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Booker prize winner splits prize money with translator

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It’s great to hear that the translator has been recognised in translating the 2016 Man Booker International Prize ‘The Vegetarian’ and that she will be sharing the prize money with the author Han Kang.

The Vegetarian, a novel about a woman who “wants to reject human brutality” and gives up eating meat, has won the 2016 Man Booker International Prize.

The book was translated by Deborah Smith, who only started teaching herself Korean in 2010.

Judging panel chairman Boyd Tonkin said South Korean author Han Kang’s work was “unforgettably powerful and original”.

The writer and her British translator will split the award’s £50,000 prize money.

The pair saw off competition from Turkish Nobel Laureate Orhan Pamuk, Italian writer Elena Ferrante, Angolan wordsmith Jose Eduardo Agualusa, Chinese author Yan Lianke and Austrian novelist Robert Seethaler to take the prize.

Smith, whose only language was English until she was 21, decided to become a translator on finishing her English Literature degree having noticed the lack of English-Korean translators.

Full details visit:    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-36303604

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Preparation is the key to cracking the export market

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Moving into foreign markets can benefit your business in many ways, from building your profile internationally to experiencing growth that might not be possible at home.

But before you make the leap into trading internationally, it’s important to think carefully and do your research.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Deciding on your target country, state or region is a big decision.  Is there demand for your product or service in the location you’ve chosen? What impact will local trading laws and tax legislation have on your business?  What are the logistical issues involved in getting products to your customers?

Carry out as much market research as you can and speak to those in the know.  The relevant Chamber of Commerce, embassies and local trade teams will be able to put you in touch with companies already exporting to your chosen destination.

WHEN IN ROME

Local knowledge is vital: understanding how a country does business will significantly boost your chance of success there.  Attitudes and laws regarding credit, copyright issues and intellectual property can cause headaches if you’re not aware of them. Make sure your advisers understand the global market. CASSONS accountants are members of BKR International, a global accounting association who are able to speak to advisers all over the world with whom they have relationships.

Access to these advisers is imperative – they’ll be the ones with the local knowledge and more importantly understand the interaction between taxes in their country and the UK.

FIRST STEPS

Consider how you will do business abroad.  Distributing goods direct to consumers using an e-commerce site can seem straightforward, but for sales to EU countries you’ll need to take into account the distance selling threshold of the country your’re exporting to (the limit before you have to register for VAT in that country) as well as UK tax rules.

Wherever in the world you choose to expand your business, do your homework.  Seeking advice from trusted, experience sources will prepare you for any problems that may arise, and help to make your venture into foreign fields a lucrative one.  This article has been produced by Cassons Accountants  @cassons_acc

 

TW Languages concurs with the above and would like to add  that we also see one of the key factors for success is “excellent communication”. Translation services should be seen as part of the exporting process when working with countries where the language and culture are different  and communication is a challenge. Translation is a cost effective way of getting close to your client to further develop business relations.

If you would like free advice and support on translation issues please contact us.

Janet Perkins  T: 0161 826 8777   E: jp@twlanguages.com

 

 

 

Quality Business Translation
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Great feedback makes for a happy working environment!

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Getting great feedback from the Client gives the team a real buzz, not only the Translation Project Management team, the translators as well.

Reference from the Client – Luke Gooding, Creative Director,

“Impeccably translated in the sense that not only is the verbiage grammatically correct, but it is also capturing the message accordingly without it being “lost in translation””.

Comment from one of the translators who worked on the project:

That’s brilliant, I am very happy I was part of that. I’d just like to add to that the outstanding Project Management work. It’s not easy to find people with such care for the final text, and also, I had all the support I needed to deliver the translation. No wonder the result is top-notch.

Auto 365 to grow international business for their UK exhibition
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How TW Languages helped Auto365 increase international business

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A brief case study which highlights how a very low cost investment in using translation services can produce high returns:

TW Languages helps Auto365 to grow international business for their UK exhibition by providing translation services, advice and support.

