Taking Translation Courses Abroad
Even before applying to be an intern at Translation Excellence (TE), the idea of translation deeply interested me. As a French and Spanish major, I was drawn to the idea of working for an industry whose primary goal is to facilitate communication among people across the globe. It was for this reason that I decided […]
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 […]
How to Prepare for a Deposition with a Japanese-Speaking Client
Many Japanese people are taught from an early age about the English language. They learn about English grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Even the best language books, however, cannot prepare a second language speaker for a different culture or legal system. When preparing a Japanese-speaking client for a deposition, remember that your client may have a […]
The Dynamic Interplay Between Society and Language
Understanding the Relationship Between Language and Society The relationship between language and society is deep and inseparable. Every community develops its own way of speaking, shaped by its history, culture, identity, and social structure. In the same way, language influences how people think, behave, and interact. Exploring language and society helps us understand why languages […]
Building Across Borders and Expanding Overseas
Taking on an overseas project? Working with clients in a different country? While expanding overseas is an exciting undertaking, it can also present a number of challenges. Some of these are more predictable than others: financial and physical limitations, for example, are to be expected when expanding overseas. Cultural challenges, however, are sometimes less obvious […]
Exploring Word Count Tools
Many translators generate their revenue by charging a rate per word. For both the company receiving translation services and the translator, having an accurate word count becomes important to ensure a fair business transaction. However, many Office programs, including Microsoft Word, do not generate an accurate word count. These programs’ standard word count tools fail […]
How to Interpret Cultural and Language Differences
Key Points Introduction In today’s interconnected world, awareness of cultural and language differences is crucial for effective global communication. Cultural interpreters play a vital role in helping people from diverse cultures connect clearly and respectfully. Many people ask, How do you handle cultural differences in interpretation? The answer lies in a deep understanding of culture, […]