MC Linguistic Services
Fidelity, awareness, & analysis.
About me
Fidelity, awareness, & analysis.
Striving to learn, learning to strive.
My name is Matthew, and I operate under the trading name MC Linguistic Services. As a Masters student of Translation and Interpreting at the University of Surrey, the responsibility of shaping my career whilst progressing through my studies is one on my mind at all times. No matter the environment I find myself in, be it in the classroom or when travelling, I always maintain an analytical approach to my surroundings and stimuli. Not only is this an integral part of my personality, but also the focal factor in my constant search for methods, strategies, and solutions that I can carefully apply to your needs as my client. Being alert, focused, and attentively magnetised to the crucial details of your message and intention is my defining priority. For more info on my strategies, click here.
For a digital copy of my CV, please send me an email.
For a more in-depth description of what I do on my course, click here.
My name is Matthew, and I operate under the trading name MC Linguistic Services. As a Masters student of Translation and Interpreting at the University of Surrey, the responsibility of shaping my career whilst progressing through my studies is one on my mind at all times. No matter the environment I find myself in, be it in the classroom or when travelling, I always maintain an analytical approach to my surroundings and stimuli. Not only is this an integral part of my personality, but also the focal factor in my constant search for methods, strategies, and solutions that I can carefully apply to your needs as my client. Being alert, focused, and attentively magnetised to the crucial details of your message and intention is my defining priority. For more info on my strategies, click here.
For a digital copy of my CV, please send me an email.
For a more in-depth description of what I do on my course, click here.
Services
Technical and general translation
Precise, quality translation covering a variety of subject matters.
Learn MoreConsecutive & Community Interpreting
Consecutive interpreting for business meetings and small events; community interpreting for PSI sessions.
Learn MoreVoice over
Voice over recordings to narrate internal projects.
Subtitling
Writing and hardcoding/softcoding subtitles to videos using Aegisub.
Assets & qualifications
Click on the categories below to learn more
Education
University of Surrey
Course: MA Translation and Interpreting
Duration: 2017-2018
Involving the study of: Translation and interpreting skills with modules on technology, commercial use, technical vocabulary, theory, and ethics.
University of Southampton
Course: BA (Hons) Spanish - With accelerated Portuguese
Duration: 2013-2017
Involving the study of: Spanish & Portuguese language with diverse regional variation, linguistics, Ibero-Latino culture and history, and language politics
Course: MA Translation and Interpreting
Duration: 2017-2018
Involving the study of: Translation and interpreting skills with modules on technology, commercial use, technical vocabulary, theory, and ethics.
University of Southampton
Course: BA (Hons) Spanish - With accelerated Portuguese
Duration: 2013-2017
Involving the study of: Spanish & Portuguese language with diverse regional variation, linguistics, Ibero-Latino culture and history, and language politics
Certifications
Instituto Cevantes certified Spanish C1 (2014), Fundación de la Lengua Española, Valladolid, Spain
Two-week intensive course carried out in Valladolid, Spain. The course curriculum was linked with the Instituto Cervantes and involved accent training, grammar studies, and presentation skills. Received C1 qualification upon finishing the course. Since this award I have reached a C2 (close to native) level in my studies.
Two-week intensive course carried out in Valladolid, Spain. The course curriculum was linked with the Instituto Cervantes and involved accent training, grammar studies, and presentation skills. Received C1 qualification upon finishing the course. Since this award I have reached a C2 (close to native) level in my studies.
Software training
SDL Trados 2017
SDL Trados is a CAT (Computer Assisted Translation) tool used by many translators that manages phrases and terminology translated in previous projects. The software is highly beneficial in the areas of terminology consistency and maintaining source text formatting. I currently possess a licence to use this software and its associated MultiTerm plugin.
SDL Trados is a CAT (Computer Assisted Translation) tool used by many translators that manages phrases and terminology translated in previous projects. The software is highly beneficial in the areas of terminology consistency and maintaining source text formatting. I currently possess a licence to use this software and its associated MultiTerm plugin.
Institutional affiliations
Student Affiliate of CIOL, London, United Kingdom
I am a registered member and Student Affiliate of the Chartered Institute of Linguists, an organisation that certifies and supports qualified members of the translation and interpreting profession.
Student member of ITI
I am a registered student member of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting.
I am a registered member and Student Affiliate of the Chartered Institute of Linguists, an organisation that certifies and supports qualified members of the translation and interpreting profession.
