23/06/2008 by stefi.

Hello,
I would like to present an article by Morena Nannetti on Proofreading a translation. Morena Nannetti is a freelance translator (www.traduzionitaliano.eu), and her articles on translation issues are always very inspiring for all translators. This article will appear in full on our next newsletter, on the e-zine for translators Translation Academy(you can subscribe to our newsletter from our site at http://www.translate-it.org/english/arch_newsletter.html).
Morena says
“Proofreading traditionally means reading printer proofs marking any errors. Editing is the task of preparing written material for publication, as by correcting, revising, or adapting it. Revising means to reexamine and make alterations to a written text. How do the above definitions materialise into the real job of proofreading a translation? To my experience, when a linguist is asked to proofread or edit a translated text, the requested task is usually to compare source and target texts and check for any kind of errors: inaccuracies in comprehension, meaning, grammar and punctuation, terminology, style, and any disagreement with the project’s instructions. I’ll refer in this article to this procedure with the term of proofreading, which according to the above definition includes also the process of editing and revising a text.
Almost all translation agencies apply the ‘four eyes’ principle, one linguist to perform the translation, one to perform the revision. Does the ‘four eyes’ principle always ensure top quality? How can a translator deal with the request of applying this principle? What should the proofreader bear in mind when checking a text translated by another language professional?”

I would like to hear your views on these questions. It will be great to start a discussion on this important topic for translators.
To find out Morena’s views and advice on the matter, read our newsletter to be issued at the beginning of July.

Happy proofreading!

Stefania

Posted in Vacanze, Language Courses, Experience, Translations | No Comments »

19/06/2008 by stefi.

Good afternoon,
I would like to introduce Natalia Fomina, an English-Russian translator. When Natalia approached me, I was impressed. She is very professional, highly qualified and passionate about languages and cultures. Her motto ‘Create bridges instead of walls’
is nearly the same of Williams Language Solutions (a bridge between two cultures). Natalia will work as a freelancer for us soon in translating our website into Russian.

Here is Natalia’s profile:

Hello, my name is Natalia. I am English-Russian technical translator with 19 years of experience. I have two degrees in Chemistry and English and Literature. Areas of my specialization are Chemistry, oil and gas industry, technical training, education. My decision to work as a translator was based on desire to learn other cultures and to help people understand each other. When my clients are successful and make progress after my translation is done, I feel happy and satisfied with my work. My favourite slogan is: ‘Create bridges instead of walls.’
Another positive side in translator’s work is an opportunity for self-development. I am a lifelong learner. In October 2005 I started MA Translation Distance Learning Program in the University of Birmingham. By now, I have completed 6 modules and started writing a dissertation. I believe my knowledge and skills will benefit my customers and help me provide better service to them.

Regards,
Natalia Fomina
English-Russian Freelance Translator
Swift and High Quality Translation
http:fmntlTranslatorsCafe.com

Posted in North East News and Events, Evoluzione di WLS, Traduzioni, Translations | No Comments »

12/06/2008 by stefi.

Ciao a tutti

I was asked to write some top tips for international communications for the nebusiness in Newcastle. The article appears at the following link
http://www.nebusiness.co.uk/business-news/latest-business-news/2008/06/12/top-tips-for-international-companies-51140-21062689/
Let me have your feedback, I am here to hear your comments!
Stefania

Here is the text

My top tips for international communications

By Stefania De Angelis Williams
Managing Director, Williams Language Solutions Ltd
www.translate-it.org

Think internationally from the start
If you reach out to the world with your export strategy and via your website, your hope is that the rest of the world will then respond in some way: get prepared for it, and plan ahead a comprehensive language marketing strategy if your company has its eye on markets abroad.

Plan a language marketing strategy
The strategy should determine, for example, what Company literature should be translated (press releases, promotional material, user manuals, catalogues, etc.), which parts of the website need to be localized, and in which languages, what intercultural communications needs should be addressed (business etiquette training, language courses, etc.), if oral transfer of information (interpreting) is needed, etc. Companies which find the answers to these questions and are respondent to this challenge are more likely to benefit from opportunities in international markets.

