For corporations and organizations with diverse workforces, this time of year often comes with updated policies, communications, and documentation. Ensuring that every employee, regardless of their native language, can fully understand and engage with these materials is paramount.
This is where a Language Services Provider (LSP) steps in, playing a pivotal role in fostering effective communication and upholding inclusivity in the workplace.
The Multifaceted Function of an LSP
A language services provider, like Teneo Linguistics Company (TLC), is a professional entity specializing in linguistic and cultural solutions. Within the context of human resources, an LSP’s primary role is translating vital documents such as employee handbooks, policies, training materials, and compliance forms into various languages.
Facilitating Clear Communication
Effective communication is the cornerstone of a successful organization. In multinational companies, where employees may speak a multitude of languages, a comprehensive translation of HR documents is indispensable.
This ensures that every member of the team comprehends their rights, responsibilities, and the company’s expectations, thus promoting a harmonious and productive work environment.
Legal Compliance and Risk Mitigation
Inaccurate or incomplete translations of HR documents can lead to legal complications and risks. Compliance with local labor laws and regulations is paramount when a company operates in multiple jurisdictions.
An LSP with expertise in HR translations ensures that every document is aligned with legal standards in the respective regions.
Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity
Language is intertwined with culture, and understanding this connection is crucial for effective communication. An LSP not only translates words but also considers cultural nuances, idiomatic expressions, and sensitivities. By doing so, they help create an inclusive workplace where employees from diverse backgrounds feel valued and understood.
Boosting Employee Morale and Engagement
When employees receive information in their native language, it conveys a message of respect and recognition. This, in turn, boosts morale and engenders a sense of belonging among team members. Studies have shown that employees who feel valued are more engaged and committed to their work, which ultimately contributes to higher productivity levels.
Supporting Global Expansion
For companies looking to expand into new markets, the expertise of an LSP is invaluable.
They can guide businesses through the process of adapting HR policies and procedures to meet the specific requirements of different regions, thereby streamlining the expansion process.
As we approach the end of the year, it is imperative for businesses to take stock of their internal operations and prepare for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
By investing in professional language services, companies demonstrate their commitment to fostering an inclusive, engaged, and harmonious work environment. This strengthens internal operations and sets the stage for success in the global marketplace.
Research is an essential component of progress and development in various fields such as medicine, technology, and social sciences. However, conducting research can be a challenging task, especially when it comes to collecting and analyzing data.
Multilingual transcription plays a vital role in research by ensuring data accuracy and accessibility.
What is Multilingual Transcription?
Multilingual transcription involves the process of converting audio or video recordings in different languages into written text.
This process enables researchers to analyze and understand data more effectively. It involves listening to the recordings, transcribing them into written text, and translating the text into the desired language.
Multilingual transcription is essential in research for several reasons:
• It ensures data accuracy. Transcribing audio or video recordings into written text makes it easier to analyze the data accurately. It also eliminates errors that may occur during the transcription process, such as omitting critical information or misinterpreting the meaning of words.
• Multilingual transcription increases data accessibility. Transcribing data into written text makes it easier for researchers to access and analyze the data. It also allows researchers to share the data with others, which increases collaboration and enables further research and analysis.
• It is crucial for conducting cross-cultural research. Researchers may encounter participants who speak different languages, and therefore, multilingual transcription allows for the transcription of data from different languages. This increases the accuracy and validity of research findings as it allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the research topic.
• It is essential for researchers who are not fluent in the language spoken by their participants. Transcribing data into written text allows researchers to understand the data more effectively, even if they are not fluent in the language spoken by the participants.
• Finally, multilingual transcription is necessary for conducting research in multilingual settings. Transcribing data in multiple languages allows researchers to analyze and compare data across different languages and cultures, which enhances their understanding of the research topic.
Multilingual transcription increases collaboration between researchers and allows for further research and analysis. Therefore, it is essential for researchers to prioritize multilingual transcription to maximize the accuracy and validity of their research findings.
Teneo Linguistics Company (TLC) offers both audio and video transcription services in most language combinations. Producing high-quality, clear, and frequently confidential transcription can be a complex process that TLC handles with ease and at an affordable price.
From taped meetings and video surveillance to conference proceedings, seminars, e-learning, clinical interviews, market research, psychological assessments, and podcasts, TLC provides transcription services that are tailored to a company’s needs.
