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01.

Written translation

Every text, however simple, exists in a specific cultural context. Translation is not simply substituting words from one language into another language; it is a thoughtful work of art. A good translator must be highly conversant with the culture of the language from which he is translating (the source language) as well as the culture of the language into which he is translating (the target language). As the world develops, language develops, and new words and expressions are created.
Good translators are constantly learning and updating their knowledge, following developments and innovations taking place in the languages in which they work. It is not enough to be bilingual. In order to produce an accurate translation that reads as naturally as the original, translators must have good writing skills. Then, they check, correct and improve the text to get the best possible result.

I am a translator as well as a writer in Hebrew and in French. My added value is my deep roots in French culture as well as in Jewish and Israeli culture. This is the best guarantee of a faithful and eloquent translation that captures all of the nuances.

When you give me a personal document to translate, you are placing it in good hands. You’ll get an accurate, clear translation and you can rest assured that I will preserve your privacy and confidentiality.

Commercial translations must convey their message clearly and concisely, with an eye to the target audience. Adapting the text to the language and culture of the potential consumer, whether in France, Israel or the United States, requires considerable creativity. My deep familiarity with both cultures enables me to transition seamlessly between the two languages, juggling different registers, from formal to the latest slang, to hit the bull’s eye every time.

All over the world, legal language is so specialized that, to many, it seems to be reserved for professionals only. Indeed, legal language is in a category of its own and, in order to translate it properly, the translator must be familiar with that specialized world. The consequences of an inaccurate translation could be catastrophic.

Although I am not a lawyer or a notary public, I do have considerable experience translating legal documents. When I encounter difficulties, I search and investigate tirelessly and consult with lawyers. Legal systems vary from country to country, necessitating appropriate adjustments in the translation. I never submit a legal translation without reliable affirmation of its accuracy.

My experience in this field is wide-ranging, and the researchers whose works I have translated will testify to the quality and professionalism of my translations.

“Literary translation is a difficult art, demanding endless patience, presenting unexpected pitfalls, racking the nerves with its vicissitudes…Here you are pleased with a passage that turned out well, accurate yet eloquent; the next day, on a second, third or even fourth reading, something bothers you – a word or a sound or a period or a comma is not in the right place, and you know that the passage is perhaps accurate in conveying the plot, but no longer eloquent in the least, the melody, the cadence are off key. Or the opposite: it is too eloquent, too flowing, too harmonious, gloriously constructed compared to the original which is purposefully flawed, and thus the translation is not accurate at all.” (Ilana Haberman)

Your language is not the language of your grandchildren, and you want them to know your life’s story. Write your story, as well as you can, and I will translate it into fluent, readable Hebrew or French for future generations.

If you want, I can assist you in writing your story in French or Hebrew.

Translating plays presents the translator with special challenges deriving from the medium of theatre. The audience that attends the performance hears the translation just once; it doesn’t have the opportunity to go back and read it again, or to read an annotated version of the play. Accordingly, the translation must be clear, flowing and natural. However, the text is not the only star of the play; it is combined with other theatrical elements – such as rhythm, music, movement – of which the translator must be aware.

In addition, a play describes a human situation within a certain cultural context that may be unfamiliar to an audience coming from a different culture. For example, some Jewish customs or the names of foods will arouse certain emotions in one culture but not in another. A good translator knows when to “convert” or transfer the scene to a different cultural context, when to adhere faithfully to the original, and when to adapt or make adjustments. As a lover of theatre and an actress myself, I have the sensitivity and the tools to find solutions to these challenges.

Translating poetry is the supreme challenge. The translator must be faithful to the text but creative, balancing spirit and content, form and meaning. The translator of poetry must convey the poetic experience in another language while respecting the rhythm, the music, the atmosphere. To translate poetry is to step away from the original, to use different allusions and word plays, preserving its spirit and essence without uprooting the poem from its cultural context.

I have two loves, Hebrew and French, and for me, translating poetry is a joy of creation.

02.

Oral translation or interpreting

There are several types of oral translation.

Simultaneous translation – As the speaker is talking, the interpreter translates simultaneously into a microphone that conveys the translation directly to listeners wearing earphones. This type of translation is common at conferences, lectures and workshops in which the speakers and the listeners speak different languages. Every participant can thus hear what is being said in his own native tongue, simultaneously.

In smaller events, where only one person needs a translation, the interpreter may whisper the translation in the listener’s ear. This type of translation is used in meetings, and also in a court of law to enable the client to follow the proceedings.

Consecutive translation – The speaker says a few sentences, then pauses to allow the interpreter to translate. This type of translation is used primarily in meetings and courts of law. Consecutive translation doesn’t require special equipment or prior technical preparation, making it cheaper. The proceedings are longer, however, since everything is said twice – once by the speaker and once by the interpreter.

In both simultaneous and consecutive translation, the prime goal is to convey the speaker’s meaning clearly and completely, using fluent, grammatical language. In addition to the skills required by the translator of written language, the interpreter must be able to sustain intense concentration and think quickly. This is the reason that accepted protocol calls for two interpreters who change off every half hour. Of course, the interpreter should be familiar with the topic of discussion, necessitating careful advance preparation, particularly in innovative subjects or areas outside of his expertise. At times, the interpreter must perform cerebral acrobatics to adjust the speech to the audience – for example, changing a Hebrew date to the Gregorian one, or translating acronyms or the names of organizations.

03.

Editing

What exactly is editing? According to the Rav-Milim Dictionary, editing includes proofreading, correcting language mistakes, and improving style.

Different texts demand different types and levels of editing, starting with proofreading – correcting syntax, grammar, spelling, punctuation and typographical errors, checking uniformity, headings, etc. Many texts benefit from polishing to improve the style and vocabulary, check that the register is appropriate, and ensure textual coherence. The deepest level of editing is rewriting the text.

The editor creates a bridge between the writer and the reader. My goal as an editor is to improve the text by making it more precise, clear and readable, while respecting the text and the author and preserving the author’s style.

Did you know that famous authors also need editors?
I once heard the writer Chaim Be’er thank his editor for saving him from egregious errors.

And, according to “The History of the Siege of Lisbon”, by Jose Saramago, an editor can influence not only a book but History itself! But, that’s another story…

04.

Content writing

Localization – translation of digital content such as websites, apps, etc. – and adaptation to the local market.

Clients in France, Japan, the US or Israel respond to different approaches. In order to convey the message, it is important to know how to adapt the language to the target audience and to the specific culture. What is needed is not simply translation but transcreation. Localization is an essential marketing tool in the global marketplace.

Autobiographical writing

Would you like to pass on the story of your life to future generations but have difficulty writing? Tell it to me and I will help you produce a wonderful personal narrative.

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