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04/10/2017
Did you know...?
Anyone who works with two or more languages dreams of being bilingual. In certain countries, this term means that a person can speak two languages, without taking into account their level of proficiency. According to the Cambridge dictionary, the term bilingual refers to a person who is able to use two languages equally well. However, it may often be considered that a bilingual person is someone...
28/03/2017
Language Technology
Translation is an activity that lends itself easily to professional intrusion , after all anyone with a computer and knowledge of a second language can translate . However, there are people that have academic training in translation and earn a living by translating, dedicating themselves completely to this activity. It is no less true that there are people who, due to circumstances in their life...
23/03/2017
DTP and Graphic Design
Years ago Sysfilter came into my life, and I can ensure you that it is one of the best investments we have made in the company. [TOC] It provides DTP operators with a tool that, I would say, is essential in the day-to-day operations of the translation industry and, of course, of multilingual layout (or DTP if you prefer). Extracting texts for translation For those of you who aren't familiar with...
17/03/2017
Cultural Differences
If you go to Japan on business, it's important to bear in mind certain cultural differences and customs in order to avoid any embarrassing situations . Whether you deal with clients or providers, business relationships will be strengthened if your Japanese companions appreciate the effort you make to learn about their culture and respect their customs. Cultural observations made here are based on...
30/06/2016
Translation
[TOC] Can I trust a translation that needs editing? When I first started offering translation services , I remember how much mistrust it would generate in clients when I offered them the option of editing the translation. It's a common mistake among some businesses to assume that their clients know all about their product or service. Another mistake is giving them too much information when they'...
12/02/2016
Business Management
The pace of life nowadays means that many people have to eat at their workplace , or near to it. There are days when it's impossible to go home for lunch . Eating in nearby pubs, cafes and restaurants is always an option, but, do we really need to spend money on something that we can resolve ourselves? Besides this, our food choices might not be altogether healthy, due to fast food menus and...
12/02/2016
DTP and Graphic Design
This article describes how to process AutoCAD files in order to translate them with computer assisted translation tools such as Trados SDL Studio, memoQ, WordFast, Start Transit, Déjà Vu , etc. We will also offer some pointers to avoid certain problems that could arise during the export/import process or when typesetting AutoCAD files post translation. [TOC] TranslateCAD: a programme to extract...
22/12/2015
Translation
A legislative proposal published on 24 April 2013 by the Commissioner Viviane Reding in the European Parliament means that certified translation is no longer necessary for birth certificates, marriage certificates, criminal records, academic certificates, certificates from the Companies Registry and the Land Registry, etc. The initiative is now under way after being approved on the 4 February...
26/11/2015
Project Management
The first thing you should do is consider the pros and cons of using a translation company (or agency) or a freelance translator. Then think about your needs, resources and priorities . Although this blog is focused on translation, the same criteria could be applied to other services, such as design, publicity, computing or legal services. [TOC] Price: Freelance A priori, it is clear that a...
17/11/2015
Project Management
It's a beautiful day. On the way to the office, the first rays of sun stretch across the infinite blue horizon. The moon has still not gone down in his desire to bless me with his presence. I take a deep breath and feel that life is worth living. The day before I left my diary perfectly organised with all projects and deliveries under control. It looks like it will be good day in my wonderful...