About me
I have dual nationality (British and French) and have lived and worked in the Moselle region (near the German and Luxembourgish border), in France since 1998. Living in France lets me keep my finger on the pulse of French language developments, as well as French and Luxembourgish news.
Studies:
When I was at secondary school, I was bitten by the language bug and have always loved the challenges and intriguing cultural differences languages present. At the tender age of 12, I even stated that I wanted to live in France when I was older. I went on to study French and German and obtain a BA Honours degree at Bath University, which provided me with strong foundations in languages and linguistics.
Translation:
Following 10 years as a state-qualified (CAPES), full-time teacher of English as a foreign language, I needed a new challenge and decided to start training to become a translator. I had always enjoyed translating complicated French expressions into English, trying to convey the essence of the message whilst respecting the word choices of the writer. I love how translations can bridge the gap between two languages and cultures.
I had carried out various translation projects on a voluntary basis throughout my time in France and really loved the experience. I especially enjoyed the research involved.
This led me to take and pass the Chartered Institute of Linguists Diploma in Translation (DipTRANSIolet), the gold star standard for translation, in January 2013, to become a full-time, self-employed translator.
I am also a member of the Chartered Institute of Linguists:
CIOL Profile Check here
and the Société Française des Traducteurs:
SFT Profile link here
, as well as being a Sworn Translator for Thionville Court, in Moselle.
Software:
I am a proficient user of CAT (Computer assisted translation software) tools, and particularly like working with MEMOQ, but I also have worked with other leading translation software in the past. This enables me to provide accurate and consistent translations, due to its quality assessment function and ensures that relevant terminology is used throughout.
Town Council:
I am passionate about my town (Sierck-les-Bains), its medieval heritage and its beautiful setting at the heart of the three-border region. This is why I decided to join the council and became elected deputy Mayor for Tourism, Sustainable Development and Communication on Sierck-Les-Bains Town Council, France.
The wide variety of tasks involved in this position has enabled me to gain in-depth knowledge about French culture, local authorities, administrative procedures, tourism, communication and helped me to become fully integrated into French life.
