Specialist translation fields: Information technology (computer
software, hardware, manuals etc.); more recently some patent work.
German to English only
Since 2000: Development and maintenance of various small commercial websites (following initial experience in setting up Harberton Village website). Go to the Home page for examples.
Since late 1999: Translation of patents in various fields of electronics and electrical engineering for Siemens.
Since 1994: In addition,
various major on-site translation projects (including software
localisation) for German software company CompuTime (later TEDAS) specialising in home/small office
CTI-based communications packages, including route-finder software.
Software documentation packages for agencies in Belgium, Germany and Ireland.
Projects for other agencies in England.
July 1989 to date: Left Siemens plc to take up full-time freelance translation. Regular projects for Siemens Translation Department.
April 1988: Re-joined Translation Dept. of Siemens Ltd./plc in Chertsey
October 1983: Joined Translation Dept. of Boehringer Ingelheim Ltd.
(pharmaceuticals) in Bracknell. Subject areas: testing and manufacturing
specifications for raw materials and finished products, for use in plants and
with drug registration applications throughout the world.
Previous word processing experience greatly assisted department upon
introduction of new Wang word processing system into company in 1984. Created
terminology data base from card index using basic word processing techniques,
also automated work handling procedures. Developed various translation aids to
facilitate work with document handling system (modular text system) imposed by
head office in Germany; necessary on account of lack of consideration for
translators' needs in original system design. Value of translation aids
recognised by head office to the extent that two trips to Translation Dept. in
Barcelona were sanctioned to assist local staff.
No freelance translation work undertaken in this field.
April 1977: Transferred back to Translation Dept. of Siemens Ltd. in Brentford as a senior translator/revisor with responsibilities for a small group of staff translators, selection of freelance personnel and supervising work of freelance translators.
November 1972: Transferred to Siemens Sprachendienst, Munich. Subject areas: many aspects of computer technology, hardware, software etc. Training courses included COBOL and Assembler programming at Control Data Institute, London. One of first users of word processing within department. Standard of work resulted in accelerated progression through salary scales.
July 1972: Joined Translation Dept. of Siemens Ltd. in Brentford.
1968-72 Ealing Technical College, West London
Upper Second Class CNAA Degree (BA Hons) in 'Applied Language Studies'
4-year course with two A-level languages (German, French) plus one scratch
language (Russian). One language (French) dropped after first year.
Third year: 6 months spent on work experience in the Microscopy Dept. of Wild
Heerbrugg AG (now part of Leica), an optics company in Canton St. Gallen in Switzerland. Thesis for
finals written on the applications of microscopy. Also intensive short study
course in Russian prior to 5-week study tour and language course in Soviet
Union.
No work undertaken in French or Russian.
1960-68 Brockenhurst Grammar School, Hampshire
3 'A' levels (all grade B):
German, French, Latin
8 'O' levels:
English Language, English Literature, German, French, Latin, Additional
Mathematics, General Science, Religious Knowledge