Translation Blog - Blogging about all things language, translation, localization and interpreting related

While scientists were fascinated by findings that seem to show that the speed of light can be exceeded, in what could be the most important physics discovery for nearly 100 years, we were marvelling at another great example of how cutting edge technology is not only the result of innovation and discovery – it fuels it as well.

The CERN collider, completed in 2008, is one of the most expensive scientific instruments ever built costing 7.5 billion EUROS, and has been designed to push the boundaries of our understanding of the universe. While the collider has been unsuccessful so far in finding the fabled Higgs Boson, it has provided scientists with a series of other discoveries that is helping us to build an accurate picture of the building blocks of the universe.

In the world of language translation, technology is also playing an increasingly integral role in improving ability to communicate effectively in different languages. Each week there is a leap forward in the field of machine translation (MT) that will eventually mean that accurate, high quality translations of text from one language to another is only a few clicks of a software programme away –rather than the process of translating a text, and then needing it to be post-edited by a linguist before being able to use it. This is one such example that was launched in September: www.smartmate.co

As commerce and communication becomes an international activity on an increasingly daily basis, being able to speak to any number of people in their preferred language offers a huge advantage over other communicators and businesses, and can open many doors and fresh opportunities.

Although the common perception of machine translation is one of bizarre interpretations created by systems such as Babelfish and Google translate, the fact is that technology is driving this revolution, and there are already a number of apps for handheld devices that can instantly translate road signs, instructions and menus from one language to another.

Technology may be some way from solving the secrets of the universe, but the improving strength and capability of machine translation technology and technology that allows language to be instantly understood is set to make our world smaller, by making it easier to communicate in any corner of the globe.

Category: Translation | Tags: CERN, machine translation, Technology

Anthony | September 29, 2011

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Left slanging

This week, the latest edition of Jack Speak – an in-depth guide to the slang phrases used by the Royal Navy – has been published by long time chronicler Rick Jolly. Jack Speak is a great example of how quickly creative use of language can work its way into modern lexicon.

Slang is all around us and it is often a key component of our spoken word, but more often than not the slang terms are unique to a certain group from a particular city or region, age group, vocation or class and do not penetrate beyond their circles.

What makes Jack Speak so special is that the wide scope of the language means it can be transferred to everyday use in a way that Medical Slang, for example, cannot. Looking through examples of Jack Speak it is clear to see a blend of functional bluntness, military jargon, and euphemism.

The Royal Navy is an interesting petri dish for the English language – a melting pot of different classes, regional dialects, hierarchy, different levels of education, all thrown together in an isolated organisation that is used to working in the most extreme conditions at sea. And then it is brought ashore by the sailors and it weaves it’s way into common usage.

Here are some of the most common examples of Naval Jack Speak still in popular use, originally found here:

• If food is collected from the galley kitchen as soon as it is ready and still hot it is referred to as Piping hot

• Toe the line. Each sailor was expected to step forward to a chosen line and give his name and duties. The phrase is used when asking people to meaning to conform to rules and authority, as well as obey orders.

• Pig’s Ear, a term for something messy, refers to an upper deck urinal used by sailors when on watch.

• The expression all above board refers to things being open to inspection as they were on the top deck of the ship and could be easily viewed. Now we use it to show that a deal is transparent and legitimate.

• Similarly, Copper bottomed, which refers to something being an idea or investment being worthwhile originates from when copper plates were fixed to wooden ships hulls to minimise worm attack and prevent the build-up of barnacles and weed – therefore providing long term strength and reliability.

• Showing your true colours relates to Naval etiquette which, while allowing false colours or flags to be displayed when approaching an enemy ship, insists that true colours are flown once battle begins and fire is exchanged.

Doing a bit of reading into this subject got us thinking – are there any other examples in any other languages of slang terms developed and used by one set of people having such a profound influence on the use of the mother language overall? Has the language of the French Foreign Legion enlivened the French language or does the lingo of the old west live on in US cities?

Category: Accents, Cultures, Dialects | Tags: everyday language, Jack Speak, Military Culture, Rick Jolly, Royal Navy

Emma | September 27, 2011

One comment

Required skills for translators and interpreters

There's more to interpreting and translation than you think.

This is a guest post from Sarah, a blogger for Pimsleur Approach who provides language learning programs such as Pimsleur French and Pimsleur German.

