Miscellaneous - SJ Scribe

Why I Chose to Specialize in Responsible Translation

Sylvie Jeandet — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 15:51:34 +0000

We live in a world where content can be generated in seconds, Where words are increasingly produced at scale, optimized for algorithms, and polished until they all start to sound the same. And somewhere along the way, something gets lost: The human voice.

In this context, I believe that every word matters more than ever. As an English to French specialized translator, I have come to believe that accuracy and faithfulness, while essential, are no longer enough. A translation should not merely reproduce what was said. It should carry the meaning, intention, nuance, and values behind the words, while remaining true to the cultural and regulatory context in which it will be read.

This is what led me to develop my own approach, which I call language responsibility.

For me, language responsibility means choosing words with rigor and integrity. It means questioning what lies behind the text, not simply what appears on the page. It means knowing when a literal translation would be misleading, culturally inappropriate, or even ethically problematic, and having the courage to say so. Because words do more than communicate. They shape perceptions. They influence decisions. They reflect who we are.

From the Corporate World to a Personal Awakening

My journey towards responsible translation did not begin in a translation classroom. It began in the corporate world.

After studying Languages applied to international business, I spent several years working for multinational companies, first as an administrative and executive assistant, and later in HR.

I experienced the realities of the corporate world from the inside, and witnessed the gap that can sometimes exist between what an organization says and what it actually does. I saw companies talking about sustainability while overlooking their own environmental and social impact. I saw inclusion presented as a value without always being reflected in people’s everyday experiences.

One particular experience left a lasting impression on me. The company in question proudly displayed values such as respect and integrity. But behind those words, colleagues and managers were experiencing discrimination, harassment, and relentless pressure. I saw people break down in tears in front of me, and I watched others succumb to burnout. This broke my heart. What affected me most was not simply the existence of these situations. It was the disconnect between the values displayed on the wall and the reality on the ground, as well as the inaction of people who were supposed to help.

That experience left me with something I have never been able to shake: a visceral need for coherence. If we say something matters, it should matter in practice. If we claim to value respect, our actions should reflect it. If we communicate a commitment to sustainability or inclusion, our words should stand up to scrutiny. And if we ask people to trust us, we have a responsibility to make sure that trust is deserved.

At some point, I realized that I could no longer simply observe these contradictions. If I wanted to live more fully in line with my own values, I had to change direction. So I resumed my studies, and earned a Master’s degree in Translation with honors in 2014. I became a freelance translator and initially specialized in Human Resources, then expanded my expertise into CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility), sustainability and inclusive communication.

Looking back, the connection between those two parts of my career seems obvious. I had spent years observing how organizations use words. I wanted to help make those words mean something.

My philosophy: translating with purpose & integrity

Specialized translation remains at the heart of my work. But over the years, I have become increasingly convinced that translation cannot be separated from the context in which it exists. A perfectly accurate translation can still be inappropriate. A grammatically flawless sentence can still convey the wrong message. A beautifully written sustainability claim can still be misleading. And a corporate statement about inclusion can still exclude people.

This is why my work has evolved beyond translation alone. Today, I also work on content audits, inclusive language, linguistic guidance, and the responsible use of linguistic AI tools. The services may differ, but the underlying question remains the same: Do these words really say what you think they say and do they reflect what you actually stand for?

That question lies at the heart of my approach. For me, language is not just a tool, it is an act of responsibility.

My approach is built around three convictions, shaped by my professional journey and the way I see the world. They guide every project, every choice, and every collaboration.

Human & Ethical Excellence

I believe good work begins with a human relationship.

When you work with me, you are not handing your content over to a production process. You are working directly with the person who will read it, question it, research it, translate it, and ultimately stand behind it. I personally respond to every request and personally work on every project I accept.

I take the time to understand not only what you need, but why you need it, who you are speaking to, and what you want your words to achieve. That often starts with a conversation. Not a questionnaire, not a standardized workflow. A conversation. From there, we establish a realistic timeline that protects both your deadlines and the quality of the work.

I do not know everything, and I never will. But I am a lifelong learner. I continuously develop my knowledge and skills because expertise, to me, is not about having all the answers. It is about knowing what you need to question, what you need to research, and when you need to keep learning. Whether the subject is HR, CSR, inclusive communication, or responsible AI, I want my work to be grounded in both expertise and curiosity.

And ultimately, I want the relationships I build with my clients to last. Trust is not something I expect. It is something I believe we build, project by project.

A Human Promise

A real person behind every project. A genuine commitment to understanding your values. And human judgment behind every word.

A Responsible Approach to Technology

I am not opposed to technology. Quite the opposite. I use digital tools, including generative AI. But I believe we need to be thoughtful about how we use them, and about the values embedded in the tools we choose.

