3 Embarrassing Professional Translation And Localization Mistakes
Releasing your product and/or services internationally is a must if you want to see increased profitability and gain the competitive edge over other companies. However, it must be done correctly with professional translation and localization services or else there can be some costly and interesting consequences. Below are 3 examples showcasing why internationalizing your product with the help of a professional translation agency is absolutely necessary.
KFC’s Professional Translation And Localization Mistake
America’s beloved KFC franchise wanted to expand to China in the 1980s. When KFC’s first restaurant opened up in Beijing, China, it was expected to be very successful. It might have been more successful with the use of the best translation services, as KFC’s slogan “Finger-lickin’ good” was translated to “Eat your fingers off” in Chinese.This not very appetizing slogan serves as a perfect example of why professional translation and localization is essential.
Braniff Airlines’ Costly Localization Mistake
In 1987, Braniff Airlines attempted to promote its new leather seats. When expanding into Latin America, Braniff airlines translated their English campaign, “Fly in Leather”, into “Vuelo en Cuero.” Much of Latin America was fine with the slogan; however, Mexico was not too thrilled by Braniff Airlines. Without proper localization and translation services, Braniff Airlines were not aware that in Mexico “Vuelo en Cuero” also means “Fly naked.” Clearly, there are many nuances in languages and dialectal differences that can be identified by investing in professional business translation services.
Ford’s Professional Translation And Localization Mistake
Even Ford’s name was tainted in Europe when they attempted to begin selling cars across the continent. Ford’s tagline “Every car has a high-quality body” was translated into a number of different European languages to “Every car has a high-quality corpse”, scaring off many potential buyers. If Ford had paid careful attention to accurate translation, professional translation and localization providers could have taken their tagline and translated it in a creative way to ensure a fun, catchy tagline for all languages. No matter the translation costs, going global in the proper way is well worth the investment.
Professional Translation And Localization From L.C.
Making translation mistakes like the ones listed above is not only embarrassing, but can potentially shatter a company’s reputation and credibility. Professional translations should consist of multiple rounds of quality assurance checks by industry expert linguists. Highly-skilled linguists can provide you with certified translation of slogans, marketing campaign taglines and more. Luckily, Language Connections has a pool of highly-qualified, industry-expert linguists in over 200+ languages. Contact us today for professional translation and interpreting services for your business.
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
5 Languages That Require Localization Services The Most
Investing in translation and localization services for local languages is the secret weapon for effectively marketing to global target audiences.
According to CSA Research, 75% of consumers are more likely to buy products from websites in their native language. However, determining which languages to translate content into can be difficult.
Let’s take a closer look at five languages you should definitely find a localization provider for if your organization intends to spread internationally.
Localization Services In English
It is without a doubt that English is the most spoken language in the world. It is used in 94 countries by 339 million native speakers. In addition, it is the de facto language of the United States and an official language of Australia, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and several other countries, making it an essential language for business owners.
Because English is the language of pop culture and science, it is an unstoppable force on the Internet. In fact, English is used on 53% of all websites. Therefore, if you’re aiming for an audience that frequently uses electronic devices, make sure to translate your content into English.
Localization Services in Mandarin Chinese
According to Ethnologue, one in six people in the world speaks Chinese.
China has emerged as one of the world’s most crucial e-commerce markets. E-commerce sales share increased significantly from around 24.5% in 2021, a significant driver of the country’s retail economy. E-commerce retail sales are expected to reach $3.99 trillion USD by 2026.
That’s why it’s so important to improve your global business brand by investing in Chinese translation.
Localization Services in Spanish
Spanish occupies an important place in the United States. There are more than 53 million Hispanic people. Considering the U.S population of about 329 million, this comprises 16% of American consumers. According to Pew Research Center, 78% of Spanish speakers go online frequently on mobile devices, desktops, and laptops.
Investing in website advertising localization and Spanish translation will allow you to tap into the vast Spanish-speaking market in the U.S. and abroad.
Localization in German
Did you know that Germany has the most extensive online market in Europe? Germans are very open to global products, though they lean slightly toward European ones.
They are also very well-educated consumers, researching other similar products and features before purchasing anything.
For businesses looking to go that extra mile and have a competitive edge, hiring a German translation agency will help you be a success in the German market.
Localization In Portuguese
Portuguese is the second most spoken language in Latin America, behind Spanish. Around 215 million people speak Portuguese in Portugal, Brazil, and parts of Africa.
