This site uses cookies.
Some of these cookies are essential to the operation of the site,
while others help to improve your experience by providing insights into how the site is being used.
For more information, please see the ProZ.com privacy policy.
Ensure your text reads naturally in English and is perfectly polished
Account type
Freelance translator and/or interpreter, Verified member ProZ.com Kudoz editor
Data security
This person has a SecurePRO™ card. Because this person is not a ProZ.com Plus subscriber, to view his or her SecurePRO™ card you must be a ProZ.com Business member or Plus subscriber.
Affiliations
This person is not affiliated with any business or Blue Board record at ProZ.com.
Surcharge(s): Rush jobs +1% to +99% Unsocial hours +25% to +99% Work outside specialisations +1% to +15% Discount(s): High volume with ample time -1% to -15% Jobs of low complexity -1% to -15% Freelance Translators' own marketing texts -15% Minimum charge(s): Minimum charge for translation in EUR: 30.00 Minimum charge for editing/proofreading in EUR: 30.00
Source text - English It's very difficult to publish before and after snapshots of my revision work. It wouldn't be fair on the text owners, many of whom are non-native speakers of English and so entitled to their less-than-perfect output.
Translation - English However, I have provided one sample. Links to some other published texts can be provided on request.
English: Science fiction novel (edited for the British author) General field: Art/Literary Detailed field: Poetry & Literature
Source text - English The Bar was dimly lit, stale tobacco smoke hung in the air like a smog. Non-descript music was playing in the background, to which no-one was listening. All eyes were on the giant who had seated himself by the pool table. Unkempt hair, beard growth and a musty odour completed the picture of this unwashed hobo. However, he wasn’t causing any trouble and was paying for each round of drinks with an accepted ID charge card (cash no longer existed ). There were two men playing pool, neither felt the urge to ask him to move, when their shots took them to his side of the table, opting to play an awkward shot instead.
There were three empty pitchers of beer on the table in front of him. “Another beer!” He shouted. The Barman sighed and thought about saying no, but the scowl on the giant’s face made him change his mind. The atmosphere in the bar couldn’t be worse.
Translation - English The bar was dimly lit, stale tobacco smoke hanging in the air like a smog. Nondescript music was playing in the background, with no one listening. All eyes were on the giant who had seated himself by the pool table. Unkempt hair, beard growth and a musty odour completed the picture of this unwashed tramp. However, he wasn’t causing any trouble and he was paying for his drinks. Neither of the men playing pool felt like asking him to move, opting to play an awkward shot instead.
There were three empty pitchers in front of him. "Another beer!" The barman sighed and thought about saying no, but the scowl on the giant’s face made him serve him. The atmosphere in the bar could hardly be worse.
French to English: Magazine article General field: Marketing Detailed field: Sports / Fitness / Recreation
Source text - French On ne l’entend pas le soir au fond des bois, mais en plein jour, sur les pistes, là où l’on pourra désormais voir passer des fous glissants sur de drôles de machines, hybrides de luge et de pédalo.
Xxxxx, c’est une sorte de traîneau qui devait, à l’origine, permettre aux handicapés fanas de la neige de se livrer aux joies de la glisse malgré leur invalidité.
Disons-le tout de go, l’engin représente un saut qualitatif dans la conception des traîneaux. Il est à l’aise quelle que soit la consistance de la neige… et même quand il n’y en a pas.
Car lorsqu’on accroche des roues sur les patins, il se transforme en véhicule urbain rapide et très maniable, grâce à son rayon de braquage très serré.
Ce qui fait la spécificité du Xxxxx, outre l’imagination de son designer, c’est l’utilisation très pertinente de plastiques associés à d’autres matériaux : cadre en alu, plancher en contreplaqué, patins en polyéthylène ultra haute densité, siège en PVC.
Tout le monde ne possède pas la force et l'endurance nécessaires pour pratiquer le ski ou le snowboard intensif. Le Xxxxx permet à tous de prendre toutes les pistes sans ressentir la moindre courbature : le skieur dévale et c’est le Xxxxx qui trinque.
Pour couronner le tout, il est compatible avec n’importe quel télésiège et possède un frein de secours qui se déclenche automatiquement en cas de chute, y compris du télésiège.
Alors, heu-reux ?
Translation - English You won't hear it in the dead of night in the depths of the forest; no, you'll hear it in broad daylight, right there on the slopes, and you'll see maniacs flying past on amazing machines, a cross between a sledge and a pedalo.
Xxxxx is a form of sledge that was created to enable the disabled to take an active part in their passion for snow sports, despite their disabilities.
Let's be clear about it, this device represents a giant leap in sledge design. It's equally happy on all types of snow ... and even when there isn't any.
Yes, by attaching wheels to the runners you transform it into a fast street machine that handles really well due to its extremely tight turning radius.
The special thing about the Xxxxx, apart from its designer's imagination, is its distinctive blend of plastics and other materials: aluminium frame, plywood base, ultra-high density polyethylene runners, PVC seat.
Not everyone has the strength and stamina needed for intensive skiing and snowboarding. The Xxxxx enables everyone to take to the slopes without suffering aches and pains: Xxxxx takes the knocks while the skier enjoys the ride.
