Sep 23, 2024 | Blog, Communication, English language, Global Business, Globalization, Language Services, Language Varieties, Localization, Multilingual, Traditions, Translation Services, Worldwide
The USA: A place for everyone | Discover the languages spoken in the USA The USA has always been known for its diversity. Many languages are spoken in the USA. More than three billion people call the United States of America home. Due to its diverse population before British colonization and several waves of immigration, you can find almost every language and cultural background in the US population. The USA has been multilingual since the very beginning. Many languages were spoken in the USA, even before the first settlers set foot on its soil. Tribes, such as the Navajos, Sioux and Keresan spoke over a thousand known languages before first contact with Europeans. Evolution of the English language in the USA When considering why and how a language develops, there are several factors to consider. One of the most important is culture. It is said that the influence of foreign languages spoken in the USA is much more immediate and recent than in any other country. The English language has developed a lot in the USA. For example, some terms have been taken from the languages of the native tribes, such as the word “raccoon”, which was taken from the Powhatan term aroughcun, meaning “animal that scratches with its hands”. You can easily find examples of words being coined from many other languages! Other well-known examples are avocado and canyon from Spanish, and chowder and prairie from French. How many languages are spoken in the USA? With so many cultures co-existing, you may be wondering: How many languages do I need to learn to get around the country? Just...
May 22, 2024 | Blog, Communication, English language, Environment, Environmental Translation, Language Services, Localization, Translation, Translation Services, Worldwide
Can translators help to improve our environment? The world is facing an environmental crisis. Climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, deforestation, ecosystem degradation, and natural resource depletion are some of the consequences of human activity. Tackling the global environmental crisis requires individual and collective efforts across different sectors and levels of society to protect future generations. Environmental translation is essential to introduce new regulations and to create campaigns in a globalized world. What is environmental translation? Environmental translation refers to the translation of environmental or scientific documents from one language into another. Some of these documents include policies, regulations, laws, assessments, sustainability reports, agreements, plans, articles and educational materials. There are several purposes for environmental translation or interpretation. This type of language conversion can be used to communicate effectively with diverse audiences and to address environmental issues on a global scale. What to look for in an environmental translator? Professional environmental translators are linguists who specialize in translating documents related to the environment. Environmental translation involves complex concepts, technical terminology, and specific jargon that may not be easily understood by those without expertise in the field. Translators must be familiar with specific areas of environmental science, such as climate change, sustainability, ecology, renewable energy, conservation, waste management, etc. Environmental translators and interpreters must be fluent in both the source and target languages. But, also have an extensive knowledge of environmental vocabulary and concepts. They must be familiar with specialized dictionaries, glossaries and terminology databases to ensure consistency in translations. They must also keep abreast of new developments, trends and terminology in the field. In addition, it is normal for some...
Apr 29, 2024 | Blog, Communication, Consecutive Inpterpreting, English language, Global Business, Globalization, Interpreting, Interpreting Services, Language Services, Localization, Multilingual, Multilingual Website, Tips for Translators, Translation, Translation News, Translation Services, Worldwide
Interpreting services for all your needs Interpreting services are needed in various social situations to facilitate effective communication between different parties who do not share the same language. Some of the most common interpreting modes are consecutive interpreting, simultaneous interpreting, whispered interpreting, also known as chuchotage, and sight translation. In this article, we introduce you to the main mode of interpreting for which we offer interpreting services: consecutive interpreting. What is consecutive interpreting? Unlike simultaneous interpreting, where the interpreter interprets the speaker’s words into the audience’s language within a few seconds, consecutive interpreting takes place after the speaker has finished speaking. While the speaker is speaking, the interpreter takes notes in order to produce an accurate summary of the speech in the other language. Simultaneous interpreting is best suited for meetings where there is one keynote speaker, while consecutive interpreting is more suitable for meetings with several speakers where there will be back-and-forth communication. At LingoStar, we have extensive experience in interpreting projects, especially consecutive interpreting. We regularly work with professional consecutive interpreters on projects in a variety of fields, usually public or social services, including business meetings, legal proceedings, and medical appointments. What to look for in a consecutive interpreter What does it take to become a consecutive interpreter? Can anyone do it, or does it require special training and skills? A professional interpreter needs to practise a number of skills on a regular basis in order to deliver a coherent and structured speech that conveys the same information as the original speech, with the same tone, register, and intonation. Every consecutive interpreter must be proficient in note-taking....