Interpreting is easy, right? All you have to do is translate the words from one language into another. If you were born into a bilingual home, this should be a breeze!

Wrong. Both interpreting and translating require not only fluency in two languages but a deep grasp of concepts, tones, and intention as well. A good interpreter is an artist, retaining the feel of a message as it moves from one language to another. Employers will pay well for virtuoso performances.

Interpreting and translating are a little different. Interpreters work mainly with spoken words while translators work with written texts. They rely on very different skill sets and lead down diverging career paths. Simultaneous interpreters must be good at listening, thinking fast, and anticipating the end of a speaker’s sentence while consecutive interpreters translate after a block of text has been completed, often taking notes as they go. The former might sit in a booth at the UN, speaking to diplomats directly, while the latter might work on the set of Law and Order. Or, you know, as a legal interpreter for a client who doesn’t speak English.

Translators often work from home and must have a firm grasp of the written word in both languages. Translating work is subtler, requiring the translator to capture an author’s voice and flow while also keeping abreast of any cultural references that will need explaining. Think, for a moment, how many different synonyms there are for the word “hungry.” An interpreter must draw on the first that comes to mind, while a translator can take more time to carefully choose the most fitting word.

Both careers generally require a bachelor’s degree to rise to the top of the profession, and those who specialize will have the best opportunities for career growth. This might mean going for a dual degree in another subject like, for instance, law, in order to become a judiciary interpreter. Medical interpreters likewise do best when also trained in that field, and can fill a variety of roles from bedside interpreter to translator of brochures, and pharmaceutical labels.

Perhaps the most coveted and competitive kind of interpreting work takes place at conferences put on by anyone from the United Nations to a corporation. Conference interpreters can work both behind the scenes to prepare materials for the event and the day of. For interpreters looking to travel, being a guide accompanying US visitors abroad can also be exciting work. Localization translators are currently high in demand, as many global companies need help translating the documents for their products into English. Here again knowledge of the local culture is key to avoiding internet memes like Engrish.com.

Earnings are generally middle class, though top earners can bring in nearly $80,000 per year. Hours are flexible for freelancers, and the demand for both interpreters and translators is sure to grow as the world becomes ever more connected. If you’re currently learning your second language, you can better your career prospects by paying close attention to the interpretation needs in the country of your choice. For instance, the United States will see increases in the need for Spanish language interpreters as the population continues to grow. Gaelic, not so much.

A career in this industry can be both stimulating and rewarding. And, hey, if Ikea ever decides to put words in their instruction manuals, you’ll be golden!

Category: Interpreting, Languages, Translation | Tags: interpreters, translators

Anthony | September 15, 2011

One comment

Speak English or lose benefits – is it really as simple as that?

On Tuesday, UK PM David Cameron announced a welfare policy that unemployed people who can’t speak English will lose benefits, on a sliding scale, unless they take an education course and show willing to learn the language.

On the whole, this is a common sense approach to an obvious issue that has been bothering the UK electorate for a number of years. Why should the hard pressed British taxpayer have to pay for those who, for whatever reason, do not learn the language on entry to the country?

Those on benefits who cannot proficiently speak English will be made to attend free language courses taught by trained professionals (hopefully creating another source of work for a number of trained linguists), and failure to attend will lead to sanctions on their benefits package. This move is designed to prevent people shirking job opportunities and remaining on benefits, on the shaky ground that they cannot speak English.

On the other hand, the government proposals could put many migrant workers into a Catch-22 situation where they still struggle to find work in an economy where even the lowest paid and most menial jobs are no longer available, but lose out on a portion of money until their standard of English reaches a level acceptable to the Job Seekers Allowance board.

Is this all to placate the White Van Man In The Street Brigade, and deliver a few more column inches and headlines? Who has the final say on whether someone can speak English well enough?

Furthermore it is estimated that there are up to 70,000 unemployed people in the UK citing a lack of English skills preventing them getting a job. But that is just three per cent of the 2.51 million people out of work overall. It feels as if the policymakers are not tackling the main causes behind mass unemployment and are instead tinkering with the problems on the periphery, in the search for easy to swallow and headline grabbing soundbites.