Resist the temptation to DIY
Translation errors could make you laugh (from “deep fired salmon” in a Polish restaurant, to “leave your values at reception” on a French hotel sign), but these mistakes could costs the marketers sales and confidence. A professional translator should always be consulted before deciding for a brand name of a logo to be marketed abroad. Gerber – the name of a baby food maker – is a word for vomiting in French. A bit limiting when going global. Phonetics issues should also be considered carefully. Invest in translation talent.

Which English is the language of international business?
Offshore English is the universal language spoken largely by non-native speakers off the shores of Britain (or indeed the United States, Canada, Australia, South Africa, and other countries where English is the mother tongue). Other languages influence it (”mother tongue interference”), nevertheless, offshore English is the language of international business. If your foreign contacts speak English, use simple sentences and plain terminology to make them feeling comfortable. Remember that it’s not their mother tongue, and they are making an effort for you. Also, if something they say “does not sound right”, ask for a clarification immediately, to avoid misunderstanding. This could be caused by a mother tongue interference. For example, “I have a hunger” simply means “I am hungry”..

Learn the basic cultural differences
Invest some time learning a few words in the language of your interlocutors. Greeting your host in his/her own language will be a great ice-breaking start. Don’t worry about getting the perfect accent, just show that you made an effort and you are cultural aware. Knowing the main differences in introductions are vital to attune with your interlocutor, and simple faux pas can sink you. Calling your Italian contact with his/her first name, for example, could offend him/her unintentionally.
Learning about business etiquette, rather than reading information from a tourist point of view, will prepare you to deal effectively with cultural differences. In our guide of doing business abroad, we explain best ways to make contact, host a meeting, enjoy a meal or visit offices abroad. The knowledge of cultural differences is also important when meeting foreign guests at home and when training individuals from different nationalities.

Explode stereotypes
Stereotypes are images or ideas we all have of a country and a culture, for example, the sausage stalls in Germany, the baguettes in France, the chess in Russia. While a “typical image” of a country is easy to remember, nevertheless you have to approach stereotypes with some scepticism, otherwise you risk to keep an idea of a country which could be misleading. In our guides, we present stereotype to use effectively, and which ones to avoid.

We live in an increasingly heterogeneous society
International communications ability is also important for companies during interviews and recruitment process involving individuals from different cultural backgrounds, and for any business employing workforce from foreign countries. According to the “International Migration Report 2002” of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the number of migrants has doubled since the 1970s. The report also says that around 175 million persons are residing away from the country of their birth and one in every 10 persons in the developed regions is a migrant. Also, more migrants are coming from countries ever farther away. While the reasons for migration vary (economic, political, personal choice), one thing is sure: we live in an increasingly heterogeneous society.

And remember: if you don’t get culturally prepared, it’s most likely your competitors will: get ahead of the competition by learning how to speak Culturese!

References:
1) Dos and Don’ts when doing business abroad (how to speak Culturese), available from Williams Language Solutions Ltd, www.translate-it.org (£7.99 + P&P)
2) Client Side News Magazine, March issue (www.clientsidenews.com)
3) Basic International Communications for Business, Invest Northern Ireland www.investni.com

Posted in North East News and Events, Evoluzione di WLS, Experience | No Comments »

10/06/2008 by stefi.

Dear Translators and Interpreters in the North East

I would like to introduce the ITI NERG. I am part of the committee, and I look forward to put my experience in use for the future of the language services in the NE.

From the ITINERG website, http://www.communigate.co.uk/ne/itinortheast/

“ITI North East is a regional group of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting, a national organisation founded in 1986 in order to
* promote high professional standards for translation and interpreting services;
* serve as a meeting place for practitioners and users;
* offer advice to translation providers and potential employers and customers;
* establish links with local education establishments to offer practical advice to those wishing to enter the profession.

ITI North East arranges 3-4 meetings each year, with talks and discussions on topics relevant to translators and interpreters, as well as an organised walk in the summer and an annual social. It also keeps members informed of national ITI developments and other local language-related events.

