Spanish Possession
Did you know that in English, we use the apostrophe “s” to show ownership or possession. In Spanish, the apostrophe “s” does not exist so instead they use the word “de”, meaning “of” to show possession. Example: English: My sister’s son is my nephew. Spanish: The son of my sister is my nephew.
Tags: bi-lingual, cultures, foreign language translation, interpretation, Language Translation
Souvenir
Did you know that the word souvenir comes from the French word memory? A souvenir is a memento or keepsake a traveler brings home for the memories associated with it. How appropriately named!
Tags: bi-lingual, cultures, Diversity, foreign language, foreign language translation
From the Hispanic PR Blog…
“If you or your company haven’t thought about how to reach the Latino audience, now is a good time, especially with the release of the Census data in early 2011. According to recent reports, the buying power of Hispanics in the U.S. will reach $1.3 billion by 2014 – or twice as fast as the general market. An amazing convergence is happening in marketing today: the growth of the U.S. Hispanic population is coinciding with the growth of digital media. ..read more
Tags: bi-lingual, communication, foreign language translation, global communications, interpretation
Language Training
The government of Canada offers free language training in French and English to all incoming permanent adult residents.
Tags: bi-lingual, communication, cultures, Diversity, foreign language translation, Language Translation
Linguistic Borrowing
Ann-Marie Imbornoni writes in her article “Gung ho, Tycoon, Amuck” about the linguistic borrowing that has occurred over many centuries. Ms. Imbornoni notes that it occurs “whenever English speakers have come into contact with other cultures, whether through conquest and colonization, trade and commerce, immigration, travel, or war. Many of these borrowed words no longer seem foreign, having been completely assimilated into English.”
Cantonese (southern China, Hong Kong)
chop suey – from a word meaning “miscellaneous bits.” chow – ..read more
Tags: bi-lingual, communication, cultures, Funny translations, global communications, International Business
English Equivalents?
These words do not have direct equivalents in English. Some of them would definitely be useful for English-speakers, what do you think? 1. Waldeinsamkeit (German): the feeling of being alone in the woods 2. Ilunga (Tshiluba, Congo): a person who is ready to forgive any abuse for the first time, to tolerate it a second time, but never a third time 3. Taarradhin (Arabic): a way of resolving a problem without anyone losing face (not the same as our concept of a compromise ..read more
Tags: bi-lingual, communication, Diversity, international travel
How to Review a Translation
1. Make sure the reviewer is fully bi-lingual.
Use a reviewer who is truly bi-lingual. Taking Spanish in High School does not make a person qualified to review your translation for accuracy.
2. Make sure the reviewer is familiar with your company and industry.
The reviewer needs to be familiar with standard terminology and jargon in order to provide a precise and accurate review.
3. Track all edits.
Keep track of all changes when editing the original copy to save ..read more
Tags: bi-lingual, communication, Diversity, foreign language, global business, International Business, interpretation, Language Translation, Translation
How to Review a Translation
1. Make sure the reviewer is fully bi-lingual.
Use a reviewer who is truly bi-lingual. Taking Spanish in High School does not make a person qualified to review your translation for accuracy.
2. Make sure the reviewer is familiar with your company and industry.
The reviewer needs to be familiar with standard terminology and jargon in order to provide a precise and accurate review.
3. Track all edits.
Keep track of all changes when editing the original copy to ..read more
