We are Worldly Wordsmiths!
We are Worldly Wordsmiths!
Wordsmithing is our craft! With a deep commitment to clear communication, we help clients across all industries convey
their messages with confidence in English, French, German, Spanish and Portuguese.
Our Mission
To help you fulfill your mission and goals by harnessing the power of communication to reach, move and mobilize your target audiences.
Our Values
Culturally attuned: We ensure that our translations are culturally appropriate.
Precise: We are meticulous in our work.
Responsive: We prioritize timely and effective communication.
Entrepreneurial: We promote creative solutions to meet our clients’ unique needs.
Evolving: We embrace continuous improvement and growth.
Our Promise
A positive experience beyond the excellent language services we provide.
Meet our Core Team
Margaret and Michael both studied modern languages and literature. After earning their degrees in their respective countries—Germany and Canada—they lived and worked in France and Germany, where they also raised their family. After returning to Canada permanently in 1996, Margaret and Michael founded Larrass Translations. What started as a two-person venture gradually grew into a thriving team of in-house and freelance translators. Today, Larrass’s clients span North America and Germany, representing a wide range of sectors — a source of great pride for both founders. In their free time, both enjoy reading historical novels, spending time with their grandchildren, and gardening. Michael also teaches meditation (TM) and is working on a collection of short stories.
We share a love of languages and their ability to exchange information, ideas, emotions and experiences beyond borders. Whether we’re adapting, translating, transcribing, editing or proofreading, we’re driven by a deep respect of the history, richness and diversity of human communication and what it can achieve when done expertly.
Selma joined our team in July 2023. Long fascinated by the power of words and by the finer subtleties of language, it’s no surprise that she was naturally drawn to the field of translation. Specializing in both translation and conference interpretation, Selma has had the opportunity to explore both the fast-paced and exciting world of interpretation booths and the art of carefully choosing words that capture a text’s subtle nuances. With a keen eye for detail, Selma has embraced painting as her creative outlet, and she also treasures spending time with her family.
Anne joined the family business in 2016 and finally took over the reins in 2022. Previously, Anne worked as a communications specialist for a number of humanitarian organizations and for the Government of Canada. She holds bachelor’s degrees in French and in journalism and speaks English, French and German fluently. In her free time, Anne loves to spend time with her family, write and paint.
Annett joined the Larrass Translations team in 2012 and has held different positions ever since, from translator and reviser to bookkeeper and senior project manager. Since 2022, she is Larrass Translation’s Chief Operating Officer. In her role, Annett ensures smooth and efficient day-to-day operations, with a focus on business growth and prosperity. She holds a master’s degree in German philology, linguistics and intercultural communication and is a certified translator in Canada and Germany. In her free time, Annett is an avid musician and cyclist.
Audrée joined our team in early 2023 and has been an invaluable addition ever since. Whether you are a client or translator, she will often be your first point of contact, taking care of your request from start to finish. Audrée has a BA in translation from the Université du Québec in Trois-Rivières. This additional skill allows her to contribute to projects and do final QA on outgoing translations. In her free time, Audrée likes to spend time with her daughter and explore the Ottawa region by bike; she also enjoys woodworking.
Whether you need a translation, transcreation or have a complex question regarding nuance, Alexandre’s profound understanding of French language and Quebec culture makes him a great resource. As our in-house translator/reviser since 2021, he ensures that ENG>FR translations adhere to our high standards. Alexandre received his Ph.D. in comparative literature from Western University (London, ON), in 2019.
Our Approach
Our linguists
- hold degrees in translation or related fields;
- are OTTIAQ / ATIO-certified;
- are vetted via our rigorous PROficient process, which tests linguistic skills, attention to detail, responsiveness, research abilities and style;
- hold Government of Canada issued security clearances (reliability, secret and top secret).
Client-specific terminology
We use client-specific terminology lists to ensure terminological consistency throughout our translations. In addition, we use the same translator and reviser teams for assignments from the same client, where possible.
Response time
We prioritize timely and effective communication. Within our regular business hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, we respond to our clients within 30 minutes.
More than words
Precision language services with a human touch.
Communicate with confidence knowing that all your content has been thoughtfully adapted for its audience.
