Dutch - English Voice-Overs and Translations

Question: how do you spell the word meaning?

Substituting one word for another. Anyone can do it. You don't need me to do that for you. These days, computer programs can handle it with great ease.However, this has very little to do with translation.

Language is alive and ever-evolving. Language doesn't necessarily subscribe to the laws of logic. Language can be as subtle as the speaker, or as loud as   the listener. The same words can bring people together, or tear them apart.

In and of itself, a word is nothing more than a description, a label, a magnificent simplification of an object, an experience or an emotion. But don't take my word for it! Go around the room and ask five people what the first thing is that comes to mind when they hear the word "vacation". We all know what vacation means, don't we? But for some reason, we all put the same sounds through the filters of our past and our expectations, and come up with a very different interpretation. That's exactly why you need someone like me, and not some word-substituting robot.

GOING DUTCH

Anyway, chances are that you didn't come to this page for a lecture about language. You're probably here because the name Paul Strikwerda popped up in a search engine, as you were looking for a Dutch translator or a voice-over professional. I usually translate from Dutch/Flemish into English (and vice versa) and from German into English. I also accept proofreading and editing projects.

I have always been fascinated by language, whether it was the language of music, painting or poetry. As a native of The Netherlands, I was blessed to be born in such a small country. It was the perfect excuse to cross boundaries and travel the world. I have lived and worked on three continents and I speak three languages. Wherever I go, that's where my home is. For now, it's the town of Easton, PA, neatly situated between Philadelphia and New York.

VERSATILE

In my professional life I wear a few hats:  translator, voice-over pro, proofreader, media trainer... One thing is certain: when we work on a project, you know that I will bring all of these things to the table.

I'd very much like to keep an open line of communication with you, and I will always meet or beat realistic deadlines. At the end of the day, it's about building a meaningful, long-term relationship that will translate into satisfied clients, smiling account managers and more business!

So...let me know how I can make your life a little easier!

Answer: c o n t e x t