5 Ridiculous Contract Translation Mistakes
Contract translation is an important part of the wider range of legal translation services provided by many translation agencies. Many corporations are doing business overseas with foreign companies, governments, and contractors. In order for there to be stable business relationships, contracts between parties with different language backgrounds need to be translated accurately. Additionally, interpreting services must be used for any high-stakes meetings. Mistakes in these translations can often lead to embarrassing and economically costly outcomes. The following five examples poignantly demonstrate the importance of professional translation services when translating contracts and other legal documents.
1. South Korea’s Free Trade Contract Translation Snafu
In 2011, South Korea was in the process of drafting multiple free trade agreements with the EU and the US. The draft of the agreement between the EU and South Korea contained so many translation errors that it had to be put on hold, twice. Whatever language translation service the South Koreans used apparently didn’t learn from their mistakes. The South Korean cabinet had to withdraw its bill in the middle of negotiations with Washington due to numerous translation errors.
2. Poor Contract Translation Can Have Serious Financial Repercussions
In 2006, an American oil company, Occidental Petroleum, brought a case for arbitration before the International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes. The Ecuadorian government seized one of Occidental’s interests in the Amazon rainforest, causing significant financial damage while also apparently violating a previous agreement between the Ecuadorian government and Occidental. The Ecuadorian government settled with Occidental, but due to poor legal translations of Ecuadorian case law, the damages awarded to Occidental were increased by 40%. Even though that amount was eventually annulled, both parties had to spend time and money on further legal expenses.
3. A Bad Contract Translation Leads To A Missed Opportunity
In 2018, the Argentinian soccer club Independiente sought to re-sign Bryan Cabeza, who was playing with Atalanta, an Italian club. Bryan had previously played for Independiente before, and the Argentinian club was looking to get him back. Instead of relying on a translation service company to professionally translate the contract, Independiente simply used machine translation to translate their contract into English. Unfortunately for them, the software they used translated Bryan’s name into “Brian Head” (Cabeza being the Spanish word for head). The contract was invalidated and Cabeza stayed with Atalanta. Independiente’s poor contract translation led them to fail to achieve one of their goals that season.
4. Translation Errors In China
According to various Chinese sources, some 5% of disputes between Chinese and foreign companies arise from poor contract translation. In 2011 a dispute arose over the English word “drydocking” being mistranslated as “tank washing”. In the same contract, the English sentence “except fuel used for domestic service” was translated incorrectly as “except fuel used for domestic flights”. These errors lead to confusion and unnecessary legal expenses. Using the translation and localization services of a reputable translation agency would have saved both parties a headache and financial expenses.
5. Poor Translations Have Consequences For The Future
This final example may be from 1840, but the ramifications were felt for decades after the initial event. In 1840, officials representing the British government signed the Treaty of Waitangi with the Maori people of New Zealand. The Maori version of the treaty stated that the Maori would be ceding governance rights to Britain, but not sovereignty. The British version of the treaty stated that the Maori were to cede governance, land, and sovereignty rights. This poor legal document translation led to a series of devastating wars whose effects lingered for at least a century.
About Language Connections:
Language Connections is one of the top language service companies in the US. Over the last 30 years, we’ve focused on providing the best business translation services, interpreting services, as well as interpreter training and customized language training programs. In addition to top-tier corporate language training, we offer certified corporate interpreters and professional business translation services in 200+ languages. Our network includes linguists with backgrounds in all major industries. They’re ready to meet your needs, whether they’re for technical translation services, legal translation, government translation services, international development translation services, education translation services, life sciences translation, or something else. Reach out to us today for a free quote on our cost-efficient and timely translation services, interpreters, or other linguistic services.
Language Connections Inc.
2001 Beacon Street, Suite 105,
Boston, MA 02135
Phone: +1-617-731-3510
Email: service@languageconnections.com
Gaelic: A Rare Language For Translation Agencies
Translation agencies mostly work with languages that have a high demand for translation services. Languages like English, Spanish, and Chinese are among the most translated languages in the world: 40% of the world speaks one of those languages. In some circumstances though, translation agencies have to work with much less common languages. Providing professional translation and interpreting services in a rare language like Gaelic can be a serious challenge for some translation services companies. Understanding the difficulties of working with a rare language like Gaelic can help a translation agency successfully complete projects in niche language families while building a reputation for being able to provide translation services regardless of the language’s rarity.