This is why I pay particular attention to the tools I use. For example, I work with Euria, a generative AI tool, and KSuite, the collaborative suite developed by Swiss company Infomaniak, because their approach to digital sovereignty, ethics, and sustainability aligns with my own priorities. I also use Ecosia as my search engine, as a small but meaningful way of reducing my digital footprint while supporting reforestation.

More broadly, I try to practice digital sobriety. For me, that means using technology deliberately rather than automatically. It means asking whether AI genuinely adds value before using it, rather than using it simply because it is available. And above all, it means keeping a human being responsible for the final result. AI can generate. It can suggest. It can accelerate. But it does not replace judgment, context, nor responsibility.

Credibility Through Compliance and Local Adaptation

One of the things I find most fascinating about translation is that a word never exists in isolation. It belongs to a culture, a legal system, a history, a social context. This is why translating a text for the French or Swiss market sometimes means challenging the original. I regularly come across content where references that work perfectly well in the original market simply do not work in France or Switzerland:

– References to forms of discrimination that are specific to another cultural context,
– Employment policies that may be legal in the United States, but are unlawful in France,
– Unsupported environmental claims, or
– Terminology that may be inappropriate or misleading in French.

These are not minor linguistic details, they can affect your credibility and even expose your organization to sanctions. My role is to spot those issues, explain them, and, where appropriate, suggest alternatives that are better aligned with local regulations, cultural expectations, and best practices. I see it as part of responsible translation.

To support this work, I rely on authoritative sources and official guidance, including:

– Directive (EU) 2024-825,
– Guidance from the French Agency for Ecological Transition (ADEME) and the French National Consumer Council (CNC), or
– Swiss standards and guidelines from the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment.

I also develop bespoke style guides to help organizations maintain a consistent voice and adapt their communication effectively to the French market.

The goal is not simply to avoid mistakes. It is to make sure that your words can withstand scrutiny.

Why It Matters to Me

I sometimes think about the contrast between where I started and where I am today. I began my career inside organizations where I saw, first-hand, how powerful words can be, and how painful the gap between words and reality can become.

Today, I work with words every day. But I no longer see them as neutral. A translation can reinforce a stereotype or challenge it. It can make an environmental claim sound more convincing than the evidence allows or help bring the language back into line with reality. It can make someone feel included, or invisible. That is why I care about the choices I make as a translator, and why I cannot embrace the “good is enough” trend increasingly applied by large Language Service Providers.

Technology will continue to evolve, and the tools we use will change. But the need to feel understood, respected, and heard will always remain fundamentally human. And perhaps that is why, in a world where more and more words can be generated by machines, I believe human judgment matters more than ever.

If you are looking for someone who combines technical rigor with curiosity, critical thinking with empathy, and linguistic expertise with a genuine commitment to responsible communication, I would be delighted to connect with you.

Personally. Human to human.

The post Why I Chose to Specialize in Responsible Translation first appeared on SJ Scribe.

Understanding the UK market

Sylvie Jeandet — Sun, 16 Oct 2016 15:04:00 +0000

As I was preparing my trip to the Language Show London, I decided to focus my social media coverage on the United Kingdom for a few days and to provide some perspective to entrepreneurs willing to do business with/expand to the UK.

I preferred to choose a different approach than simply collecting data on the internet, and to provide you with an insider’s view by interviewing Claire Johnston, British marketing specialist with an extensive international experience, and Director of BonBon Communications & Events.

Claire and I met at Procter & Gamble in Geneva, Switzerland in 2008, while she was working as a Marketing and Communications Functional Expert. She has a strong international experience (UK, France, Switzerland and Australia) and has worked across various sectors (FMCG, Not for profit, government and SME), which gives her a good understanding of operating cross culturally and, most importantly, to share some useful information and advice about the UK market.

A few facts about the British market

London is the most important financial marketplace in Europe
In 2015, the UK was the second exporter/fifth importer in terms of commercial services and the tenth exporter/fifth importer in terms of goods (worldwide)
The UK is one of the European leaders for e-commerce (including online sales done via mobile devices): +11% in 2015 and +11% also expected in 2016 (source: IMRG). Average annual spend per e-shopper is €3,625 (source Asendia)
Sectors with a strong potential: Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), biotechnology, aeronautics, defense and renewables energies (source: MOCI)
Despite the Brexit vote, the economic activity seems to have remained quite stable so far. The GDP growth forecast is +1.8% for 2016 and +1% for 2017 (source: BBC).

Perspectives on the UK market by Claire Johnston

Hello Claire. Can you introduce BonBon Communications & Events to our readers?

BonBon Communications & Events is a specialist marketing communications & events management consultancy that I established, following many years being based overseas with the aim of supporting businesses to identify and engage with their customers, locally, nationally and internationally – we offer 4 core areas of support, covering: marketing communications/brand & PR, social media strategy, events & exhibition management and internal communications/employee engagement.
We have worked with clients of varying sizes from start-ups, helping them to build a brand profile, mid-large organisation’s that cover international markets and a global workforce and also those based overseas, helping to introduce new brands into the UK market.

