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Speaking of Language

Our team has a lot to say on the subject of language, along with the people, processes and technologies that surround it. Our thoughts are collected here, with frequent additions to keep the conversation fresh. Check back often for new posts, and Contact Us with any questions or topic ideas. Posts are displayed by date with the most recent first. To narrow down by topic, please use the categories to the right.

Do We Need a System or a Platform to Manage Translation?
When it comes to managing translation, is it necessary to use a system or platform? The answer to this question is an unqualified YES! However, you don’t have to host or manage it. If you have different types of content, or different departments creating content, then you need to manage your multilingual content in an organized structured fashion. This can be easily done using a technological system or a platform. These are the seven main
Why does it take too long to manage translation projects?
The answer is, it shouldn’t. Whether managing multilingual content is your main job or one of many other jobs you do, translation management should be one of easier jobs. It is like any other job – if you set it up properly, it will become one of your easiest responsibilities. Consider the following seven steps to prepare for a successful relationship and a much easier and simpler process for translation management. Find the Right Partner:
Responsible for Language Services
The responsibility of centralizing the organization’s translation needs is now yours. Your boss heard that early in your career you took control of a small, local company’s translation spend and process, reducing costs by 30% and decreasing turnaround times by four days. Wow, you really impressed him with those great numbers! Did he happen to read their company profile?  Your previous company was on a very different scale, only translating materials from the HR department
Localization - Profit Generator or Cost Element
Is localization considered a money eater or a money gainer? Where does localization reside in the profit and loss (income) statement? Is there a return on localization investment? How effective can an international business be without globalization? We have seen localization as a part of marketing, sales, product development, customer service, or all of them together. In all cases, localization is a cost element recorded in the expenses part of the P&L statement. The question we are about to answer
Multicultural Communication in Globalization
Have you ever called your credit card or insurance company and spoken to an international English speaker from another part of the world? In this case, the company has likely outsourced its call center services to save money. Based on the number of comedians that use this topic in their acts, sometimes call center staff’s English skills aren’t exactly what American callers are expecting. At times, both the caller and the staff member experience frustration
Translation Source Files
The source file is the most important document in the translation process. The source file, which is the file to be translated into another language, highly affects the outcome of the target text or the translated text. In this blog post, we’ll explore the characteristics of a good source file. Where to Begin To determine what makes a good source file, we looked to the experts who evaluate source files on a daily basis – our translation
What Little Ears Shouldn't Hear - Using Children as Interpreters
Across the globe, as families migrate and face language barriers, children often take on the role of interpreter. Children tend to pick up new languages more easily than adults. The convenience of asking a child to interpret, however, is substantially outweighed by the risks, especially in education and health care settings. Legal Obligation to Provide Language Tools In the United States, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Executive Order 13166 issued
Stick Your Foot in the Breadfruit
Language is incredibly fascinating. The meaning of words and phrases changes from culture to culture. Learning a new language not only teaches you about other cultures but also makes you really think about your own culture.   Being immersed in a culture and constantly speaking the language allows everything being said to make sense, but as soon as we have the chance to immerse ourselves into another culture, idioms and expressions make us stop and think, “wait…what?”
Establish a Common Language as Part of Localization Planning
Localization is a team effort. Transforming content to ensure it has the same impact in another language and culture involves many stakeholders from content writers and graphic designers to marketing executives and legal staff to the language and culture experts engaged for localization. It is essential to establish a common language between all stakeholders in the localization process to avoid confusion or misunderstanding about the message’s intent, target audience, and the project’s overall goals. Each
Why Do I Need An Interpreter? A Nurse's Perspective
When people learn that I’m a #VocalinkInsider, they frequently share their own, personal experiences working with interpreters or translators. I will never forget the story one told me about her time as a trauma nurse that changed her career forever. As a trauma nurse, Jane saw it all. She saw how easy it was for life to change in an instant. But during one especially slow evening, she met a family that she would never
Avoid Miscommunication & Generate ROI
Are you ready to maximize your translation budget with full-spectrum translation services designed to meet your company’s specific needs? Translation is not a one-size-fits-all process. Consider the various tools required for different types of communication. For phone conversations in different languages, on-demand interpreting is essential to facilitate understanding with clients, while printed product information must include detailed instructions encompassing technical expertise and linguistic aptitude. Overall, your translation budget works best in partnership with translation experts
cultural diversity readiness

Cultural Diversity Readiness

Posted by Mohamed Hassan on  May 31, 2019
What does the Owl symbolize in your culture? We hear some saying wisdom, knowledge, intelligence, education, but hear others saying death and pessimism. Have you launched a new product in Brazil and had your printings designed in purple? Did you know that purple is associated with mourning in Brazil and other cultures like Thai? What looks standard in one part of the world or in one culture may be totally offensive or inappropriate in other
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Why does it take too long to manage translation projects?