Student member of ITI
I am a registered student member of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting.
Personal projects
New languages
As a linguistically minded person, I find learning languages to be one of my favourite activities.
Currently, I am in the process of studying Turkish, with the hope of nurturing and developing this to a high level for use in my profession.
Incorporating simultaneous interpreting into my skillset
While one of the primary focuses of my Masters programme is to study consecutive interpreting, I recognise the need in the market for flexible interpreters who can be relied upon to perform professionally and competently in both this mode and in simultaneous. Therefore, I have taken it on myself to gather experience in this are, via practice such as the use of booths at my university and via professional development such as seeking training courses.
Attending institutional conferences and events
Sharing knowledge and acquiring contacts is of utmost importance in any field where development is constantly ongoing, therefore I feel it is important to network with my fellow interpreters and translators, both highly experienced and new to the field. Consequently, I will endeavour to attend events in the future where this can take place, for example, conferences hosted by the Chartered Institute of Linguistics or the ITI.
As a linguistically minded person, I find learning languages to be one of my favourite activities.
Currently, I am in the process of studying Turkish, with the hope of nurturing and developing this to a high level for use in my profession.
Incorporating simultaneous interpreting into my skillset
While one of the primary focuses of my Masters programme is to study consecutive interpreting, I recognise the need in the market for flexible interpreters who can be relied upon to perform professionally and competently in both this mode and in simultaneous. Therefore, I have taken it on myself to gather experience in this are, via practice such as the use of booths at my university and via professional development such as seeking training courses.
Attending institutional conferences and events
Sharing knowledge and acquiring contacts is of utmost importance in any field where development is constantly ongoing, therefore I feel it is important to network with my fellow interpreters and translators, both highly experienced and new to the field. Consequently, I will endeavour to attend events in the future where this can take place, for example, conferences hosted by the Chartered Institute of Linguistics or the ITI.
Attended events
Language Show Live London 2017
On the 14th of October 2017 I attended the Language Show Live in London in order to actively engage both with translation agencies and linguistic institutions. The event was a great success, with a large variety of stands offering different perspectives and services for the profession. Through this event, I signed up to be a Student Affiliate member of the Chartered Institute of Linguistics.
On the 14th of October 2017 I attended the Language Show Live in London in order to actively engage both with translation agencies and linguistic institutions. The event was a great success, with a large variety of stands offering different perspectives and services for the profession. Through this event, I signed up to be a Student Affiliate member of the Chartered Institute of Linguistics.
Certified by
Fidelity, awareness, and analysis.
Three core ideals to ensure the quality you expect.
As a professional linguist responsible for your translation needs, I consider myself duty-bound to maintain and convey your original message, be aware of your needs as a client, and analyse the situation at hand in great detail. Each of these three aspects must be respected to the highest degree, and in doing so, the resulting rendition is one that truly facilities the communication of your ideas.
My strategies
Precise transfer of meaning
Any linguist knows that words barely scratch the surface when it comes to conveying a message. What truly opens the door to accurate and effective communication is the proper representation of meaning. When producing a translation or interpreting, one of the most active processes that I engage in is selecting the appropriate tone, gestures, and terminology to not only say what you say, but to mean it too.
Adaptability & Tailored performances
As my client, I am here to represent you and your message. Be the task written or spoken, your exact needs are my priority. What do I mean by this? By taking me on as your translator or interpreter, you have full control over how you wish your message to be communicated: style, tone, register, vocabulary. While these are all factors I will render automatically by default, it is also entirely within my services for you to tell me how you wish to be heard or read, and I will adapt my delivery accordingly. There may be a certain set of vocabulary you wish me to use, a certain style of posturing or gestures, or simply a general attitude that represents your organization or goals.
Cultural awareness
To bridge the gap between sender and recipient isn't fully feasible without good knowledge of their cultures. Words can be exchanged to your heart's content, but if they don't resonate with the audience on the other side, their meaning is lost. What's more, many languages are divided into regional and national variants that can differ significantly in terms of acceptable words to use, and common cultural knowledge. There are many words in Spanish, for example, that if used in one country are completely acceptable as everyday language, but if used in another can be interpreted as obscenely offensive. Similarly with cultural concepts, the scope of many events, celebrations, celebrity figures, and politicians is often limited to national and sometimes regional borders. It is my job to compile a thorough awareness of these factors and be sensitive to the target audience of the task at all times.
