Freelance editor, proofreader and translator Tyler Langendorfer (website: www.aegistranslations.com; LinkedIn: tlangendorfer) joined SENSE a few months ago. He is a native English speaker based in Berlin, Germany, but works in an astonishing number of languages including Dutch, French, German, Russian, Spanish, and Ukrainian. I reached out to him to know more about his background and about the key to mastering so many languages. Here’s what he said.

Can you tell us a bit about where you are from and why you decided to settle in Germany?

I’m originally from New Hampshire in the US. I had long wanted to move to Berlin since I first visited the city in 2005 (this became my main motive for learning German), and around 2016 I finally managed to find a career that would eventually enable me to do so. When I first visited Berlin, I was really impressed by the urban landscape and the great views you could get from the above-ground train (S-Bahn) and became fascinated with its history – sombre in some respects, inspiring in others. In subsequent visits I was able to get a strong sense of what made the cultural scene and nightlife I had heard and read so much about so appealing. Since I moved to Berlin, one thing that has really stood out for me (and is perhaps its most underrated aspect) is the natural environment – there’s an abundance of lakes and parks within the city limits, and Berlin is notable for its biodiversity – not only when compared with other German cities, but with the entire country.

You have an MA in culture, policy and management, and a BA in English literature and in Spanish. Were these achievements conducive to permanent employment or were you willing to become a freelancer?

I’ve applied to some permanent positions in the past, but freelance work has always been my main focus. I’m sure every one of my degrees has helped me to some extent.

Can you describe the kind of projects you are working on?

Right now, I’m translating a non-fiction book for adolescents about robotics and current trends in science. I’m also editing a colleague’s translation of a novel before he sends it off to a publisher and I have been commissioned to translate a couple of poems by a Ukrainian poet.

Have you been to the Netherlands? How did you learn Dutch?

Yes, I spent a life-changing exchange semester abroad in Utrecht in 2005. I’ve been back to the Netherlands several times since then, including a one-month stay in 2021. I started learning to read Dutch about eight years ago (I only took a very basic course when I studied in Utrecht) using flashcards and a grammar book. As with most of my language combinations, my strength with Dutch lies in reading comprehension rather than in other areas, though I am working on improving my conversation skills.

Of all the languages that you master, which are your preferred ones? Why?

To be honest, that’s a difficult question to answer. A few years ago, I might have said German, French, and Russian, but over the past couple of years (during which I learnt to read Ukrainian) my preferences seem to have often been in flux. In general, there is a lot of parity among them. My appreciation for Dutch has continued to grow, and since there are a lot of Ukraine-related events happening in Berlin these days, Ukrainian (along with German) gets the most attention outside of work.

How did you learn about SENSE and why did you decide to join?

I first heard about SENSE when I saw online that another Dutch to English translator was a member. I hope to spend more time in the Netherlands in the future, and joining SENSE seemed like a good way to increase my connections with the country without having to relocate from Berlin.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I try to make time every day for reading books and studying languages, either improving the ones I can already read or learning new ones. Both hobbies are essential for my well-being. Learning languages is difficult, but I don’t consider it a chore. I also like to travel (preferably by train), attend talks, concerts and film showings, and I try to explore different parts of Berlin whenever I can.

I have a feeling that you are a good reader. Have you read something interesting recently?

That’s what I’ve been told. I just finished a book that I feel obligated to recommend despite its grim subject matter: ‘My Fourth Time, We Drowned’ by the journalist Sally Hayden. It’s about the gross human rights violations and tragedies that refugees (mostly African) have to endure as they attempt to make their way to Libya and across the Mediterranean, and how the immigration policies of the EU and its member states have only made the situation far worse. It’s a very brave book that draws attention to the plight of people who are increasingly the focus of demonizing rhetoric.