Foreign Language in Education: Europe vs. USA
Key Points Introduction With nearly 200 countries, close to 7,000 languages, and over 7.1 billion people worldwide, cross-cultural communication can be extremely challenging. Every day, people face language barriers that lead to miscommunication and, in some cases, life-altering outcomes. Foreign language education in the United States and Europe reflects very different priorities. In more than […]
The Future of Simultaneous Interpretation
A few weeks ago, we covered a brief history of simultaneous interpretation. This week, we’ll look ahead and explore what the future holds for simultaneous interpretation, focusing on advancements in technology, real-time interpretation, and the changing role of professional interpreters. Simultaneous interpretation is evolving as technology makes multilingual communication faster and more accessible. From machine […]
How to Become a UN Interpreter
The United Nations, founded on October 24, 1945, has been the cornerstone of global diplomacy and peace. Many language professionals aspire to become UN interpreters or UN translators because these are among the most respected and rewarding roles in the language industry. But what does it take to work at the UN? Here’s a complete […]
Common Myths about Simultaneous Interpretation
There are several myths and misunderstandings surrounding the field of translation. Some are larger than others, and more or less harmless. Let’s take a look at the five most common myths about simultaneous interpretation. The biggest misunderstanding of them all. Using translation and interpretation interchangeably, while understandable, is like nails on a chalkboard for those […]
Embracing a Multilingual World| Pokémon’s Expansion in Nine Languages
Key Points Introduction In an increasingly interconnected world, embracing language and cultural diversity has never been more important. Recognizing this, The Pokémon Company expanded the Pokémon series to accommodate a global community. In the Nintendo Direct presentation on February 26, 2016, Tsunekazu Ishihara announced the release of Pokémon Sun and Moon — making them available […]
The 50th Super Bowl in several languages
The Denver Broncos are League Champions once again after nearly 20 years. Having appeared in the playoffs every year since 2011, the team finally broke through against the Carolina Panthers, and won the 50th Super Bowl. The national anthem was sung this year by Lady Gaga, and was performed in American Sign Language by Marlee […]
First International Resolution to Protect Interpreters from Threats, Kidnapping, Injury, Death and Imprisonment
The Critical Role of Military Translators and Interpreters Linguists, more popularly known as translators, who work behind the scenes for the military, are in constant danger. Allies and foes alike view these professionals as spies and do everything in their power to prevent linguists from carrying out their mission: to protect fellow soldiers by translating […]
What do linguists do with undocumented languages?
Introduction to Linguists and Undocumented Languages Many people believe that linguists have cataloged all the world’s languages. However, in reality, some populations are so isolated that their languages remain undocumented. Occasionally, researchers stumble upon a completely unknown language, spoken by a small group, but otherwise unknown to the wider world. In most cases, linguists know […]
As Ichiro Inches Closer to Hit #3000, Let’s Congratulate Allen Turner
It was April 2nd, 2001 when Ichiro Suzuki recorded his first Major League hit, a base hit up the middle off of Oakland Athletic pitcher T.J. Mathews. It was 15 years ago when I witnessed the first Japanese position player in MLB history record three hits, drive in two runs, and steal two bases against […]
Deaf West Theatre’s Spring Awakening Brings American Sign Language to the Tony Awards
On June 12th, 2016 the 70th annual Tony Awards captured the attention of nearly nine million American viewers as the hit musical Hamilton racked up an astounding eleven honors. However, many believe the most noteworthy performance to grace the Beacon Theatre stage Sunday night was Deaf West Theatre’s reproduction of Spring Awakening, one of the […]