Brazilians spend a lot of money on electronics and beauty products, as Brazil has one of the world’s largest beauty product markets. Furthermore, Brazilian e-commerce is growing in popularity. It is necessary to provide web pages in Portuguese.
To make a good impression on potential customers worldwide, translate and localize your marketing content, including website localization, video translation, or even phone interpretation.
Language Connections are willing to help improve your company’s credibility and Influence in foreign markets with their native languages.
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
Top 3 Biggest Developments in the Software Localization Industry
The demand for software localization has been growing consistently every year. Increasingly, software localization services are becoming more integral to the broader localization process. Whether the product is a website, video game, or mobile app, chances are it will require some sort of software localization. The technology and methods involved with software localization are continuously evolving. The following are three examples of some of the latest and most exciting developments in the software localization and website translation services spaces.
1. Meta’s Approach To Mobile Software Localization
Facebook is used by millions of people all over the world. By some reports, as much as 98% of users prefer to access Facebook on their mobile devices. Providing localization and translation services for all of the different languages of Facebook’s users is not a simple task. However, the engineering team at Meta has come up with a clever solution: language packs. Meta constructs a specific language pack for every single supported language. These language packs are automatically updated with new translations every time a new version of the mobile app is released. The key to this system is that the app only downloads the specific pack that the user needs. This saves time and space as the app concerns itself with only the languages the user needs.
2. The Use Of APIs For Software Localization
The software-as-a-service model has revolutionized the tech industry. This change in the business model of tech companies means that tech products have to be constantly updated as new services are provided and new users join the platform. Software localization and technology translation play an important role in this continuous development process. Localization companies have to be constantly involved, instead of simply performing a one-time localization service. To do this, translation and localization companies often build their own APIs to be able to integrate their localization tools with their client’s platform. This allows new translations and adaptations to be quickly integrated into the product, increasing the efficiency of the localization process. With so many apps connected with cloud technology, the use of APIs in the localization process contributes to a faster and more dynamic service.
3. Localization and AI
In addition to using APIs and interfacing with cloud-based technologies, software localization service companies are using cutting edge computer aided transcription systems. These systems use AI and machine learning to help make the translation and localization process more efficient and accurate. These AI and machine learning systems are constantly being improved. The speed, accuracy, and efficiency of localization and translation services will continuously grow as the technical abilities of these AI systems improve.
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
5 Times Localization Services Helped Popular Brands
Have you ever wondered how brands market their products around the world? Even when the same language is spoken, there are significant differences from place to place that need to be addressed, especially in terms of culture. As a result, localization services are needed in order to bridge cultural gaps, as translating without localization can lead to very awkward situations and put a company’s brand at risk. Localization services and translation services put together are an amazing tool to target a set group of people with common habits and customs. A whole set of world-wide brands use those services in advertising campaigns. Luckily, language service companies sell different types of services such as video translation and video localization, which help tailor commercials to a target group.
To better illustrate the advantages of localization services, we listed five times where localization helped popular brands:
1. Coca-Cola And Localization Services
Coca-Cola is perhaps one of the most recognizable brands on the planet. Given their status as a global company, they often use localization services to ensure that they target the right people through their ad campaigns. For example, when Coca-Cola launched a campaign where they decided to put names on the Coke bottles, the names they chose for each company were localized to reflect the most frequent names in a given region. For example, although “Josh” is a popular name in the US, it is obviously not as popular in Thailand.
2. Localization Services For Netflix
Netflix is another big name that knows how important it is to hire a professional translator and purchase website localization services. The most obvious example is the translation of their movies and series through dubbing and subtitling services. For instance, it is essential to localize the different notifications that pop up on your phone when a new show becomes available. According their strategy, you won’t get the same message if you live in England instead of France.
3. Nintendo And Localization Services
If there is one brand that is aware of how important it is to invest in localization services, it is certainly Nintendo. They have been purchasing localization for decade because they knew that if they wanted to be recognized by all customers regardless of language and custom, they had to make concessions and get rid of violence and sexual references in their games that can be inappropriate for certain audiences. As a result, they became a world-renowned brand used by both children and adults.
4. Samsung
This big smartphone brand was not in the many international markets for the longest time. To make its way into them, they had to use localizations services in an intelligent way. For example, they made their way into the French market by appealing to the French taste for art by hosting an art exhibition in Paris to promote the brand.
5. Domino’s
The pizza chain did something similar to Samsung when they introduced themselves to the Indian market by picking Indian cooks who personalized the pizza toppings.
