07.28.08
Use Your Friends
There is no better set of people that can help develop one’s ability to speak a foreign language than those he usually hangs-out with. Friends, as many can attest, are good practice audience. One need not use the language he learned throughout conversations; a simple “Hello” or “How do you do?” will suffice. However, if one has friends that can speak the language fluently, he should talk to them using the foreign language; discuss with them the news, weather, sports, movies or just about anything under the sun. One must depart from his comfort zone in order to master his new language.
In public places or whenever one is apart from his circle of influence, the language should not be put on hold. One must be wary of opportunities where he can talk about his new language. For instance, when he hears someone speak the language at a supermarket, he should initiate a conversation with that someone. The conversation should not be all about the language; it must also touch some personal topics, such as the person’s hometown, job or hobbies. Introducing oneself to a total stranger and showing a sincere desire to know the person and the language they speak will not only develop one’s ability to use the language, it will also produce new friends.
07.16.08
Documents that Build Reputation
Every document a company produces, whether it is a brochure, instruction manual or journal, tells a lot about the company. A well-written document reflects a good image, and a badly-written one might cause people to think that the company’s product or service is similarly inferior. Companies who consistently produce attractive and flawlessly written documents are most likely enjoying a thriving enterprise. They, however, have to watch out for the day when their documents need to be translated. Many companies fall prey to shoddy translation companies claiming to be reputable and experienced. As a result, the reputation they have relentlessly been protecting for years almost got completely destroyed.
Reliable translation companies have individual approach to every client and ensure accurate translation of any document type. Fully aware of their critical role in keeping businesses’ strong and dependable, translation providers care for their client’s image and international reputation as much as any of its employees. Translation providers double-check each document to make sure that not a single trace of imperfection is found in its words, grammar, and massage; imperfections that could embarrass a company and severely affect its good name.
Dependable translation providers can handle different document translation of various complexities. Whether it is a medical document, a business document or a commercial document, these translation providers can deliver results that are accurate and clear. With a pool of highly-qualified translators who use languages like French, German, Chinese and Italian as their primary language, translation providers can help make any business the best it can be.
07.07.08
What Makes Website Translation Different?
Is there really a difference between translating website documents and regular documents? This question would probably linger in the mind of someone who is just starting out as a translator. But for those who have already been translating for a good number of years are already well aware that the only similarity between the two is that they have to be read first from start to finish before being translated. Aside from that, the two documents are worlds apart. A budding translator needs to have a clear grasp of what to expect in translating website documents to avoid committing mistakes.
The primary difference of website documents from regular documents is that they are in HTML files. When a client gives his document in HTML files, it is up to the translator to figure out which part of the HTML is the actual text that needs to be worked on. Furthermore, translators need to know the kind of link that should be used in every webpage. Is it relative links or absolute links? Most clients prefer relative links because they have shorter codes, thus faster downloading time; while there are some who go for absolute links for personal reasons. A translator needs to know the type of link his client is more comfortable in using before translating the website.
When translating a website, a translator also has to consider its images and the texts that support them. Often when an image’s text has been translated, it will relay a message somewhat different from what the image is saying. Translating web documents may be vastly different from regular documents, but both follow a basic principle in order to attain its purpose – both needs to have translators who have an open communication with clients.
