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.
In this digital age, many organizations are looking for quick solutions. Teneo Linguistics Company recognizes this and over the years has perfected its on-demand interpreting services.
Professional interpreting is a much-needed component of communication in today’s global marketplace. Whether a community event, a medical appointment, or a business interview, quick and professional interpreting services through TLC’s online system can be utilized by any company.
The platform allows customers to log in and schedule an interpreter for a face-to-face interpreting assignment or request immediate services over the telephone or via video.
Here’s a look at the benefits of each type of interpreting through the online portal:
• Video Remote Interpreting – The interpreting is done over a computer, tablet, or phone. This type of interpreting service is commonly used in the healthcare and corporate industries. It is beneficial in emergency situations due to its immediacy in connecting with an interpreter. VRI is typically more economical and ensures effective communication with the face-to-face factor.
• Over-the-Phone Interpreting (OPI) – Another budget-friendly interpreting service that allows an organization to preschedule an interpreter through a telephone call. Since most people have their cell phones readily available, this is another option to connect to a professional interpreter quickly.
The platform also collects and records data any time it’s used. This gives an entity more flexibility and fast resources as they control their own customized page.
TLC management provides every new customer with a demonstration of the platform, complete with a PowerPoint, and answers questions along the way. While the platform streamlines the interpreting process, customers are never left to fend for themselves. Clients always have direct access to TLC employees.
This modern, cloud-based system enables us to deliver high-value and lower-cost service.
And while this platform is a great option for many customers, TLC also offers on-site interpreting as well. There are two types of on-site interpreting:
• Simultaneous Interpreting – The interpreter listens and renders the message in the target language simultaneously as the speaker is speaking. Simultaneous interpreting is suitable for conferences and/or large meetings. TLC also provides the needed specialized interpreting equipment.
• Consecutive Interpreting – The interpreter speaks after the source-language speaker has stopped speaking. This is suitable for business meetings, press conferences, educational settings, and small groups.
Learn more about TLC’s professional interpreting services by visiting www.tlctranslation.com.
With more than 18,000 language services providers worldwide, it can be challenging to separate the great from the mediocre.
So where does Teneo Linguistics Company fall in this long list of vendors? This piece will discuss just some of the ways TLC stands above competitors in the language industry.
1. TLC doesn’t lean on larger corporations for support.
Customers have direct access to and work with TLC decision-makers.
Many language services providers out there are subsidiaries, which means they are under the direction of a parent company. TLC sets its own high-quality standards and is not just a cog in a large corporation’s machine.
2. Customers get the same level of systems and programs.
TLC is known for its excellent business practices and its use of a combination of human talent and AI software that rivals that of larger language service providers.
TLC excels in providing highly accurate and efficient technical translation services and is committed to quick turnarounds with a 100% on-time delivery rate. There are thousands of professional, experienced linguistics in TLC’s database who are proficient in more than 180 languages.
3. TLC provides language services to a wide range of industries.
The industries TLC serves include life science organizations, government agencies, manufacturing companies, legal firms, and education/e-learning.
Life Sciences – Biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, hospitals, medical offices, etc.;
Government – Federal and state government, public health, law enforcement, and local government;
Manufacturing – Medical device and pharmaceutical distributors, software, construction, electronics, materials, etc.;
Legal firms – Company legal counsel, law offices, and individual attorneys;
Education and E-learning – Educational materials within any business and public education testing materials.
Individuals in the community needing translations are also a big part of TLC’s customer base. This primarily consists of personal document translation for official purposes.
TLC can translate a variety of personal documents, including birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, academic transcripts, driver’s licenses, passports, and medical records.
4. Services are tailored and performed by hand-picked staff
TLC tailors its language services to fit a client’s individual needs without pressure from a holding company. This also allows TLC to carefully select its global linguists and other employees to ensure the highest quality of language services. No one has a say in the hiring process except TLC management.
Teneo Linguistics Company is a certified small, woman-owned business specializing in translation and interpreting services in more than 180 languages.
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.
Linguistics is the scientific study of language, which first emerged in the late 18th century. Today, there are an estimated 5,300 linguists around the world.
Many have the belief that linguists are people who only speak and/or teach many different languages. And while most do, linguists focus more on the structure, use, and psychology of language.
Linguistics is about the nature of language and communication. It deals with both the study of languages as well as the search for common properties in all languages or large groups of languages.
The study of language dates back to the 5th century BC when Indian scholar Pānini recorded the rules of Sanskrit grammar. Additionally, ancient Greek citizens also studied language structure to build understanding and expression of criticism and philosophy.
In the late 18th century, the findings of British philologist and ancient Indian scholar Sir William Jones found commonalities between groupings of language. In 1788, a piece about his findings was published and is cited as the beginning of comparative linguistics.
By the early 19th century, linguistics was regarded as a field of study in psychology or biology. This established the foundation of mainstream Anglo-American linguistics.
In the early 20th century, linguistics became a study within social sciences following ideas by Swiss Linguist Ferdinand de Saussure.
Saussure laid the foundation for many developments in linguistics, which led to studying language as a semiotic system with several subfields.
The subfields of linguistics are:
Phonetics – the study of speech sounds in physical aspects.
Phonology – the analysis of speech sounds in cognitive aspects.
Syntax – the study of the formation of sentences.
Morphology – the study of the formation of words.
Pragmatics – the study of language use.
Semantics – the study of meanings.
Linguistics continues to be a growing field with an important impact on other fields such as philosophy, education, psychology, sociology, anthropology, computer science, and language teaching. Someone who studies linguistics can choose several career paths within these fields.