Language services are essential for businesses and organizations that operate in a globalized world. From translation to interpreting, language services help to bridge communication gaps and enable effective communication across borders.
In turn, security is crucial in selecting a language services provider (LSP) because of the nature of the information that is shared. Businesses and organizations often share confidential and sensitive information that could have significant consequences if it falls into the wrong hands.
For example, a company may share financial information, legal documents, or trade secrets with a language service provider to be translated. If this information is not adequately protected, it could be accessed by unauthorized parties, leading to financial loss, legal disputes, or damage to the company’s reputation.
All Teneo Linguistics Company (TLC) language professionals are bound by confidentiality agreements. In the process of handling sensitive documents, TLC uses standard security certificates, protocols, and secure systems to protect the information.
Here are some best practices for ensuring security in language services:
Choose a reputable language services provider
When choosing an LSP, it’s essential to do research and choose a reputable provider with a strong track record of security. Look for providers that have ISO 27001 certification, which is the international standard for information security management. This certification ensures that the provider has implemented a comprehensive security management system to protect client data.
TLC has continued to pass its ISO 27001 certification audits over the years. This achievement translates into a commitment to protecting TLC clients’ data and systems.
Secure data transmission
LSPs should use secure methods for transmitting data, such as encrypted email or secure file transfer protocol (SFTP). SFTP is a protocol that provides secure file transfers between computers, and it’s a preferred method for transmitting large files securely.
Ensure secure storage
Customer data should be stored in a secure and protected environment. This includes using firewalls, access controls, and encryption to prevent unauthorized access to client data. Providers should also have backup and disaster recovery plans in place to ensure that data can be restored in case of a breach or system failure.
Protect confidentiality
LSPs should have strict confidentiality policies in place to ensure that client data is not shared with unauthorized parties. Providers should also ensure that their staff members sign confidentiality agreements and receive appropriate training to understand the importance of protecting client data.
Monitor and assess security measures
An LSP should regularly monitor and assess its security measures to identify and address any vulnerabilities. Providers should also conduct regular security audits to ensure that they are in compliance with industry standards and regulations.
Ultimately, choosing a reputable language service provider, like TLC, can ensure that their language services are secure and reliable. Don’t be afraid to inquire about the above information when deciding what LSP to work with.
TLC’s customers already know high-quality translation services are always provided. And they also have the peace of mind of knowing that TLC has processes, systems, and technology in place to provide the highest possible level of data security out there. Data security is even more important now when people work remotely or in a hybrid scenario.
Teneo Linguistics Company (TLC) is a certified small, woman-owned language services provider (LSP). But why Teneo? And what is the meaning behind the name?
When TLC Owner and CEO Hana Laurenzo established the company 15 years ago, she didn’t want to go with the word “language” in the title. It was an overused and taken word among the thousands of LSPs.
Teneo (tenere, tenui, tentus) is a Latin word meaning to master, to grasp, to hold, to comprehend, to maintain, or to get.
“When Julius Ceasar stepped off the boat on the North shore of Africa, he got down on the ground, spread his arms as if to hug the land, and said ‘Teneo te, Africa!’ – ‘I hold/have you, Africa!’” Hana described about the word.
“Some say he actually fell on his face when stepping off of the boat and when people were laughing, he turned it into an intentional act, instead. I guess we’ll never know.”
A name is very valuable in defining a company and creating an identity among competitors – it helps a business stand out from the crowd. A unique company name can help communicate the business strategy and is necessary for branding success.
Hana adds, “Aside from the meaning, I like it is a conversation starter because people often ask me what that means or tell me they had looked it up. It also shows that we are paying homage to Latin, one of the most significant and influential languages in the history of mankind.”
In addition, bringing in the word “linguistics” instead of “language” adds a professional and even scientific element to the TLC brand. Linguistics is the scientific study of human language. It is called a scientific study because it entails a comprehensive, systematic, objective, and precise analysis of all aspects of language, particularly its nature and structure.
TLC has thousands of professional, experienced linguists in its database who are proficient in more than 180 languages. Industries served include life science organizations, government agencies, manufacturing companies, legal firms, educational departments, and a range of other businesses.
The services TLC provides are customized to fit an agency’s organizational workflow. Lasting partnerships are formed with clients and TLC lives by four Core Values: Excellence, partnership, integrity, and gratitude.