Auto365 Live is an exhibition for PDR, SMART Repair & Detailing professionals, attracting a large number of technicians from these three industries.  Having organised the exhibition over the past 2 years, the team at Auto365 were constantly amazed by how international this sector has become.  They knew that there would be a business growth opportunity if the show was more accessible to foreign markets.

Business Objective

The aim of Auto365 is to grow their event by attracting new overseas, highly skilled professionals as well as continually raising the standard in producing a prestigious exhibition. With this in mind, they saw the opportunity of using translation services to promote the event to an international audience. Since this was the first time Auto365 had used this type of service, they recognised that they would need advice and support.

The Process

The team at Auto365 planned to exhibit at an event in Germany in order to promote their exhibition to be held in the UK later in the year. They decided to get their material translated and engaged TW Languages to work with them to produce high quality translated material, which could be used as handouts to prospective clients.

The Result

By altering the marketing to appeal to a wider audience, the exhibition in Germany was extremely successful. Auto365 received not only a number of enquiries from potential exhibitors for the UK event but also actual bookings. By handing out the translated marketing material directly to individuals, Auto365 highlighted their professional approach and commitment to welcoming overseas visitors to the UK.  The added benefit of working with TW Languages, a professional translation company, is the confidence gained from knowing that the translation is of high quality and localised to the foreign market.

TW Languages was delighted to receive positive feedback which opened up discussion for future projects (www.twlanguages.com).

Richard Tallis, Sales & Marketing Executive, Auto365, comments:

Without the translation of the marketing brochure, it is unlikely that we would have been able to fully achieve our aims and objectives.

This has been a very low cost investment and having the marketing brochure translated into other languages removed any language barrier, and we were able to open up conversation and develop business relations.

The results speak for themselves in that we are now working on getting the Auto365 website translated.

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TW Languages is pleased to be working in collaboration with ‘New Destinations Network’

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TW Languages is pleased to be working in collaboration with ‘New Destinations Network’ for their translation requirements.

New Destination Network (NDN) introduces cities, venues and regions to travellers who enjoy a cultural experience. In some cases, these destinations have not been considered as a location to visit before as so little was known about them. For example, Gabrovo, a region as well as a beautiful and peaceful town in Bulgarian; Karlovy Vary, on the west coast of the Czech Republic renowned for its spas and natural waters. For further detail visit: www.newdestinationsnetwork.com

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Vacancy for Translation Project Manager

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Just graduated with an MA in Translation and looking to work in the Translation Industry as a Translation Project Manager?

We are looking to recruit a Graduate who is dynamic, creative and a logical thinker. Who has ambitions to use their newly acquired skills and knowledge to manage multi-lingual, complex, large translation projects.

Happy to work as a team player within the in-house Project Management team and support each other when the ‘going get tough’.  Strong communication, organisation and management skills are essential when working with the international team of translators based around the globe. TW Languages works in 200+ language combinations so we have a varied and large team of professional translators and proof-readers.

We have an excellent reputation for customer service, quality and meeting deadlines, this is due to the Project Managers having meticulous attention to detail and understanding the business needs of the client. Before a person joins the company, we organise a Belbin profile assessment to identify ‘completer finisher’ skills.

TW Languages works with Memsource as a CAT tool and trains the Project Managers to be TM experts, as well as, how to provide support to translators who are new in using this software.

If you like a challenge and fit the profile highlighted above, as well as, have excellent written and spoken English language skills together with a European language, either German, French, Italian or Dutch please contact us. We would be happy to hear from you.

Send your CV and covering letter explaining ‘what your ambition is’ to Janet Perkins jp@twlanguages.com

For further details as to ‘who we are and what we do’ please visit www.twlanguages.com.

RS Clare & Co Ltd – highly satisfied customer
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RS Clare & Co Ltd – highly satisfied customer

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One example of TW Languages’ highly satisfied customers is RS Clare & Co Ltd, for whom we have completed the translation of a number of technical specification documents.

