|
||
|
Cultural Corner
Monthly Newsletter – January 2025
Swift hand of justice delayed by need for local translation services…
The judicial system is facing significant delays and increased expenses due to the rising demand for translation services in courtrooms locally and across the United States. With the growing diversity of the population, courts are finding it increasingly challenging to provide timely and accurate translations, which is impacting the efficiency of legal proceedings and placing a financial strain on county budgets.
According to Jefferson County Criminal District Court Judge John Stevens, Jefferson County is no exception.
“I’ve got to go to Houston to get certified translators,” said Stevens. “We are struggling, and, we have these hearings about every third Friday.”
As the demographic landscape in the U.S. continues to evolve, the need for translation services in courtrooms has surged.…”
– from theexaminer.com, Jennifer Johnson. (08/30/24)
Monthly Newsletter – December 2024
High schooler uses Spanish language to change lives
CHARLOTTE — A Union County High School senior says the Spanish language has changed her life – and has allowed her to help other kids who aren’t as fortunate.
Anabeth Tomalis started reading books to kids in Spanish when she was in elementary school. When asked if she came from a Spanish-speaking home, Tomalis smiles and says, “No, not all.” In 2012, Tomalis says she started learning the language as a kindergartner…”
– from wsoctv.com, Gina Esposito. (12/27/24)
Here is a quick note – November 2024
Miss Venezuela Ileana Márquez Pedroza opens up about translation issues at Miss Universe 2024!
“…While the spotlight was on the crowning moment, online discussions took a different turn, with fans voicing their frustration over what they perceived as a critical factor that hindered Miss Venezuela’s performance: her interpreter. Márquez Pedroza relied on an interpreter during the two crucial Q&A rounds. Unfortunately, this decision backfired. In the first round, the interpreter delivered the wrong question, causing Márquez to give an answer unrelated to the topic. The miscommunication immediately drew reactions from the audience and fans online…”
– from hola.com, Shirley Gomez. (11/18/24)
I’m really excited about this – October 2024
Reimagining the Language and Translation Space for Patients
“…For most Americans, receiving information from a medical provider is relatively straightforward. While understanding the finer details may be challenging in any language, English speakers are generally assured of always receiving guidance in their language of choice. The same cannot be said for the nation’s estimated 68 million limited English proficiency (LEP) individuals, as well as the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, which are expected to represent 19% of the population by 2050. For this segment of society, access to language support is often sporadic or not provided at all.…”
– from medcitynews.com, Dipak Patel. (06/12/24)
Start Your Day, With This – September 2024
Why Language Barriers Are Still Holding Back Global Business Growth
“…Going global is increasingly on a CEO’s and a CMO’s to-do list. In the UK alone, 87% of those businesses who trade internationally are planning on expanding their overseas operations this year, with a further 10% aiming to step outside the UK for the first time.
That’s a lot of cross-market communication campaigns. But, despite emerging technologies helping business bridge borders more easily than ever before, they’re still being held back by language barriers…”
– from theorem.com, Maria Greaves. (09/09/24)
Cultural Corner
The Dog Days of Summer – August
Monthly Newsletter – August
Words From Sandy
South Korea Mistakenly Introduced as North Korea At Olympics Opening
“…South Korea’s sports ministry expressed regret on Saturday over a mistake during the Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony where its athletes were incorrectly introduced as North Korean. The incident occurred when the French-speaking presenter introduced the South Korean delegation using North Korea’s official name… The error has sparked displeasure in South Korea, which remains technically at war with North Korea since the Korean War ended in an armistice rather than a peace treaty in 1953.”
– from timesofindia.com, TOI Sports Desk. (07/27/24)
Cultural Corner
Ideas in Translation – July
Monthly Newsletter – July
Words From Sandy
If AI is so good, why are there still so many jobs for translators?
…Daniel Sebesta, another representative from the American Translators Association, suggests this is a common reason why companies and governments still employ human translators. “AI still struggles with complex linguistic tasks that require creativity, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to understand subtle nuances in meaning, especially in low-resource languages (i.e., languages that don’t have millions upon millions of high-quality translated words that can be used to train AI),” Sebesta says. “Companies continue to hire human translators and interpreters because they understand that AI cannot replace the expertise and judgment that these professionals bring to the table. This is particularly true for high-stakes projects in fields like legal, medical, but also literary translation, where accuracy and cultural appropriateness are paramount.”
– from npr.org, Greg R. (06/18/24)
Cultural Corner
Cultural Corner – June
Monthly Newsletter – June
Words From Sandy
Chinese Airline Serves Baffled Passengers ‘dog food’ In Awkward Translation Blunder
Plane passengers were left baffled after they were offered “imported dog food” on their flight as a menu option, rather than more palatable dishes you would usually tuck into. When flying business class, passengers tend to expect a range of fancy dishes to be served up. But when dog food appeared as an option, alongside “smoke pepper beef” and “cucumber,” people were left with many questions.
Someone saw the opportunity to make a pun, commenting: “Dog food can be canned and is safe to eat. If imported, it can have high safety standards. Standards that are through the woof.” A fan backed the airline though, saying that they loved flying with them – but there were no excuses for the bad translation.
– from mirror.co.uk (11/20/23)
Cultural Corner
Cultural Corner – May
Monthly Newsletter – May
Words From Sandy
Positive Impacts of Summer Camps Designed For Deaf Youth
Summer camps can provide deaf youth with opportunities for language acquisition, linguistic skill development, and an opportunity to encounter other modes of communication that they might not otherwise have been exposed to. Over 90% of deaf children are born to hearing parents, and these children can learn more about their identity and discover a sense of community by socializing with other deaf youth in an environment that fosters a sense of belonging.
Youth with disabilities may feel left out at camps that aren’t set up for them. As Felix explains, his experience at a camp for deaf-blind people had a big impact on him. Designing camps accessible for everyone’s needs can make a big difference in the way students feel about themselves and their ability to succeed.” – from nationaldeafcenter.org (
Cultural Corner
