I enjoy my work and I take pleasure in my work.
During the execution of deeds at a civil-law notary’s office, a Canadian client once asked me if I was a native speaker; “you sound so British”. No, on the contrary, I am Dutch. Imagine, just a couple of years ago people thought I had an American accent. Things change as times passes. What has not changed is my drive to help other people. I like to be a link in the process to ensure that people can understand each other, so that something new can arise. I have the most interesting job in the world!
During my first year at secondary school, my English teacher inspired me. My former American accent may be a ‘relic’ from the time when I lived in the Unites States as an exchange student. It was a marvellous adventure and I had a great time. And best of all, even after all these years, my host family and I have kept in touch.
Around 1988 I decided to make a career-switch and “translator” seemed a nice job; I started the course Translator of English at ITV in 1989, after my first child was born. I completed this course in 1993, after my second child was born. In 1995, I completed all the subjects for the State exam Interpreter-Translator of English and I was sworn in by the Utrecht Court. On 1 January 1996, Van Maarschalkerweerd Translations was established and I started my career as a translator from my in-home office. Early in 2000, one of my colleagues asked me if I could be of assistance to a civil-law notary and his clients. I did not yet have much experience as an interpreter, but I had recently finished a course in legal translating, so I accepted the job. In preparation of the assignment, I made a literal translation of both drafts! Nowadays, I just need to read the drafts conscientiously in preparation for similar assignments.
I have been working as an interpreter for nearly fifteen years and nowadays interpreting forms the main part of my work.
I love the diversity of situations, people and clients that comes with my job as interpreter. This diversity really suits me and keeps me alert. But you need to keep a keen eye on the thin line between business and private considerations: personal opinion must never be a contributory factor. People sometimes ask me, “what do you think the judge will decide?” I always refer them to their lawyer and tell them: “I’m only the interpreter, I can’t be the judge of that.” Interpreting and translating brings together so many different aspects: my knowledge and experience, and my curiosity about the world and all that happens there. I have a wide interest and I like to familiarize myself with different subjects and to discover the connections. Interpreting means switching constantly, I love it.
You can find more details about my education and experience on my LinkedIn profile.
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