Welcome to the 2014 FIFA World Cup!

Today is the day that you’ve been waiting for! June 12th, 2014 officially marks the start of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, where 32 teams will play the internationally-loved game of soccer to see who wins the title of world champion. The Cup will start with the first match today, at 2:00 p.m. Mountain time, […]
How One Game Unites the World: Things to Know for the 2014 FIFA World Cup

On June 12, all the world’s attention will be focused on the start of Brazil’s 2014 FIFA World cup; will yours be? Here’s why it should. Every four years, the world unites around its love for the game of soccer by hosting a tournament of 64 games with 32 countries from all over the world. […]
Simplify Your Life with Symbols

Mastering Symbols in Microsoft Word for Translation Work Hello, and welcome to this week’s tip-of-the-week! If you’ve missed our previous tips-of-the-week, feel free to check them out here. This week, we’re diving into the wonders of Microsoft Word to explore a highly useful feature on the “Insert” menu—Symbols. Whether you’re working on translating documents or […]
What “Oil” and “Gas” Mean in the Petroleum Industry

When interacting with the petroleum industry, the terms “oil” and “gas” come up in conversation more than any other words. However, if asked, do you actually know what “oil” and “gas” refer to? Oil is a colloquial term for crude oil, which is another way of saying petroleum. This petroleum is extracted from the ground […]
Explaining that “Freelance” Doesn’t Mean “Free Services”

Freelancers, whether they are writers, translators, or programmers, do not work for free. The term “freelance” refers to someone offering their services independently rather than being tied to a company or earning an hourly wage. However, a common question is: “What does freelance mean?” This misunderstanding often leads to misconceptions, especially in industries like translation […]
Considerations for Environmental Engineering Overseas

Although the modern study of environmental engineering is relatively new, the desire to preserve the environment while improving the quality of human life is as old as humanity itself. In his lecture on the history of this profession, Charles A. Buescher Jr., PE, DEE describes how humans have, throughout time, searched for ways to balance […]
Pros and Cons Of Switching Your Computer’s Keyboard Layout

Hello, and welcome to another tip-of-the-week! This week, we’re going to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of switching your computer’s keyboard layout particularly for those typing in a foreign language. Understanding Keyboard Layouts Across Regions Have you ever wondered about the different keyboard layouts used in non-English-speaking countries? For example, computer keyboard layouts like the […]
Japanese Language Forms| Why Formality Matters

Understanding Japanese Formality Levels People often change their speech based on who they’re talking to. When speaking to an authority figure, polite language is essential. In contrast, when talking among close friends, formality is frequently replaced with more casual, relaxed language. This adaptability is particularly evident in the Japanese language, where formality in Japanese culture […]
Marketing Your Freelance Language Service Business: What It Means

Marketing is an entire industry. From TV and radio ads to email and website banners, marketing surrounds us. We get marketing phone calls, fliers and catalogues through the mail, and elevator pitches. But what does it mean to be the one doing the marketing? What actually goes into the process of marketing your freelance language […]
Sounds of The World Cup Part 1: Samba and the Brazilian World Cup

With the Brazilian World Cup being broadcasted worldwide, Brazil often finds itself in the spotlight, not just for football but for its vibrant culture especially its music. Samba songs from Brazil represent the country’s rich history and cultural identity. This genre, with its upbeat, danceable rhythm, blends African and Portuguese influences, creating a unique musical […]