Multilingual Linguist and Business Development Professional

With over 35 years of experience in the translation and localization industry, I offer a comprehensive skill set and a robust academic background to deliver high-quality language services. My journey began on April 22, 1985, as a translator and interpreter, and I have since expanded my expertise into various linguistic roles.

Education:

• Secondary Education: College of St-Barbara (Ghent, Belgium), Section Latin-Greek (1973-1979)

  • Languages: Dutch, French, English, German, Latin, and Greek

• Academic Degrees: BA and MA in Slavic Philology, University of Ghent, Belgium (1979-1983), both magna cum laude

  • Master's Thesis: Classical Motives in the Poetry of Osip E. Mandel'stam (Tristia, 1922)
  • Languages: Russian, Croatian, Serbian, Bulgarian, Old Church Slavonic

• Post-Graduate & Ph.D. Courses: Slavic Languages and Literatures in Russia, Croatia, Slovenia, and the USA (1982-1984)

• Assistant Professor: Organizational Psychology, Human Resources Management & Ergonomics, University of Ghent, Belgium (1990-1994)

Key Areas of Expertise:

• Translation and Interpreting: Specializing in
  Dutch, French, English, German, Spanish, Italian, Ukrainian, Russian,
  Croatian, Serbian, Czech, Polish, and Bulgarian.
• Copywriting and Editing: Proficient in commercial copywriting, editing, and proofreading in multiple languages.
• Language Quality Assurance (LQA): Ensuring the highest standards in language services.
• Linguistic Validations: Nearly 25 years of experience ensuring accuracy and cultural relevance.
• Transcreation: Adapting content to resonate culturally and emotionally with the target audience.
• MTPE / AIPE: Leveraging machine translation post-editing and artificial intelligence post-editing.
• Language Development: Contributing to the evolution and standardization of languages.
• CAT Tools: Utilizing advanced computer-assisted translation tools to streamline workflows.
• Localization Testing: Ensuring culturally appropriate and functional content within the target market.

Professional Experience:

• Managing Director: JAZYK, Brugge, Belgium (2001-present)
  
  • Main activities include translation, proofreading, editing, and international consultancy.

Notable Clients and Projects:

• Fortune 500 Companies: Experience working on texts
  for various Fortune 500 companies across diverse fields, ensuring
  high-quality translations and localization.
• High-Profile Projects: Involvement in high-profile
  projects, including international marketing campaigns, product launches,
  and corporate communications, processes, and mergers.

Professional Achievements:

• Consistent Client Satisfaction: A track record of
  delivering projects on time and to the satisfaction of clients, leading
  to long-term collaborations and repeat business.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Proven ability to adapt content to resonate with local cultures, enhancing the effectiveness of global communications.

Technical Proficiency:

• Advanced CAT Tools: Proficient in using advanced computer-assisted translation tools to manage large-scale projects efficiently.
• Quality Control: Implementation of rigorous quality control processes to ensure accuracy and consistency in all translations.

Industry Recognition:

• Continuous Learning: Committed to staying updated
  with industry trends and best practices, with a special interest in AI,
  the latest technological evolutions, and online learning platforms.
• Innovation Focus: Actively exploring and
  integrating cutting-edge technologies and methodologies to enhance
  translation and localization services.

Strategic Partnerships:

• Collaborations with professional freelance translators, proofreaders, editors, and translation agencies worldwide.
• Capable of handling large volumes of work at competitive rates, including project management.

Areas of Specialization:

• Extensive experience in various fields, including advertising,
  literature, art, management, marketing, banking, finance, ergonomics,
  human resources, industry, medical science, pharmaceuticals, automotive,
  law, patents, logistics, commerce, biology, psychology, tourism, and
  technical manuals.

• Avid Reader: Daily reading is a must, keeping me informed and inspired.
• Seasoned Traveler: Extensive travel experience has broadened my cultural understanding and adaptability.
• Remote Work Pioneer: Embraced remote work and—some would say—a rather nomadic lifestyle before it became mainstream.
• Passionate Linguist: Enthusiastic about language and language learning, with studies in 13 languages so far.
• Family and Pets: Last but not least, my family and our many pedigree dogs (Japanese Akita and Shiba, Miniature Bull
  Terrier) bring joy and balance to my life.

Client Testimonials:

• Positive Feedback: Available to provide
  testimonials or references from satisfied clients upon request,
  highlighting professionalism and expertise.

• Billing & Invoice Address: Jazyk bvba, Sint-Niklaasstraat 14, B-8000 Brugge
• VAT: BE 475.701.658
• Company Reg. No.: 0475.701.658 RPR Brugge
• Payment Conditions: Invoice (net amount) + 30 days max.