Joomla in Faces. Svetoslav Slavkov (German and Bulgarian localisator)

What happens when deep technical expertise meets a passion for languages? Meet Svetoslav Slavkov, a professional dedicated to building bridges between Bulgarian and German cultures. His career is a unique fusion of roles—from System Administrator and Security Engineer to a voluntary translator for the Joomla CMS. In this interview, we explore how his analytical background in tech shapes his work in localization and community building.

I'm Svetoslav Slavkov, a bilingual language contributor bridging cultures, seizing opportunities to connect. My experiences with Bulgarian and German cultures have instilled in me a strong sense of empathy and understanding, guiding my contribution as a translator. Over time, I’ve taken on many different opportunities from system administrator, QA and Security Engineer and technical support. As a tinkerer at heart, I thrive in environments where innovation and collaboration come together to drive progress. I have a detail-oriented eye for DevOps/QA principles, besides Cybersecurity. Apart from the regular work, I participate whenever possible in voluntary activities from software translation (localisation for the Joomla CMS community) to API, functional, security improvements reporting. In my spare time, I'm an avid hiker, paper quilling artist, and blockchain enthusiast, always seeking new challenges and creative outlets.

As I explored ways to share information about my hometown's vintage car and motorcycle community online, I stumbled upon Joomla in 2008. The platform's flexibility and ease of use sparked a sense of excitement and possibility, much like the thrill of getting behind the wheel of a restored classic car for the first time. Little did I know that this powerful platform would become the foundation for a website that would connect me with like-minded individuals worldwide.

For eight years (2013-2021), I leveraged my blog on Joomla as a testing ground for refining various extensions, including German and Bulgarian translations, ensuring that any defects or optimizations were thoroughly documented and reported to the relevant R&D teams before reaching a release. Having developed a strong understanding of Joomla's capabilities through my blog, I now leverage this expertise to provide valuable information and guidance to others who share my passion for the platform.

Building on the expertise gained through my IT PlayGround, I've successfully applied the insights and skills developed there to drive innovation in my current Think in Art project. Furthermore, I'm actively contributing to the localisation efforts of the Bulgarian and German-speaking communities within the Joomla ecosystem since 2008, while also extending my involvement to other open-source projects and homelab-specific software initiatives.

What drives me is the thrill of discovery, the joy of connection, and the satisfaction of knowing that my contributions create lasting value and make a meaningful impact on others. Through my involvement in the Joomla community as well as translations for open-source software, I strive to inspire others, learn from their experiences, and co-create innovative solutions that celebrate unity in diversity. What gets me excited is the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals from Unique blends of cultures and ideas, collaborate on initiatives that harness our collective creativity and expertise, and empower a global community to create value that lasts through localisation support or homelab-specific software.

Bulgaria - the hidden gem! Let me paint a picture for you. Imagine a land where ancient history meets vibrant culture, and nature's beauty is simply breathtaking. Bulgaria is the cradle of Eastern Orthodox Christianity, and its connection to other cultures is as rich as the Cyrillic alphabet itself. This unique script, created by St. Cyril and St. Methodius in the 9th century, has been a cornerstone of Bulgarian identity for centuries. You'll see it reflected in the country's stunning monasteries, intricate architecture, and even the iconic Bulgarian fonts. Nature lovers, rejoice! Bulgaria is home to the majestic Balkan Mountains, the scenic Black Sea coast, and an incredible variety of flora and fauna. Take a stroll through the rose-petal-scented streets of Sofia, visit the ancient Thracian city of Perperikon, or hike through the picturesque Rhodope Mountains or perhaps check out Heraclea Sintica. Step into Bulgaria's colorful history at museums. Let yourself be mesmerized by the country's rich folklore, from traditional folk songs to intricate embroidery like Shevitsa and woodcarvings.

Joomla's unique strengths lie in its ability to empower users with flexible, scalable, and secure platforms for building exceptional digital experiences. It converges to form a robust infrastructure that seamlessly combines user-friendly interfaces with developer-driven functionality.