Gaelic And Translation Agencies
In order to provide language translation services in rare languages, it is imperative to understand that languages usually come in families. Take Gaelic for example. Gaelic is not just one language–it’s an entire language family. The word “Gaelic” is an adjective meaning “of the Gaels” or “pertaining to Gaels”. The languages that fall under the Gaelic or Goidelic family are Irish, Scottish Gaelic, and Manx. Irish is the official language of the Republic of Ireland, along with English. It has the greatest number of speakers out of the Gaelic languages, with around 1.2 million people speaking it, of which 170,000 speak it as a first language.
The Other Gaelic Languages
Although Irish is the most famous Gaelic dialect, there are many other dialects. For instance, Scottish Gaelic is spoken mostly in northern Scotland and on the Hebrides. An estimated 87,000 people speak it. Manx, the rarest of the Gaelic languages, is only spoken on the Isle of Mann. It is spoken by roughly 1,800 people, with few speaking it as a first language. Even though, comparatively, there are not that many people who speak these languages, they all have a rich cultural and literary history. Many other rare languages follow the same pattern as the Gaelic language family.
Why Should A Translation Agencies Work With Rare Languages?
While it may be costly and time-consuming at first, a savvy translation agency can make a name for itself by providing translation and even localization services in rare languages like Gaelic. Many translation service companies won’t bother working with obscure languages, including Arabic translation services. The challenges are understandable, and there is certainly an opportunity cost involved. However, by providing a rare language translation service, a translation service company can prove itself to be capable of any task, no matter how difficult or rare the language is. That kind of reputation can take a translation agency to new heights and successes.
About Language Connections:
Language Connections is one of the top language service companies in the US. Over the last 30 years, we’ve focused on providing the best business translation services, interpreting services, as well as interpreter training and customized language training programs. In addition to top-tier corporate language training, we offer certified corporate interpreters and professional business translation services in 200+ languages. Our network includes linguists with backgrounds in all major industries. They’re ready to meet your needs, whether they’re for technical translation services, legal translation, government translation services, international development translation services, education translation services, life sciences translation, or something else. Reach out to us today for a free quote on our cost-efficient and timely translation services, interpreters, or other linguistic services.
Language Connections Inc.
2001 Beacon Street, Suite 105,
Boston, MA 02135
Phone: +1-617-731-3510
Email: service@languageconnections.com
3 Ways Translation Agencies Will Play a Big Role at the 2022 Olympics
The 2022 Winter Olympics are set to begin in Beijing on February 4th. Countries all over the world are preparing to send their teams to compete at the most prestigious quadrennial sports competition. Language is always an important logistical concern whenever such large international events occur. Athletes, support staff, and other personnel from practically every single country on Earth will be arriving in Beijing, and they will need translation services and interpreting services to help them get by in China. Because of the sheer volume of people and services needed, translation agencies will play a vital role at this year’s Olympic games.
Translation Agencies Will Provide Support To All Athletes
One of the most important ways translation agencies will help at the Olympics is through logistical support. iFLYTEK, a Chinese translation service company that also specializes in voice recognition, has been designated as the “Official Automated Translation Software Exclusive Supplier of Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics”. iFLYTEK also provided translation services at the Tokyo Summer Olympics. The company has announced that it will be providing 20 smart translators to be used at the Beijing Capital International Airport, effectively providing real time simultaneous interpretation to travelers entering Beijing. As this is the only airport that will be used for the games, these translators will be immensely useful for travelers entering and leaving Beijing, especially when dealing with customs and border officials.
Translation Agencies Will Help Break Down Language Barriers
Translation agencies’ main job will be to provide interpreting and translating services for the duration of the games. iFLYTEK, the official translator of the event, is planning on using its new AI news anchor, “Xiaoqing”, to help with translation. This AI can deliver English, French, Russian, Mandarin, and Spanish translation with seamless transitioning between them. In addition, hundreds of interpreters from various translation and interpreting service companies will provide translation and interpreting services in an effort to bridge language barriers so fans and sports enthusiasts around the world can tune in and enjoy the feats of sportsmanship and athleticism.
Translation Agencies And Controversy
Because of the location of this year’s Olympic Games, controversy has spilled into a seemingly uncontroversial industry–specifically, the translation agency “iFLYTEK”, and its ties to the Chinese Communist Party and its role in the Chinese surveillance state. The United States has blacklisted iFLYTEK, alleging that the Chinese government is using iFLYTEK’s AI technology to spy on Uyghur Muslims. The US further accuses the Chinese government of using iFLYTEK’s interpreting services and voice recognition technology to help assist the CCP’s campaign against the Uyghurs. iFLYTEK received the award of “AI Champion” by the Chinese government, further cementing the allegations of close ties between the company and China’s Communist Party.
