06/07/2008 by stefi.

The European Day of Languages (EDL) is celebrated every year on the 26th September. We support this inititative since 2004, and we have submitted an event-competition this year on the official website http://www.ecml.at/edl/default.asp.
We report here the details of the event:

DETAILS OF COMPETITION:
We invite all creative language learners to design a poster and a slogan to celebrate the European Day of Languages 2008.
The picture should attract people to learn a new language.
The slogan on the picture should be a pun, a game on words. The slogan combined with the picture should have a catching effect on the audience. All languages are accepted (English translation and explanations required if the entry is in another language).
The entries will be judged by a panel of linguists and the winning poster will appear on our newsletter and used to launch our online language school in Spring 2009.

The winner will receive a free copy of our guide to intercultural dialogue “How to Speak Culturese” (available for sale from our bookstore www.translate-it.org/english/promo.html).

Note: originals will not be returned. Paper and electronic copies are accepted. Name and details of the winner will be disclosed in the newsletter and in any marketing material, unless otherwise requested. Participants should agree to transfer all rights to Williams Language Solutions for any marketing/advertising purposes.

Please send all material to Williams Language Solutions (Ref.: EDL 2008) and send it to the following address:
By Post:
Williams Language Solutions (Ref.: EDL 2008)
22a Woolsington Gardens
Woolsington
Newcastle upon Tyne NE13 8AR
United Kingdom

By email at info@translate-it.org (Ref.: EDL 2008)

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

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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Phone Postal Code
Payments: Paypal (stefi@translate-it.org)
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Special Delivery UK £5.15
International Recorded £2.60
Bank transfer - details: Bank of Scotland
Sort code: 12-24-82 Account n. 06110353 P&P (please see table)
(for Bulk orders see table)
Accepted payment: paypal, cheque (GBP), bank transfer. Total

Post & Packaging table (FOR PAPERBACK ONLY)
UK £3.49 Rest of the World £7.00
Europe 1 copy
Special Delivery UK
International
Recorded £5.00
£5.15
£2.60 Bulk Orders (UK delivery by post)
5 copies
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more than 20 £13.00
£19.00
£tba
Please allow 14 days for delivery. Ask for discounts on bulk orders

Posted in Languages for Holidays, Corsi di lingua, Vacanze, Holidays, Language Courses | No Comments »

31/05/2008 by stefi.

Hello!

I am a loyal fan of The Apprentice. I missed last week episode (the day was changed due to the football match) and I cannot wait for the replay tonight.
The best episode so far - for me - was the buying task in Morocco. As a translator, I was interested to see how the candidates managed the language and culture barriers. A bit of “offshore English” helped the language communication, but in terms of culture….
“How can five candidates, who are meant to be relatively smart, and whose number includes one half-Jewish boy as well as a 36 year-old know-it-all, not know the meaning of the word KOSHER?”
Learning a bit of culture of the place you go - especially on business - is vital to avoid embarrassment. This is why we designed the dos and don’ts guide How to speak Culturese. This is a unique quick reference guide on business culture in 10 countries (France, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Tunisia and the USA). “A great tool for the traveller. Gives a rapid inside view on people you are about to meet.” At only £7.99, the guide could help you winning the international task on the next edition of the Apprentice, or solving the challenges of your next meetings abroad.

Stefania

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

11/05/2008 by stefi.

