promoting inclusivity within the academic community.
Instructor/ Exam Coordinator | Yıldız Technical University, İstanbul, Türkiye Foreign Languages Department
2014 - 2020
- Introduced analysis of test items to evaluate the quality, difficulty, and discriminatory power of assessments, increasing student proficiency levels.
- Initiated a reading and writing club, opportunities for literary exploration and creative expression, fostering a deeper appreciation for language arts beyond the classroom setting.
- Improved the reading & writing component of the exams, crafting questions and adjusting the difficulty level to align with curriculum objectives and cater to varying proficiency levels.
Intern | Republic of Türkiye, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ankara
Directorate of Translation
2020
- Assisted in translating and editing Ministry documents, including reports, correspondence, and official statements, ensuring precision, clarity, and adherence to established guidelines.
- Collaborated closely with diplomats and officials to ensure effective communication and coordination within the translation team, responding promptly to their requests and feedback.
- Participated in team meetings and training sessions to enhance translation skills and stay updated on organisational procedures and policies specific to diplomatic requirements.
Student Assistant | Yeditepe University, İstanbul, Türkiye
English Language & Literature Department
2009 - 2011
- Provided invaluable support to professors, researchers, and students in a vibrant academic environment.
- Conducted administrative tasks, including organising and maintaining department files, managing correspondence, and promptly responding to inquiries.
- Demonstrated excellent organisational and time management skills, effectively balancing multiple responsibilities while maintaining a high standard of work.
- Developed strong communication and interpersonal skills through interactions with diverse stakeholders, including professors, researchers, and fellow students.
Activities
Welcome to this page, where you'll glimpse what I do to make a difference. Through active participation in various foundations, I join hands with organisations that share my values, striving to support meaningful causes. From community outreach programs to fostering charitable partnerships and championing initiatives, my dedication to positive change shines through. Through employee volunteerism and fervent advocacy, I take pride in contributing to a brighter future for all.
Imagine Lab
Imagine Lab is a non-profit and independent platform with an online workshop series, interviews and creative retreat sessions to form an international children's literature community.
CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOK CONTENT CREATOR
I create informative videos that combine visual storytelling with educational content, selected books that would capture the imagination of young readers. Through animation, I brought characters to life to enrich the storytelling experience.
this is a video I have made
Trucknasium | Daf Museum
Trucknasium is an interactive education program on car technology, sustainability, and safety for upper primary and lower secondary schools. It is a do-it-yourself program in which children mainly learn in the DAF Museum itself.
COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT
ı enhance the museum's outreach and engagement strategies, utilise various digital platforms for educational programs, collaborate with staff and external partners to develop multimedia materials, such as videos, and interactive guides.
Short Story Club | Eindhoven Library
The Short Story Club is a gathering of literature enthusiasts who want to explore and appreciate the art of short fiction. Each gathering is dedicated to discussing a selected short story, either originally written in English or translated, spanning various genres and authors.
FOUNDER & MODERATOR
I initiated and curated an international literature platform, selecting short stories for analysis and reflection. I guided participants in analysing themes, characters, and narrative techniques.
Arkeofili
Arkeofili is an online organisation that provides comprehensive coverage of archaeological news and developments. Our mission is to offer insightful analysis and reporting on significant discoveries, excavations, and research in archaeology.
Translator
I translate articles on archaeological discoveries, contributing to the platform's mission of informing and engaging readers with captivating insights into ancient history.
Translators Without Borders
Translators without Borders (TWB) is a non-profit organization that aims to close language gaps worldwide. TWB envisions a world where knowledge knows no language barriers, and everyone has access to the information they need in a language they understand.
Translator
I translate a wide range of materials, including humanitarian aid documents, health education resources, and crisis response communications, ensuring vital information is accessible to diverse communities worldwide.