About Language Connections:
Language Connections is one of the top language service companies in the US. Over the last 30 years, we’ve focused on providing the best business translation services, interpreting services, as well as interpreter training and customized language training programs. In addition to top-tier corporate language training, we offer certified corporate interpreters and professional business translation services in 200+ languages. Our network includes linguists with backgrounds in all major industries. They’re ready to meet your needs, whether they’re for technical translation services, legal translation, government translation services, international development translation services, education translation services, life sciences translation, or something else. Reach out to us today for a free quote on our cost-efficient and timely translation services, interpreters, or other linguistic services.
Language Connections LLC
2001 Beacon Street, Suite 105,
Boston, MA 02135
Phone: +1-617-731-3510
Email: service@languageconnections.com
Top 10 Most Translated Books: A Triumph of Translation Agencies
If translation agencies were only assigned books to be translated, they would thrive on those deals, However, it is really rare to both get a book translated and for it to become a worldwide bestseller. Nevertheless, it has happened a few times in history. Books are usually hundreds of pages; therefore, it requires a lot of work to translate them. Additionally, sometimes localization services are required in order to adapt a book’s content so that the central themes and/or message of the story are able to be adequately conveyed. As a result, publishing houses should be careful with the translation company they chose or the professional translator they hire because the success of their book depends on it. Many books have been adapted into box office movies that made them even more successful. Hence, the translation agencies in charge became even more renowned. Although the Bible and the Quran stand as obvious examples of books that have been translated to other languages since the dawn of the printing press, we decided to name the popular example that all of us are likely to be familiar with.
Here the 10 most translated books around the world whose international success depended on translation services:
1. Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling Owes A Lot To Translation Agencies
We do not even need to explain this first one, as the movie adaptation of this saga was a worldwide success. It did not only make the translation agencies busy but it also gave work to other services like video translation.
2. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Caroll and Translation Agencies
This classic story has also made its way into the movie industry but it remains a book that people read a lot. Translation agencies were required to translate it into over 170 languages.
3. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, A Classic Translation Agencies Know By Heart
This one is a literature classic but also an easy-read depending on the public; one can interpret it really simply or go at the core of it and figure out the moral the story conveys. Translation agencies still had to translate it carefully for it to follow academic and higher education translation services guidelines.
4. Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne
This famous French writer is studied all over the world. Translating his work requires a special attention to rhetoric and writing aesthetics. For this purpose, translation agencies had to hire professionals in the field of education translation services in order to translate this work, a process that is used to translate educational documents in general as well.
5. Don Quixote by Miguel Cervantes and Translation Agencies
This Spanish work is well-known all over the world and is especially popular in more advanced Spanish classes. Translation services specializing in academic translation were part of the vulgarization of Cervantes’ work.
6. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho and Translation Agencies
This one is a very recent book that had the 21st century readers conquered in over 80 languages and made more that one translation agency happy.
7. Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren and Translation Agencies
This one was adapted on TV too in several countries. It has been translated from the original Swedish into more than 70 languages.
8. The Adventure of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi
Collodi’s book was translated from Italian to more than 200 languages.
9. The Adventures of Tintin by Hergé
This very popular comic has been adapted into an animated film and has been translated into more than 100 languages.
10. The Adventures of Asterix by René Goscinny, Albert Uderzo, and Jean-Yves Ferri
Since 1959, this French comic has been translated into more than 100 languages. It is one of the most famous comics in the world right now.
Since translation is an integral part of the publishing industry and translation services are always in need, our list could continue on forever. Although university translation services are a more specialized branch of the industry, they are essential to translate literary works.
About Language Connections:
Language Connections is one of the top language service companies in the US. Over the last 30 years, we’ve focused on providing the best business translation services, interpreting services, as well as interpreter training and customized language training programs. In addition to top-tier corporate language training, we offer certified corporate interpreters and professional business translation services in 200+ languages. Our network includes linguists with backgrounds in all major industries. They’re ready to meet your needs, whether they’re for technical translation services, legal translation, government translation services, international development translation services, education translation services, life sciences translation, or something else. Reach out to us today for a free quote on our cost-efficient and timely translation services, interpreters, or other linguistic services.
