In a recent event in Costa Rica, on the human rights of migrants at the borders – “Human Rights for people on the move: intersections”, in this case on the border between Mexico and the United States, when we were providing the service of Face-to-face simultaneous interpretation English <> Spanish, with our simultaneous interpretation teams and interpreters, we had the opportunity to hear a phrase referring to linguistic discrimination and the impact of the language barrier for these communities and migrant flows: Linguistic violence.
We facilitate global multilingual education through our remote simultaneous interpretation service over videoconference or webinar.
Remote interpreting at events. Live simultaneous oral translation.
We help you reduce the logistics costs of your multilingual and multicultural events in a disruptive way through our remote interpreting service over videoconference (live simultaneous oral translation).
Why does language influence emotions? Without a doubt, a word, a song or a scent can affect our mood. Human beings are highly sensitive to words, we know that hearing an “I love you”, “I care about you”, or “I miss you” can change our emotions in an instant. And it is that, the meaning of certain words arouses our emotions and the languages in which we pronounce and listen to them as well. The tone used in the words according to the different languages also influences and this is reflected in the reactions they cause. It can be perfectly observed in the case of small children and in the case of pets, the same word can arouse completely different reactions and emotions depending on the tone with which we pronounce them.
Emotions begin to be cultivated early, as soon as we enter the world and begin to perceive the feelings and words that resonate in our home. Therefore, for each person, the words learned in childhood have a particular emotional impact. Mom, dad, aunt, grandfather, grandmother, etc. These are words that revive memories and manage to make those past times take control of our adult lives again. But of course, it is not the same if we listen to them in our mother tongue, which translates it into different languages, where it loses part of that feeling. It doesn’t bring us back to childhood memories, so it doesn’t have the same result.
According to studies, native languages are acquired in emotionally rich contexts, something that does not happen with foreign languages, which are internalized in academic environments that are colder and more neutral in terms of emotions. It is shown that people are more emotional in our mother tongue than in a foreign one. We think more coldly in a foreign language than in the native one and our actions are less influenced by emotions when we use a foreign language. To conclude, it is important to remember Nelson Mandela’s phrase: “If you address a person in a language he understands, those words will go to his head, but if you do it in his native language, the words will reach his heart”.
Advantages of translating your website. Globalization has allowed many activities to be carried out through the Internet. Undoubtedly, among the most notable aspects is the immediate access to information that can be disclosed in real time and electronic commerce, which not only allows you to make purchases virtually, but also allows products to reach markets around the world. that were previously inaccessible. This is why web pages have become a great advantage for thousands of companies that want to reach as many people as possible. In the same way, it is important to mention that a company’s website also serves as a reflection of its corporate values, its image and its identity as an organization.
Generally when a user wants to make a query or buy on the internet, he enters keywords into a search engine to get relevant results that redirect him to specific web pages containing a variety of content. Therefore, a communication channel is opened as wide as desired. Now, if you really want to reach as many people as possible, it is important to consider web translation.
Web pages are usually written in a single language. Generally, in English, which is considered the language of dissemination worldwide. But the reality is that a large part of the general public does not have a linguistic competence that allows them to navigate comfortably in this foreign language or in others. It has been shown that consumers tend to consult web pages written in their own language and are more likely to buy a product from a website written in their own language. For this reason, at a time like the present, it is important for companies to internationalize their content reliably. Some of the benefits of translating a web page are:
- Reach a larger audience
A large number of Internet users are located in Asia or the Pacific, therefore the translation of a web page into other languages will greatly improve global communication. Translating the website into multiple languages gives access to a larger audience that may be equally interested in the products or services that your company offers.
- Greater customer satisfaction
Localized websites lead to higher customer satisfaction, as long as there is a well-done translation. It is also necessary to check that the user experience is optimal, that you can browse and make purchases without problems and that the message on the page is attractive. If customers notice that the company adapts its products or services to their needs, greater satisfaction will be generated. This leads to a better reputation, repeat business, and more customers.
- Boost in search engines
Translating the web page into different languages achieves an increase in ranking and a Google boost for the website. This is because when the page is translated and localized into different languages for different regions, the needs of the clients are being met.
- Competitive advantage
The fact of being on the Internet is already a competitive advantage in many sectors, but if in addition to that you have a website translated into different languages, you will obtain greater differentiation from other companies. If the translation of the website is not carried out, it will be at a competitive disadvantage, losing against local companies and also against other foreign companies that better localize their content.