In addition to the career possibilities, linguistics is vital in improving communication between people, assisting in literacy efforts, and treating speech disorders. Every language is unique and linguistics helps people understand the world.
Teneo Linguistics Company works with thousands of professional linguists that are proficient in more than 170 languages. They are the backbone of the business. Each linguist at TLC is educated, experienced, has a strong work ethic, and is efficient.
Learn more about how TLC’s expert linguistics can assist in a company’s project 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.
Teneo Linguistics Company, LLC has been ranked by Best Startup Texas as one of the Top 22 Natural Language Processing companies in the state.
Best Startup Texas tracks more than 100,000 Texan startup companies and more than 500,000 people who have key positions within these companies. This information is then used to highlight organizations, founders, and top employees.
TLC was selected based on five areas — track record, executive leadership, market share, innovation, and ESG rating. TLC joins 21 other language services companies ranked in the piece from all around the state.
Hana Laurenzo is the founder and CEO of TLC and established the company in 2007. A recognized expert in her field, Hana has experience in providing language support to domestic and International businesses as well as government organizations.
TLC is located in Pantego, Texas, between Fort Worth and Arlington, and offers a variety of customizable language services to fit companies’ and organizations’ individual needs in more than 150 languages.
Core services include:
Translation
Interpreting
Transcription
Consulting
Website localization
Adaptation
Expert review
Media
Typesetting
Assessments
Staffing
Localization
Visit www.tlctranslation.com to learn more about TLC or to get a quote for language services.
With a significant increase of online and machine translators, professional language services providers are asked numerous questions regarding the work they do. From the whys to the hows, whats, and wheres, this piece will answer some of the more frequent questions that Teneo Linguistics Company (TLC) has received over the years.
Q: How long has TLC been providing professional language services?
A: Teneo Linguistics Company was established in 2007 and delivers high-quality, certified translation services in more than 150 languages for customers around the world. Quality is TLC’s highest priority.
Q: Why should a company use TLC for translation instead of using a company employee who speaks the language?
A: TLC uses vetted, qualified, and capable professionals from all around the world. The linguists utilized are far more proficient in the target language than that of a typical bilingual speaker.
Q: Is it a good idea for a business to use free online translation tools?
A: Free online translation tools will never be able to replace human translators. They do not take broader context and natural language into account and simply replace words with make-do translations selected based on statistical methods.
Q: A document needing translation must be kept confidential. What kind of safeguards does TLC employ?
A: All of TLC’s 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.
Q: What are the order delivery options?
A: All orders are delivered by email and include a digital copy of the translation bundle in PDF file format. TLC also offers hard-copy delivery options upon request.
TLC works with vetted, qualified, and capable language professionals and project managers work diligently with them to ensure quality delivery for each project. A quote for language services can be requested by visiting www.tlctranslation.com or by calling 817-441-9974.
As many might know, the Bible is the most translated book ever with more than 2,500 translations. However, there is an interesting list of books that follow. Here is a look at the five most translated literary works in the world and how Teneo Linguistics Company provides professional writing and editing services.
Here is the ranking of the most translated books.
1. The Bible
In total, portions of the Bible have been translated into more than 3,000 languages. As of 2020, the Bible in its entirety has been translated into 704 languages; the New Testament, 1,551 languages; and portions of biblical stories, 1,160 other languages.
The earliest translation of the Bible was from Hebrew to Old Greek in about 250 B.C. The translations were done for the Greek-speaking Jewish community in Alexandria, Egypt.
The first English translation of the book was produced in 1535.
2. The Little Prince
The Little Prince or Le Petit by French author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry was first published in English and French in 1943. The book tells the story of a little prince from a tiny planet who travels the universe seeking wisdom. The story addresses the themes of loneliness, sadness, and friendship.
The book has been translated into more than 380 languages. The Little Prince sold 140 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling translated works ever.
3. The Adventures of Pinocchio
The Adventures of Pinocchio, by Carlo Collodi, started as a piece called The Story of a Puppet in an Italian children’s magazine in 1881. Due to its popularity, the story was published as a book in 1883.
Pinocchio has been translated into about 300 languages and it is considered the most translated Italian book.
4. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
English author Lewis Carroll’s novel Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland was published in 1865 and since has been translated into about 175 languages. The first reported translations of the book were done in French and German in 1869.
According to Smithsonian Magazine, the book has been a particularly difficult one the successfully translate over the years with its many puns. The mad tea party scene, which is filled with parody, puns, nonsense, and linguistic jokes is really a test of a good translator’s skills.
5. Hans Christian Andersen’s Fairy Tales and Stories
The collection of fairy tales by Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen was first published in 1835 and his 156 stories have been translated into about 160 languages. The series included famous works such as The Princess and the Pea, Thumbelina, The Little Mermaid, and The Emperor’s New Clothes.
Andersen’s book was first translated from Danish to English in 1846.
While the top translated literary works change slightly depending on where you look, others that have been included in lists over time are The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha by Miguel de Cervantes, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, and The Adventures of Tintin by Georges Prosper Remi.
Writing doesn’t come naturally to just anyone. Teneo Linguistics Company hires individuals with doctorates in writing studies and/or teaches professional writing at the university level to offer editing and writing services.
At TLC, our experts will prepare content for a streamlined and effective translation process, develop original content that engages target audiences, and edit for optimized American English to ensure effective communication.
These services can be provided for:
Web copy/articles
Blogs
Newsletters
Brochures
Surveys
Sales sheets
Marketing collateral
Social media posts
Training materials
Internal communication
Company policies
Standard Operating Procedures
Mission statements
However, TLC is happy to review any project needing editing or writing services. Review and get a quote today by visiting www.tlctranslation.com.
