Archive for 'Language Translation'

In global economy, ‘lost in translation’ not an option

Here is an article written by Amanda Roberge that appeared in Telegram.com.

Similar to the Got Milk? campaign in the U.S., the Hay Leche? campaign in Spanish-speaking countries translated to “Are you lactating?” for locals.

MacNeill Engineering Worldwide, manufacturer of CHAMP brand athletic products, is based in Marlboro, but manufactures all of its products in Hong Kong.

According to Jessica Georgenes, the company’s marketing manager and tour coordinator, English is the language spoken at business meetings, no matter where they are held. However, ..read more

10 Things I Know About…Language Translation

10. Just Do It

A huge share of the business market is being missed if you are only targeting English-speaking audiences. Less than 10 percent of the world’s population speaks English as their first language, yet if information about a product is in a person’s native language, that person is four times more likely to purchase.

9. Provide Good Copy

Providing well-written English copy is the most important first step to insure a quality foreign language translation.

8. Quality Of Linguist

Use ..read more

Spanish Phrase

Have you heard of the Spanish phrase; Bueno, Bonito and Barrato?  Translated into English it means Good, Nice and Cheap.  The meaning of the phrase is better understood as “It’s a good bargain”.  Part of the attraction of the phrase in Spanish is the repetition on the three “B”’s.   The expression is also used for people who want to get everything at little expense or effort.

Translationparty.com

Here is fun activity when you have a few minutes to laugh.  Go to translationparty.com and type in an English idiom.  Then watch it get translated into another language and back to English.  See how funny the phrase becomes when a machine does the translation.   One phrase to try is; Go forward, don’t look back and embrace life.  After you are done laughing, you will understand why Rapport International only uses the top translators to handle all their projects.  Machines ..read more

Yoko meshi (yo-ko-me-she)

Yoko meshi is a Japanese noun.  Definition: A metaphor for the stress of trying to understand another language.  ”Yoko” means horizontal and “meshi” means boiled rice.  The literal translation of the phrase is a meal that is eaten sideways.  Given that Japanese is read vertically and most languages are read horizontally, the expression captures the mind-bending challenge of processing words in new ways.

 

Whole Living magazine, Jan/Feb 2012

Five Factors for Choosing a Language Translation Company

There are many important factors to consider when choosing a language translation company for document translation.  Here are 5 of them:

Make sure that your vendor is using the latest translation memory/database enabling tools and that they are not charging you for repeat phrases or overcharging on fuzzy matches.  Many vendors discount the word rate, but then charge over and over again for the translation of the same string when future updates are required. Choose a vendor that hires professional translators who ..read more

Executive Order 519

Executive Order 519 is an important order instituted by the State of Massachusetts because it ensures that all agencies provide “services to ensure that they foster access and equal opportunity for all persons, irrespective of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, religion, national origin, or veteran status.”  This is important at Rapport International because one of the ways that the State agencies can comply with E.O. 519 is by translating their website, documents, applications, etc. into other languages so that ..read more

E-Z Pass Applications Available in Spanish

I just read an article about the New York MTA offering E-Z Pass applications in Spanish for Spanish-speaking New York motorists.   I am thrilled government agencies and companies are starting to realize there is a large Spanish-speaking clientele and begin marketing their products and services to this audience.

In addition to the new applications, the E-Z Pass New York Customer Service Center began including information in Spanish on its website and as an option on its automated customer-service line.

“We are pleased ..read more

Selecting a Quality Translation Company

When you hire a professional translation firm, you want to build a long-term relationship that will ensure accuracy, consistency and timely translations.   As Executive Director of Rapport International, a full-service translation and interpretation company, I have compiled a list of tips for assessing the skills of a translation company.

Make sure the company has a selective screening process for their translators.  You want to be sure that the translators are qualified and have the appropriate background.  Learn about the company’s quality ..read more

How to Write Marketing Copy for Global Marketing

1. Use clear language.

Do not use slang, colloquialisms, or improper grammar. Catchy marketing phrases do not work across cultures and languages – sometimes they don’t even work in different countries with the same language. Electrolux was thrilled in the UK with the response to their slogan “It sucks”. They could not understand why it was not well received in the United States!

2. Drop local references or specific country places.

Unless you plan on changing the marketing copy for each country that speaks the same language, ..read more

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