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Gwendoline, your native French translator and reviewer

After browsing Google (or Ecosia, which is better) for ages, you’ve ended up here. This isn’t a coincidence! Sure, there are plenty of fish — aka native French translators — in the sea, but let me tell you a little about myself, and I’m sure you’ll want us to work together. Pinky promise!

How I ended up working as a translator while starting out as an architecture student

“It’s been 84 years”
— Rose, Titanic

Back in 1994… Wait, that’s a bit too long ago. Actually, everything started when I enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree in English-speaking literature, linguistics, and translation.

Wait. What about architecture, then? Well, I switched majors after failing my fresh(wo)man year of architecture. Sorry, grandpa: I wasn’t cut out for charrettes (those all-nighters to finish projects, very common in that major) — or even drawing, if I’m being honest. And I was a young 18-year-old not ready to sacrifice her mental health.

So, what then? I had to find something to do, right? So I switched to a different major. I liked English, English liked me, there was some time left to enroll in this university. Tadam ✨  That's pretty much how I ended up studying English as my main. How unexpected, right? (absolutely not)

An unexpected U-turn on the highway to becoming a full time real (adult) teacher

It was supposed to be for just one year, but that first year turned into two, then three. By the end of the third year, I graduated and moved to England to teach French to middle and high school students (and to learn how to speak proper English, since I had zero confidence back then).

When I returned, I enrolled in a Master’s program because 1. I didn’t know what else to do (and education is pretty much free in France, sooo) and 2. I wanted to be an exchange student to improve my English even more!

And that’s exactly what I did! During my second year, I got the chance to teach French to young adults at a university in Ohio, United States. (If you’ve never heard of Ohio, close your eyes and imagine flatlands, lots of cornfields — and some fried-butter snacks. Yup, that's exactly what you think it is.)

“I want to become a native (well, that part is okay) French translator”

When I returned from teaching French in Saudi Arabia (another great adventure), I was about to pursue my teaching career when I realized something: I loved teaching. I loved the relationship you can have with learners. But I wasn’t sure I wanted this to be my whole life.

So I thought and reflected — and thought some more. And then, I knew I wanted to become a translator! Because it blends my love for English and words. I knew it was the right path. So, I enrolled (again!) in a Master’s degree in translation and became certified both as a translator and proofreader.

It took me some time to figure out what was right for me: some highs and lows, fun experiences, and some less fun ones, but now I know I am — and have always been — exactly where I’m supposed to be: here, ready to be the native French translator you need! 🙂‍↔️

My mission as a native French translator and reviewer

My mission as a French linguist? Well, now you know that if you need someone to draw your dream home, I’m not the right person! 🙂‍↔️

But if you need a native French translator and reviewer, you’re in the right place. Whether you need your English words translated into French or your French words proofread for a website, brochure, or board game — whatever it is —, I’ve got your back!

I can assist with the following services:

  • Translating your texts from English into French.
  • Reviewing and proofreading your texts written in French (or already translated into French).

Soon, I’ll also offer:

  • Subtitling your videos (translated or not).
  • Making your French communication more inclusive.
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Why did I name my business Riddle?

I have always loved crime novels, thrillers (I think I learned to read with Goosebumps), and… riddles, of course! So, I had to choose that name. But what does it have to do with translating and reviewing?

Translating isn’t just about swapping words from one language to another. It’s like solving a riddle. It involves a series of steps a linguist takes to find the right word, a suitable phrase, or a perfect idiom. Ultimately, it’s about crafting a text that speaks to your target audience both linguistically and culturally — and emotionally if needed.

Reviewing and proofreading, in the same vein, go beyond fixing typos and redundancies. When I review a document, I ensure both its form and content are flawless, inspecting everything from details to structure — becoming a bit of Sherlock Holmes (and I’m sure every other linguist is too!) with my magnifying glass — minus the moustache.

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If we work together, our collaboration will focus on:

Communication

When working with someone on their words, it’s essential to understand their message and intention. How do you do that? Well, (spoiler, it’s in the title), through communication based on listening and empathy (trust me, as a vegetarian, I know my way around empathy 🙂‍↔️). Whether it’s about your needs, expectations, or doubts, I’m all ears.

Attention to detail

I love diving into a text, examining every tiny detail, and unraveling tricky syntax. I spent years studying literature and writing theses on questions like, “Why did the author choose that word over another?” (yes, I’m that kind of person). So, I can be quite persistent in finding the perfect word or grammar rule.

100% human expertise

I won’t tell you that you can’t use Google Translate. It’s useful when you’re stuck in the deep French countryside and need to order food from someone who doesn’t speak English. Same for Antidote: it’s helpful for catching typos. But technology and AI can’t replace human insight and expertise — and that’s where I, a native French translator, come in!

Want to work together on your content?

Are you looking for a native French translator who’s both fun and highly professional to deliver flawless French documents? Let’s get in touch — I’m all ears!
Let’s get in touch!
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