Malaysians Debate Language...

Malaysian politicians, schools, activists and parents have been engaged in a furious debate over what language to use for instructing the nation’s schoolchildren in math and science. Now, MSNBC reports that negotiations between the different camps have reached a standstill. The issue is emotional...

Online Social Site Offers Machine Transl...

One of the earliest Utopian promises of the Internet was that it would connect the world and give different cultures a greater understanding of each other. Imagine if you could sit at a coffee shop and talk to people from across the world, and hear what they have to say. In theory, at least, everyone...

Happy New Year in 15 Languages...

Well… as 2008 draws to a close we’d like to wish all of you all the very best for 2009 – in 15 languages. Translation of Happy New Year Happy New Year in Chinese Simplified: 新年快乐 Happy New Year in Chinese Traditional: 新年好 Happy New Year in French: Très bonne année Happy...

Don’t Jump…. Get yourself a donkey!...

Translating documents is not an easy business, a word can mean one thing in one language but something different in another if translated literally. When translating important life saving information leaflets it is essential to proofread the text to make sure it reads correctly and fluently. Here is...

Germany Seeks to Enshrine the German Lan...

What could be more German than the German language? At least, that’s the question being asked by members of the German Christian Democrat political party, which is seeking to change the German Constitution to include the following 6 words: “The language of the Federal Republic of Germany...

The whole world speaks Engrish...

At a conference in Germany last week I was talking to a Japanese guy who worked for a manufacturer of medical equipment… This is how the conversation went. Me: Do you translate your material for use in markets outside of Japan? Him: No… hahaha… there is… er… no… er… need Me: May I ask...

Free Translation of ‘Merry Christm...

Every year we get asked to supply the translation for ‘Merry Christmas’ (people like to put it in their xmas cards). To make 2008 a truly multilingual festive season we have included the most popular languages below. Translation of ‘Merry Christmas’ Merry Christmas in Chinese...

Top 10 great examples of bad translation...

Over the years various people have sent us pictures of a number of signs and products from all over the world that (frankly) made us laugh out loud… here are the top ten. We know its funny but don’t make the mistake yourself. When you translate your signs, documents, website or...

In a Global World, Localization Still Ma...

English is the most widely taught second language around the world. However, new research from Common Sense Advisory has confirmed that even when people are confident speaking English as a second language, they feel more comfortable buying products with labels and instructions in their own language....

Saving India’s Traditional Languages...

India is a large country that contains an incredible amount of cultural diversity. As the country continues its growth into a major economic power, the modern world has begun to creep into its small, traditional villages. This brings opportunity, but can also cause people to shed their traditional languages...