08/07/2009 by stefi.

Hello,

I hope you are all well, studying a new language, perhaps?

I am here to write some very exciting news. 

As you know, here at WLS, commitment to training is a major part of our work, and I am very proud to inform you that we have been approved by the Chartered Institute of Linguists in London as the first North East preparatory centre for the Diploma in Translations (distance learning). Our centre is listed on the IoL website, at the address http://www.iol.org.uk/qualifications/coursesdtbse/listcensearch.php .

This course prepares candidates for the Chartered Institute of Linguists Diploma in Translations (English into Italian) by developing their skills in translating myriad types of texts from English to Italian. It is intended for native speakers of Italian who have an outstanding knowledge of language, culture, and social situations both in the target language and in the source language and who wish to become professional translators. The Diploma in Translations (DipTrans, for short) is one of the most prestigious, internationally recognised credentials for professional translators. Before enrolling in the DipTrans Preparatory course at Williams Language Solutions, students are asked to download the Handbook and Advice to Candidates from the Chartered Institute of Linguists website (http://www.iol.org.uk/qualifications/exams_diptrans.asp) and confirm that they meet the requirements for the Diploma. The course is run entirely by long-distance learning, via e-mail and with tutorials via Skype. Course participants receive assignments from our centre, send in their translations, receive input and feedback, and attend individual Skype tutorials on problem areas arising from their work every 4 assignments. The assignments are sent ‘on demand;’ i.e., each student chooses dates and options for assignments depending on his/her schedule and commitment.

The assignments will be marked and comments will be provided, for example, on:* Comprehension and Accuracy
* Grammar and Syntax
* Cultural differences

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

13/01/2009 by stefi.

Hello,

I just want to write a few words about BS EN 15038:2006, the European Standard for Translation Services.
On 13th April 2006 the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) approved the European standard EN 15038:2006, known as BS EN 15038:2006 in the UK.
BS EN 15038:2006 is a “European standard which sets out the requirements for the provision of quality services by translation service providers (TSPs), or translation companies. It describes the processes involved in providing a translation service through commissioning, translation, review, project management and quality control, to delivery.”
Williams Language Solutions Ltd has always concentrated on providing translations and other language services of the highest quality (training, tuition, and terminology search, creation of glossaries for clients), and already complies with the major aspects of this standard, and now committed to obtain the certification by 2010. This will provide our clients with the confidence of knowing that we comply in all respects with the highest quality standards in the translation industry,and will facilitate business with ISO certified companies.
Standards are copyright, and therefore we are unable to provide you with a copy, however, many information can be found on the net.
We would like to hear from you: your experience, your views as a freelance translator, as a translation client, as a TSP. What - in your views - are the main aspects of this standard? Does a certification / accreditation by a linguist association already provide compliance with major aspects?

Stefania

Posted in Translations | 3 Comments »

04/01/2009 by stefi.

What makes a good translator?

Preparation, patience and determination are essential qualities in any sectors and are fundamental for a translator.

Acquiring competence
You cannot turn yourself into a translator in a matter of days; even if you possess a good knowledge of foreign languages (source languages) and a perfect competence in your mother tongue (target language) - you need to be prepared in the fields of your specialisation as well as being aware of the strategies behind each translation. For this reason it is important that a translator holds also a university degree (see the indications of the Directorate-General for Translation of the European Commission http://ec.europa.eu//dgs/translation/workingwithus/recruitment/translator_profile_en.htm).

Patience
A good translator never stops learning, and continues to work patiently, day after day; each translation represents a chance to deepen your knowledge and a new challenge to face. With patience.

Determination
This is a fundamental skill: the capacity not to give up when faced by the difficulties and perils which each text inevitably brings.

The job of a translator is like a true marathon, a permanent challenge. Stefania Williams of Williams Language Solutions took this metaphor literally, taking part and successfully completing the Lausanne Marathon 2008 with the time of 4h 20min. A fantastic achievement.

Congratulations!

By Morena Nannetti
(www.traduzionitaliano.eu)

Morena Nannetti is a freelance translator from English, German and French into Italian. For her the best way to maintain a keen language sense is… to keep studying literature. This makes you aware that in a written text even a comma can make a great difference.

Download the video of Stefania crossing the finishing line at http://www.translate-it.org/english/academy.html

Stefania competed in the Lausanne Marathon 2008 (www.lausanne-marathon.ch) and she hopes to finish under 4 hours at the Edinburgh marathon on 31st May 2009. Watch this space!

For the Directory of Marathon races worldwide, visit http://www.42k195.com/ or http://www.marathon-world.com/index.php

Posted in language services, North East News and Events, Traduzioni, Holidays, Translations | No Comments »

15/09/2008 by stefi.

Dear all,

I hope you will be able to attend the next event of the ITI NERG, which will be held in Ponteland on 2 October, especially in view of the fact that arranging the meeting has not been a straightforward task!

