Rapport International » communication

Pepsi Slogan

Wendy Pease — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 19:38:54 +0000

In Taiwan, the translation of the Pepsi slogan “Come alive with the Pepsi Generation” came out as “Pepsi will bring your ancestors back from the dead.”

Body Bags

Wendy Pease — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 19:43:30 +0000

Almost as good as the confusion among English speakers over the term Fanny Pack, is the humor raised by the German equivalent for knapsack. Companies often use or “borrow” words from other languages to give their product names a certain cachet. Sometimes their choices are a bit odd. German makers of knapsacks refer to them as “Body Bags“.

International Translation Day

Wendy Pease — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 11:19:56 +0000

International Translation Day is celebrated every year on 30 September, on the feast of Saint Jerome, who is considered the patron saint of translators. While Saint Jerome was an early Christian — in the fourth century he produced the first Latin translation of the Bible and wrote texts on the art of translation — today International Translation Day is decidedly secular and celebrated by translators and translator organizations around the world. The celebrations have been promoted by FIT (Fédération Internationale des Traducteurs) ever since its inception in 1953 to show the solidarity of the worldwide translation community and promote the translation profession in different countries.

New Americans Agenda

Wendy Pease — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 13:39:06 +0000

Rapport International, LLC works hard at keeping informed about all foreign language related issues. Many of these issues arise due to the significant immigrant population in the state of Massachusetts. The New Americans Agenda does a wonderful job at explaining the reasons and benefits of immigrant integration into our society. “Integration, the combining of separate components into a harmonious whole, is fundamental to the success of the Commonwealth and the nation. Our society’s ability to peacefully absorb newcomers and to encourage their full engagement as workers, neighbors, and citizens is the basis for our national history of regeneration, innovation, growth, and prosperity. The importance of an integration focus on immigrant issues is that integration represents a two-way commitment with the host community and the newcomer populations agreeing to work together to create a more prosperous future and a healthier, more secure Commonwealth.”

To read the full report see The New Americans Agenda at http://www.mass.gov/Eeohhs2/docs/ori/naa_report_1.pdf

Funny Translations

Wendy Pease — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 18:47:12 +0000

In Italy, a campaign for Schweppes Tonic Water translated the name into Schweppes Toilet Water.

Massachusetts New Americans Agenda

Wendy Pease — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 15:30:26 +0000

Being in the language translation industry, Rapport International, LLC understands how important it is to improve the quality of life for immigrants in our country. According to the Massachusetts New Americans Agenda, “Massachusetts benefits economically, culturally, and civically from the full inclusion of immigrants.” Governor Patrick understands how important it is help immigrants assimilate into our culture and wants “to develop or promote improved state policies that emphasize their integration.” Rapport International is directly involved with this integration by providing services to schools, hospitals, and state agencies who are actively trying to improve the communication lines between our government and our immigrant population.

Some of the most important ways for immigrants to integrate into American society are:

English language acquisition as the basis for full participation in all aspects of American life.
Basic and advanced education for children and adults.
Access to a full range of state services to ensure the support and success of all immigrants.
Protection from discrimination to preserve the rights and freedoms of all.

To read the full report see The New Americans Agenda at http://www.mass.gov/Eeohhs2/docs/ori/naa_report_1.pdf

Global Proverbs and Idioms

Wendy Pease — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 18:45:10 +0000

Here the donkey falls

- German idiom meaning this is the important part

To count stars

-Russian for twiddling your thumbs

To lose the stirrup

-Italian, Spanish for losing your temper

Become famous, then go to sleep.

- South American proverb

Packing for Every Situation with an Eye on Etiquette – adapted from an article by Marybeth Bond

Wendy Pease — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 18:41:47 +0000

No matter how well traveled you are, it’s always a challenge to figure out how to dress in different situations. Clothing that is considered normal at home may be inappropriate elsewhere. For example, baseball caps, sweatshirts and sweatpants can identify you, in some countries, as an unsophisticated foreigner who has no sense of the local culture.

What you pack depends on where you’re traveling. For instance, many churches in Europe and South America frown upon visitors wearing shorts and/or low-cut, halter-neck or midriff-baring tops.

In many areas of the Middle East it’s not a “must” to cover up, but it is respectful to the local culture. Conservative attire that helps you blend in is always appropriate.

Ahimsa

Wendy Pease — Wed, 25 May 2011 18:33:50 +0000

Ahimsa is a Buddhist and Hindu term meaning to do no harm. Ahimsa means kindness and non-violence towards all living things including animals; it respects living beings as a unity, the belief that all living things are connected. Gandhi strongly believed in this principle. Avoidance of verbal and physical violence is also a part of this principle, although ahimsa recognizes self-defense when necessary, as a sign of a strong spirit. It is closely connected with the notion that all kinds of violence entail negative karmic consequences!

Kadazan Festival

Wendy Pease — Wed, 11 May 2011 20:21:06 +0000

Kadazan is the harvest festival of Malaysia which is celebrated every year in May. In Malaysia, there is a traditional belief that without rice there is no life. Rice is a major component of the country’s agricultural base and an important part of the diet. As a result the Rice God is greatly revered and is favored among the gods. The harvest festival is therefore considered a time to give thanks to the Rice god. During this festival, homemade rice wine is generously distributed and people dress in traditional clothing. The celebrations are marked by special cultural programs, agricultural shows, buffalo races and traditional games.