Yes, I can hear you clear and loud from where I stand. I can see the confusion in your eyes: is this woman a French translator or a tutor? Unusual, right? Well….not THAT much if you think about it!
I am a French native and I studied translation some 25 years ago….and later in life I worked hard to become a qualified teacher. So yes I am qualified in both areas and love both equally.
Simply put, I have a passion for languages. This passion started quite young. I still remember standing there, as a young 9-year old, absolutely mesmerized by the fact that people from other countries managed to get themselves understood using different words than the one I had known since I was born. What magic was that? I wanted to know! I didn’t want to be left behind not understanding a word of what was going on around me. As a child I found such situations extremely frustrating and swore to god that I would never be left behind. And some 30 years later (and a bit!), I was true to my word. That passion, that drive has never disappeared. If anything, it has grown. If given enough time, I would actually learn more languages!
So you see, it all comes down to a passion I have for languages!
Why translation?
I love translating because my skills unable two parties to communicate effectively and it’s a fabulous feeling to know that I had a part to play in that. Anyone in the world can enjoy Harry Potter because at some point a translator has spent hours and hours working out how to call Hogwarts in another language!!! Dare I mention the fabulous, Oscar-worthy translations of Asterix? Only true wordsmiths can translate and I find it a privilege to be entrusted with that mission.
Why teaching?
When it comes to teaching French, well it’s really rewarding to know that I play a part in building the next generation of linguists. I entrust the young generation with “my torch”, they will carry on my passion for the years to come and when, one day, I’m not there any longer, well… I will have left a legacy with a few young people and that is something worth striving for. We have a duty towards our youngsters: showing them that we can all live together despite our linguistic and cultural differences. Those are mere challenges that we can overcome with the right education and an open mind.
So yes I am a French translator and a French teacher…and very proud to be both indeed!
So don’t be put off by the fact I might possibly spread myself thin across those 2 jobs, they are complimentary and co-exist very well. I can handle both and get you where you need to be in no time.