Language: By the time I was about to leave primary school (1976), my older sister taught me some English. I became interested in English language and during my first year at secondary school, my grades were significantly high. Over the subsequent years it became obvious though that learning English was not so easy. In my efforts to enhance my skills, I started translating song lyrics and even wrote several myself. Although I loathed reading, I worked my way through a number of English books.

By studying the English language through song lyrics, watching films and listening to the radio (Radio 1's “Steve Wright in the afternoon"), my English became above average. Not just in terms of grammar and vocabulary, but also with respect to pronunciation, which I practiced a lot. I became rather interested in all kinds of accents and practiced them so often that somehow I failed to develop an accent of my own. Speaking to other people, I simply mimicked their accent! 

The founding of W10H Xtra

Due to busy careers, using my English as far as I was able though, I failed to further develop my command of English. Finally in 2010, it was given a boost, when I met a great woman who was also quite interested in the English language. I started subtitling (translating) my favourite TV-series and films and simultaneously we translated newspaper articles, which we compared afterwards. Obviously this resulted in new insights and enhanced vocabulary. I have visited Great Britain about 65 times since 2010.

In 2013 I started a sidejob as a private teacher of English and so far I have personally assisted some 40 people between 7 and 70 years old, in learning English at different levels. In 2013, I obtained the C2 "proficiency in English" certificate.

Since 2014 I've been doing translations professionally, but obviously I'd already had substantial experience in translations. As a hobby, I had translated song lyrics and many newspaper articles and subtitled TV-series and the odd film.

In 2015, W10H Xtra – Translation Services was listed at the CoC in Amsterdam, as part of W10H Xtra.

I continuously receive various requests for translations, which I enjoy working on. Over the years I have learned that translating is an art in itself, not only requiring linguistic knowledge, but also general and, in my case, particularly technical knowledge.

Being able to speak two languages is great, yet the correct translation of the essence of a text requires additional skills. Specific understanding of both language and substance is essential. Meanwhile, in addition to translating, I've also become quite competent in proof reading (correction of other people's translations). Due to my interest, as well as experience, in the English language, I can translate to and from British English as well as American English. I have visited Great Britain 75+ times since 1982, to enjoy the country and culture and to keep up with colloquialism. I've found that conversing with the British and following the (local) news are obviously the best ways to keep in touch with the language.      

At my home office, or elsewhere around the world, I translate around 1 million words annually. I can either visit or welcome students at home for English lessons. In terms of hours I am quite flexible as no supervisor is breathing down my neck. My agenda is ruled by appointments and deadlines.

My knowledge of American English mostly derives from books, music, TV, movies and conversations with Americans.

Other aspects

Admin: In additions to translation, I am also occupied with health and administration. The latter was obvious, due to my own business, but was already initiated when I was bout nine years old. My father was an administrator and I loved to see him studying all these number and figures. I wanted that too!
I studied train time tables at the age of 9 years old and didn't rest before I had figured out the icons and understood how timetables worked exactly. 

Health/vitality: The aspect of health emerged from two different causes. Firstly, a number of years ago I was severely overweight and it took ages before I started taking appropriate action. Once this was initiated, I also immediately started keeping data in terms of what I consumed and the hours of activity, which resulted in the "Grand table" in which all the details are comprehensible portrayed.

The other cause had to do with Covid-19. I learned that so many people lost their jobs and steady income, which made me worried about my own livelihood. I had to find another way of earning money, just in case...

As I had always found health quite interesting, I decided to first help myself, amongst others by losing nearly 25 kg within a year's time, so I could prove to others that it could be done, before actually approaching them for coaching/advice.

- Microsoft Excel Analysis & Reporting (C-2012)
- English Proficiency via Cambridge (D-2013)
- Nutrition expert via Civas (D-2022)
- Allround vitality coach via Civas (D-2023)
- Mindfulness coach via Sorag akademie - ongoing