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.
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.
Professional interpreting is a much-needed component in the global marketplace and can typically be grouped into two categories — Consecutive Interpreting and Simultaneous Interpreting. Both play an important role in society and it’s interesting to turn back the clock and see how each was introduced.
Consecutive Interpreting
Consecutive Interpreting is when an interpreter conveys the message after a person has finished speaking. This type of interpreting can be seen in smaller meetings and legal proceedings.
The most prominent example of one of the first uses of consecutive interpreting took place in 1919 during the Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I. There was no ability to hire professional interpreters before this event. Because of the numerous languages present at this meeting, a formal service had to be used.
The League of Nations was then established in 1920 with the mission of maintaining world peace. Two of the more famous consecutive interpreters were Andre and Georges Kaminker who worked for the League of Nations, the United Nations, and the Council of Europe. Andre was noted as having a photographic memory and held the world record for interpreting a speech that was two and a half hours long without interruptions.
Simultaneous Interpreting
Simultaneous Interpreting is when an interpreter listens and conveys the message in the target language at the same time as a speaker. This type of interpreting is most suitable for large conferences, lectures, and/or presentations, and usually requires the use of equipment.
The Nuremberg Trials — which uncovered the German leadership that supported the Nazi dictatorship — in 1945 are noted as the first use of simultaneous interpreting. The former interpreter for General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Colonel Leon Dostert, had been charged with discovering the method which became known as simultaneous interpreting.
Using this method, interpreters sat directly beside the accused during the trials to convey what was said in four languages, English, German, French, and Russian. Although the equipment hadn’t yet been developed, the judges of the Nuremberg Trials agreed that it would have been impossible to move forward without the method.
Dating back to ancient times before any equipment was developed, the primitive form of simultaneous interpreting was called Whispered Interpreting or chuchotage, the French word for “whispering.” This form of interpreting does not require any equipment and therefore is still utilized to this day. However, it can only work between two people or in very small groups and therefore isn’t feasible for most business matters.
Other modes of interpreting have risen to popularity over the years with the advancement of technology, including telephone interpreting and video interpreting. But all started out of the methods of consecutive interpreting or simultaneous interpreting.
Teneo Linguistics Company provides both methods of interpreting services and delivers these in-person, remotely, and by utilizing an online interpreting platform. TLC also offers its high-quality, professional interpreting equipment for rent.
The linguists of TLC are certified through education that includes gaining knowledge of languages and cultural sensitivity, learning the ability to express thoughts clearly and concisely, gaining skills in specialized note-taking techniques, and developing short and long-term memory skills.
Learn more about TLC’s interpreting services or get a quote by visiting www.tlctranslation.com or call 817-441-9974.
Language localization is the adaptation of a message, product, and/or document to suit a specific region or country. But language localization isn’t just for large corporations that have already dipped their toes in the global market, it’s also important for small, startup businesses that want to plan early for success.
The goal of any business is prosperous expansion so reaching new markets should be the plan from the beginning of a startup. Localization can pertain to software, websites, video or multimedia content, videos, and a wide variety of a company’s inner workings.
But as a startup, money can be tight and that’s why Teneo Linguistics Company (TLC) offers easy, economical, and budget-friendly language services. TLC understands the goal of localization, which is to not only deliver the message, but avoiding conflict with cultures, customs, habits, and sensitivities.
According to a piece published by TechSmith, researchers have pointed out that about 57% of consumers said when they are able to get information about a product in their native language, it is more important than the price.
Planning early for language localization will put a startup ahead of the game as well as allow for freedom in the decision-making process. Hiring a professional language services provider will ensure the startup’s localization is for the right audience and in the correct manner.
Some tips for startup companies to consider:
Steer clear of “1-800” telephone numbers or any number or contact that is specific to just one country or region.
Avoid acronyms and be aware of numerical value rules in the markets the startup is targeting.
Design print specifications for the different market areas and ensure special characters, text length, and accents are correct.
Leave extra space in buttons, prompts, notifications, and messages in software for translations and avoid text embedded in graphics.
While a startup company can follow these tips, to ensure high-quality localization, always partner with an experienced professional like TLC. This will give the business jumpstart to success. Language localization is, after all, the most important aspect of expanding globally.
See how Teneo Linguistics Company can quickly move startups ahead with its language localization services by visiting www.tlctranslation.com.
It can be difficult to grasp just how important professional interpreting and translation services are until taking a closer look at what mistakes have resulted in.
No matter how “small,” one error may lead to a disastrous, or near-disastrous, outcome as the examples listed below will show. These examples are some of the more notable interpreting and translation mistakes in history.