Language Connections LLC
2001 Beacon Street, Suite 105,
Boston, MA 02135
Phone: +1-617-731-3510
Email: service@languageconnections.com
5 International Thanksgiving Celebrations For the Interpreter to Enjoy
It’s Thanksgiving. Which means it’s autumn. Which means it’s the harvest time. Which means rejoicing and being thankful. But also that some 17th century British Christians landed on a rock and then feasted with the local natives with the help of a native interpreter?
We are here to translate, interpret and localize what this special time means around the world (and to celebrate it!)
In the past, nations would toil and pray every year for a bountiful harvest at the end of the summer so they would have enough to eat during the winter. In continental climates (regions with hot summers and freezing winters), this was a natural and common concern.
In such a situation, a successful harvest was very much cause for joy and merrymaking. Let’s look at five countries’ holiday traditions and see what makes each one a little bit different.
1. Japan: Thanksgiving and Labor
On November 23rd, the Japanese commemorate Labor Thanksgiving Day. People give thanks for their productivity and their workers. Although the holiday has roots in the Shinto harvest ceremony Niiname-sai, it was actually instated by law during the post-World War II American occupation of Japan.
2. Germany: A Bucolic Thanksgiving For the Interpreter
The Erntedankfest, or the Harvest Thanksgiving Festival, takes place in the Urdenbach borough of the city of Düsseldorf. It’s a Christian harvest festival that is celebrated every first Sunday of October. Autumnal crops are arranged in remarkably artful ways to decorate streets, public buildings, and procession cars.
3. Mexico: Say a Thanksgiving Prayer
Mexico’s close proximity with the United States has resulted in the adoption of the Thanksgiving holiday, called by locals: Día de Acción de Gracias. Given the deep-set Roman Catholic belief system, Thanksgiving is taken as an overtly religious holiday. And, oftentimes, they will roast a pig rather than a turkey!
4. Rwanda: Age-Old Thanksgiving Tradition
In Rwanda, Thanksgiving correlates to Umuganura Day, observed on the first Friday of August. The celebration traces back over a thousand years as the mark of the beginning of the harvest season. Today, about 80% of Rwandans work in agriculture, making it a holiday of great national meaning.
5. USA: An Interpreter Saves Thanksgiving
In the year 1620, 102 people landed on Plymouth Rock (in modern-day Massachusetts) on a ship called the Mayflower. They were British Separatists fleeing prosecution, but we commonly refer to them as Pilgrims. In the unfamiliar, already-occupied land, the odds of survival were stacked against the group from the start.
These Europeans would ultimately survive through trade and collaboration with Native American tribes. This liaison was possible because of two Natives who spoke English as a foreign language: Samoset and, more famously, Tisquantum, also known as Squanto, who spoke English fluently and provided language interpreting.
Thanksgiving Translation in Every Language
Professional language service is how we do business with our neighbors, how we market our products and services, how we expand international aid and immigration law translation. But it is also how we fraternize, bond, and share what we are grateful for with our global community.
Contact us with your language needs and forge connections with international reach.
Thank you for joining us! Happy Thanksgiving from everyone at Language Connections!
About Language Connections:
Language Connections is one of the top language service companies in the US. Over the last 30 years, we’ve focused on providing the best business translation services, interpreting services, as well as interpreter training and customized language training programs. In addition to top-tier corporate language training, we offer certified corporate interpreters and professional business translation services in 200+ languages. Our network includes linguists with backgrounds in all major industries. They’re ready to meet your needs, whether they’re for technical translation services, legal translation, government translation services, international development translation services, education translation services, life sciences translation, or something else. Reach out to us today for a free quote on our cost-efficient and timely translation services, interpreters, or other linguistic services.
Language Connections LLC
2001 Beacon Street, Suite 105,
Boston, MA 02135
Phone: +1-617-731-3510
Email: service@languageconnections.com
Armistice Day and Its Meaning Around the World
Last week, on November 11th, it was Armistice Day.
Armistice Day coincides with Veterans Day in the United States and Remembrance Day in Commonwealth countries. The significance of the holiday is commonly attributed to honoring those who serve, served, and lost their lives serving in the military. But what’s the history of Armistice Day?
The Signing of the Armistice
World War I ended “on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” in 1918. The four years of WWI stunned the world. No one had ever witnessed such great capacity for destruction and death all at once, a result of new technological advances in weaponry and the advent of industrialization.
After four years of a war that caused about 40 million in casualties, the final remaining Central Power, Germany, was running out of supplies and manpower. At 6:45 in the morning on November 11th of 1918, in the private railcar of French commander Ferdinand Foch, Germany signed an armistice with the Allies. It took effect 11 o’clock that morning, thereby ending all hostilities and effectively ending the war.
