Break the language barrier and catch up on the latest language industry news, insights, tips and best practices. From professional translation, localisation, editing, proofreading and transcription tips and insights to multicultural affairs, we offer you a world of business, without borders.
The following are business writing killers. They sound too much like “legalese” and remove the human element from your correspondence. By eliminating them, you’ll make your documents significantly better: 1. “Yours truly” or “Sincerely yours” – You are not theirs. These closings are antiquated. Rather use “Sincerely”. 2. “Respectfully” – This closing has a solemn[…]
1. Content plan A content plan allows for the necessary research to be completed when dealing with complicated, industry-specific terminology. It also allows for any queries to be cleared up before translation commences and for adequate feedback before the deadline creeps up. Clear and concise planning and delivery of source content to translators means calm, collected[…]
The subject of an email is often all that stands between the mail being read or ignored. The following are some simple, failsafe tips to help get your readers’ attention: 1. Don’t try too hard to grab attention. Keep it mundane and clear. In a study by MailChimp, the following subject lines were top performers:[…]
It stands to reason that certain tech platforms garner more traction than others in foreign markets, based on trends and preferences in that region. For instance, Africa has a huge feature phone market based on USSD technology, while Europe and Asia have moved to Android and smartphones. It makes sense to bear this in mind[…]
According to a recent BBC report, a single misspelling on your website potentially costs your business millions. 99% of business on the web is still done through written words. In today’s digital ecosystem, businesses also face the challenge of communicating globally. Selling to international customers requires you to speak their language. Here are some creative[…]
Mother-tongue translator Ensure your translator is translating into their mother-tongue. If you require an English document translated into French, your translator should be a native French speaker. In-country linguist Over-and-above being a native speaker of the respective locale, your linguist should also be based in that locale. This will ensure your terminology’s up-to-date and grammar[…]
If you’re trading internationally, or in a multilingual market (like South Africa), you need translation services. Building a long-term partnership with a professional agency is the best way to avoid pitfalls and get the edge on competitors. Here are five reasons why: We’ve done this before You’ll benefit from experienced language professionals who’ve worked with[…]
Looking for more business worldwide? This is a start. As per our previous blog, English is up there but is not the most spoken language in the world. If you’re only communicating in English, you’re missing out on communicating with the rest of the world . As you are about to see, that’s a lot[…]
There is often a confusion surrounding a sworn translation versus a certified translation. Google offers the following definition: sworn translation A sworn translation is a translation officially signed and stamped by a sworn translator and accompanied by the translator’s statement testifying to the truthfulness of the translation. To clarify, sworn translators produce sworn translations. Informally,[…]
A Thought Leadership Piece is a great way to establish yourself and your brand as a market leader and expert in your field. It’s also an easy way to get publicity if well positioned and written. But publications won’t just publish anyone. They’re looking for something with substance. Here are four tips for writing compelling[…]