Translation software tools may be useful in company expansions

According to USA Today, although many companies decide to expand their businesses overseas, it is sometimes not as easy as it sounds. There are many obstacles in doing so, with one of the biggest challenges being a new language and culture.


SME Web recently reported that many companies that have expanded their businesses have seen the devastating effects of incorrect translations. For example, when the American video game Call of Duty was released in Japan, gamers in this Asian nation misunderstood how to play the game due to a translation error. In English, one character says, "Remember, no Russian." However, when this was translated to Japanese it said, "Kill 'em; they're Russians," leaving Japanese players mistakenly killing Russian characters in the game.


The news outlet stated that when companies are preparing to translate their texts, they should focus on more than getting the words right. Culture must also be taken into consideration. For example, when Colgate expanded into France they named their toothpaste Cue. Unfortunately, they did not know enough about French culture to know that this is also the name of a popular pornography magazine.


Corporate professionals who are planning to expand their businesses may want to invest in translation software tools before making an embarrassing grammar or spelling blunder. 

Google Translate API - True or False?!

While countless people all over the world prepare themselves for the day when Google Translate is no longer available in an API solution (supposedly in December), others refuse to do so and beg Google to reconsider.
Rumors are spreading that Google may have succumbed to the insane demand for their Translate API service and will continue to offer their Translate API - but for a price.
The question business people, marketers, developers and affiliates are asking all over the world is - so what's true?
Whatever the truth really is, Google has to give an official statement with a final decision as to what will be going on with their Translate API. People all over the world depend on this service to run their businesses and must have time to consider alternatives. These alternatives will not be easy to find. Apparently there are only four companies in the whole world with this kind of translation technology and now Google, which was one of them, is no longer an option (or is it?).
Microsoft is trying to ride the wave now with their own translation service, however a simple test of two or three sentences between Google and Microsoft show that MS simply aren't as good! A good recommendation would be WhiteSmoke Translator - their translation is as precise as Google and sometimes shows even better results. The only question now is - do they have their translator in an API service and if not, would they be willing to do so and "ride the wave" like Microsoft?

Only time will tell, unfortunately time is running out. We're all waiting for more news from Google and will update our faithful readers once something comes up.

Translators May Save Individuals Embarrassment in Stressful Exchanges

During the 2010 Miss Universe Pageant, Miss Philippines Maria Venus Raj was asked how she overcame any mistakes in her life. She replied, in English, that there was "nothing major, major - I mean problem - that I've done in my life," according to the Deseret News.
She was likely penalized for her choice of words and sentence construction, and ended up finishing as fourth runner-up in the competition. Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz mused that Raj was most likely "thinking in Tagalog," in which a phrase like "major, major" makes sense, the news source reports.
In contrast, winner Jimena Navarrete of Mexico decided to use an interpreter for her answers. English is not her native language. According to the paper, the professional translator may have helped protect Miss Navarrete from any miscommunication.
Understandably, missteps can occur while making a live speech in one's non-native language before millions of television viewers. Even in less public transactions, such a private business conference, language limits may be detrimental. Navarrete's choice highlights the usefulness of an automated or human translator.
In these situations, simultaneous interpreters (SI) are often used to translate, in real-time, the two languages being spoken. SIs, who are often called upon at multinational conferences, must demonstrate complete mastery of both languages, according to the website of the American Bureau of Professional Translators. 

In Business, a Professional Translation Device may be Preferable to Beginner Language Skills

Playing down one's linguistic skills - no matter one's facility - may prove beneficial in certain business communications, according to the Deseret News. Certain cultures value modesty. Also, some professionals may frown upon a beginner's stumbling attempts at their native language.

For instance, American business professionals may want to decide against communicating in beginner's Japanese with their clients. Such attempts may risk one's looking less than capable, particularly if he or she is not fluent or in grasp of the nuances of the language, according to the news source.
An automated translator or online translation tool would be handy in such a situation, as it could facilitate easy communication between parties. English-speaking professionals can shield themselves from linguistic missteps, the Deseret News adds.
However, not all cultures perceive beginning speakers as incompetent. They may even appreciate the attempt of an English-speaker who tries out non-fluent language skills.
Language errors can be incredibly costly to a company. In his book Blunders in International Business, David A. Ricks notes that translation mistakes are some of the most common in professional communication. Ignorance of multiple meanings of a word, for instance, can potentially lead to gaffes, insults and broken deals.