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Two yellow Minion figurines with goggles standing beside paint cans, speakers of the Banana language
Language insights

How to Decode Minion (Banana) Language

There are several languages that have been created from movies or works of literature. There’s Klingon from the Star Trek franchise. The movie Avatar brought us Na’vi. There’s also Dothraki from Game of Thrones. Let’s not forget Elvish, Nadsat, and Lapine.

06 Oct 2017
Fountain pen resting on an open notebook with handwritten lines, the start of a personal business note
Business

Handwritten Notes as a Secret Business Weapon: a Guide

Going paperless is a laudable goal. In fact, the majority of the time you should pick electronic or face to face communication when possible. However, there is something wonderfully tactile about opening an envelope, unfolding a handwritten letter, even flipping over a postcard to read the message after looking at the picture.

11 Sep 2017
Glasses resting on an open book on a wooden table, studying words that have no direct translation
Language insights

Untranslatable Words in The English Language

How do you say restroom in French? What’s the Japanese word for grape? If you’re a translator or just speak more than one language you probably answer questions like these frequently. The answers, by the way, are salle de repos and グレープ (gurēpu). You may also be aware that there are words that simply don’t translate well out of or into certain languages. This is even true for English. Keep reading to learn what some of these words are.

22 Aug 2017
Laptop, open notebook, coffee mug and flowers on a wooden table, a cozy spot for reading translation blogs
Translation tips

5 Blogs on Translation Everyone Should Follow

Whether you are a professional translator, fan of languages, dedicated traveler, or professional who uses translation services on a regular basis there are some great translation blogs out there. Any one of these could be of interest to you. Below, we have outline five that we think are especially valuable.

08 Aug 2017
Two women talking over a laptop at a table in a brick-walled office, discussing a translation project
Translation tips

Hiring a Translator? Here Are Four Important Questions to Ask Yourself

When it comes to professional translation services, the details matter. Obviously, your translator should be detail oriented, and capable of providing you with accurate translations. However, you have details to consider as well before you hire a professional translation service. If you fail to do this, the translation you receive may not be the translation that you need.

20 Jul 2017
Top view of hands working on a laptop and notebook with coffee, a native translator at work
Translation tips

The Benefits of Employing “Mother Tongue” Translators

First of all, let’s define the term “mother tongue” translator. This would be an individual who grew up and was educated in the country of your target language. As such, this translator would have a fluency in that language that included all of the nuances and idiomatic expressions that are often “cultural” and highly local, even to specific regions to a country.

22 Jun 2017