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 […]
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 […]
Tips for Translating and Interpreting Colloquial Expressions in Regional Language
Key Points Languages constantly evolve, and colloquial expressions in regional languages can vary significantly from one region to another. Translators and interpreters often face challenges when working with informal language, including phonetic, lexical, and syntactical differences. When these expressions are misunderstood or translated literally, the result can be inaccurate or misleading communication. Understanding Colloquial Expressions […]
How to Market Energy Resources to People Who Don’t Speak Your Language
In the energy business, advertising is critical to receiving positive reception from your clients. However, the techniques used to market to certain clients may not necessarily be universal for all clients. Perhaps, clients who don’t speak the same language as you do may misinterpret your advertising and you may receive a negative response. This blog […]
Getting Around Japan Part 3: Public Transportation
In Part 2, we took a look at one of the main forms of Japanese public transportation: trains. This time, we’ll examine another type of Japanese public transportation available and the option of using bicycles as an alternative. Similar to trains, buses are a widely used form of transportation. Buses service both local stops and […]
Translating Concepts that Don’t Exist in your Language: How, Why, and When
Introduction In translation, not every idea travels smoothly from one language to another. Many languages contain words, expressions, and emotional concepts that simply do not exist in other languages, particularly in English. These untranslatable words often reflect deep cultural values, historical contexts, or shared social experiences. For translators and interpreters, handling such concepts is one […]
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 Busy Language Learners: Part I
One of the greatest frustrations of older language learners is the lack of available time in the day. Be it school, work, volunteering or other obligations, it seems learning and maintaining a foreign language is unrealistic or even impossible. Many websites and classes devoted to helping language students stress the need for dedication, but dedication […]
What Lunch Looks Like for People Around the World
Take a moment to reflect upon your lunches. No, not the lunch you had yesterday; think about the lunches you had in school. While most school lunches in the U.S. are pretty similar, if you were to visit another country, you would see that most countries have a variety of lunches. This article compares and […]
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 […]