Overall, the name Teneo Linguistics Company was chosen because it reflects who we are as a business.
Learn more about how TLC can support your company with language services by visiting www.tlctranslation.com.
Mistakes happen. But when it comes to advertising in other countries, mistakes can be costly. That’s why it is extremely important to hire a reputable language services provider for culturally-accurate translations.
This piece will take a look at some funny, yet tragic, advertising translation fails that happened to higher-profile brands.
Ford’s “Every car has a high-quality corpse” slogan
After making the decision to expand to Belgium, Ford Motor Company began an ad campaign in Dutch.
What was supposed to be, “Every car has a high-quality body,” actually translated to “Every car has a high-quality corpse.”
KFC’s “Eat your fingers off” slogan
Kentucky Fried Chicken created an advertisement in China that was supposed to promote their “Finger lickin’ good” slogan. However, due to a mistranslation with the Mandarin, the slogan read as “Eat your fingers off” — not quite the appetizing message.
Fortunately for KFC, the branding in China was small enough that the company was able to recover from the mistake.
Pepsi’s “bring your ancestors back to life”
Running an ad campaign in China, Pepsi inadvertently mistranslated its “Come alive with Pepsi” to say “Pepsi will bring your ancestors back from the grave.”
Definitely a bold commitment.
Dairy association’s “Are you lactating?” ad
Most English speakers know the American Dairy Association’s catchy slogan, “Got Milk?” But when the organization decided to do a campaign in Mexico, that wasn’t the phrase that went out.
The literal translation of “got milk” in Spanish is “are you lactating?” Thankfully, the message was caught very early in the process and adjusted.
Coors “You will suffer from diarrhea”
In the early 1980s, Coors started an ad campaign with the slogan, “Turn it loose!” This proved difficult to translate into Spanish.
The phrase translated is actually the slang term for “get diarrhea” in Spanish – not an ideal combination. In full, the tagline translated into “You will suffer from diarrhea!” Oops.
Teneo Linguistic Company’s marketing and transcreation services ensure messaging is accurate and culturally appropriate. Marketing translation is almost always more transcreation than direct translation. A translator will likely need to localize phrases and words within. This will make sure a company delivers the right meaning to the intended audience.
No matter how big or small a marketing translation project is, hiring an expert language services provider is vital to ensure top-notch translations. Get a quote today by visiting www.tlctranslation.com.
If you live in the United States, you’ve probably heard the phrases a dime a dozen, it’s raining cats and dogs,and ignorance is bliss. But every country has its own set of figurative language and this blog will explore some of the more common idioms in various countries.
An idiom is a group of words whose meanings cannot be determined from the literal meanings of the words it is made of; i.e., using up in the air for “undecided.” They are categorized as figurative language. The word itself comes from the late 16th-century French word idiome or late Latin from Greek idiōma “private property, peculiar phraseology.”
One of the oldest known idioms is “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth,” which comes from the code of Hammurabi in 1780 BC.
• A dime a dozen – this phrase began around 1800 following the first minted dime in 1796. At that time, many goods such as eggs or apples were advertised to cost a dime a dozen in the US. The phrase began as a way to promote good value for money. This then evolved into an idiom that means something nearly worthless as it is easily available.
• It’s raining cats and dogs – this idiom is said to have originated in England during the 17th century. City streets were then filthy and heavy rain would occasionally carry along dead animals. Cats and dogs also have ancient associations with bad weather.
• Ignorance is bliss – this phrase comes from Thomas Gray’s 1768 poem “Ode on a Distant Prospect of Eton College.” The quote states: “Where ignorance is bliss, ’tis folly to be wise” — meaning, you’re better off not knowing.
Some idioms used by English speakers actually originated in China.
• 一石二鸟 translates to two birds one stone. English speakers added the word “kill” to the beginning because the phrase felt incomplete.
• 老狗玩不出新把戏 translates to old dogs can’t play new tricks. This phrase pretty closely mirrors the English idiom.
Here is a look at other popular idioms in other countries and their meanings.
• Arabic – التكرار يعلّم الحمار or At-Tikraar yu’allem al- Himaar, which means “practice makes perfect.”
• French – Coûter les yeux de la tête or to cost the eyes of the head, which translates to “cost an arm and a leg.”
• German – Um den heißen Brei herumreden or talk around the hot porridge. This translates to the English idiom “beat around the bush.”