Its crowning glory is that it's compatible with all models of chairlifts and has an emergency brake that operates automatically in a fall, including one from the chairlift.
So, happy or what?
French to English: Online property sales (source text written by private owner) General field: Marketing Detailed field: Real Estate
Source text - French Maison d'architecte vue mer
Superbe maison contemporaine avec vue imprenable sur la mer, à proximité des plages et du golf de Carantec, la station balnéaire de Roscoff, sa thalasso , son port de plaisance. Centre ville de Xxxxx à 10mns. Proche commerces.
Au rdc, vaste open space de 84m2, grandes baies vitrées auto-nettoyantes, grande terrasse. La cuisine est intégrée à cet espace. La charpente apparente accentue le volume intéressant de cet endroit. Une chambre, un dressing, une salle de bain (le tout vue mer). wc indépendants, bureau, grand garage.
A l'étage, grande coursive donnant accès à 3 chambres, une salle de bain et wc indépendants. Grande terrasse.
Terrain entièrement clos, jardin arboré, vue mer. Nombreuses activités nautiques à proximité. Possibilité d'amarrer un bateau en face de la maison.
La maison est en ossature bois, cela nous a permis de faire en sorte que la charpente soit apparente dans le séjour, salle à manger et cuisine, les poutres sont peintes en blanc. La maison est parfaitement isolée (économie de chauffage). Un récupérateur d'eau de pluie est aussi installé et sert pour la machine à laver et les wc, ce qui diminue aussi la consommation d'eau.
Translation - English Architect's house with a sea view
Superb contemporary dwelling with an unrivalled view of the sea; close to the beaches and the Carantec Golf Club, the seaside resort of Roscoff with its thermal cure centre and marina. Xxxxx town centre 10 minutes away. Close to shops.
Ground floor: enormous living space of 84m2 with large self-cleaning glazed doors, large patio. This space includes an open-plan kitchen. Exposed beams add to the impression of size of this area. One bedroom, one dressing area, one bathroom (all with sea views). Separate WC, study, large garage.
Upstairs: wide passageway giving access to 3 bedrooms, one bathroom and WC. Large terrace.
Grounds totally fenced and landscaped, with sea views. Close to a wide range of water sports. Boat mooring possibility opposite the house.
The house has a timber frame, allowing for exposed white-painted beams in the living, dining and kitchen areas. The house is extremely well insulated (economic for heating). Water consumption reduced by collection of rainwater, which is used for the washing machine and toilets.
French to English: University brochure General field: Social Sciences Detailed field: Education / Pedagogy
Source text - French Les C2i®
Les C2i® sont des certifications instituées par le ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche attestant l’acquisition de compétences numériques nécessaires à la poursuite d’études supérieures et à l’insertion dans la vie professionnelle. Elles se situent dans la continuité des B2i® de l’enseignement scolaire et s’inscrivent dans le cadre européen des compétences clés pour l’éducation et la formation tout au long de la vie.
Chacun des certificats se fonde sur un référentiel de compétences liées à des usages et des pratiques. L’objectif est de dépasser la seule maitrise technique des outils pour se centrer sur la capacité à mobiliser des technologies numériques afin d’agir efficacement en situation dans le cadre des études ou d’un métier.
Les certifications C2i® commencent à avoir une visibilité à l’international. Des universités étrangères (Afrique francophone, Amérique du Sud et Asie du Sud Est), via des conventions bilatérales avec des établissements français, les ont incorporées à leurs cursus.
Translation - English The C2i®
C2i® certifications were set up by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research to attest to the acquisition of the digital competence required for the pursuit of higher studies and professional integration. They follow on from the B2i® of secondary education and form part of the European framework of key skills for education and lifelong learning.
Each certificate is based on the set of skills required for usage and techniques. The objective is to go beyond the simple mastery of techniques to concentrate on the ability to put these digital technologies to good use within the framework of studies or a profession.
C2i® certifications are beginning to be noticed on the international scene. Foreign universities (French-speaking Africa, South America and South-East Asia), through bilateral agreements with French institutions, have incorporated them into their curricula.
French to English: Architect's portfolio General field: Marketing Detailed field: Architecture
Source text - French DENDRONDÓMOS, L’HABITARBRE
Quand l’homme coopéra avec la nature.
Soudain, au débouché du long et sinueux défilé, l’arbre emplit le ciel, colossal.
Il est là, presque improbable, imposant l’immobilisation aux visiteurs et imprimant à leurs regards aimantés vers son faîte, l’expression d’incrédulité que suscite la matérialisation d’une légende.
Les dernières brumes matinales le rendent plus impressionnant encore, voilant ses contours et estompant en écharpes ténues les tonalités ocre de son écorce. Là haut, telle un mirage au loin, l’étendue de son port se devine par l’apparition intermittente et silencieuse des subdivisions nimbées de sa formidable ramure. Et ce ballet ouaté de magnifier l’essentiel : le caractère vivant de l’ouvrage, celui d’une architecture-organisme, coproduction entre l’homme et le règne végétal. Car la force de Dendrondómos relève moins de sa puissante stature que du symbole qu’il incarne : celui du choix ici fait par l’être humain de se laisser porter par la nature plutôt que de la combattre.
