I’ve been living and working in France for quite a while now. I use thousands of French words every day, but when the crunch comes, I always have to slightly adjust what I want to say or unconsciously opt for the same phrases I use on a rather too regular basis. We all do this,…
Catégorie : French language
The Great English-French Translation Challenge: Part III
I’m back with the thrilling third installment of The Translation Challenge! Last time, we looked at nouns, but they are by no means the only stumbling block. I’ve grouped together some of the remaining challenges for intrepid French-English translators. So here goes: 1.) Verbs can create tense moments One major verb-related risk is Latin derivatives. Some French and English words, particularly…
The Great English-French Translation Challenge: Part II
Troubles translating from French to English? Want your copy to sound as natural as possible? Over the years, I’ve noted down some of challenges that keep springing back – the good, the bad and the downright frustrating! Last week, I looked at some of the difficulties of working as a French-English translator in France. Today, let’s…
The Great French-English Translation Challenge: Part I
I’ve been in the translation game for a while now. Although I spend most of my time copywriting, I also translate and adapt French content into English. I admit I’m not big on long, technical translations; but I am rather fond of finding creative ways to adapt (or transcreate) trend books and marketing copy. Set your creative…
English Copywriter in Paris: A little less English?
I recently applied for French nationality. Partly in a reaction against Brexit. Partly because (nearly) my whole life is based in Paris now: my clients, my apartment, my partner and now my soon-to-be-born child, who will be educated in France and feel more French than British. This decision got me asking lots of questions. Does…
English Copywriter in Paris: parlez-vous anglais?
Parisians don’t speak English. The French are useless at learning languages. French people find the English accent sexy. The list of stereotypes about the relationship between French people and the English language is long… and filled with some half-truths and plenty of plain nonsense. Based on my 6 years living in the French capital, including…
English Copywriter in Paris: the little French details
The title of my recent post about the solitude of freelancing may have (misleadingly) seemed a little negative, so I thought I’d clear up any confusion with a more cheerful topic to start to the almost spring-like month of March. I’ve already touched on some of the big cultural differences between France and the UK,…
English Copywriter in Paris: words without translation
In one of my recent posts, I mentioned some of my favourite French words with no direct English translation. This got me digging and I’ve come up with some more delightfully unique words both in French and other languages. Here’s my little list. French words no English equivalent La douleur exquise: the heart-wrenching pain of…
English Copywriter in Paris: living in limbo
Living in foreign country is a fabulous and enriching experience. As a Brit who’s been living in Paris for the last 5 years, I can safely say that you learn a lot about yourself, another culture and also (more surprisingly) about your own country. As I toppled off the train at Gare du Nord with…
English Copywriter in Paris: positively negative
A couple of weeks ago I wrote about understanding French and the French. And ever since I’ve been mulling over the whole idea of French unenthusiasm, its whens and its whys. I’ve slowly come to the conclusion that it is more a question of positive negativity. Sounds bizarre? Yes, it’s a little head spinning especially…