• Italian – Ogni morte di papa or every death of a pope. This translates to the English idiom, “once in a blue moon.”
• Japanese – 手のひらを返す – te no hira wo kaesu meaning to flip over one’s hand or the English idiom “to turn a cold shoulder.”
• Polish – Nie mój cyrk, nie moje małpy or not my circus, not my monkeys. This idiom means “Not my problem,” in English.
• Spanish – Abrir la caja de los truenos or opening the box of thunder, which is equivalent to “opening a can of worms.”
• Swedish – Skägget i brevlådan or the beard in the mailbox, which translates in English to “to be caught with your pants down.”
And while idioms can be more challenging to translate, they are essential to individualistic expression. They offer cultural understandings of societal standards, principles, and beliefs and allow us insight into the thoughts, emotions, and views of the speaker’s background.
The best way to translate an idiom is to find an equivalent idiom in the target language.
Today is International Translation Day, which is celebrated each year on September 30th. This day honors the work of language professionals who play an important role in bringing nations together.
As the United Nations puts it: “Professional translation — including translation proper, interpretation, and terminology — is indispensable to preserving clarity, a positive climate, and productiveness in international public discourse and interpersonal communication.”
But why is International Translation Day celebrated on this particular day?
September 30th marks the feast of Saint Jerome who is known for translating the Bible into Latin. His translation of the Bible is still used to this day by the Catholic Church. It also set the standard 1,200 years later for the King James Version. In addition, he translated parts of the Hebrew Gospel into Greek.
St. Jerome was a priest in Northeastern Italy. He learned Latin in school and was fluent in Greek and Hebrew, which he picked up from his studies and travels. He is considered the Patron Saint of translators, librarians, and scholars.
St. Jerome passed away near Bethlehem on September 30, 420.
The United Nationals General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution proclaiming September 30th as International Translation Day on May 24, 2017. The International Federation of Translators as well as several other organizations advocated for the adoption of the resolution.
Those other organizations include the International Association of Conference Interpreters, Critical Link International, International Association of Professional Translators and Interpreters, Red T, and the World Association of Sign Language Interpreters.
In addition, International Translation Day promotes and celebrates multilingualism and how languages play a vital role in society.
The role of language professionals has become invaluable in connecting nations and fostering peace. Each year, a unifying theme is selected for International Translation Day. This year’s theme is “A World Without Barriers.”
Teneo Linguistics Company has thousands of professional and experienced linguists who are proficient in more than 180 languages. Today, TLC honors all of its hard-working language professionals and all translators and interpreters across the globe.
Doing business in Canada, some may not know that Quebec has its own set of rules when it comes to translation. The Charter of the French Language was adopted by the Quebec government in 1977. The law was passed in order to preserve the quality of the French language, which was deemed the majority language among residents.
The Charter states that all inscriptions on products and accompanying documentation — commercial publications, public signs, public posters, and commercial advertising — must be translated into French. More specifically, this includes catalogs, flyers, brochures, websites, social media accounts, contracts, invoices, promotional bags, and employee uniforms.
The following additional rules apply to all businesses no matter how big or small they are.
Registered trademarks are NOT required to be translated into the French language unless a French version of the trademark is already registered.
French must be used in written documents and messages intended for employees in general, including those posted in the workplace. However, versions of these official documents and messages in English or another language are also allowed as long as the French stands out.
Businesses must have a French version of their websites if the company has a Quebec address and/or it sells its products and services to residents of Quebec.
Companies with 50 or more employees are required to use French in external and internal communication, work tools and/or documents, software, and computer technology.
In the event of a public emergency, French and English can both be used for signage. In addition, cultural and educational activities such as conferences and plays are not required to be in French. This goes for non-French media as well and some non-profit organizations.
An agency called the Office is responsible for enforcing the Charter of the French Language. Complaints must be filed through the Office.
The Charter has been amended more than six times since 1977 — each amendment controversial in Quebec.
Teneo Linguistics Company offers French translation and interpreting services that are affordable, efficient, and high-quality. TLC uses a network of highly qualified and experienced language professionals that have the highest standards in accuracy, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
TLC’s French business translation services cover all language needs during a company’s expansion. The professional translators used by TLC are native speakers and effectively navigate the cultural nuances of the language. They also have the ability to work with a variety of documents and software, and understand the semantics and structure of the French language.
