Translation, transcreation
reviewing, proofreading

From English and Spanish into French

Services

Translation

Translation is both demanding and fascinating. It requires accuracy, subtlety, a very good command of the source language and of course an excellent knowledge of one’s mother tongue. But beyond these skills, the point is to convey ideas rather than translate words. Whatever the text, I never lose track of this key question: “How do we put it in French?”.

Reviewing

Reviewing consists in comparing a text to its translation in order to correct potential mistakes or simply to improve it. When reviewing, I bring a fresh look to the text to refine it and polish the style.

Transcreation

When we switch from a language to another, we also change cultures. To translate a marketing document, or a website, I take a transcreation approach in order to target a specific audience with their own codes and cultural references. This adaptation task requires a great deal of creativity!

Proofreading

Proofreading consists in controlling the quality of a text translated into French, without comparing it with the source document. On the lookout for any typos or syntax errors,I go through the text with a fine-tooth comb, paying close attention to the style and turns of phrase so as to achieve a meticulous, elegant end product.

My good practice guide ensures high quality and professional translations

  •     I always translate into French, my mother tongue.
  •    I make sure the document is within my area of expertise.
  •    If need be, I will refer you to another reliable translator with the specific skills you need.

Specialisations

Persuading and promoting

Marketing, corporate communications, tourism

Praising a product or highlighting the benefits of a service is no easy task. When translating a communication document, I take care to select the right word, the most relevant phrase that will really emphasize the value of your company. This is actually the objective of transcreation: rewriting the text so as to promote your brand image and the values you advocate.

Making more sense

Environment and sustainable development,
health, humanitarian aid

In this field, the words we choose are significant: they have a deeper meaning. Translating is always a question of sense. But sometimes, it’s not enough for words to make sense. They need to have meaning too. So I try to turn to meaningful topics and hope I can contribute to making the world a little bit better.

Writing beautiful words

Press, arts, cosmetics

Sometimes, it pays to put the art of writing first. Whether your text is a press article, an art project, or a cosmetics brochure, I make it a truly outstanding piece of writing in a sophisticated style. Just like “art for art’s sake”, sometimes a beautiful text is all you need.

Portfolio

About me

From Shakespeare to Cervantes, and from London to Madrid: a passion for languages and travelling

My first love: English. For its melodies on both sides of the Atlantic, its ingenious grammar, incomparable idioms and of course its complex phrasal verbs. And then Spanish earned a place in my heart with its past perfect subjunctive, its concrete expressions taken from everyday life, but above all its diversity from one continent to another.

  • Master in British and American studies (2000-2004), , literature and linguistics
  • Master in translation studies (2004-2006), opening several doors to the world : press, law, economics, sciences and technologies, business management…

Rewarding professional experience, bearing the mark of unexpected discoveries and treasured encounters.

  •  Warden in Buckingham Palace (2002)
  • French teacher at the University of Southern Mississippi (2003-2004)
  • Translator and reviewer in Montréal and Madrid (2005, 2006, 2007)
  • Trainee translator for six months at the European Parliament (2007-2008)

And ultimately freelance translation – a step into the unknown that has proven to be the right fit.

Relevance, creativity and flexibility: these are the skills I have developed and refined over almost 10 years of experience, and that I put to work for your company and your documents.

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years of globe-trotting

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years of professional experience

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happy clients

Contact

Lisa Amram

27, Avenue Gambetta
94700 Maisons-Alfort

lisa.amram@wordsandsense.fr

+33 (0) 6 07 37 54 77