World Celebrations of Armistice Day
Armistice Day became a holiday in many countries all over the world. In 1938 in the United States, Armistice Day was marked with so many ceremonies, religious services, and parades that Congress approved an act to make it into a legal holiday. In 1954, the holiday was renamed Veterans Day.
Gatherings are a common way to celebrate Armistice Day in observant nations. But, for example, in the UK, Remembrance Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of November. At 11 o’clock in the morning, a two-minute period of silence is observed throughout the country.
Additionally, in the UK and Canada, the poppy flower is considered a symbol of the armistice. So, paper and cloth poppies can be seen adorning towns and people’s clothing. For this reason, sometimes Remembrance Day is known as Poppy Day.
The Language of Armistice
Armistice Day is a day to celebrate world peace, honor, and service. With so many different countries involved, one can only imagine the effect of linguists, translators, and interpreters at such a critical time.
We are proud to be in that line of work, with the hope of supporting law, education, and international development. Our promise is to offer specialized language services – such as immigration law translation, medical device labeling translation, community interpreting, or simply full language service – with the highest efficacy and quality.
About Language Connections:
Language Connections is one of the top language service companies in the US. Over the last 30 years, we’ve focused on providing the best business translation services, interpreting services, localization services, as well as interpreter training and customized language training programs. In addition to top-tier corporate language training, we offer certified corporate interpreters and professional business translation services in 200+ languages. Our network includes linguists with backgrounds in all major industries. They’re ready to meet your needs, whether they’re for technical translation services, legal translation, government translation services, international development translation services, education translation services, life sciences translation, or something else. Reach out to us today for a free quote on our cost-efficient and timely translation services, interpreters, or other linguistic services.
Language Connections Inc.
2001 Beacon Street, Suite 105,
Boston, MA 02135
Phone: +1-617-731-3510
Email: service@languageconnections.com
What Is Diwali And How Is It Celebrated?
Last week, November 4th, was Diwali 2021!
For Westerners to get a better understanding of what is Diwali right off the bat, let us start by saying that Diwali is to Hindus as Christmas is to Christians. In other words, very important and meaningful; a massive festival celebrated in collective unison.
The festival lasts five days, stretches back 2,500 years in tradition, and marks the beginning of the Indian fiscal year. But there’s much more to it than that. Let’s break down the aspects of Diwali to understand what it is.
What’s In a Name
The word comes from the Hindi translation dīvālī, which in turn comes from the Sanskrit dīpāvalī, meaning “row of lights”. If we break it down, dīpā means “lamp” and vali means “row”, evoking the literal translation of a row of lamps. Which more than fitting, since Diwali is a festival of lights.
The Rules
Every year, India lights up with clay oil lamps called diyas. Hindu families place them wherever they can around the interior and exterior of their homes.
Each day in the festival has a name, the third of which is Diwali. It’s considered to be the most important day, which is why the festival often takes its name. The day of Diwali is the last day of the year that is ending, a Hindu New Year’s Eve, if you will.
Diwali follows the lunar calendar, making it so it usually falls sometime in October or November. The day of Diwali falls on the new moon phase in the Hindu month of Kartik, ringing in the new year in the Indian national calendar.
Kartik is considered to be the holiest month of the year. The day of Diwali falls on the fifteenth day of Kartik, as coincides with the new moon phase.
What Are We Celebrating?
Diwali is not just is the celebration of a new year, prayers for prosperity, and new beginnings.
The mythological story behind Diwali changes depending on the community. But, to everyone alike, the festival celebrates the triumph of light over darkness. In fact, it represents a general victory of positive over negative: strength over weakness, good over bad, and knowledge over ignorance.
The More, the Merrier
Although Diwali is thought of as originating in Hinduism, Hindus aren’t its only celebrants.
Joining in the party are Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists, particularly Newar Buddhists. Countries that see large Diwali festivals include Sri Lanka, Nepal, Singapore, Indonesia, and even Western countries like Canada and the UK.
The 5 Days of Diwali
Day 1 (Dhanteras): Participants of the festival clean their homes and buy decorations with a gold color theme, including jewelry and utensils for mealtimes.
Day 2 (Choti Diwali): This is the day that decorating with clay oil lamps can finally begin. But there is more decorating to be done: floors and tabletops are embellished with sands and powdered pigments in a traditional Indian design called rangoli, a sign of welcome to all and good luck.
