Chartered Institute
of Linguists

Brazil Network

Forthcoming events are currently being planned and will be publicised here soon.


This is a network for those who are interested in meeting other members for informal networking and support, foreign language conversation and social events such as talks and foreign language film showings.

Role Bio
Mr Mark Thompson



DipTrans FCIL CL

I joined the British Army at 16, and loved being around all those different UK accents – the seed was sown, and my fascination for languages grew during my five years based in the then West Germany and other locations around the world during the Cold War.
I then spent 12 years in various law enforcement roles in Sussex, and in 2001 took a career break and backpacked around South America solo for 12 months, learning Spanish, some basic Quechua, and Portuguese.
I moved to southeastern Brazil in 2003, and after five years teaching Cambridge courses at an English school I took the plunge and began working full-time with translation and interpreting, setting up my own business in 2010. I obtained the DipTrans in 2011, and became Chartered in 2018. I manage a couple of long-term linguistic support projects and provide local fixing and consultancy services.
I’m a big fan of networking, both in person and remotely with colleagues around the globe, and have worked on some amazing projects as a result of the contacts I’ve made. I set up the Brazil Network to promote CIOL among Brazilians and those having a connection with or interest in the country, and to share in the benefits of contact with such great people!

Mrs Maria Cristina Petrizzi DA SILVA



DipTrans MCIL CL

Born in Brazil, Cris started her career in languages as a teacher, but her true calling was to be a translator and interpreter. In 2000, she became a sworn translator in Brazil and soon after that, she opened her own company. Specializing in agricultural biotechnology and legal English, she was able to provide bespoke services to her clients who were happy to recommend her company. Soon, she started to serve some major agribusiness companies, as well as other companies linked to this important industry. In her ongoing pursuit of new experiences and eagerness to travel the world, Cris lived for a year in the UK, then in the US, then Australia, and 4 years in Italy, until moving back to the UK. She joined the CIOL and in 2019 she sat for the Diploma of Translation (DipTrans). Cris was not only approved with Distinction in all papers, but she was also granted an Award as the Best Candidate for the Diploma in Translation 2019. Today, as a Member of the CIOL Council, she aspires to help disseminate the importance of Qualification for Linguists to get the Recognition they deserve.