Appreciating that individuals from different cultural backgrounds have different cultural customs, business etiquette and expectations is vital for success in international business.
Newcastle-based company Williams Language Solutions has just developed a guide on dos and don’ts when travelling abroad in 10 different countries, France, Italy, Germany, Poland, Russia, Hungary, USA, Japan, the Netherlands, and Tunisia. “In cultural terms, we explain the best ways to make contact, host a meeting, enjoy a meal of visit the factory or offices abroad”, says Managing Director Stefania Williams.“ The knowledge of cultural differences is also important when meeting foreign guests at home. Nobody wants to offend others unintentionally, and our guides teach those little culture p’s and q’s which are vital in business”.
Each guide was prepared by a linguist consultant with marketing and sales experience in the country with the specific goal of raising awareness about cultural diversities. The guides are available in paperback or downloadable, ideal for internet use and intranet sites, and are also used as part of the cultural awareness training offered by the Company to businesses.
“Business etiquette is part of the cultural marketing programme offered to our clients, together with translations of press releases, catalogues, company documents, and most importantly, localisation of websites. The internet is serving as an international business medium; if you reach the rest of the world with your website your hope is that the rest of the world will then respond in some way, and you must be prepared to it.”
According to Stefania, a linguist should always be consulted when creating a new brand name or logo. She explains that Gerber, the name of a baby food maker, is also a French word for vomiting. “Simple faux pas can sink you,” she says. Learning the customs and culture of a foreign country signals communication competence and shows a great respect for others. Culture speaks louder than words.
For further information on the Travel dos and don’ts guides, contact Stefania Williams at 01912860612 or visit www.translate-it.org.

Posted in Languages for Holidays, North East News and Events, Evoluzione di WLS, Corsi di lingua, Language Courses, Experience | 1 Comment »

04/04/2008 by stefi.

Illustrations speak more than words!

An Interview with Fern Wood, the illustrator of How to Speak “Culturese”, the booklet on dos and don’ts when travelling abroad by Stefania De Angelis Williams of Williams Language Solutions Ltd.

When did the project start?

I was just finishing off my like 400th illustration for a language course when the phone rang and an Italian accent asked to speak to me. It’s a rare thing for a client to phone me, I’m a computer geek and correspond wholly these days on the net. Stefania [Williams] had seen my silk work in the Aurora catalogue, a North East Artists group and had liked my illustration work on my website www.fern-wood.com which is very different to my freelance silk paintings.

Did you like the idea of illustrating a booklet on dos and don’ts when travelling abroad?
The ‘How to Speak Culturese’ seemed like a great idea and I accepted the job then and there… I admit half of the acceptance was in order to read the booklet. I love travelling and, like most, don’t want to innocently offend anyone in their own country. Although originally aimed at business folk, I think it would benefit any traveller to know those little culture ‘P’ & ‘Q’s’.

How did you create the illustrations?
I got sketching straight away, I wanted a main image that would evoke the country, this was best done by architecture, and my husband’s an architect student so I have access to plenty of books for reference. Then I wanted to show the people, that’s what it’s about after all, I wanted the illustration to set a story, was the person in the illustration the visitor or the native? Could it be the reader? Here showing that with a bit of knowledge one should be able to fit in and relax.
I then thought lots of mini illustrations would work well with headers and hit my first faux pas. Having sent my samples to Stefania she enlightened me that my waving hand icon was considered rude in Greece… amazing, I was learning things all the time.
There’s no doubt that I hit a few stumbling blocks with this project, some countries have such an immediate stereotypical view, which makes them so much easier to illustrate, France with its baguettes and Parisian street artists, Germany and its sausage stalls. I was completely stuck on Poland and Hungary.

Would you like to work again with Stefania on a second edition of How to Speak Culturese? Which countries would you like to illustrate?
Having been born and brought up abroad I’d love to work on the English, Welsh and Scottish ‘Culturese’ booklets because I think that like our neighbours we must be an intriguing bunch of people with strange ‘Dos & Don’ts’.

The booklet “How to Speak Culture” by Stefania De Angelis Williams illustrated by Fern Wood is for sale at at lulu http://www.lulu.com/content/2275452 or by contacting Williams Language Solutions at www.translate-it.org at the promotional price of £4.99.

Posted in Languages for Holidays, North East News and Events, Evoluzione di WLS, Corsi di lingua, Language Courses, Holidays, Experience | 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 »

07/02/2008 by stefi.

Hi, everyone!

Today, I would like to tell you about a French Language Club in Sunderland.

·         Based in the Centre of  Sunderland, “Fun French Language Club” is a dynamic club that provides French language tuition to school children and their parents throughout the local area.  Parents can come along with their children  to learn French through games, crafts and songs.

