COLIBRI

Beginnings

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LANGUAGE BACKGROUND

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I first learned French at school and was immediately intrigued. Looking back, it felt a bit like a mysterious code that would open up a whole new world. As it turns out, I wasn't far wrong.

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Combining French with Italian in a dual-honours degree at the University of Manchester enabled me to spend a year in Sicily (Università degli Studi di Messina) on the Erasmus scheme. This was a golden opportunity not only to "grow" another language from tentative basics to confident fluency, but to explore an incredible place and ultimately learn a new way of opening up to life.

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Life in translation

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TRANSLATION EDUCATION

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Discovering translation during my degree, I was fascinated by the mirror-image processes of drawing out and reformulating meaning. It is this combination of applied knowledge, research and creative problem solving that I still love today.

 

This inspired me to take the Technical and Specialised Translation MA at the University of Westminster in London, pursuing my interest in the environment by producing a final extended translation project on sand dune erosion.

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The big revelation here was the shift of focus from my learned languages to my mother tongue. I realised how much I loved crafting a unique, polished text, faithful in content, tone and effect to the original.

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SUBTITLING & PROJECT MANAGEMENT

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I then spent an invaluable few years working as a Subtitler (translation, English and SDH) and Translation Project Manager for a leading London agency. With material ranging from BBC documentaries to Korean horror movies, and big corporate voice-over projects, this was a lot of fun. Also, coming from a 100% arts background, I was able to pick up a great deal of "techy" expertise and a general confidence in the face of all things IT, of which I am particularly grateful in today's rapidly evolving translation industry.

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TRANSLATING IN ITALY'S "FOOD VALLEY"

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Next, I was lucky enough to experience summer in the beautiful city of Parma - in the heart of Italy's "food valley" - translating a range of material for a well-renowned local agency. I developed a strong awareness of the richness of Italy's culinary tradition, both culturally and economically, and of how the industry is regulated and evolving within the movement towards healthier lifestyles and more sustainable agricultural practice.

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Sharing what I know

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PGCE AND TEACHING

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During the five years I spent teaching Modern Foreign Languages in London secondary schools, I loved finding fun and creative ways of lighting up language for my students. I still teach now, from primary level through to GCSE and A' Level, as well as adult learners and groups. Find out more about my tutoring services here.

 

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Bringing it all together

 

FREELANCE CAREER

 

I am now fully focused on freelance translation and language tuition, and enjoying bringing all of my skills, knowledge and experience together in a fulfilling and constantly-evolving career. Read about the kinds of projects I've been involved in by going to Specialist Areas on the menu.

 

Other activities over the years have included secondary French teaching, taking teenagers on school trips to Paris, knowledge management for an international NGO, sea turtle conservation, massage therapy, philosophy tutoring, teaching 10-year-olds about nutrition, running a library French club and walking the Camino de Santiago.

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