As usual, the rentrée has been busy and my blogging has been a little sporadic. But with the shiny new lockdown, things have quietened down (a bit) and I’m back. Rather than following the ups and down of being stuck at home, again, I thought about my English copywriting experience and what I can bring…
Catégorie : English language
British English and American English – friend, foe or family?
Millions across the globe speak English. Millions more learn the language of both Shakespeare and Donald Trump. Yet, behind this apparently monolithic or, at least coherent, term lies a more nuanced reality. In England alone there are still more than 37 dialects. And many more have been trampled and erased by the passage of time.…
Just how easy is it to become bilingual?
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,…
English Copywriter in Paris: can non-natives make the grade?
Over my copywriting years, many of same questions keep popping back. Clients want to know things like: What is exactly is a copywriter? Do I need a translator or a copywriter? Is it worth paying a professional when we have native English speakers in house? And, let’s not forget: Does it really matter if my…
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: Easter meanings
Easter will soon be busily celebrated across the world with a multitude of church services and even more chocolate gobbling. But, where does the word “Easter” actually come from? 1.) According to some sources, the word Easter has its origin in an Anglo-Saxon goddess called Eostre (also Estre, Estara, Eastre & Ostara). It is believed…
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…