The art of translation is never more under a microscope than when attempting to convey the contents of a survey in a target language. Notwithstanding the fact that revisions, back-translations and pre-testing on a sample population throw up a Pandora’s Box of confusion and mayhem, the mere act of translating the text from one language into another is a poser in itself. Here are some of the reasons why: 1) Lack of Context Out of context, even intra-lingual translation isn’t in its natural habitat as it were. Without a background to use as reference, translating a word into another in the same language is hard at best; and when that exercise involves two languages, it is nothing...

In every civilisation in history, animals have played a significant role. Stories of talking animals, moral lessons using animals as the main characters and a huge body of folklore, all point to the inevitable fact that animals are in integral part of any society – modern or ancient, civilised or otherwise. From that point of view, it is natural for animal metaphors and other references to make their way into daily usage and, therefrom, the literary legacy of a culture. Metaphors and idioms can be found in just about any culture you can think of. In order to express ourselves as accurately as possible, we often resort to experiences and feelings that are common to other people. Of...

Legalese, or legal-speak, is a language commonly understood by members of the fraternity; but what happens when cross-cultural elements get in the mix and make things challenging for legal professionals? The situation must be dealt with, and with the greatest amount of care possible. The reason: even minor errors in legal documentation can lead to disastrous results for those concerned. Our first consideration here is the instances where the need for legal documentation in multiple languages arises. This is by no means a comprehensive list, but it adequately shows the level of complexity involved. Various types of certificates Business contracts Deposition records and...

When it comes to the translation industry (I know some of you are not fond of the term ­industry, but since the dictionary definition also includes services, I think it’s fine), we can all see the focus on using native speakers, the focus on translators working exclusively into their mother tongue. Is this simply overrated or is it a necessity? Are there cases where a non-native may do a better job? These are some of the things I’d like to explore in this post. Before going into the debate, let’s see what professional translators associations recommend in this respect: The Institute of Translation & Interpreting: […] members shall translate only into a language that...

  I can’t believe the TLC is over. :( Even harder to believe is that it’s been more than 6 months since I was invited to submit my proposal. Where does time fly? For those of you who did not attend this year’s event, I strongly recommend you consider it next year. Some of the reasons why below. Organisation: Everything was simply flawless, from booking transport (taxis and buses), accommodation and restaurants, to dinner arrangements, recommending food and places, organising the Warsaw tour, to making sure everyone is on time (very difficult during conferences), that every attendee and speaker is well cared for, that we all feel good and happy. Every single one of the...

The hotel business is very competitive nowadays and top hotel owners know very well how important it is to offer services and important information in various languages that provide added value for international guests. But there are certain kinds of information most hotels simply overlook when it comes to translating them, thus leaving foreign customers hungry for more. So which are these forgotten translations that can make a hotel stand out from the rest if offered to their foreign guests? #1: Weather forecasts Weather forecasts are nowadays presented daily to customers in the form of online posts or a written notice that hangs above the hotel’s reception desk. They may be a tiny...

Globalisation and advances in transport technology have brought something new to the table for all service providers: millions and millions of foreign potential customers. The hotel business is one of the most competitive markets where the battle for customers is in full swing all the time. Nowadays, hotels need to really fight for their foreign guests and the easiest way of doing that is to offer added value. Whether we are talking about hotel web pages, guest check-in forms, hotel restaurant menus, signs, terms & conditions or recreational activities brochures, it is always good to offer guests services and information in their own language, so they can fully understand. But...