For all those reasons and to make sure your marketing can be easily understood in all target markets, you need to have the best translation company by your side, whether it is for brand deals or for more conventional requests like academic translation.
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
The Top 5 Most Disastrous Localization Service Mistakes
You don’t realize how important localization is until you see the mistakes that occur when there is lack of it. When a professional localization service is not used, mistakes happen really easily. Many think that translation is enough in order to market products and services internationally, but localization is equally essential in most cases. In fact, marketing localization services must be used because a slogan made for one country might not translate well into the language of another country. There are many different factors to pay attention when localizing a text, including place names, dialects, idioms, text dimensions, and much more. Hiring a localization service is essential to ensure that a perfect translation is directed towards a target group in a culturally-sensitive fashion. Most commercials use localization services paired with good video translation services, but nevertheless, there have been some mistakes that have happened throughout the years involving very well-known brands that underestimated the importance of good web localization.
Here are five hilarious instances when localization services could have been used:
1. KFC Could Have Used A Localization Service
Their famous slogan “Finger lickin’ good” was translated to “Eat your fingers off” in China. Such a mistranslation could have easily been avoided if they had used a localization service and proof-read it. These mistakes are funny now, but at the time, this must have been really awkward to explain.
2. Honda Didn’t Use A Professional Localization Service
For Honda, investing in a localization service partner might have avoided the mistake of presenting their car model as a “Fitta” in Japan even though the car’s name referred to a woman’s intimate parts. Imagine if this had happened in the internet age; it would have easily gone viral. This story proves that it is important to invest in website translation services and localization when exporting to foreign markets
3. A Localization Service Could Have Helped Pepsi
Pepsi’s localization mistake is also really awkward. They translated their slogan, “Come alive! You’re in the Pepsi Generation!”, to “Pepsi brings your ancestors back from the dead!” in Mandarin and Cantonese and “Rise from the grave with Pepsi!” in German. Clearly, they would have avoided this mistake if they invested in a certified localization service and translation services.
4. The Case of Electrolux
This case especially demonstrates the importance of marketing localization services. The slogan for the company, Electrolux, when translated into English, read, “Nothing sucks like an Electrolux.”. Here the Swedish brand was talking about their new vacuum, but unfortunately the lack of professional localization services created an embarrassing situation for the company. Obviously, this model didn’t sell well in the American market.
5. Parker
The Mexican Pen brand had the slogan, “It won’t leak in your pocket and embarrass you” in Spanish. Even if their slogan worked in Spanish, they mistranslated it in English to, “It won’t leak in your pocket and make you pregnant” in English. Such a mistake does not look well at all for a brand whether it is in a commercial or in a webpage; brands should never underestimate the power of investing in a localization service.
A localization service is not limited to providing marketing localization; it can also provide elearning translation services and localization, video translation, and website localization. In today’s age, it is essential to think seriously about website localization and how they can help your company’s marketing.
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
4 Industry Examples Of How Online Marketing Localization Shapes Business
Websites and ecommerce use the most marketing localization because that is the most effective way for marketing material to be disseminated. So, let’s look at the localized marketing campaigns of a few different types of businesses and see how language localization powered those strategies.
1. International Development Marketing Localization
Have you ever visited the website of an international development organization and found that, depending on the language you select, the content changes? This kind of localization is done to ensure the content displayed is relevant to the visitor, depending on where they are geographically.
2. Tourism Website Localization
Major travel sites use localization to distinguish themselves through a sense of personalization. For example, they might provide translation for user-generated content, like reviews. Additionally, they might generate content that users grow to trust for clever travel guide tips.
3. Entertainment Platform Marketing Localization
If you look at your preferred entertainment platform for films and TV shows, you’ll notice marketing localization all over the place. In fact, it’s built into the production. Through suggestions appearing on your interface, language dubbing and subtitling, and international shoots, localization keeps consumers engaged.
4. Video Game Localization
In the case of video games, companies strive for an ideal balance between the culture depicted in the game and that of the person playing. For example, the video game might be set in Japan, while the user is American.
The goal is to deliver an experience that feels culturally authentic to the user. To this end, localization happens alongside development, as opposed to after product completion.
Let’s Localize
Whatever the industry of your project, working with the best language translation agencies is a must. We’re here to help your business reach a targeted, international audience in all your language needs, from marketing and eLearning localization to patent translation.
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
How Does Clinical Trial Translation Aid the Clinical Trial Process?