Venue:
Ponteland Community High School, Callerton Lane, Ponteland, NE20 9EY

Date: 2 October 2008
Time: 19:30 – 21:00

Theme: “Direct clients or agencies?”

There is an obvious financial benefit to working with direct clients – but what are the drawbacks? Agencies sometimes get a bad press, but offer positive benefits too. This meeting will take the form of a round table discussion where we will examine these two working relationships and share our experiences

For directions:
see website: http://www.pchs.northumberland.sch.uk/find.htm
For further information on ITI NE and the event:
see ITI NE website http://www.communigate.co.uk/ne/itinortheast/page3.phtml

The event is open to members and non members of the ITI, and it will be of benefit to all translators and students of languages. The event is a great opportunity to spread knowledge and a fantastic networking place.

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

18/08/2008 by stefi.

Ciao!

Since the launch of WLS, I have grown in confidence and the company has grown in resources and services. With client satisfation, it comes the wish to offer them more and better services.

WLS now offers translations in the following language combinations:
English into French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Polish, Russian.
French, German, Italian into English
French, German into Italian

We asked our clients: which languages do you need?

We selected highly qualified and experienced translators to meet their requirements. We are a network of professionals, all qualified and accredited, we all think that “four eyes are better than 2″. We will be pleased to meet the clients’ requirements.

Our website will be translated in French, German, Hungarian, Russian, Polish soon!

Watch this space!

Stefania

Posted in North East News and Events, Evoluzione di WLS, Traduzioni, Experience, Translations | 2 Comments »

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 »

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 »

31/03/2008 by stefi.

We would like to hear in our blog views and experience on language and culture when travelling abroad. “I wished I knew….”, for example, that in England windows open towards the outside, and not towards the inside, like in Italy: I would have avoided a bump on my head running outside my friends’ house. “I wished I knew…”, not only culture differencies, but also language phrases, false friends. “I wish I knew” that “phon” (the German word for hardryer in Italy) is not an English word, as I thought…..I could not dry my hair calling a telephone helpline….So many embarassing situations could be avoided by knowing a bit more about foreign languages and other cultures. I cannot wait to hear from you!

The project is featured on the UNESCO International Year of Languages website http://portal.unesco.org/culture/en/ev.php-URL_ID=36630&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html

The best stories will be awarded with a copy of our publication “how to speak culturese”, a guide to intercultural dialogue (dos and don’ts when travelling abroad). Prepared by expert consultants and translators, it aims to raise awareness on culture diversities and to show the importance of the knowledge of languages and culture in interpersonal contacts. To do or not to do? Si fa o non si fa? Macht man das oder macht man das nicht? There are no better or worse cultures, just different cultures.

Posted in Evoluzione di WLS, Languages for Holidays, North East News and Events, Vacanze, Language Courses, Translations, Experience, Uncategorised | No Comments »

19/03/2008 by stefi.

Hello,

I would like to introduce Jill Ingram of Elite translations. I met Jill last week, and I was very impressed by her enthusiasm. Jill is passionate about languages and communication, as I am. Jill is a working mum, as I am. She is a young entrepreneur, as I was (well, I am still an entrepreneur, I suppose, but not so young, I am afraid…) I particularly like her saying “the culture of the countries is something, I believe, cannot be learnt from a text book alone.” I totally agree with Jill.

I wish Jill all the best for her future!

Stefania

Jill Ingram – Elite Translations

From a very early age I can always remember having a profound interest in modern languages and cultures. I studied French and Spanish at A-level and quickly decided these were the subjects I wanted to pursue at degree level. I studied at Northumbria University and took an applied language course in French and Spanish with modules in International Trade and Italian. In my second year at university I was offered the opportunity to take a Dual Qualification which entailed spending a year at Dijon and studying at Bourgogne University for a Licence in Spanish and English. Following the final exams I was awarded the Licence and then in the following year I received my BA in French and Spanish. My time at university was invaluable not only in terms of language but also in gaining a true insight into the culture of the countries, which is something, I believe, cannot be learnt from a text book alone.

After graduation I worked as an export co-ordinator. I particularly enjoyed this field of work as it gave me the opportunity to actively use my languages on a daily basis in an area which I found very interesting. Following maternity leave I left my job to allow me to look after my son. However, I missed working especially doing something I am so passionate about like my languages although I knew I didn’t want to go back to working full time so soon after having my baby, thus the idea of Elite Translations was born. It allows me to do the work I enjoy in a more flexible environment. I have decided to specialise in the subject area of travel and tourism as it is a topic area I find particularly interesting and I am especially enthusiastic about, also my background in export works together quite well in terms of knowledge and vocabulary.

Becoming self employed is not an easy decision to make as work can be sporadic and uncertain. However, I felt confident in my abilities and decided it was undoubtedly worth a try, nothing ventured, nothing gained as they say!

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