12/30/2004 - 12/31/2004

Demand for Arabic Language Education Rises in United States

Arabic, now designated a strategic language by the U.S. government, faces unprecedented demand for instruction in schools across America, from kindergarten upwards. Not long ago, Middle Eastern languages comprised only 2 percent of all foreign language classes in the United States, led by Hebrew. Then, a Modern Language Association survey revealed a 92 percent rise in Arabic enrollments between 1998 and 2002 -- to 10,600.

Translating HTML

Today, being able to translate HTML is crucial, for obvious reasons, and about every translator will accept HTML files. Yet, although it's not politically correct to mention this here, truth is that many translators don't know enough about HTML and websites to do a professional job.

Lost in translation: How Coke, Pepsi and P&G got it wrong

Among the goof-ups, 'lost-in-translation' seems to be the most common. Translating English into Spanish, in particular, is fraught with danger. Braniff, a US-based airline, realised this first-hand when it translated a slogan touting its upholstery, 'Fly in leather', in Spanish. It came out as "Fly naked." Imagine the embarrassment of conservative Senors and Senoritas.

Translating HTML files

Today, being able to translate HTML is crucial, for obvious reasons, and about every translator will accept HTML files. Yet, although it's not politically correct to mention this here, truth is that many translators don't know enough about HTML and websites to do a professional job.

Recipe for a Successful Assignment in India

Say 'India' and many people think of Gandhi, the Taj Mahal, or even a rich, fragrant curry; most are unaware that India also is a desirable relocation destination. In fact, the 2001 shows India to be among the top five emerging destinations, and it has been among the top six emerging locations since the beginning of the survey eight years ago.

Are your gifts insulting?

Giving a gift has long been an accepted social tradition in business, but knowing what presents are appropriate for foreign clients can be difficult.

To avoid embarrassing situations and sending unintended messages, special consideration should be given not only to the gift but also to how it is wrapped and presented and why and when it is given.

How To Do Business in Islamic Countries

The business scene in the Islamic world may be as complex as its 1.3 billion people, but there are general rules that can be applied to the majority of Muslims when doing business.

This article from the Harvard Business School looks at some interesting do's and dont's for those conducting business in the Middle East and Muslim world.

Word of the Day: tintinnabulation

tintinnabulation \tin-tih-nab-yuh-LAY-shuhn\, noun:
A tinkling sound, as of a bell or bells.

One found oneself immersed in the infinitely nuanced tintinnabulations of clapping cymbal rhythms passed from one player to the next, in the barely audible, rain-like patter of drums that suddenly grew into an overwhelming mechanical onslaught. --Tim Page, "From Japan, The Thundering Drums of Kodo," Newsday, February 24, 1995

SMS Translation

Emirates Telecommunications Corporation- Etisalat- said that the recently-launched SMS-based translation service has received an enthusiastic response from mobile users in the UAE.

Data shows that 2500 messages were translated by mobile phone users on the first day the service was in operation.

Logicboxes Unveils 8 New Languages For Its Interfaces

LogicBoxes, a software and consulting company specializing in solutions for ICANN Accredited Registrars and Web Hosting companies, announced the launch of a series of 8 new language packs to the already existing multi-lingual interface of its flagship product OrderBox V4.2.

"Given that over 48% of the Internet Users are non-English speakers offering any web based interface that caters to a global audience in multiple languages is a must," says Bhavin Turakhia CEO LogicBoxes."

English - the Global Language

Half the world will be speaking English within the next decade, says a new report.

Two billion people are expected to begin learning English and three billion will speak it, according to an estimate by the British Council.

Other languages such as French risk being marginalised as the world becomes more "linguistically globalised".

Companies search for staff lost in tsunami

International banks and financial institutions have launched the largest programme since the September 11, 2001 attacks in the US to track down employees after the Indian Ocean tsunami disaster.

Concerns about the fate of employees have grown as beach resorts in south-west Thailand and Sri Lanka, among the worst affected by the tsunami, were favourite destinations during the Christmas holidays for expatriate executives and other staff in the regional financial industry.

Oracle CEO Looks to the East

“For global marketing, understanding culture is very important,� said Oracle’s Larry Ellison recently at a convention in San Francisco.

Forbes magazine’s 12th richest person is known for his love of Japanese culture.

Doing Business with Turkey?

Much has been made in the press recently over confirmation that talks with commence with Turkey over them joining the EU.

If Turkey does join the EU there will be a greater need for knowledge of the Turkish language, culture and business protocol. By way of introducing Turkey to our readers we offer the following resources:
Doing Business with Turkey
Turkish Culture, Business Etiquette and Protocol
Turkish Phrases

Word of the Day: riposte

riposte \rih-POST\, noun:
1. A quick thrust given after parrying an opponent's lunge in fencing.
2. A quick and effective reply by word or act.

intransitive verb: To make a riposte.

She had an agile, teasing sense of humor that included a sure grasp of the absurd and an instinct for punchy ripostes. --Sally Bedell Smith, Diana in Search of Herself

It was an inelegant riposte, especially for one so quick-witted as Neumann. --Peter Gay, My German Question

IHRIM 2005 Conference in Reno, Nevada

HR outsourcing will be a key topic of presentation and discussion at IHRIM’s 2005 Conference & Expo, May 1-4, 2005 in Reno, Nevada. Because HR outsourcing has been initiated by organizations of all sizes, and many companies are considering expanding to more business process outsourcing, IHRIM has put together an educational track that will provide useful and timely information to conference attendees.