Reliable terminological knowledge
With each given assignment, I undertake thorough research into the appropriate semantic field. From titles to tax laws, from acronyms to aeronautics; with my services, your sector becomes temporary domain. Through the use of corpora, terminological databases, multilingual dictionaries, and comparisons of parallel texts, I strive to make the intended points as clear as you intend them to be. Through this rigorous research process, it is my aim to avoid ambiguous and confusing clouds of terminology that may obstruct fluid dialogue and skew your original message.
Standing up for you, and for impartiality
Interpreters and translators are often considered to be communicative bridges between parties. This is entirely true, but this only entails the act of transferring source meaning to target meaning. While this act is intensive and very effective, not to mention the fundamental foundations for my field, I believe that an additional factor is missing: Being on your side.
Impartiality is crucial, I cannot and will not let any aspect of my personal beliefs or experience influence the message that any party in any assignment wishes to express. Separate from this, however, is knowing your intentions, getting them across to your audience, and making them known. This is where my services can aid you not just in being heard, but in changing the status quo. This doesn't just come in the form of using the correct words either, but also, in interpreting sessions, it may often be necessary for me to actively provide explanations, clarifications, and helpful pointers. Extra-dialogal waypoints such as these, as well as their appropriate use, can often be a well-needed catalyst for encouraging and maintaining clear, comprehensible, and fluid communication.
Impartiality is crucial, I cannot and will not let any aspect of my personal beliefs or experience influence the message that any party in any assignment wishes to express. Separate from this, however, is knowing your intentions, getting them across to your audience, and making them known. This is where my services can aid you not just in being heard, but in changing the status quo. This doesn't just come in the form of using the correct words either, but also, in interpreting sessions, it may often be necessary for me to actively provide explanations, clarifications, and helpful pointers. Extra-dialogal waypoints such as these, as well as their appropriate use, can often be a well-needed catalyst for encouraging and maintaining clear, comprehensible, and fluid communication.
Professionalism & reliable contact
When using my services, I guarantee that whatever task is required will be delivered with utmost professionalism and respect. This applies both to my physical presence in interpreting sessions, in which you can expect my presentation to reflect both the surroundings and the standards you wish to convey, and to distance work, in which you can expect clear and punctual communication with me via email or telephone. As someone who understands the importance of efficiency and a respectful image, I put great emphasis on providing a high quality service for you at all times, from start to finish.
Your message, taken seriously.
An organised, analytical, and detailed approach to eliminating your language barriers.
CPD Timeline
Began studying at the University of Southampton
In October 2013, I took my first steps into studying one of my main passions, Spanish, at a high level (BA). Within this undergraduate course, I also began learning both Brazilian and European Portuguese on an accelerated plan, lasting all four years.
Oct 01, 2013Embarked on year abroad in Spain
In my third year of university, I ventured out to live, work, and study in Valladolid, Spain. During the ten months I spent there I worked as an English teacher at a URBE Innovación Educativa, carried out extensive research and finished my year abroad project on globalisation, and rapidly expanded my use of Spanish with my host family.
Sep 26, 2015Graduated from the University of Southampton
After four years of study, I graduated from my hometown university with First Class Honours.
Jul 19, 2017Started Masters at the University of Surrey
Shortly after graduating from my undergraduate studies, I began studying an MA in Translation and Interpreting at the University of Surrey to pursue my goal of becoming a professionally trained translator and interpreter.
Oct 02, 2017Attended “The World of the Voice-over” and “The World of a Professional Tour Guide”
Apr 28, 2018Attended Language Show Live London 2017
Oct 14, 2017Attended and spoke at Languages Careers Fair
Language-orientated careers fair at the University of Surrey.
May 02, 2018Attended talk on automatic speech recognition by Dragoș Ciobanu (University of Leeds)
Feb 28, 2018Began studying Turkish
Feb 21, 2018Attended lecture on units of meaning, corpus linguistics, and equivalence by Wolfgang Teubert and Jianzhong Pu
Feb 21, 2018Portfolio gallery
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Clients
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Blog
The word 'luxury' is one that has long caught my attention, mainly because it is so widespread. Nowadays this term doesn't quite catch my eye as it used to, partly because of a new term in town that has me excited for its potential uses: 'artisan'.
Read MoreA recording of my section of the talk explaining the different pathways that can be taken when studying translation or interpreting at the University of Surrey. The course I am currently studying is MA Translation and Interpreting, and this clip features my speech explaining how this pathway prepares students to be professional linguists. In the audience were both language companies and fellow students.
Read More