about me
“I just wanted to say a big thank you for the work you’ve done for my projects while I’ve been here, it’s been a pleasure working with you and always receiving great translations.”
Project Manager, UK translation agency
Who am I?
I am a professional freelance translator and editor with 14 years’ experience in the fields of social sciences, humanities and business.
I have always been a language nut and come from a long line of linguists. I love playing with words and language and can read for hours oblivious to the world around me.
I studied Modern Languages at the University of Oxford, winning both a scholarship in my second year to study in Italy and a university scholarship in my final year for excellence in my subject. In addition to travelling around Europe for orchestral and choir tours with school and university, I also spent longer periods living and working in Genoa, Italy as an au pair and in Kiel, Germany as a language assistant. These experiences were formative for me and were the time when my love of travel, culture and language became ingrained.
Following a period working in-house in academic book publishing and another degree, this time in Psychology, I settled in the beautiful English county of Dorset with my family and love reading, travelling, music, walking in the countryside and looking after my menagerie of children and animals.
I am an Associate Member of the UK Institute of Translating and Interpreting (ITI) and a member of the ITI’s Wessex Regional group and Italian and German networks.
What do I offer?
Academic translation and revision including: books, journal articles, abstracts, dissertations, letters of application, CVs, reports, minutes, guidelines, syllabuses, transcripts, courses, websites
My specialist subject areas are psychology, social science, history, ancient history, anthropology, culture, discourse analysis, literature, music, philosophy, international relations, business, marketing and communications
Why choose me?
I care about doing a good job and I like to work in collaboration with my clients. I understand the importance of regular communication and feedback in the process towards a finished piece or work that is perfect for you.
I am meticulous and conscientious. I go above and beyond to make sure I get the right terminology and voice for your work. I am honest, if I have queries, I will ask you. If I don’t think I’m the right professional for your needs, I will tell you and aim to put you in touch with a trusted colleague.
And above all, I am reliable and helpful. I will meet agreed deadlines and be available afterwards should you need to discuss any parts of the work in more detail.
Who do I help?
Students – are you completing a dissertation or PhD and need an editor to cast a close eye on your grammar and syntax? Or perhaps you’ve written your PhD thesis in German or Italian and would like to publish it with an English-language publisher for greater reach? Or are you about to submit an application to your dream university to study a Master’s or PhD course and you need it to be perfect? That’s where I come in.
Researchers and academics – do you need a translation of a research article in German or Italian that is destined for an English-language journal? Maybe you have been working on a book in your specialist subject area and need it to be translated or edited before going through the publishing process? Or do you have an important research grant proposal that just has to sound perfect? I can help.
University staff – the administrative side of academic life is equally important: I can translate or edit course guidelines, syllabuses, website copy, course components as required.
I adhere to the ITI’s professional code of conduct and hold personal liability insurance.
“Cora asked me to tell you that she got into a PhD program (UCLA) and to thank you. Since you also helped me get into Columbia, we’re both extremely grateful for the quality of your work!”
Ianick Takaes de Oliveira