Membership of ITI North East is open to anyone involved with languages (not just national ITI members). ”

FROM THE ITI EVENTS PAGE:

Translators’ resources on the net: what is ProZ.com?

This was the theme of the last ITI North East Meeting, held at Ponteland Community High School on 24 April 2008.

Stefania Williams described the main features of ProZ:

* A translators’ community, where translators and clients meet
* Glossaries – available to non-members
* Contact with agencies (blue board)
* Web pages for individual translators
* Forums (e.g. on Trados)
* Kudoz – for difficult terms you can ask help from other translators
* Creates networks, including with translators from other languages

An individual webpage includes a photograph of the translator, the usual information about languages translated, years of experience, fields of expertise etc., and also gives Kudoz activity, both in terms of questions asked, and questions answered.

Membership of ProZ costs $130 a year, or $70 for a reduced profile. It is also possible to register for free and still take advantage of some of the facilities.

Stefania reckons that Proz is for you if:

* You like the internet and e-commerce;
* You feel isolated working at home;
* You keep up with technology
* You are familiar with email communication
* You are good at international communication

It is less useful if you are already in a network, you mainly obtain work by face-to-face meetings or by word of mouth, and if you don’t like email communication.

Eugene Browne also spoke briefly about Powwows – informal get-togethers of ProZ.com users living in close proximity, sometimes with computer link-ups to translators in other parts of the world.

Posted in North East News and Events, Translations | No Comments »

03/06/2008 by stefi.

Bonjour!

l’été va vite arriver, L’estate sta arrivando, summer is coming!!!!!!!!

Profitez de cette offre spéciale pour acquérir notre guide de voyage (travel dos and don’ts) dans 10 pays, “How to Speak Culturese” (en anglais). 10% rabais pour les actifs de la blogosphère (jusqu’à la fin Juin), seulement £7.19!!!!!. Une idée cadeau originale pour vos amis qui aiment les vacances à l’etranger (frais de livraison pour l’Angleterre [pour une seule livraison à une même adresse] £3.49 jusqu’a 4 exemplaires!!!!!! - pour l’Europe: £5.00 jusqu’a 3 exemplaires!!!!!).

Profitez de notre expérience pendant vos voyages a l’etranger! Aujourd’hui, nous sommes donc fiers de vous servir à point nos fameux “Fais pas ci, fais pas ca”, en France, Italie, Japon, Allemagne, Tunisie, Etats Units, Pays Bas, Hongrie, Russie, Pologne. Apprenez les petits trucs pour vous debrouiller en vacance!!!

Stefania

ORDER FORM

How to speak “Culturese”
“A great tool for the traveller. Gives a rapid inside view on people you are about to meet.”…
“I found your piece on Italy to be really excellent.”
These are just some of the comments from the readers of “How to Speak Culturese”, the guide on dos and don’ts when travelling to 10 different countries, France, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Tunisia and the USA. Learning the customs and culture of a foreign country signals communication competence and shows a great respect for others, and it is particularly important when doing business and teaching. Culture speaks louder than words. Each text was prepared by an expert consultant with the specific goal of raising awareness about cultural diversities. The illustrations by Fern Wood help to explode stereotypes while offering something very typical of each country The booklet, 56 pages in black and white with colour cover page, is now for sale.

Please Print and Send to the address below together with your cheque (keep a copy for your records)
Order your copy today – SPECIAL OFFER FOR STUDENTS AND PARTNERS OF INTERCULTURAL DIALOGUE 10% OFF LISTED PRICE!
Description Unit Price Quantity Total Price

How to speak Culturese
Paperback (56 pages) 7.99 GBP (9,99 EUR; 15.55 USD)

How to speak Culturese
Download (PDF, 1.5 MB) (> 5 copies) 5.99 GBP (7,55 EUR; 11.66 USD)
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Posted in Languages for Holidays, Corsi di lingua, Vacanze, Holidays, Language Courses | 1 Comment »