Day 3 (Diwali): To those who observe the festival, this is most important of the five days. Families gather at temples to carry out a ritual prayer to the goddess Lakshmi, goddess of wealth, called Lakshmi puja. After, there is a bountiful feast, the sharing of sweet festive treats, and a display of fireworks.
Day 4 (Padwa): The fourth day is the first day of the new year. On this occasion, there are visits from relatives and friends, prompting hearty well-wishing for a prosperous future and the exchanging of gifts. Marital relationships receive extra celebratory attention.
Day 5 (Bhai Duj): On the last day of Diwali, families visit their in-laws, who receive them with another special and sprawling feast. Sibling relationships are emphasized and exalted.
Diwali Across Languages
The themes of Diwali are prosperity, multiculturalism, and service to others.
We, at Language Connections, believe in these principles, too. We help businesses in all areas (tech and life sciences, education, law, etc.) grow through language services like website localization, remote conference interpreting, and eLearning translation.
Make sure your enterprise only works with the best professional translators in the world. And on that note, shubh Diwali, or happy Diwali, to all!
About Language Connections:
Language Connections is one of the top language service companies in the US. Over the last 30 years, we’ve focused on providing the best business translation services, interpreting services, localization services, as well as interpreter training and customized language training programs. In addition to top-tier corporate language training, we offer certified corporate interpreters and professional business translation services in 200+ languages. Our network includes linguists with backgrounds in all major industries. They’re ready to meet your needs, whether they’re for technical translation services, legal translation, government translation services, international development translation services, education translation services, life sciences translation, or something else. Reach out to us today for a free quote on our cost-efficient and timely translation services, interpreters, or other linguistic services.
Language Connections Inc.
2001 Beacon Street, Suite 105,
Boston, MA 02135
Phone: +1-617-731-3510
Email: service@languageconnections.com
Keeping Warm This Winter – 3 Tips From Around the World
It’s November, which means that, in the northern hemisphere, the cold is here and winter is coming. We thought his would be an opportune time to talk about some of the special ways different peoples keep warm around the world – besides the obvious putting on some mittens and plugging in your heater, of course!
1. Denmark: Where Keeping Warm is an Art
By now, you probably know how to hygge (pronounced HOO-ga). In recent years, the hygge, a Danish concept wherein one harnesses the bitter winter cold to generate a profound sensation of coziness and well-being, has made quite an international splash. But we would be remiss if we didn’t give our old friend, the hygge, a nod.
For those who skipped the hype, the hygge, in action, looks like wearing thick, plushy clothing; sipping hot, comforting beverages from mirthful mugs; and creating a bright atmosphere. This may sound like something you already do in the winter. The point, with hygge, is doing it as a conscious behavior.
2. Arctic and Antarctic Indigenous Peoples: Pile on the Meat
Peoples living in the polar regions (like Yaghans, Inuits, and Nenets) share some techniques for keeping warm that are rather exclusive – because they’re genetic:
- > They can consume an amount of fat that would make members of most other ethnicities ill
- > They subsist almost entirely on meat
- > And they have faster metabolisms that generate more body heat
While you can’t change your genes, you can still glean some valuable cold weather tips. And these tips would all, essentially, tie back to one: the basic understanding that a balanced diet, in the winter, naturally tends to include a relatively higher amount of protein and healthy fats.
3. Norway: No Fear of the Dark!
Like many geographically northern or southernmost nations, Norway doesn’t just have uncompromising temperatures as a factor in the winter. It also has the serious problem of a total lack of light – for three months. November to February is what Norwegians know as (not to use the Norwegian translation) “the dark period.”
Resulting cases of seasonal affective disorder and vitamin D deficiencies are managed by one ingredient Norwegians swear by: Tran. It’s cod liver oil – although it has an off-putting taste and smell, the practice is to have one spoonful at breakfast every day. And that’s what takes the place of sunlight.
Keep Warm and Translate
Concepts like the hygge swept across the world through languages services like book, video, and marketing localization. Similar phenomena happen in the realms of law, business, and scientific endeavors. For business translation services at the best translation company, make sure to come hygge with us this winter!
About Language Connections:
Language Connections is one of the top language service companies in the US. Over the last 30 years, we’ve focused on providing the best business translation services, interpreting services, localization services, as well as interpreter training and customized language training programs. In addition to top-tier corporate language training, we offer certified corporate interpreters and professional business translation services in 200+ languages. Our network includes linguists with backgrounds in all major industries. They’re ready to meet your needs, whether they’re for technical translation services, legal translation, government translation services, international development translation services, education translation services, life sciences translation, or something else. Reach out to us today for a free quote on our cost-efficient and timely translation services, interpreters, or other linguistic services.
