Luke James is a French and Japanese to English translator specialising in technology, with a focus on virtual reality. He also offers a certified translation service, and edits and copywrites content on the EU institutions and EU law.
Who are you? Please introduce yourself
Hi, I’m Luke. I think a fair number of you already know me! I’m originally from Barry, Wales, but now live on the English side of the bridge, just outside Bristol. I’ve been a freelance translator for 4 years now, but have only just joined the French network. I wish I’d joined earlier as I can already tell you’re a fab bunch!
Do you translate, interpret, or both? What are your areas of specialism?
I translate from French and Japanese into English, and I also offer editing, copywriting and accessibility services. I’m mainly specialised in the tech domain, particularly in the field of virtual reality, which was the subject of my talk at the last ITI Conference. Over the past year or so, I’ve branched out into certified translation and started long-term projects on EU law and the EU institutions, which are close to my heart as a former European Parliament trainee.
Why did you decide to get into translation or interpreting?
During my French and English degree at the University of Warwick, I spent a year abroad as a language assistant in Lyon. After graduating, I went back to English teaching, this time on an island of 200 people in Okinawa, Japan. While there, people came to me with informal translation requests – everything from restaurant menus to tsunami warnings! I enjoyed helping the islanders so much that I enrolled in the Applied Translation Studies course at Leeds and the rest is history!
What’s your favourite type of project?
I have two kinds of favourite projects. I love localising video games, especially the QA process as I sometimes get to play the game and see my writing in action. I also really enjoy my long-term collaboration editing EU human rights reports, as my work helps rapporteurs make a positive difference to Europeans’ lives.
What do you do outside of translation or interpreting?
I’m a gamer and will gladly share my Switch 2 or PS5 profile upon request with any French Network members!
My fiancé and I also love long walks away from the screen, and we get a lot of use out of our National Trust membership. I devote some time each week to migrant and trans rights activism, and volunteering for the local Green Party.