Feb 21, 2024 | Artificial Intelligence, Blog, Communication, English language, Language Services, Translation
Proofreading and editing: the perfect tools for refining a text How do you ensure that a translation is ready to be delivered to a client? Human proofreading and editing services may be the answer. Translators typically spend a considerable amount of time reading, analyzing and translating the original text. Once they have the first version of their translation, it is recommended that they wait a while before reading it again. By doing so, they are more likely to spot errors that they may not have noticed at first. Clients expect perfection from a professional translation agency. Therefore, in addition to translators checking their own work, another professional linguist or native translator should ideally review the translation and provide feedback to ensure it is flawless. This is where the work of proofreaders and editors comes in. What is proofreading? What is editing? Proofreading and editing are two distinct parts of the process of improving a text. Once the translator has completed the translation process, a number of processes must be performed to ensure the translation is accurate and ready to be delivered to the client. Editing a translation is a more in-depth revision of a text. When a text is sent for editing, it usually requires more changes than a text sent for proofreading, so editors take more time than proofreaders to complete their work. An editor evaluates aspects such as the writing style, the register, the structure and the flow of the text. Proofreading, on the other hand, usually takes place after the text has been edited. It is the last step before submitting the document. Proofreading may not...
Jan 23, 2024 | Artificial Intelligence, Blog, Communication, English language, Language Services, Newsletter, Projects, Tips for Translators, Translation, Translation News, Worldwide
What will the future of translation look like? In the dynamic landscape of technological innovation, the translation industry stands at the crossroads of tradition and transformation. In the midst of rapid technological evolution, the translation industry is grappling with the challenges and opportunities of 2024. As the year unfolds with a wave of cutting-edge advances, questions are being asked about the relevance of traditional translation agencies. But rather than fading into the background, these agencies are proving resilient and adaptable, embracing and expanding their role in the face of new technologies. This blog post explores how translation agencies are not only holding their own but are essential to harnessing the full potential of technological breakthroughs in language translation. What key role will these agencies play in navigating the future of translation? The human touch in AI-powered future of translation While AI-powered translation models have made remarkable progress, they still lack the nuanced understanding and cultural sensitivity that human translators bring to the table. As a result, translation agencies are integrating AI into their workflows to improve efficiency while at the same time recognizing the irreplaceable value of human expertise in preserving the nuances of language and culture. By seamlessly combining the speed of AI with the innate human touch, translation agencies offer a unique and comprehensive approach that ensures accuracy, context and cultural relevance in every translation project. Complex project management and quality assurance determine the future of translation The scope of translation often goes beyond simple language conversion, especially in industries with complex technical terminology or specialized content. As a result, translation agencies play a critical role in...
Nov 22, 2023 | Blog, Communication, English language, Tips for Translators
Dynamic languages: a multifaceted world Language is a living entity in perpetual evolution, constantly evolving and adapting to the ever-changing world around us. This ever-changing nature of language is a fascinating and sometimes challenging aspect for those working in the translation industry. Translators and linguists have to navigate within the intricate web of linguistic evolution, where words and expressions can undergo profound changes. This dynamic nature of language is not only a challenge but it’s also an extraordinary opportunity to engage with diverse linguistic contexts and bridge communication gaps. The translator’s challenge(s): adapting to linguistic evolution Translators and linguists face a unique set of challenges when dealing with the evolving linguistic landscape. They have to keep up with the subtle shifts in meaning, tone, and cultural connotations that words and phrases inevitably undergo over time. However, within this dynamic environment lies a world of exciting opportunities for professional growth. Cultural Proficiency: Embracing Linguistic Evolution with Cultural Insight Because language reflects cultural nuances, staying abreast of linguistic changes requires a deep understanding of the cultures associated with those languages. Translators who embrace this aspect of linguistic dynamism develop a heightened cultural proficiency that enables them to produce more accurate and culturally sensitive translations. Specialization: Thriving in Evolving Fields with Specialized KnowledgeLinguistic evolution often leads to the emergence of new terminology and jargon in various fields, from technology to healthcare. Translators can choose to specialize in these areas, enhancing their industry-specific knowledge and becoming sought-after experts in their niche. Continuous Learning: Staying on the Cutting Edge of Linguistic DevelopmentsAdapting to linguistic change requires ongoing training. Translators and linguists are encouraged to...