Once again, the simplification of the issue into terms of black or white does not do justice to the complexities of the situation, and although the policy is likely to help move many migrant workers on from the UK and off the government’s books (by creating a stand-off between claimant and JSA) it will cause more problems for the genuine claimant, without significantly reducing the amount of money government needs to pay out to the unemployed.

Category: Cultures, Languages, Translation | Tags: benefits, David Cameron, Learning English, unemployed workers

Emma | September 12, 2011

2 comments

Angry Birds shows the strategic benefits of Software Localization

How did angry birds become so popular?

Software localization is becoming an increasingly useful way to help an existing software product reach new markets. The fast moving smart phone application market is a key case in point. The ability to localize smart phone software to other languages can help to increase sales with minimal investment.

There are two aspects supporting this claim. First of all, most of us prefer using software in our own language, or if that is not available, then in English. Secondly, smart phone applications are usually very small and thus cheap and fast to translate, especially with a modern localization tool.

Unfortunately the ease of the translation and the temptation to get a share in the multi billion markets make the competition in the major language areas tough. In a situation like this, the strategy matters. Only a few have so far realized how successful sales campaigns in small language areas can be used to increase sales in bigger language markets.

The Finnish software company Rovio did this during the marketing process of its super famous Angry Birds game. The popular game was on the market for a long period of time, and did not achieve overnight success. It was only once the game was featured as Apple’s game of the week that the floodgates opened. But it was the campaign undertaken to help convince Apple to promote the application that was the key to its success.

Angry Birds’ first successes were in small, local markets such as Finland, Czech Republic, Sweden and Denmark. It was relatively easy to achieve top positions in these markets because there were fewer applications to compete with. The experience in those markets showed that Angry Birds was very profitable and had a great potential. Without this experience it would not have been possible to make a deal with Apple which got them from the 600th place to the first in the UK App Store.

Thus by localizing software for minor-language markets you can build a strategic advantage that will help you in winning the major-language markets. And at the same time you can increase your sales with minimal investment!

This article is written by localization specialists at Multilizer. Since 1996, Multilizer has been developing innovative software localization tools for all kind of localization needs. The extensive experience in the industry and the passion for localization and translation make Multilizer one of the leading localization and translation technology experts. Today its clientèle includes companies like IBM, GE, Nokia, ABB, and Intel.

Category: Localization, Translation | Tags: Angry birds, Apple, apps, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, software, Sweden

Lori Thicke | September 5, 2011

One comment

Translators without Borders and the Horn of Africa crisis

Lori Thicke is the founder of Translators without Borders, the US-based charity that assists in translating more than two million words, each year, for NGOs such as Médecins sans Frontières (Doctors without Borders), Médecins du Monde, Action Against Hunger, Oxfam US and Handicap International.

There has been an overwhelming response from the public regarding the recent drought crisis in the Horn of Africa with the British public alone donating over £42 million. However, my charity organization, Translators without Borders, is warning that lack of access to knowledge in local languages is significantly hampering the administration of medical aid and making it more likely that crises like this one will continue to happen.

It is estimated that there are around 10 million people in the Horn of Africa (Source: UN World Food Programme) desperately in need of medical supplies and food. Funds are needed, but what isn’t on the radar of this crisis is that translation is critical for aid workers in the region to be able to communicate with the people they are helping.

People in situations like this often can’t understand instructions and other important information because they don’t speak English. Aid workers must provide on the spot interpreting, regardless of their language skills. This lessens the effectiveness of relief efforts. Also, by denying people full access to information in areas like health, technology and agricultural best practices, the lack of translation also keeps people from benefiting from global knowledge, which makes them more vulnerable to crises.

Translation is often a forgotten element of humanitarian work, yet it is essential for communication, whether between Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and their international staff, or between the staff and the people they are caring for. Translators without Borders is working with NGOs and ministries of health in the Horn of Africa to help combat this very problem. The first language we are concentrating on is Swahili, the Lingua Franca of Africa that is spoken by around 100 million people in this hard-hit region.

The odds are greatly stacked against Africa, which accounts for around 25% of the world’s disease burden, yet only has 3% of the world’s medical resources. To make matters worse a significant amount of the information that comes with the supplies available is written for the Western world. Situations such as the drought affecting Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia bring these issues into acute focus.

In light of the crisis, our main aim is to bridge the knowledge gap for locals using volunteer translators; if we can contribute to a better informed generation, prevent mothers from dying during childbirth and help people to help themselves, this will alleviate problems in the future.