One of the instrumental working parts in the fields of life science and biotechnology is the development of new medical treatments that will improve the quality of life for people living with a health condition. Clinical trial translation is central to this process.
Clinical trials are medical research studies in people. The goal is to evaluate if a drug, surgical procedure, or behavioral intervention is safe and effective in humans. The process involves testing specific treatments, finding appropriates dosages and measures, and looking for side effects.
Clinical trials can be used to for:
- > Studying emergent medical treatments
- > Finding treatments that have fewer or less harmful side effects than currently available treatments
- > Identifying new health issues
- > Preventing illness eruption
Observational Studies
Clinical trials are one of two types of medical research. The other is called observational studies and serves to prompt new clinical trials. In such studies, healthcare professionals collect data through exams or questionnaires in uncontrolled environments, with the goal of detecting changes over time.
Clinical Trial Documents
The clinical trial process is shaped by procedural bureaucratic steps, represented by clinical trial documents:
- > Clinical trial protocols (CTPs), which delimit the trial’s objectives and methodology
- > Documents containing experiment instructions
- > Consent forms
- > Patient reported outcomes (PROs), which provide direct participant feedback
The 4 Phases of Clinical Trials
In the United States, there are four phases in clinical trials.
Phase I Trials
In a Phase I trial, the focus is testing a treatment on a small group of 20 to 80 healthy people. Here, the goal is to is to assess and draw an initial conclusion on safety, side effects, and appropriate drug dosages.
Phase II Trials
In Phase II trials, focus shifts to compiling preliminary data regarding treatment effectiveness on people with a particular health problem. Larger groups are used, usually between 100 and 300 people, which is part of the reason Phase II can take years.
Phase III Trials
Data collection broadens it reach in Phase III trials. Studies comprehend varying dosages, populations, and treatment combinations. Test groups are larger, from a few hundred to a few thousand people. In the USA, the FDA has to approve the results of Phase III trials in order for the study to go on.
Phase IV Trials
With Phase IV, tests continue with an even larger group, as the goal is to get more diversity and, if relevant, explore findings in targeted populations (e.g. a given age group). Testing also becomes more in-depth; for example, some applications may go on for a lifetime.
The Role of Clinical Trial Translation
Nowadays, clinical trials are a global affair, as companies tend to carry out their studies in strategic and economically-emergent countries. This implicates a direct need for clinical trial translation and localization services for the fundamental documents: the CTP, instructions, PRO, and consent forms.
In fact, language services are entrenched in several of the clinical trial stages:
- > Clinical research
- > Regulatory submission
- > Review
- > Directions for manufacture and production
- > Marketing localization
Clinical trials are a significant investment, which generates further motivation to maximize chances of success. Proper clinical trial document translation ensures a functional process with minimal error and damage, culminating in the approval of regulatory bodies.
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
Which Type of Bilingual Are You? There Are 3 Types
There are three major types of bilinguals. If you’re bilingual, the type that corresponds to you has a great deal to do with the stage of life in which you were learning a second language. It also carries influence over the way that you think and socialize.
Bilinguals of any type can become proficient in their second language, meaning that differences may very well never be spotted by listeners. The classification informs effective bilingual education design for children, as well as adult language training and assessment.
1. Compound Bilinguals
A toddler that moves with their family to a new country will grow up with two linguistic codes that tie back to one single consolidated set of concepts. This is the language structure that classifies a person as a compound bilingual.
So, a toddler who’s left, say, their native Romania to go live in England will grow to be able to express themselves in both Romanian and English. The two languages, however, won’t represent situational distinction for them. For more clarity, let’s look at the next type of bilingualism.
2. Coordinate Bilinguals
Let’s say that instead of a toddler, the child in the family moving from Romania to England had been a teenager. In this case, the child grows with two sets of concepts in their mind, each associated with one of the languages in their language pair, Romanian and English.
The typical manifestation, in this case, would be the adoption of English in school, while Romanian continues to be used at home and in the community. The key characteristic in coordinate bilinguals is this separation in the form, purpose, and environment in which each language is used.
3. Subordinate Bilinguals
The last sort of bilingualism could be exemplified through the parents in our migrating family. As naturals of Romania and full-grown adults, they are proficient in Romanian. The move to England, however, means they need to use their languages faculties to adopt English as well.
The assimilation of English unfurls through a process of filtering in the new language through the one they already know, comparable to simple translation. For instance, in their minds, the Romanian word for a familiar concept like “car” would simply be replaced with the appropriate English word.
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