In technical texts language is first and foremost a means of communicating information. Consequently, a person who works with these texts must be able to understand what they are all about. For a translator and language consultant a good all-round education, experiences in many fields and a well-developed network of contacts are merits equal to, or even more important than, a formal language education.
For some years I worked a great deal with texts about railway for the Swedish National Rail Administration and the Swedish Railway Inspectorate. Their head offices are located in my hometown of Borlänge. I think the railway system is a very interesting field because it ranges from technical details and systems through infrastructure and railway safety in a broad perspective. So far, my work has involved proof reading, editing and language guidance with the aim of making instructions and reports easier to read and understand.
My knowledge of business economics is based on many years experience as an entrepreneur. Many colleagues leave their accounts, for instance, to an external accountant. I have chosen to handle as much as possible of the economic and administrative work in our company myself. This has lead to an understanding of what business economics in a large-scale context is about, as well as a good insight into the economy of our company. In order to consolidate my practical experiences as well as deepen my knowledge of business economics, I have also studied business administration at Dalarna University.
For hundreds of years, forestry and wood industry have been major parts of the basic economy in my home district, Dalarna. The first 20 years of my professional life are closely linked with these particular fields. At the age of eighteen I was trained to become a cabinetmaker. It was a really nice period of my life. The course involved all possible aspects of the craft - from loading the drier to applying the final coat of varnish.
The environmental questions are about the future of our children and, in the long term, the survival of all mankind. I find this field particularly important and interesting, and I was very pleased that some of my first translation jobs happened to be texts about an ecologically sustainable society. My customers are Dalarna University and NRC (The Natural Resource Centre).
As long as I can remember I have enjoyed listening to music and playing together with other people. I play the violin and dabble on the piano. My interest in music also contributed to my first career; for more than twenty years I worked in my family’s violin shop. During those years I had the pleasure of becoming part of a network of musicians, makers and retailers of musical instruments. It is a great database, which provides me with all sorts of information when my own knowledge on music is not good enough.
When I was younger, drawing and painting took up most of my spare time. After compulsory school I applied and was accepted to a school of art. The following year I continued my training at the College of Art, Craft and Design in Stockholm. For various reasons my working life has not involved much of the visual arts. I am sure, however, that my interest in art and design will last my life throughout.
I enjoy reading fiction very much and when I find the time i like to write texts of my own. My first novel, which is a children's book, will be published by Opal, Stockholm, in spring 2009.