How would you say Brits perceive French and Swiss entrepreneurs and products?

Brits love all things French and depending on industry/product type I would say that style, passion and good taste, would be the assumed perception over reliability and trust.
The Swiss however are known for high quality and reliability, therefore trust.
In either case, I would pay a higher price point for a product based on these perceptions and believe many consumers across the UK would too.

Can you share some basics about the British business etiquette?

Yes of course, Brits are by nature, quite reserved, over polite, apologize frequently (“I’m sorry but would you mind closing the window”) and over explain themselves.
However generally in business, Brits are honest, to the point and can be trusted to have high levels of integrity, with a ‘have a go’ attitude to get things done, even if it means skipping lunch, existing on copious amounts of milky black tea (which is lost on the French).

What are the must-know in terms of communication in the UK?

British communication style is a mix of direct/indirect which can be confusing x-culturally, the best thing to remember is KISS – Keep It Simple Stupid. i.e. keep written work and presentation material short, concise and to the point, particularly when presenting data but also to avoid the key messages getting lost.
Don’t be afraid to inject a little humor, as this is often appreciated by the British, however be careful to ensure that you understand the meaning of any attempt, to avoid embarrasment.

Would you say that good written communication is important to do business in the UK? Why?

Yes, absolutely, it’s vitally important that any companies that are looking to start doing business in the UK, thoroughly research their market/target audience to ensure that their marketing messages don’t get lost in translation – what’s relevant in one market, might not be in another.
Therefore it may be necessary to adapt and take a different approach to ensure success.

Has any success story been inspiring you?

I am constantly amazed at how many entrepreneurs are out there, every day developing their ideas into a business or new brand and quite often not getting the publicity they deserve.
One story that really inspires me, is the growth of Micro-scooter’s in the UK. 10 years ago, anyone that had spent time in Switzerland would know this brand as most children, even tiny kids could be seen on the sturdy 3 wheeled frame, my own daughter had one aged 3 and I constantly used to go on about how innovative and unique these products were, in comparison to those seen in the UK. As it was, around the same time, a mum in Clapham, London, happened to have the same feeling and decided that the UK should have these products, so her and a friend contacted the head office in Switzerland and became UK distributors (with very little experience) 10 years on, with the company using a mum ambassador strategy, which clearly works, these scooters can be seen virtually everywhere and the company is a super success story with over 1 million sold in the UK to date.

Would you have some advice for entrepreneurs willing to expand to/reach the UK market?

The most important thing is to thoroughly research your market and the competition, why would your product work, is there a gap?
Then research your target demographic, spend time on the ground and consider using a local partner who understands the UK market to act as an advocate for the brand and develop the messaging you need on a local level.
Exhibitions are a fantastic way to meet buyers F2F and also key trade publications, so consider attending relevant shows, both as a form of research, but also as an exhibitor.

Who should foreign businesses turn to when first approaching the UK market?

The UK government has a UK Trade & Investment department that can help support businesses that are looking to start doing business in the UK. I worked for this department when based in Australia, it does come with a cost, but could be a great way to research the opportunities.
My own business has also been established to help support new businesses on a local level and I have recently been working with some overseas companies not yet seen in the UK, developing brand strategy and distribution opportunities here in the UK. www.bonboncommunications.com

Doing business in the UK: Additional useful websites

World Bank Group – Doing Business UK
The Hufftington Post – Cross-cultural Business Etiquette
Brian Cave – Doing Business UK Report

The post Understanding the UK market first appeared on SJ Scribe.

Special Offer for 2015!

Sylvie Jeandet — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 11:23:00 +0000

Let’s celebrate 2015 with a special offer

2014 is now gone and a new year has begun, full of hope and good resolutions.

It is this time of year, when we can feel the magic in the air and are dreaming of new beginnings, positive changes and happiness.

While weeks pass by, please keep on dreaming. May the positive attitude and the hope that touch everyone’s heart during the holiday season be with you all through this year. And help you realize your projects and your wishes.

May this year be wonderful, for you and your loved ones!

“2015 Offer” -15%

In order to celebrate 2015 and to start the year on a positive touch, get 15% off one of your translation project worth 100€ and more.

This might just be your chance to get a personal or professional project done – e.g. by translating your website or technical documents into French in order to reach your French speaking clientele.

How to get the discount?

The offer is good one time only, throughout the year (expires on December 31,2015).
In order to get the discounted rate, please mention the code “SJScribe-OS15-2015” when asking for a cost estimate or getting in contact. You can also enclose a copie of the image from the article to your inquiry.
The discount shall be applied to translation jobs with an estimated price of 100€ minimum.
The discount does not apply to proofreading and regular writing projects.
Please contact me for further details, I will be happy to answer your questions.

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