About…
Who I am
Andy Tooms, French / English simultaneous conference interpreter
My profession is also a passion. Translating and interpreting are quite different occupations but they are complementary as well. Translators have a passion for finding exactly the right word, and they have time to do so. In some technical fields a lot of research is required, and Google isn’t always enough. When a translator becomes an interpreter, this passion and discipline will help them to be as precise as possible in their interpretation. Translation is an inherently solitary activity, whereas an interpreter is always connected with other people: first and foremost the person they are interpreting, and the listeners, but also their co-interpreter, the technicians, etc. It requires real teamwork. Over the years I have become specialised in the activity that brings me the most satisfaction: French/English simultaneous conference interpreting.
Some history
About me
Although originally from the United Kingdom, I have been living for the last 35 years near Marseille in the south of France. My interpreting assignments often take me to different parts of France and also abroad.
A BA Honours Degree in French Language and Literature from the University of Birmingham and 35 years of experience in the language business enable me to offer high quality translation and interpreting services. Most of my customers are local businesses and government bodies, serviced via a network of translator and interpreter colleagues and business partners.
A relatively new development is the emerging demand for remote interpreting, provided by means of platforms such as Kudo and Interprefy. Technological progress, driven by the Covid crisis, is bringing about changes in the way interpreters work, and creating new opportunities as well as challenges.
my specialisations
- Simultaneous conference interpreting
- Remote interpreting (via dedicated platforms or existing videoconference systems)
- Liaison interpreting for study visits, industrial audits, site inspections, etc.
- Consecutive/whispered interpreting for meetings and speeches
- Simultaneous interpreting for market research
- Voice-overs
- Technical translation
- Editorial translation for newspaper articles or web sites in html format
- Software localisation
my journey
EDUCATION
1980-1984 University of Birmingham – BA Hons, French Language and Literature
Professional experience
AT TRADUCTIONS: Since 2004
Independent technical translator / conference interpreter
TEXTO COMMUNICATION MULTILINGUE: 1994 to 2004
Head of English translation and interpreting department
Customers: high-tech companies, NGOs and French Ministry of Defence
Responsibilities: translation, training and supervision of new translators, proof-reading, coordination of major translation projects involving several in-house and/or external translators, quality control
New activities developed: interpreting in the Marseille area, also in other regions of France and occasionally abroad
freelance translator: 1988 to 1994
Written translation from French to English. Customers found through a network of colleagues and translation agencies
PrologIA: 1985 to 1988
French / English translator
To commercialise the Prolog AI language, I was tasked with translating into English the software user manuals as well as promotional materials.
Why choose my services?
Because of my experience
35 years working in the translation and interpreting sector, in many different fields and all kinds of different assignments, in the field, conferences, industrial sites, etc. When I work for you, you can be certain you have chosen a fully competent interpreter / translator, equally at ease with the written word and oral expression.
Because of my flexibility
When you choose an independent interpreter / translator you get a professional ready to go that extra mile. Plus I’m easy to reach and accessible. This enables you to act quickly knowing you can rely on a true professional.
Because of easy communication
You have just one interlocutor, perfectly familiar with your business and requirements. Mutual trust can then develop so that you feel able to assign different tasks to me over the long term.
Because of attractive prices
There is no intermediary between us. My operating expenses are low, meaning that you can benefit from attractive prices. At the same time you know you will get high quality work.
Discover my services, tell me about your requirements
Professionnel de la traduction et Interprétation Français Anglais
Member of the SFT
