Intercultural Communication and Translation News

It is easy to believe that interpreting is merely a case of translating one language for another. However, this is a misnomer particularly where public services are concerned. Interpreting is probably one of the most crucial and sought after need in the public service industry. From Social Services to housing, benefits and court interpreting, the process requires considerable other skills to that of understanding a particular language.
The Social Services department, particularly in cases of child protection require not only accurate translation during interpreting but sensitivity and, above all, confidentiality. Without those components the interpreting can be more of a casualty than a help. When for instance a child is to be received into the care of the local authority, a great deal of sensitivity is crucial on the part of the interpreter who is often the person to convey a very distressing message to a parent or relative. A good public service interpreter will also understand the importance of timing. The task of interpreting in the circumstances described above cannot be hurried. It is often necessary for a distressed person to take time out before commencing. Any interpreting undertaken for the Social Services in those circumstances should be preceded by an explanation to the client as to what he/she may expect and how it will be undertaken. The Social Services department should require a written undertaking of confidentiality and should further ensure that the interpreter is not known to the client in any capacity even living in the same vicinity.
Public service interpreting is also often used by the housing department particularly in multicultural areas where for many, English is not the first language, or where asylum seekers are concerned. This will also require a preliminary explanation to the client explaining the process that is to take place and also to explain the client’s rights and the limitations of any service required before the actual interview takes place.
Court interpreting also involves confidentiality and prior checks that the client is not known to the interpreter. It is sometimes the case that an interpreter is required urgently, particularly where someone who does not speak English has been arrested on a serious charge and is to be brought before Magistrates imminently. It is the task of the interpreter to explain to the client what is happening and what the charge is. The interpreter will be working with a solicitor who will explain everything to him/her. Most solicitors will become familiar with a translation service that provide good interpreters. A good Court translator will be experienced in working in the Courtroom and will have the appropriate public speaking skills. The interpreter will translate word for word which may well include swear words and abusive comments but interpreting means just that, interpreting exactly what is being said. The purpose of interpreting is to take the place of the person so that what is being translated is just as if the person was saying it themselves.

Whilst the world is beginning to shrink with the opening up in communication and travel, so the world of business expands. In the last two decades never has there been such a need in the business world than to have a full, comprehensive knowledge and understanding of language and its impact across the globe. How much emphasis is given to language in your business? Language is the base communication throughout your business. Language transcends all in the business world. It is what makes the world the place it is and helps us to communicate with others.
Language as a tool in business should be seen as exactly that, a tool. Language should be as important to your business as your hard drives, your catalogues and manuals and all the other tools you perceive to be essential to conducting your business.

If you see language as a tool within your business you are more likely to foster the care and attention you need to place upon the way in which you use language. Perhaps you should adopt the mantra ‘language isn’t just for talking’. Language is for all communication. Some tips to help you to start using your tool of language in order to maximise your communication with your business counterparts. Firstly, you must be very clear and concise about the messages you wish to convey. Cut out the unnecessary words, don’t be convoluted about it, stick to the point and you will ensure you have been fully understood. Remember, and don’t forget, language is a tool and you want your tools to work for you. Personal style goes a long way to say something about you so don’t let the day’s stresses or any personal setbacks to show in the way you use your tool of language, believe it or not, a frown, a shortness or abruptness of manner can be off putting and leave the person with whom you are communicating feeling unsettled. Language is your business tool so, smile, make eye contact, it’s all part of the language. We call it body language.

It is extremely important in the world of business that your build good relationships. How do you do this? You use your language tool of course. It may seem like a time consuming exercise, may be even seen as patronising and pointless, but, if you are to succeed in fostering good, amicable and workable business relationships, a little training in how your company uses the language tool will not come amiss. Why not consider your own corporate brand of your valuable language tool? Why do you think the American’s use the phrase ‘have a nice day’? Because it works. Language says something about you. The language tool is your badge. Wear it well and you can’t go wrong.

Professionals who are looking into the possibility of working abroad need to check that their qualifications “translate” into other countries.

According to expatriate and international lifestyle magazine Shelter Offshore, rules and regulations may also be different overseas, so professionals must ensure they do their research before deciding which country they wish to work in.

Rhiannon Davies, co-founder of Shelter Offshore, said professionals must also consider their own needs before making any firm plans.

She said: “If someone has a desire to live in a given country, they need to look at what businesses could work in that environment.”

For example, a professional wanting to try working in Germany would need to carry out research into what type of business is successful in the country and where there may be a gap in the market.

Ms Davies was speaking after recent figures from the Office for National Statistics showed that there are almost three million full-time self-employed workers in the UK.

Read more > Shelter

Wherever you are in the World, medical translation is a minefield. In Dubai more and more translation services are opening up that can provide excellent translation which assures accuracy and precision. It would be easy to assume that medical translation is just a basic means of translation. Not so, medical usage and terminology is specific to medical matters and can vary in interpretation around the globe. It is essential when considering medical translation in Dubai that you seek the right translation services who can guarantee accuracy and translators who have the medical knowledge and experience of the terminology required for such work.

Most Medical translation services in Dubai will provide translation in medical research with leading international companies; pharmaceutical companies, informed consent documents, patient case reports to name but a few, all of which require accurate and precise translation. Remember, where medical translation is concerned, any mistakes can not only mean the loss of business, it can in some cases mean a matter of life or death and, translation mistakes can result in costly litigation.
Of course, all medical documentation in Dubai will be in Arabic and translators used in the translation will have a comprehensive knowledge of both Arabic and English. It is essential for all translation services to ensure that translators interpret accurately so that meaning is conveyed from Arabic to English and vice versa.

It is further, essential when considering medical translation that electronically communicated information is supported by the appropriate software so that numeration, characters and browsers etc are compatible to the target language.

In the last two decades, Review Boards have been set up around the globe to protect client subjects and to ensure expert and accurate medical translation in a world where commercial, legal and medical links are made. In Dubai, all medical translation will be undertaken within the professional requirements of the Dubai health authority.

Looking for a translation company in Dubai? Visit > Dubai Translation Service

With an expanding world market and increasing business links from one country to another, it is essential to consider the part played by legal document translation. When in house legal staff spend countless hours drawing up contracts and other important documents, all that hard work can be undermined if the right legal translator is not thoroughly checked out before embarking on the task in hand. For confidence when engaging a legal translator, the following issues should be sought and guaranteed – a) he/she should be able to demonstrate competence in legal translation b) he/she should have at least five years or more experience in their particular field c) he/she should be a native speaker of the target language and possess a linguistic understanding and have extensive training in the source language.

When considering legal translation it is also paramount that the translator has expertise in the particular field required such as medical matters. It is not just enough to have legal knowledge, the translator should have a sound medical knowledge. What will be very clear will all companies whatever their particular field, that legal infrastructures vary from country to country as do medical matters and other fields of business transactions.

Legal translators should have a fundamental understanding, not only of the target language, but of the cultural aspects of the target area also. Legal translation must also take into account the technical differences when sending electronic documents. There are huge differences between countries with different linguistic characteristics so that the legal translator must understand how to accommodate these issues and adapt them to fit into the source language. It is essential therefore, that the final legal translation fully reflects exactly what is required and has to be understood accurately. Any misunderstanding can have expensive consequences if not undertaken by a competent legal translator.

One of the most fundamental requirements when engaging the services of a legal translator is that of absolute confidentiality. This is a matter which must be checked out before placing documents for legal translation, and it should be a prominent aspect of the translators credentials.

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