02/23/2007 - 02/24/2007

Chinese tourists taught foreign etiquette

Officials in China are providing people with guides to travelling abroad in a bid to improve their behaviour.

Travel agencies and the tourism department of Shanghai are launching the campaign, with brochures and lectures on foreign etiquette given to those planning a trip overseas, reports Xinhua.

Raketu Launches Spanish Language Version

Raketu Communications Inc., the global Internet communications, information and entertainment company, today announced the immediate availability of its Spanish language version. Currently, all pre-paid customers of Raketu’s "RakOut" dial-out voice over IP (VoIP) service enjoy free calling to over 40 countries. This same service offer will now be available for Spanish speaking consumers, wherever they live in the world, as all calls to locations in these countries are free regardless of where they originate.

Language skills could boost EU competitiveness

European companies are losing up to €25m worth of business a year because of poor language skills, the EU’s new multilingualism chief has warned.

Speaking at his first major press conference since taking office in January, Bulgarian commissioner Leonard Orban presented the finding of a recent study showing that Europe’s SMEs are at a disadvantage because of their lack of language skills.

Language, Translation and the NHS

In December it was reported that the NHS was spending £55 million (€82m; $107m) each year on translation services. In this week’s BMJ, two doctors practising in inner London go head to head over whether language services in the NHS should be curbed.

Kate Adams, a general practitioner in Hackney, believes that doctors should encourage patients to learn English to avoid future public health problems.

Word of Day: lapidary

lapidary \LAP-uh-dair-ee\, adjective:
1. Of or pertaining to the art of cutting stones or engraving on them.
2. Engraved in stone.
3. Of or pertaining to the refined or terse style associated with inscriptions on monumental stone.
noun:
1. One who cuts, polishes, and engraves precious stones.
2. A dealer in precious stones.

Here, disgusted by venality and intrigue, the retired courtier would come to compose lapidary maxims and wise but sympathetic letters to ardent youth. -- Michael Foley, Getting Used to Not Being Remarkable

If I asked how long it took to simmer the meat sauce, Emilia would answer with a grumble and her usual lapidary phrase: "Quanto basta. As long as it takes." -- Patrizia Chen, Rosemary and Bitter Oranges