Essential Japanese Phrases for International Business

Key Points Going abroad for business, especially when you do not know the language, can feel overwhelming. Stepping into a new culture, in the hopes of expanding your business, requires not only strategy but also an understanding of essential Japanese business phrases. Japanese business phrases are a good place to start, as learning some key […]
Translating Japanese Haiku: Does the Meaning Remain?

Furu ike ya Kawazu tobikomu Mizu no oto -Bashō The ancient pond A frog jumps in: Plop! -Donald Keene The tradition of Japanese poetry dates back to ancient times, as far back as the eighth century with the compilation of the Man’yōshū, the oldest anthology of Japanese poetry (Donald Keene). Originally, longer poems, known as […]
Reading Novels in a Foreign Language

Are you interested in improving your language proficiency through reading? Engaging with novels can be a more enjoyable alternative to reading articles, as they immerse you in plot-driven narratives that help enhance vocabulary and grammar. Many learners find that novels in a foreign language provide a unique way to develop comprehension skills and make language […]
Understanding Translation Costs

When completing translation projects, one of the biggest concerns for clients and translators alike is understanding translation costs. Should translation services be charged per word, per hour, or by project? While most language service providers prefer per-word pricing, let’s explore both methods to determine the best approach. How Much Does a Translation Cost? The cost […]
Tips for learning Japanese as a Second Language

Introduction For an English speaker, learning Japanese can seem overwhelming. With kanji, katakana, hiragana, and a new grammar structure, the learning process can seem nearly impossible. Despite this initial shock, Japanese is a completely accessible language to English speakers, even though learning Japanese will take time and commitment. Check out these Japanese language learning tips […]
Target Non-English Speakers| Expanding Your Market with 3 Tips

Expanding your company is a good way to continue to grow and develop brand recognition. This can be done in many ways; for example, you could develop new products that appeal to a specific age group or create options to attract more buyers. Another important approach to consider in broadening your market is appealing to […]
How Does Language Affect Event Perception?

Key Points: How Event Language Shapes Thought and Influences Perception As we have discussed in previous blogs, research conducted over the past few decades suggests that the language we speak affects our perception of the world. The extent of this influence is debated, but it is generally accepted that our native language can shape how […]
To Translate or Not to Translate Your Business Cards

Are you a freelance translator or interpreter looking to make a strong first impression with your business cards? Many professionals in the translation industry wonder if they should invest in business card translation services. Translating your business cards can offer significant advantages, especially in breaking down communication barriers and ensuring that clients feel comfortable when […]
Should I Study my Client’s Language?

As most people with careers in the marketing business will tell you, the most important aspect to consider when marketing your service or business to your clients is their needs and interests. This is why when marketing internationally, it is important to market to your client’s culture, whether or not they speak your same language. […]
How Do You Zip Files and Folders?

In the tip-of-the-week on Sept. 24, 2014, we discussed simple methods of encrypting your files. Today, we will explain how to compress, or “zip”, your files. Not only do compressed folders and files take up less space (and thus send more quickly over email), they can also provide additional encryption capabilities, depending on the method […]