About

My name is Alexandra Salmon-Lefranc. I am a native French linguist currently based in Manchester (UK). I am a member of the IATIS (International Association for Translation and Intercultural Studies) and the NWTN (North West Translators Network), a regional group of the ITI (Institute of Translation and Interpreting).

This page is designed for you to learn more about my background and experience. Please feel free to contact me should you require further information about my profile.

Education & qualifications

I was born in Nice (France) and raised in the Ivory Coast (West Africa) and France.

At the age of 18, I started my studies of Applied Foreign Languages at the Université de Provence Aix-Marseille I (France). I was selected to study two years abroad as part of the Applied Languages Europe mobility programme offered by the University of Aix-Marseille I. This programme over four years leads to a triple cross-national diploma. It aims at producing expert language professionals with high linguistic competency in two foreign languages and in-depth knowledge of the societies of the countries concerned. I obtained the following:

  • BA with Honours in Languages and Business Studies (Bachelorprüfung im Europäischen Studiengang, Sprachen und Wirtschaft) from the Fachhochschule Köln in Cologne (Germany),
  • BA with Honours in Applied Languages Europe, Translation from Liverpool John Moores University (UK),
  • Master in Applied Foreign Languages, Translation (Maîtrise en Langues Etrangères Appliquées, option Traduction Spécialisée) from the Université de Provence Aix-Marseille I (France).

In 2004, I worked for three months as a language and culture assistant at the French Cultural Institute of Cologne (Germany). I took part in the organisation of cultural events (exhibitions, audio-visual projections, concerts…) to promote the French culture abroad and was in charge of Arts and Culture oriented translations (films and books reviews, online articles and news, cultural programmes).

Professional experience

At this point, I decided to begin my career as a translator.

I worked for two years as a technical translator, editor and project manager for CINETIQUE Translations, a company dedicated to multilingual communications for Science, Technology and Engineering based in Manchester (UK). Working in-house, I gained a strong experience in translating and editing technical and medical texts and in managing multilingual projects. During this time, I became experienced in CAT (Computer Assisted Translation) tools, particularly TRADOS, and in project management solutions (Translation Office 3000, Projetex).

In parallel, I also worked as a freelance translator on a great number projects, which involved the translation and editing of books, brochures, scripts (film & TV), websites, user manuals and marketing documents.

In May 2008, I decided to set up my freelance business - Close-up Translations - and to further specialise. I provide competent, accurate and high-quality translations of specialist texts in the following fields: Environment, Ecology, Wildlife Conservation, International Development and Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Social Sciences. I also have extensive experience in translating books and reports for the publishing industry. I have demonstrated my ability to work both independently and within a team and I am able to maintain high standards while working under pressure and to tight deadlines.

My client portfolio now includes European publishing companies, small to medium local businesses, international governmental and non-governmental organisations.

My project portfolio includes the translation of the book “Reefs Revealed” (192 pages; French title: “Voyage au cœur des récifs“), which was published in October 2007. The French version won the Grand Prize for best book of underwater photographs 2007 at the World Festival of Underwater Images, Antibes (France).

I was also part of the translators’ team for the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) World Conservation Congress 2008 and translated a book entitled “Adapting to change - Mediterranean forests” (88 pages; French title: “Adaptation au changement global - les forêts méditerranéennes“).

Personal development

I believe that it is important to keep on learning new skills and to broaden one’s knowledge. With a passion for photography, films and creative writing, I took part in a scriptwriting course with Primary Creations (Manchester, UK). To date, I have written two short-film scripts and several short stories.

I have also been studying Aromatherapy, Reflexology and Herbalism since October 2007 with the London School of Natural Health Sciences (UK). This e-learning course will lead to an International Diploma in Naturopathy. Having a great interest in Anthropology, I wish to write my final year essay about the ritualistic uses of plants in a selected tribe within the Omo Valley (Ethiopia).