Language Connections Inc.
2001 Beacon Street, Suite 105,
Boston, MA 02135
Phone: +1-617-731-3510
Email: service@languageconnections.com
3 Spooky Halloween Short Stories from Around the World
It’s almost Halloween. Wrap yourself up like a mummy and get wrapped up in these three spooky Halloween short stories from abroad. We’ve got a mythological monster, a dead man who is still active in his community, and a baroness who made her poor servants’ lives a living hell.
These stories come to us through oral history, language translation, and localization (so we don’t feel like we’re hearing it from a robot or miss any of the juicy details.) There’s a fair amount of gore in these stories so perhaps calling a medical translator could be in order. Don’t read with the lights out!
1. Fenrir: Wolf of Halloween (Scandinavia)
In Norse mythology, Fenrir is a monstrous wolf who never stops growing in size and has supernatural strength. When he was born, the gods were intimidated by the havoc he would wreak and decided to raise Fenrir themselves in Asgard. The only god brave enough to approach and feed Fenrir was Týr.
Fenrir was getting too big to be kept in Asgard. The gods twice tricked Fenrir into becoming bound in chains, but both times his strength won. For their third attempt, they presented a special, lighter chain. Fenrir became suspicious and understood the gods’ intentions wasn’t tomfoolery, but capture.
So, Fenrir said he would let them bind him again if, this time, one of the gods rested a hand in his jaws during the process. The terrified gods knew Fenrir’s intention was to bite the hand off. Knowing his sacrifice would be for the good of the Nine Worlds, Týr chose to volunteer.
As soon as the tethered Fenrir realized that the new magical chain was unbreakable, he chomped down on Týr’s hand and swallowed it whole. Týr lost his hand, but Fenrir was finally contained – for now.
2. Petar Blagojević: Dead and Kicking (Serbia)
The word “vampire” comes from the extremely similar Serbian word vampir. And the first vampire in Serbia was a real man who once lived. His name was Petar Blagojević. A peasant in a small village, he led an ordinary life. It wasn’t until he was deceased that his name spread across Europe.
In a wave of vampire hysteria, Petar was held responsible for nine murders – even though he was already dead. Within eight days of his passing, nine people died. On their deathbeds, the decedents reported that Petar Blagojevic had visited their rooms at night and tried to choke them.
Petar’s family also received postmortem visits. His wife reported that he came to her asking for his sandals. In response, she moved away from town, as did many others who feared a chance meeting. Petar then visited his son, asking for food. When his son did not comply, Petar bit and murdered him.
The villagers decided to disinter Petar’s body. To their astonishment, the body looked as though it were alive and active – in fact, with fresh excess blood spilling from the mouth, it looked like the corpse had recently made a kill. Ultimately, they drove a stake through the chest and incinerated the body.
3. Elizabeth Bathory: Creepy Halloween Queen (Hungary)
Born Erzsébet Báthory in 1560 in the Kingdom of Hungary, this real-life historical figure is known for the one atrocity that she probably didn’t actually commit. The legend goes that in her middle-age, she would drip-dry young virgin girls for their blood, collect it in a tub, and bathe herself. Very, very dark.
Unfortunately, the verified facts are not less dark – Elizabeth Bathory was a serial killer. It all began with her early life influences. As a child that suffered from epileptic episodes, she underwent the treatment of the time, which consisted of rubbing the blood of a non-epileptic onto the lips.
At the age of 13, she would bear and dispose of an illegitimate child. When she was married at 14, her husband had the child’s father, a peasant, castrated and thrown to a pack of wild dogs. Whenever the couple was together, they bonded over a shared interest in the torture of their servant girls.
By the end of her life, Elizabeth and her inner circle murdered 650 girls, with 306 testimonials filed against her in court. Because of her social stature, an agreement was made whereby she would not have to stand trial, sparing her family the embarrassment. Instead, she would go straight to prison.
Halloween Spooks and Delights
It’s amazing to think these ancient spooky stories have been immortalized through simple document translation. That is the relevance of language services. Not only can cultures all over the world take part in the fun but, amazingly, these stories inspire new articles and web content every day.
Every enterprise has a story. Tell other countries the story of your enterprise through translation, conference interpreting, and web localization. If you’re in the business of medical or legal issues (hopefully not like the ones described in today’s Halloween stories), we can be of service.
Happy Halloween 2021!
