Multidisciplinary Language
Services
Translation
Do you need a translation of your texts or websites? Over ten years of experience in technical and business translation have taught me that there is no replacement for a clear and accurate text that reproduces the precise meaning of the original and has the desired effect on the target audience. Mistakes can lead to costly misunderstandings or embarrassments, but well-translated texts can open up new markets and enable clear communication across cultural and language barriers.
English teaching
Do you need language tuition for individuals or groups? Like translation, language learning involves more than a simple transfer of information using different words. Understanding differences in cultural practices, creating a good impression and achieving your objectives in a new environment require skills that can make the difference between success and failure. Aside from four years of full-time experience as an English teacher, I can call upon many years working in countries around the world, including Spain, China and Germany. I also have experience as an adult language learner, having studied German, Spanish, Chinese and French inside and outside the classroom.
Testimonials
Mr Roberts has worked for us in the language pairs German into English and
Spanish into English, and has always delivered translations of superior quality by
the required deadline.
Mr Roberts has worked on different translation assignments, including numerous jobs
for the European Commission, totalling approximately 4,375 standard pages.
While a good all-around translator, Jonathan has specialized in such areas as contracts and legal documents, technical briefs and business documents. He is also capable of translating medical documentation.
Jonathan is a hard-working, reliable, qualified and motivated professional. I can without hesitation recommend him for any translating job requiring in-depth knowledge of either German or Spanish.
About me:
I've been translating professionally since 2008, and full-time since 2013. I gained my CELTA English teaching certificate in 2004, and have worked full-time as a teacher for four years.
Education
2000: A-Levels in English Literature, Mathematics, Physics and General Studies at Newcastle-under-Lyme High School.
2013-2015: A-Levels in German and Spanish at Stoke-on-Trent College
2014: CELTA English teaching certificate at Stoke-on-Trent College
2005-2009: BA (Hons) in Linguistics and Spanish at the University of Manchester, while studying German and Mandarin Chinese as additional subjects. The degree involved a year abroad working in the tourism industry in the Canary Islands, which allowed me to improve my Spanish and German and gain some informal experience in translation and interpreting.
2011-2013: Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Linguistics and Teaching English as a Second Language at the University of Portsmouth.
2014-2017: MA in Translation Studies at the University of Portsmouth, with a main focus on German to English translation.
I believe that education and learning are lifelong processes that are necessary both in career and personal development. This is particularly true in my chosen fields of teaching and translation, where an open mind and continual research are essential when providing services tailored to the needs of specific companies, individuals and circumstances.
Teaching
I gained my certification as an English teacher in 2004, but went to university before moving directly into the field. During my studies, I was able to work at an English summer camp in Spain, and immediately after completing my degree I moved to China to work with the language school English First. During this time, I taught general English to classes of children as well as business English to individuals and small groups working in foreign companies such as Michelin. In 2013, I gained a Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Linguistics and Teaching English as a Second Language.
Translation
I have been translating professionally since I completed my bachelor's degree, but this became my full-time occupation in 2013 after moving back to Europe. While I have translated a wide variety of texts, my major focuses have been technical and business texts, including contracts and legislation related to these fields. Some of my larger projects include:
- Technical specifications and tendering documents for polar research vessel Polarstern II (130,000 words, Wordminds Translations, 2016).
- Translation of the German Radiation Protection Ordinance on protection from the harmful effects of ionising radiation (135,000 words, Intertranslations, 2018)
- Documents relating to legal, engineering, environmental, geological and other aspects of the 300 MW Talasol Solar Project in Spain (50,000 words, Intertranslations, 2019)
- Projects for a wide range of technical companies including Bosch, Wuerth, Conrad, AGCO, Hommel Hercules, Datwyler, Heidenhain, JCB, KHS, Mitel, Pepperl+Fuchs, Covance, Internorm, Husky, Eriks, Hillrom, Reichelt and others (e.g. SDL, 2016-2019)
- Translation of technical documents with the European Commission Directorate-General for Enterprise and Industry and the Directorate General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology.
Life in Hamburg
When family health issues forced us to leave China, we moved to Hamburg and have settled in well here. I enjoy exploring the region as well as learning more about the culture and history here. I also like to travel further afield and explore some of the neighbouring countries, which is a major advantage of living in mainland Europe! In 2019, I cycled through France and Switzerland, met many new friends and practised my French along the way. We have been active couchsurfers for many years, and regularly host people moving into the city or passing through.
Why Tartan Lions?
Tartan Lions is an anagram of the word Translation.