Translators without Borders helps NGOs in two ways. By calling on our volunteers to carry out the translations necessary for their humanitarian interventions, organisations such as Oxfam can use funds in other areas. Typically operations such as the Horn of Africa would need around $3 million to translate texts into various languages so they can be understood by international staff as well as the local people they are helping, not to mention by the donors who are funding these operations. Our goal is to eliminate as much as we can of these costs because every dollar saved is another dollar that can be spent caring for people in the field.

Translation into local languages is more important than ever as technology today is giving us the means of delivering information into the hands of those who need it most. For the first time in history more Africans have access to a cellphone than have access to shoes or clean water. Vast stores of knowledge can finally reach nearly everyone on this planet. Translation is the final keystone to the bridge we need to build to unlock that knowledge so it can do some good.

Translators without Borders is appealing to the international community for help, either through providing translation skills or by donating money to support our work. Please visit http://translatorswithoutborders.com/ for further information. In addition, we welcome enquiries from NGOs who need translation support.

Category: Languages, Translation | Tags: charity work, Horn of Africa, translators, volunteering, world

Emma | September 1, 2011

No comments

Observing Japanese culture

Sushi is often associated with Japanese culture

The Japanese are well mannered people. You can even call them perfectionists, as most of their ways help get the best out of life. Japanese people have a set of rules for almost everything they do, and they follow these rules obediently. This article focuses on the set of rules which are observed while eating and drinking. If you are in Japan, following these rules (even if not properly) would be highly appreciated by the locals.

There is a basic set of rules which are to be observed in all cases. These are table manners, most of which are observed in other parts of the world as well. For example, burping loud is considered very bad manners in Japan. If you burp in a public place, people will stare at you as if you killed someone. Japanese like to observe silence while eating and any kind of noise is considered bad. Talking is allowed but only if it is at a volume which does not disturb others. Talking about unwanted topics is forbidden, topics related to the washroom or something similarly disgusting should not be discussed, especially when you are at a public restaurant. Indulging in disgusting acts, such as picking or blowing your nose, also shows a lack of etiquettes.

Here in Japan, before you start eating you are supposed to say “itadakimasu,” which means I accept. When you are finished you should say “gochisosama” which means thank you for the meal. When you are done eating, you should put everything back in place where they were before you started eating. This is especially observed in case one used chopsticks, they are supposed to be put back into their paper covers and back on the holder.

Now let’s come to the meals. Almost every Japanese cuisine requires using chopsticks, and with that comes a set of rules. First off, we will discuss the don’ts. Do not eat from the serving chopsticks, it is considered as an act of illiteracy. The chopstick should not be used as a fork, the Japanese offer food to the dead this way.
Do not use chopsticks to pass and accept food as bones of a cremated body are passed like this. Do not use chopsticks for any other purpose except eating.
Grab the chopsticks in one hand, align them parallel with the other hand and then adjust the first hand. Now you are holding chopsticks the proper way.
When you order a dish that is served with chopsticks, put it in your plate and eat it using your own chopsticks. Hold the item with the chopsticks and finish it off rather than putting it back on the plate. Women are required to put their other hand underneath the food while carrying it from the plate/bowl to their mouth.

If you are having a liquid meal, such as a soup or a rice dish, they should be served in bowls. While eating, lifting the bowl near you is considered polite. One should first finish the liquid and then eat the solid leftovers with a chopstick.
When we talk about drinking, again Japanese courtesy comes up. The server should offer others first rather than pouring it himself/herself. The server should occasionally check other people and fill them up as soon as needed. You should empty the glass as soon as possible if someone wants to serve you.

About the author

Over the last 3 years, Andrew has learnt the subtle and fascinating manners of the Japanese culture. When he is not sharing his passion for Japan, Andrew provides training on how to properly use sushi makers and especially nigiri machine

Category: Cultures | Tags: cultural differences, dining etiquette, japan, Japanese, travel

Emma | August 25, 2011

2 comments

Did I just say that? Language mistakes

Making language mistakes is no excuse to not try.

Caution: This post and its comments contain themes of an adult nature, although at the time not intentional. This is purely to illustrate how despite slips of the tongue and language barriers, you can still convey meaning in another language.