Translation - English DENDRONDOMOS, THE HOUSING TREE
Where man cooperates with nature.
Out of the blue, on emerging from a long and sinuous defile, the monumental tree fills the sky.
There it towers, however improbable, compelling onlookers to gaze high into its canopy, transfixed by this materialisation of a legend, incredulity stamped on their faces and minds.
The last wisps of morning mist render it even more impressive, veiling its contours and blurring its bark into a muted patchwork of ribbons, each one a subtly different shade of ochre. High up, like a mirage in the distance, the spread of its crown can only be guessed at from fleeting, snapshot glimpses of the labyrinth of limbs making up its impressive canopy. And this blurred ballet captures and epitomises its essence: the living character of the structure, that of an architecture-organism, a symbiosis between humankind and the plant kingdom. For the potency of Dendrondomos comes not so much from its mighty stature as from the symbol it incarnates: that of the volition of the human to let himself be at one with nature in this instance, rather than fight it.
French to English: Press book: Pézenas 2010, Tribute to Louis Paulhan General field: Other Detailed field: Aerospace / Aviation / Space
Source text - French L'INDUSTRIEL MALHEUREUX
En 1939 Paulhan associé à l'ingénieur Pillard va sous-traiter des avions de chasse Dewoitine 520. Ces 850 empennages et bâtis qu'ils montaient ne recevront jamais de moteurs, cette initiative patriotique étant ruinée par la terrible et brusque défaite de nos armées...
Cela ajouté à la perte de son fils fera prendre à Louis Paulhan une retraite définitive à St Jean de Luz qu’il ne quittera que pour 2 invitations symboliques en cette année centenaire : 1960 pour le vol inaugural Paris-Los Angeles et 1962 pour l'inauguration de l'aérogare de Manchester aux côtés du Prince Philipp d'Edimbourg. Son ultime voyage se fera par la route, pour le cimetière de Pézenas .
Translation - English HAPLESS INDUSTRIALIST
In 1939 Paulhan - with Pillard, an engineer - was a subcontractor for the Dewoitine 520 fighter, but the 850 tailplanes and frames they built were not destined to receive engines. This patriotic initiative was wrecked by the terrible and sudden defeat of the French forces.
Coming on top of the loss of his son, this prompted Louis Paulhan to retire for good to St Jean de Luz, only leaving the town to accept two symbolic invitations connected with this centenary: in 1960 for the inaugural Paris - Los Angeles flight and in 1962 for the opening of Manchester Airport at the side of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. His last journey would be by road, to the cemetery at Pézenas.
More
Less
Translation education
Other - Words Language Service
Experience
Years of experience: 17. Registered at ProZ.com: Jan 2007. Became a member: Jul 2007.
Natural English translation / English revision / English image (CV, website...)
***** Please note that I'm now retired. I could still be interested in proofreading a book in English, but not in other jobs *****
A 100% native speaker of British English, I spent my first 38 years around London, with a first career in administration and IT. I relocated to France in 1996, via a three-year stopover in the Netherlands where I trained as an EFL teacher. In addition to nearly fifteen years' experience in France as a freelance business English trainer, I qualified as a French to English translator in 2007. In May 2012 I relocated to the almost-idyllic island of Fuerteventura, one of Spain's Canary Islands, where I continue to translate and revise texts.
As a French to English translator, I specialise in marketing and journalism. My strength lies in my ability to deliver natural English texts that address the culture and lifestyle of the target audience, rather than a straightforward translation of a text designed to appeal to the source-language reader. Those who say marketing translation is "easy" aren't doing the job justice. I currently work a lot in the promotion of high-level sports events and in property sales (from flats to châteaux).
My teacher training, coupled with an innate eye for detail, makes me a natural English proofreader and copy-editor. As a result of my background, I tend to specialise in non-native texts. Provided that terminology is not an issue (e.g. where the writer uses English as a working language or the translator is a subject expert), I can polish texts in any subject - they all follow the basic rules of English! I've revised everything from marketing texts to promote educational and even sex toys, through the sermons of Pope John Paul II, to highly technical papers on quantum mechanics and concrete. I act as a quality consultant in two distinct roles: performing a final pre-delivery check of the target text for several agencies; and in my pro bono role with TWB (Translators Without Borders) as a reviewer and an evaluator of FR>EN translator applications (660 and counting).
I ran a workshop for the French national job centre for over six years, helping over 500 job-seekers from all walks of life with their English-language job applications. This was much more than translation or proofreading: a CV must be localised for its target culture, and few people pay sufficient attention to its content and presentation anyway. I'm happy to offer discounted rates for helping fellow translators to polish their own English image - contact me via this profile.
I consider myself to have the ideal personality for the job:
I'm perfectly happy working alone at my computer
I'm not afraid to shoulder responsibility
I have great powers of concentration and love the research side
I'm pragmatic enough to understand that business requires on-time and in-budget delivery of a quality product
I just love playing with words and hunting down their origins, even when I'm not working, as my long-suffering husband knows only too well!
Member since Jul '07
Expertise 