The longest established lubricant manufacturer in the UK and winner of the Chemicals Northwest Sustainability Award 2015, RS Clare strives for the highest standards in markets throughout the world.

If you would like to discuss a translation project, please contact us at TW Languages:

Website:                  www.twlanguages.com

Email:                     info@twlanguages.com

Phone:                   +44 (0)161 826 8777

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10 Top Tips for effective communication with overseas customers

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10 Top Tips for effective communication with overseas customers:

  1. Always provide bi-lingual contracts using a template where both languages are laid out side-by-side. This is essential if you will be discussing the contract with your client (with or without an interpreter).
  2. Look for a preferred glossary of terms before translating technical manuals. This will avoid any confusion over the meaning of specialised phrases.
  3. Keep the text that is to be translated simple and direct. Don’t ‘play on words’ or use colloquialisms – the meaning can be lost in translation.
  4. Don’t use machine or online translation to communicate with your client. Important points may be missed or misinterpreted.
  5. Ensure that job titles are translated correctly. There are cultural norms relating to job titles and if they are not correct, offence can be caused!
  6. Ensure that your Translation Provider creates a translation memory (sentences or paragraphs that have previously been translated), and uses this as well as the glossary of terms for all future translations to ensure precision and consistency.
  7. When you receive correspondence which requires a reply in a foreign language, make sure that you are aware of any deadlines before starting the translation. This will enable your Translation Provider to plan the project accordingly.
  8. When tendering for overseas contracts, discuss with your Translation Provider how and by whom the documents will be certified within the required time schedule. Public Sector bodies, for example, have specific instructions for translation processes which have to be adhered to, as well as a minimum timeframe for legalising translated documents.
  9. Wherever possible, ensure that your Translation Provider can deliver certified translations so that you can show your client a commitment to doing business. This will also prevent any legal mistakes.
  10. If your overseas client makes any amendments to a translated technical document, ask your Translation Provider to identify what the changes are. Are they preferential or has the source text been changed? Don’t forget to arrange for the translation memory software to be updated for future use.

The above are based on actual scenarios and further information can be provided.

Contact: Janet Perkins, TW Languages (www.twlanguages.com) T: 0161 826 8777

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Multi-lingual websites and which are the best languages to start with?

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A multi-lingual website can pay real dividends in making your products more “searchable” on the internet, and in helping to drive more enquiries to you. The question of which languages to cover really depends on the current needs and aspirations of your business. English is by far the most widely used language in digital media. According to the website www.internetworldstats.com the most commonly used languages after English are (in order) Chinese, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese, Japanese, Russian, German, French, Malaysian.

Think about the markets you want to reach.  Prioritise your needs and plan to develop your website gradually.  Take particular care over the quality of your translations: only every using professional translators with good first-hand knowledge of the key markets and your industry.

Article from the Trade International Digest, Q & A  – Visit www.croner.co.uk/trade for more information

Comment from TW Languages:

We have a considerable amount of experience in translating websites and some advice is to keep the text simple, don’t play on words as this doesn’t always work in other languages.  Use a translation company who can localise the translated text to the target country, please note, machine translation doesn’t do this!

If you need any further advice, send an email – we’d be happy to help.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Translation Project Manager vacancy

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Just graduated with an MA in Translation and looking to work in the Translation Industry as a Translation Project Manager?

We have a vacancy for a Graduate who is dynamic, creative and a logical thinker. Who has ambitions to use their newly acquired skills and knowledge to manage multi-lingual, complex, large translation projects.

Happy to work as a team player within the in-house Project Management team and support each other when the ‘going get tough’.  Strong communication, organisation and management skills are essential when working with the international team of translators based around the global. TW Languages works in 200+ language combinations so we have a varied and large team of translators and proof-readers.

We have an excellent reputation for customer service, quality and meeting deadlines, this is due to the Project Managers having meticulous attention to detail and understanding the business needs of the client. Before a person joins the company, we organise a Belbin profile assessment to identify ‘completer finisher’ skills.