One of my proudest moments, despite feeling very ashamed of my parents behaviour at the time, was on holiday in Majorca. My parents wanted tea with milk, but the lady serving didn’t speak a word of English. She grasped that they wanted tea but didn’t understand ‘with milk’. So (red face memory), they started mooing like a cow and role-playing the milking of udders.

To end the horrendous experience I shouted out “té con leche”, which immediately remedied the situation and stopped the poor lady calling the police.

My point in this case is that a bit of ’swotting up’ on basic terms in the local language before visiting the country can go a long way. Surely getting a bit of pronunciation wrong would be far less embarrassing than this little anecdote?

There are plenty of examples of language mistakes, and even though I have fallen victim to odd mistake, I never fail to chuckle when I read about them. My personal favourite was when I was at school; a friend had a German exchange student staying at her house. We were all innocently laughing at something she had done when she told us all to “stop pissing on her!” This only added to the hilarity but we all knew that she was trying to say ‘stop taking the mickey’.

I’m pretty sure this term only exists in English and has no German translation equivalent, so for her to even attempt it was pretty brave. And one thing is for certain, her English is far better than my German, so who am I to point the finger?

There are also other examples of English phrases which don’t carry the same meaning when translated into another language; the best example I heard recently was Justin Timberlake’s film “Friends with benefits.” When the previews hit France the film’s title did not mean anything to the French public, so it was marketed as “Sexe entre amis”, literally meaning “sex friends”, not exactly subtle.

I’m sure these instances occur in every language on a regular basis. I know when I attempt to speak abroad I’m always getting my gender references mixed up. In fact I’m willing to hold my hands up and say half the time I don’t even know so I guess – there’s a 50% chance either way right? Or I say it in such a way so that it’s not completely clear what I’ve said but emphasized what I deem to be the key indicators. Not ideal, but it conveys meaning.

I’m hoping I’m not the only person who is willing to share my experiences, personal or otherwise. If you’ve got a cringe worthy story you’re dying to get off your chest please feel free to console me by leaving a little piece of you in the comments box below. I look forward to reading them

Category: Languages, Translation, Translation Mistakes | Tags: cultural differences, english, france, french, germany, language, oops!

Emma | August 16, 2011

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The lengths people will go to – language learning

Do you have a tongue for languages?

Anyone who’s ever tried to learn a new language can probably admit to having got a bit tongue tied once in a while, but a recent story took the meaning to a whole new level. An English A level student has had an operation to lengthen her tongue, enabling her to improve her pronunciation of the Korean language, and her ability to speak like a native. The student, who is 19 and from Nottinghamshire, had a particularly short tongue which meant she could not make the distinctive L sound that is present in certain Korean words.

This got me thinking; cosmetic surgery has been used now for many years by people in their quest for the beautiful body, but are we now getting so obsessed with perfection that speech impediments will be treated in the same way?

I would like to think that, along with people’s physical features, the way we speak is part of our individuality. I can name many famous people whose defining feature is a speech impediment; Jonathan Ross, Chris Eubank and King George V. These examples only extend to the English speaking world but I am sure there are many other celebrities with the same nuances in most languages and cultures.

I am also aware that different languages sometimes require you to make certain phonetic noises that you are not used to making in your mother tongue, for example at school learning Spanish was a particular issue for me, because I cannot roll my R’s. I’ve tried many times and failed every time, but I’m sure if I had been brought up with Spanish as my primary language it would never have been a problem. However,for arguments sake, if I still couldn’t I’m sure this would not be detrimental to making myself understood.

So in a round about way, this brings me to a common thread that runs throughout my blogs which is, how well do you need to speak a foreign language? I’m often fascinated by the lack of enthusiasm from the British public to learn a language, but this example just takes it too far the other way. In my opinion, just the willingness to try and converse in a foreign language would impress a national of the host country enough without needing to be word or sound perfect.

Category: Languages | Tags: Korean, learning, phonetics, pronunciation, speech impediments

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CERN results show that technology continues to drive learning in all walks of life

Left slanging

Required skills for translators and interpreters

Speak English or lose benefits – is it really as simple as that?

Angry Birds shows the strategic benefits of Software Localization

Translators without Borders and the Horn of Africa crisis

Observing Japanese culture

Did I just say that? Language mistakes

The lengths people will go to – language learning

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