At the end of World War II, a misinterpretation may have added to the decision of bombing Hiroshima, killing more than 70,000 people. Following an ultimatum that was given to Japan to surrender, a response by Japan’s Premier Kantaro Suzuki of “no comment” meant for reporters was turned into the literal translation of “Silence.” The U.S. saw this response as hostile and 10 days later, the atomic bomb was dropped.
• In 1956, a speech by Soviet Premier Nikita Kruschev gave a speech during a time when tensions were rising between the Soviet Union and United States. In the speech, Kruschev was misinterpreted as saying “We will bury you,” when in reality what he actually said was “We will be present at your burial.” The mistaken phrase was published on magazine and newspaper covers, which didn’t help the situation. The interpreting mistake could have led to nuclear war and is said to have escalated the Cold War.
President Jimmy Carter gave a speech on his visit to Poland in 1977. Carter said he was happy to be in Poland, but the interpreter mistakingly said “he was happy to grasp at Poland’s private parts.” During the same speech, Carter’s interpreter also turned “I left the United States this morning” into “I left the United States, never to return.” Needless to say, Carter hired a new interpreter after the debacle.
• The mistranslation of the Italian word “canali” launched a theory of intelligent life on Mars back in 1877. Italian astronomer Giovanni Virginio Schiaparelli was mapping Mars and dubbed areas on the planet’s surface as “seas” and “continents.” He labeled using the word “canali” and sadly, his peers mistranslated this as meaning “canals,” which then led to the theory.
In 1980, an 18-year-old man named Willie Ramirez became a quadriplegic when an interpreting mistake led to bleeding in his brain. Ramirez was in a coma when he was admitted to a Florida hospital. A Spanish word was misinterpreted to “intoxicated” and caused Ramirez to be misdiagnosed as having a drug overdose. Following the error, Ramirez received a settlement of $71 million.
Interpreting and translation errors happen, sometimes on a large scale, so it’s important to ensure the hiring of a certified, professional interpreter when conducting crucial business.
Teneo Linguistics Company’s interpreters and translators are certified, experienced experts with a vast knowledge of languages and cultures. TLC provides language services to a variety of industries including government, medical, education, and legal institutions.
Translation 360 is another service offered by TLC, which combines advanced translation management technology, consulting services, and deep personalization. This streamlines services into a single, compliant solution.
Learn more about TLC’s interpreting and translation services by visiting www.tlctranslation.com.
Effective translation and interpreting are vastly important for businesses expanding internationally. A company’s brand, message, and product or service information must be fully localized in order to have a successful global reach.
Teneo Linguistics Company partners with businesses to create a customized plan that fits their language needs and provides the highest-quality language services possible so messages are never lost in translation, no matter where business expands.
Quality communication is key to the success and growth of a business and expanding internationally is a high-profit opportunity. However, many companies do not realize the incredible cultural differences that come with international growth. Partnering with TLC is the smartest way to ensure your target market understands your message, exactly the way you want it understood.
Companies within the United States are profiting immensely from doing business internationally. In turn, this creates more jobs, reaches a wider audience, and gives a company an edge over its competitors.
When a company decides to export products internationally, all aspects of the product must be translated. This includes the full translation of user manuals, product descriptions, disclaimers, marketing materials, printed and digital advertisements — anything customers in the new market will read.
Ultimately, consumers will not purchase what they cannot read.
Hiring a workforce internationally also comes with increased translation and interpreting needs. Job applications, new-hire checklists, employee handbooks, training manuals, and digital content are just some of the aspects that need accurate translations.
TLC has a vast network of vetted, experienced, and professional translators and interpreters around the world who are experts in their field. Translation services should be part of a company’s expansion project from the beginning.
No matter which country a business targets, the plan should include the following:
Cultural considerations
It pays to be culturally sensitive when entering a new market. Certain images, colors, and symbols in American culture can have vast differences in meaning in other cultures. Never assume your current strategy will be successful with foreign audiences.
Slang, idioms, and colloquialisms
Every language uses slang, idioms, and colloquialisms, which can be different depending on the country and region. These words and phrases have meanings that are different from the words’ literal meaning. It is tremendously important that a company partners with a language services provider, so translations relay messages accurately.
Text conversion and design
American companies already have their materials designed for left-to-right (LTR) readers. However, many languages are written in a script that is read from right to left (RTL). This is another reason to hire professionals that are experienced in designs for RTL-reading customers.
Customer service and outreach
Surveys, comments, questions, and other responses won’t come back to a company in English when expanding into other countries. Language services professionals will translate these responses accurately, so companies can effectively address customers’ inquiries.
Expand your business and expand your reach by using TLC for all your translation and interpreting needs. Learn more by visiting www.tlctranslation.com.