TW Languages works with Memsource as a CAT tool and trains the Project Managers to be TM experts, as well as, how to provide support to translators who are new in using this software.

If you like a challenge and fit the profile highlighted above, as well as, have excellent written and spoken English language skills together with a European language, either German, French, Italian or Dutch please contact us. We would be happy to hear from you.

Send your CV and covering letter explaining ‘what your ambition is’ to Janet Perkins jp@twlanguages.com

For further details as to ‘who we are and what we do’ please visit www.twlanguages.com.

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Email overseas customers, language differences

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Question:       There have been a number of occasions where there has been a misunderstanding during email correspondence with overseas customers. I think this is due to language differences. I can’t possibly learn all their languages, so what steps can I take to avoid mistakes?

Answer:          This problem seems to be a lot more common than people are prepared to admit.  Email has become such a convenient method of international communication. It helps to overcome language difficulties as someone who struggles with their contact’s language can take the time to read, and if necessary translate the message and at the same time take care to compose their reply. It also helps to overcome time differences.

But the new media has introduced problems of its own, as you have found. There are a few simple steps to avoid misunderstandings.

  1. Read the message carefully, and consider any ambiguities. Don’t be tempted to read between the lines or use intuition to make sense of anything that is unclear. Anything you are not completely sure about, ask them.
  2. Acknowledge the email, stating clearly what you have understood, and what you are going to do.
  3. Keep your own written message simple. Write short sentences, avoid jargon, irony and humour, unless you are certain that the reader will understand.
  4. Get to know how your customer likes to communicate. Some people are confident in writing in another language, but less prepared to use the telephone. For others, it’s the reverse.
  5. Get to know your customers and win their confidence. If speaking on the phone, speak clearly and don’t rush.
  6. Repeat what you have understood and what you have said. If you have a telephone conversation and there is even the slightest chance of a misunderstanding, send another email straight away setting out what was agreed and what you are going to do. Always make your intentions clear.
  7. When something goes wrong, take time to analyse what happened and take steps to avoid a similar misunderstanding in future.

Visit www.croner.co.uk/trade for more information.

Comments from TW Languages

We work with a number of clients in supporting their ‘international communication strategy’. One of the methods used is to provide an immediate email service. TW Languages sets up a translation account for the client and accumulates the words translated within each email sent and received.  This is a quick and cost effective method of communicating with overseas businesses in their own language and culture. For those businesses who like to speak direct to their client, a conference call is a useful way of providing a personalised customer service. An interpreter is the liaison between all parties and again another cost effective and useful method of communicating.

If you would like more details in how TW Languages can help with your international communication please contact Janet Perkins (jp@twlanguages.com)

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Technical manual translation

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If you happen to be in need of a technical manual translation from one language to another, then here are six issues that you will need to consider.

1 – Ensure that the translation company you choose to go with is a ‘Certified’ translation company. This means that they adhere to a set industry standard which will be legally required on health and safety grounds when presenting a translated technical manual or other document.

2 – Discuss with the company the time frame of your project. It will be best to make sure that they have the time and the capacity to undertake your translation project that fits in with what you require. You may also have future projects in the pipeline too, and so bring these up with them too so that you can ensure continuity in working with the same team.

3 – Check that they are using the industry standard translation software, (see note 1 – if they are ‘certified’ then they will be up to date on software requirements).

4 – Check the company that you choose to go with have experience in translating technical documents. Check for authentic testimonials from their clients.

5 – Ask yourself where you want your company to be based. Are you happy to do everything online? Or would you prefer to drop in, speak with someone face to face, and show them examples of physical documents?

6 – Consider the budget for your project before choosing your service provider. You will be better hiring a professional business who don’t charge the cheapest prices, but you can be assured that the quality of the work is guaranteed. Make sure that you have a sufficient amount set aside to see the translation of the manual through to the end.