Translating as a team
Successful translation is not simply a case of feeding in a text in one language and it being produced in another. We’ve all tittered over online-translated nonsense.
Every language has its own distinct characteristics in terms of structure and phraseology, which often do not exist in other languages. It’s because of this that human-translated text, while making perfect sense, can read less smoothly than if a mother-tongue speaker had originally written it.
Then there is the technical aspect that, even in one’s mother tongue, can unlock a whole new chest of vocabulary treasure requiring focused research and background reading. And the client is also pivotal in providing specific requirements, house style and glossary in order for the end document to be a perfect fit for the client company.
So, at English Trackers, each translation is handled by a team of at least three:
- Translator - mother-tongue speaker of the target language- Auditor - second pair of eyes as a safety net for accuracy
- Proofreader - to give the translation some spit and polish to ensure it reads as if originally written in the target language
Industry experience
At English Trackers, many of our translators have valuable industry experience furnishing them with real-world vernacular and subject-specific terminology. Many are also multilingual and multicultural, allowing them to cope deftly with subtle nuances and sensitive issues.
Extensive network
Apart from our permanent team of head translators, we often call upon our pool of professional freelance translators. They are all known to English Trackers personally and have been screened to ensure they meet our rigorously high standards.
Head translators
Bridget ROOTHUK national
Mother tongue: English
Working languages: French, Spanish
Bridget received a bilingual education in Africa, Belgium and England. She graduated with a French Business diploma from the City of London Polytechnic and the University of Neuchâtel in Switzerland, and gained a further degree in International Management (Asian studies) from the University of La Rochelle in France. Bridget lived in France for 15 years, working predominantly in tourism, leisure and education. She has been translating from French to English for over 20 years and has extensive experience in the legal and environment fields.
Angela Alessio RoblesMexican/French national.
Mother tongue: Spanish, French
Working language: English
Educated in a bilingual Spanish-English school in her native Mexico, she then studied French, Italian and German in Switzerland. A trilingual interpreter, translator and language teacher, Angela holds an Interpreter and Translator’s Diploma from the Berlitz Institute of Mexico. She has worked for ministries, international bodies and NGOs, as well as for renowned companies of all kinds. Also a teacher and trainer, she has designed Spanish distance-learning courses, worked as an examiner and taught different languages in businesses and schools.
James BRODIEUK national
Mother tongue: English
Working languages: Chinese, French
A graduate in Chinese Studies from the University of Sheffield, James has been living in Beijing for the last four years, during which time he has trained in conference interpreting at the University of International Business and Economics and managed a contemporary Chinese art gallery. Prior to living in Beijing, James studied intercultural communication at INALCO in Paris. His translation work has focused mainly on the arts and cultural sectors, but equally has experience working in the environmental field.
ZHAI Wu ZhouChinese national
Mother tongue: Chinese
Working languages: French, English
With a Master’s Degree in Applied Foreign Language Studies (French, English & Chinese) from the University of Jean Moulin in France and a Bachelor’s Degree in International Trade and English Literature and Civilisation from Nan Kai University and Shan Dong University, Wu Zhou has been working as a professional translator since 2003. His areas of expertise lie mainly in the economic, financial and fashion sectors. Wu Zhou also works regularly as an interpreter for the foreign business community in China as well as accompanying Chinese delegations abroad.