Transcription is the process of listening to video and/or audio and writing it into text in the source language. Simply put, transcription is the conversion of spoken words into writing.
The earliest forms of transcription date back to ancient Egypt, around 3400 BC. Scribes wrote down the history and laws given by kings and aristocrats at that time. The scribes would attend school and dedicate their lives to learning and perfecting this skill. However, instead of a computer, they used stone tablets or papyrus.
Alexander Graham Bell — whose mother and wife were deaf — put a spin on Thomas Edison’s phonograph in the early 1880s creating the first dictation machine. The machine used a wax cylinder. A typist would pump the machine by foot in order to play back a recording and then listen using stethoscope-type earphones.
The invention of the typewriter in 1867 by Christopher Latham Sholes pushed transcription into the future making the work far faster. And it has only improved from there with the invention of computers, word processing software, and the internet. Professional transcribers can now do their work anytime, anywhere.
There are several benefits to transcribing certain video or audio projects within a company. Having meetings or conferences transcribed will give employees physical records without having someone take notes during the event. This will be important for future use, specifically if the subject matter needs to be presented in document form.
Here are a few additional reasons why transcription is beneficial from a business standpoint:
Expanded accessibility
Closed captioning was developed for those who are hearing impaired. It has continued to be an important part of video programming and another benefit of transcription. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, 13% of the US population, or about 30 million people, ages 12 and older have hearing loss in both ears. Transcription is an important tool to ensure this population isn’t ignored and expands a company’s reach. Studies have shown that closed captioning also helps an audience further understand the material.
Increased views and Search Engine Optimization
Using podcasts as an example, it’s frustrating when a video or audio project is difficult to locate online. Transcribing a podcast ensures the video/audio is seen by online search engines and maximizes SEO reach. This will also make a project more shareable and inclusive.
Reduction in company manpower and time
Hiring a professional language services company instead of doing transcription in-house will save a company time and manpower. Transcription is meticulous and having a professional do the work also ensure accuracy and efficiency.
Teneo Linguistics Company offers both audio and video transcription services in most language combinations. High-quality, clear, and frequently confidential transcription can be a complex process. TLC handles all transcription projects with ease and affordable pricing.
Projects that TLC will transcribe include:
Taped meetings, calls, or video surveillance
Conference proceedings, lectures, or seminars
E-Learning
Market research
Clinical interviews
Psychological assessments
Podcasts
TLC provides monolingual translation, target language transcription, and bilingual transcription. Monolingual is when the source language audio is transcribed into text in the same language. Target language transcription is when the source language audio is transcribed directly into the requested language text. Bilingual transcription is where the source language audio is transcribed into text in the same language followed by the requested language.
All multilingual transcription projects are tailored to clients’ goals. The TLC team not only has excellent linguistic skills and appropriate subject matter expertise but also significant experience with transcription.
Learn more about TLC’s transcription services, and other language services, or request a quote by visiting www.tlctranslation.com.
Transcreation is the process of adapting a message from one language to another while ensuring its meaning is culturally appropriate for the target audience. Basically put, it’s an artistic interpretation of text rather than translating it precisely.
The term comes from the words “translation” and “creation,” but where is this process used most? Transcreation is typically considered when translating material for a global audience. It is most often used in marketing and advertising where creative messaging need adaptation. It is also utilized during the translation of art, like books.
While a translator still adjusts messaging to be culturally appropriate, transcreation is likely necessary for the adaptation of creative projects. Transcreation requires multiple skill sets — quality translation, copywriting, and copyediting.
Marketing translation is almost always more transcreation than direct translation. A translator has to localize phrases and words within the cultural and linguistic context to deliver the same meaning to the intended audience. This is just one of many reasons why human translators trump machine/online translators. A machine/online translator will not understand the context, emotion, and tone of certain messages and end up mistranslating the piece.
An example of marketing transcreation is a campaign that was done for the Apple iPods. Apple decided to transcreate its slogans in order to expand its reach globally.
But transcreation isn’t just used in marketing, it can be beneficial in other fields like entertainment, law, literature, and healthcare. And while it is not a familiar word to many, the term transcreation has been around since the 1960s and is an important technique that is far-reaching.
At Teneo Linguistics Company, expert linguists will be able to determine whether a project needs transcreation in order to move forward. And a company will be informed every step of the way. Learn more about how TLC can assist a business/organization or get a quote at www.tlctranslation.com.
