Knowledge base

Entering foreign markets is a huge step forward for your company. However, it usually means dealing with a number of new challenges. Establishing relations with your international partners and having to overcome language barriers during business meetings is one of them – and in such circumstances, understanding each other is crucial.   It may be that some of your employees are not fluent speakers of foreign languages. If business meeting participants speak different languages, communication can turn into a source of misunderstanding and unnecessary stress, and potential errors can generate additional costs in the long run. However, these issues can easily be avoided – by hiring a simultaneous interpreter for your business meeting.   Simultaneous interpretation: what is it? Different types of interpretation can be confusing, but it’s worth to take a look at them to understand their usage. Consecutive interpreter interprets a part of speech after it’s finished. So first, the speaker speaks, and then the interpreter conveys the message, usually with the help of notes prepared during the speech. A simultaneous interpreter transfers the message during the speech, which helps save a lot of time.   Use of simultaneous interpretation During large international meetings and conferences, simultaneous interpreters work in soundproof booths using designated headsets. A good option for small meetings is whispered simultaneous interpreting (chuchotage); the interpreter transfers the message in a low voice to a small number of listeners (usually 1–3 people) nearby. If there are more foreign language speakers at the meeting, you can opt for interpretation using tour guide sets. This technique requires special equipment and hiring at least two interpreters, but it is a good option if the number of foreign language speakers is more or less the same as the number of participants speaking your language.   How to prepare? The interpreter will surely appreciate any information about the company, the scope of its activity and the subject of the meeting you can provide. If the company operates in a sector where…

Large projects equal great challenges. That’s when a full spectrum of technologies used in software commonly known as CAT tools comes in handy.   This mysterious abbreviation means simply computer-assisted translation, which more and more often accompanies translators and proofreaders in their daily work. However, little is being said about their measurable benefits for clients – and it’s definitely an issue worth exploring. CAT tools and challenges in translation Even though CAT tools are not only used with particularly extensive or repetitive projects, they’re definitely most often mentioned while we are talking about such issues. Today we will also focus on this issue and we will present the advantages of modern technology that translate into real, measurable benefits. The range of programs available to translators is incredibly wide and their possibilities vary greatly. CAT tools include simple proofreading modules incorporated into other apps, as well as separate software allowing work with term bases or dictionaries. The latter are usually used in case of complex projects – what’s so unique about them, though, and why are they so useful? Consistent terminology – higher quality, lower price A text is uploaded to the program and broken down into segments that usually correspond to sentences. Translating every single piece builds a translation memory – you can assign it to, e.g., a particular specialisation or, in case of long-term cooperation, create a translation memory dedicated to a given client’s needs. This way it’s easier to achieve one of the key components of a good translation, namely maintaining consistency in translated phrases… which often turns out to be far more challenging that it would seem. This is quite probably the main advantage of using CAT tools, especially when we receive a glossary with required translations of indicated terms. All of these are added to a term base and a suggested translation of a phrase appears next to every segment where it can be found, ensuring its consistent and reliable translation throughout the whole document.  …