·         The French club also offers tuitions with a professional teaching service. With new IT facilites and native speaker staffs, the service is designed to make French language learning enjoyable.

·         The French club has now a few years experience in the language tuition sector and has native speaking tutors who are qualified to a high standard.

For further information, visit http://funfrench.googlepages.com or contact Janie 0777 951 6947 

 Au revoir!

Stefania

Posted in Languages for Holidays, North East News and Events, Corsi di lingua, Vacanze, Holidays, Language Courses | No Comments »

10/01/2008 by stefi.

Dear All,

I would like to talk to you about the book La Strada on Italian language and culture. In this book, I have put all my experience, so that you can walk with confidence on the streets of Italy. This book and audiorecordings will help you to know more about the language of the mind, the Italian culture. The book and CD are now sold at the special promotional price of £9.99. You can download an order form from http://www.translate-it.org/promo.html, or contact me at stefi@translate-it.org.

A brilliant student of Italian Level 5 (CLL) has written a review on the book. I would like to share it with you, as a tribute to the student’s language skills, to thank her for the review, and to tell you more about the book from a reader’s point of view. Here is the review, written in a splendid Italian! Many thanks, Sheila! Thank you for spotting the minor typos!
LA STRADA – Corso di lingua e cultura italiana per stranieri

Questo libro mi è molto piaciuto. Perché?

• È pieno di informazioni utili, espresso in modo umoristico, franco e accessibile
• I consigli culturali mi hanno molto aiutato a capire i fondamenti della società italiana, quindi un uso più corrente, più giusto della lingua del Paese.
• Riconosce l’importanza delle piccole parole nella conversazione di tutti i giorni. Per esempio, prima di farsi indicare la buona strada è necessario abbordare un passante: “Mi dispiace, non sono di qui”. DI conseguenza, il turista sarà incoraggiato ad affrontare la domanda: “Mi scusi, mi può dire…”
• Il libro spiega bene come viaggiare in Italia senza un sacco di dialoghi del tipo “Vorrei 30 litri di benzina senza piombo”, non molto utili nel mondo self-service!
• Il suo vocabolario è un buon misto di espressioni idiomatiche (pagare alla romana), di quelle della cortesia (si figuri) e di quelle della vita moderna (la segreteria telefonica), un vocabolario per gli adulti.
• Con umorismo, il libro parla delle trappole da evitare durante i rapporti sociali o commerciali, con gli amici o i colleghi e i clienti italiani.
• La frase finale del libro fa bene al cuore: sorridiamo tutti nella stessa lingua.
• Per finire, non devo dimenticare di fare menzione alle illustrazioni, la cui qualità è eccezionale. Sono bellissime, pertinenti e istruttive.

Qualche piccolo refuso:
Benvenuti, paragrafo 3: I have now learned
To help you avoid
when you are visiting

Pagina 25, paragrafo 5 Avoid raising your hands or shouting ‘cameriere!’

Pagina 63 The late 60s (no apostrophe)

Pagina 66 To be a native of the country

Posted in Languages for Holidays, Corsi di lingua, Language Courses | No Comments »

23/11/2007 by stefi.

Ciao,

 a friend of mine went on holiday in Italy and came back with a nice bottle of wine. “Stef, could you help me translating the label? I speak a bit of Italian, but…I don’t understand wine-tongue!”. “Corposo, ideale con selvaggina…..colore paglierino….” could you teach me some wine-tongue?

Here I am now, designing and developing an online course for everyone who loves wine, Italy, and Italian. Parli vinese? will be one of our courses based on interests, rather than Language knowledge. “When you speak about something you like, time goes fast…and you learn quickly!”

I am preparing the topics now, and the glossaries. What would you like to see and learn in this course?

All comments welcome!

 Buon fine settimana.

Stefania

Posted in Evoluzione di WLS, Languages for Holidays, North East News and Events, Corsi di lingua, Vacanze, Experience, Language Courses, Holidays, Translations | 2 Comments »