Qwir text + design

We are Michael and Boka. We have been working in the domains of text, translation, design and education as well as in research and academic teaching for over 15 years.

Michael En, MA

• BA Transcultural Communication
  2011, University of Vienna
• MA Critical Sociolinguistics
  2013, Goldsmiths, University of London
• Queer Theory & Native Speakerism
  current dissertation project

Michael discovered his love for texts and languages early in speech bubbles and film translations, both of which bring him joy to this day. Besides translating, his fields of work include, among others, copyediting for academic journals, print and audiobook publishing houses; language classes in English and German for kids and adults; subtitling; and software documentation. At the moment, in addition to his work for Qwir, he teaches at the University of Vienna’s Centre for Translation Studies and is working on his PhD dissertation on ‘nativeness’ from a queer-theory perspective. As a communication coach, he co-founded Go like Silk and is teaching Kindess Communication in English and German.

You can find out more about Michael at michaelen.com. You can also contact him on LinkedIn.

Boka En, MSc

• BA Transcultural Communication, Gender Studies and Political Theory
  2011, Open University
• MSc Gender and Sexuality Studies
  2013, Birkbeck, University of London
• Knowledge politics and in-/exclusions in LGBTIQ* movements
  current dissertation project

Boka switches between languages as often as between hair and nail colours. In addition to their work for Qwir, Boka has been teaching award-winning courses in Gender & Sexuality Studies at different Austrian universities since 2015. Boka is a founding member of the working group Inter*Trans_Nonbinary and vice-chair of the Gender Studies Association Austria; co-wrote the handbook on gender-sensitive language published by the Austrian Ombud for Equal Treatment; and teaches workshops on (gender) diversity and other topics.

You can find out more about Boka at bokaen.com.

Others

Depending on the job or project, we sometimes collaborate with other translators, designers and other people who use their skills to make things better.

In Qwir text + design, we work together with a shared passion and specific focus. The name ‘Qwir’ combines ‘queer’ and the German word ‘wir’ (we/us), bringing together the critical and the personal.

Work in the language and text market is loosely distributed, with a majority of service providers offering merely normative revision within the framework of hegemonic linguistic-cultural norms. Many who offer their text-related services market themselves as ‘native speakers’ or ‘language talents’ but lack actual qualifications and the expertise necessary for professional language work.

Qwir offers professional text and educational work in different formats and from critical perspectives. We apply insights from linguistics and social-scientific research, are aware of the specific social dynamics in which texts are situated, and engage critically with the power relations and hierachies present in society. This includes our work in revision, translation, information design, awareness raising, and knowledge sharing.

We work with and from queer, feminist, trans/non-binary, and intersectional perspectives. We want to provide direct access to high-quality text and education work and contribute to projects that make the world a better place.