About Language Connections:
Language Connections is one of the top language service companies in the US. Over the last 30 years, we’ve focused on providing the best business translation services, interpreting services, localization services, as well as interpreter training and customized language training programs. In addition to top-tier corporate language training, we offer certified corporate interpreters and professional business translation services in 200+ languages. Our network includes linguists with backgrounds in all major industries. They’re ready to meet your needs, whether they’re for technical translation services, legal translation, government translation services, international development translation services, education translation services, life sciences translation, or something else. Reach out to us today for a free quote on our cost-efficient and timely translation services, interpreters, or other linguistic services.
Language Connections Inc.
2001 Beacon Street, Suite 105,
Boston, MA 02135
Phone: +1-617-731-3510
Email: service@languageconnections.com
5 Linguistic Divides in Separatist Movements of Today
Separatist movements around the world represent nations’ pursuit of self-rule, secession, and independence. In that process, their goal is to separate themselves politically from larger nations that have control over them. The reasons vary, but can all be traced back to feelings of subjugation.
A condition that aggravates relationships between linked nations is a discrepancy in language; especially if one of the means of subjugation is the prohibition of a minority language. Let’s take a peek at the nature of these linguistic relationships in a few principal separatist movements from around the world today.
1. Catalonia
Catalonia is currently a province of Spain, whose only official language is Spanish. For Catalonians, this can be a bit of a blow, because their language is not Spanish, but Catalan.
Most people around the world aren’t aware of the Catalan language. And if they are, their first assumption is that it’s a dialect of Spanish, since Catalonia is located in Spain. But the reality is that Catalan is a romance language just like Spanish, Portuguese, French, and Italian.
2. Flanders
Belgium is divided into the regions of Flanders and Wallonia, which are linguistically and culturally distinct from each other. The language spoken in Flanders is Flemish and in Wallonia, French.
Flemish, being a dialect of Dutch, is quite different from French. Additionally, you will find that the vast majority of political conservativism in Belgium concentrates among its Flemish citizens. From this movement stems the nationalism that begets the separatist movement in Flanders.
3. Tibet
Along with Mandarin Chinese, Lhasa Tibetan (or Standard Tibetan) is the official language of Tibet (or Tibet Autonomous Region – TAR). It is typically spoken by the formally educated dwellers of the Tibetan capital, Lhasa, and is one of three Tibetan dialects.
Mandarin and Lhasa Tibetan are both descended from the Sino-Tibetan language family, but are now two completely mutually unintelligible languages. Tibet fell into the hands of the People’s Republic of China in 1951, and has been vindicating their independence ever since.
4. Palestine
Because of the current war between Palestine and Israel, which began when the UN founded Israel in 1948, both Arabic and Hebrew are spoken in the region. Arabic, historically, was the local language, but that changed with the artificial revival of the Hebrew language in the 20th century.
Arabic peoples in the Middle East have been working to obtain self-rule since the time they were subjects of the Ottoman Empire. In the case of Palestinians, that quest is not yet over.
5. Scotland
Scotland entered a formal union with England in the 18th century, forming Great Britain and causing English to replace Scots as the local language. That said, the English spoken in Scotland has its own characteristics, causing it to be referred to as Scottish English.
Feelings of oppression from England have prompted Scotland to look to “home rule” since the 20th century. This phenomenon culminated in 2014 with a very close result in a referendum regarding whether Scotland should secede.
Languages as Symbols of Resistance
In many cases of separatist movements, the minority side deliberately adheres to their language, even if it isn’t as useful to learn, in the name of preserving their culture. For this reason, the work of international translators and interpreters for small languages is vital, as their work advances that endeavor.
Through document translation in science, legal justice, and commerce, the relevance of a language persists. Conference interpreting and website localization (for nuanced linguistic distinctions) are also impactful measures to increase international awareness a language.
About Language Connections:
Language Connections is one of the top language service companies in the US. Over the last 30 years, we’ve focused on providing the best business translation services, interpreting services, localization services, as well as interpreter training and customized language training programs. In addition to top-tier corporate language training, we offer certified corporate interpreters and professional business translation services in 200+ languages. Our network includes linguists with backgrounds in all major industries. They’re ready to meet your needs, whether they’re for technical translation services, legal translation, government translation services, international development translation services, education translation services, life sciences translation, or something else. Reach out to us today for a free quote on our cost-efficient and timely translation services, interpreters, or other linguistic services.
Language Connections Inc.
2001 Beacon Street, Suite 105,
Boston, MA 02135
Phone: +1-617-731-3510
Email: service@languageconnections.com