- Sales increase
If done properly, the investment made in the localization of the website will bring with it an increase in sales and turnover. The translation of web pages facilitates the achievement of new clients, so this will be reflected in sales in the medium and long term. To get the maximum return on your localization investment, it’s important to narrow down the languages you’re translating into with prior research and decide where demand for your products is likely to be greatest.
- Improve the reputation and image of your business
Finally, if the web page is well defined and translated into several languages, it will be transmitting an image of internationalization, professionalism and experience for the user. The website is the first contact that future clients will have with the company, therefore it should always reflect a good image of the company.
At LingoCall we provide professional website and digital platform localization services. Contact us right now and we will gladly make a budget according to the needs of your company.
Translation Errors in Video Games. The translation of video games is characterized by the variety of tasks it requires, since it is not just about translating the textual content of the game, but also about translating marketing content, user manuals, etc. Many say that translation of this type is one of the most complex tasks in the world of linguistic services, requiring a great deal of effort and professionalism. Due to the lack of context, the ideal is for the video game translator to have access to a version of the game that he is translating, but most of the time this is not the case. In addition to the fact that there is often a lack of information about the game and reference material, the texts of video games are full of codes, variables and character restrictions, making the translation process more complex.
When it comes to such complex translations, it is essential to have professional and experienced translators who prevent any mistakes from being made. Video games can be enjoyed by global audiences, if they are translated and localized to meet the needs of each market. Game developers have come to recognize the value of professional translation and localization of text, graphics, sounds, and symbols. But this wasn’t always the case, many early games didn’t incorporate professional translation upon their international release, which resulted in some major bugs.
Street Fighter II
In this video game, what many know as the most controversial and well-known translation error of all occurred. In the win quote for one of the characters it says “You must defeat Sheng Long to stand a chance”. The problem occurred when the fans thought that instead of being a translation error it was a secret character, and all the players tried to discover it. It became worse when a gaming magazine made an article with images that showed the existence of ” Sheng Long” and the requirements to unlock him. In the end they revealed that it was all a joke and that Sheng Long was just a mistranslation of the Japanese word “Shoryuken”.
Retro City Rampage
Retro City Rampage is an action and adventure game developed by Vblank Entertainment, being a parody of retro games from the 80s and 90s. In this example we are dealing with an obvious case of decontextualization on the part of the translator, it is of the explanation of the game buttons, where there are a series of verbs, one of these being “duck”, in Spanish “agacharse”. The translation was done incorrectly since the word “duck” was translated as “pato”, which would be correct if it were a noun, however in the case of the video game, taking into account the context it was a verb.
The Walking Dead
It is said that a lot of people who enjoyed The Walking Dead game were in awe of it, commenting on the great story, good characters, moments of intensity, etc. Spanish-speaking customers had been waiting a long time for the translated game, to meet the demand the company decided to use the fans’ translation as the official one. However, this was not satisfactory at all and the company received harsh criticism for it. The translation of the game was riddled with bugs, severely lacking, and almost impossible to understand.
Zelda II
One of the best-known errors in the world of video games occurred in Zelda II, in which when talking to one of the villagers in a certain town, he says “I am Error”. This person who appears is actually called Errol, and not Error, but due to a translation mistake they changed the l to r. Due to this failure there were several memes and jokes that have harmed the image of the brand.
Medical Devices and Translation. Saving Lives from Costa Rica. Costa Rica has been identified as a leading country in attracting foreign investment, being the headquarters of multiple multinational companies. Part of the fundamental reasons for this achievement have to do with its stability, legal security, trained and bilingual workforce, as well as the tax incentives it offers. All this has turned our country into a manufacturing and service center for the entire continent, consolidating itself more and more, especially in the life sciences manufacturing sector, especially for medical device multinationals, which has allowed the development and specialization of companies in this industry.
Currently, it is the second country in Latin America in export of medical devices, controlling 24% of the regional market, only surpassed by Mexico. Worldwide, it is in the fourteenth position, contributing 2% of exports of this type, according to data from the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promoter (PROCOMER). These numbers take on more relevance when detailing that medical and precision equipment grew by 18% during 2021, placing this industry as one of the main exporters in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica has more than 30 years of experience supplying the global medical device industry worldwide. Currently, it is home to 6 of the top 10 medical device companies. This sector has also been an important generator of employability, since in recent years it has generated more than 38,000 jobs and the figure could increase in coming years. And it is that according to data from the Costa Rican Coalition of Development Initiatives (CINDE) this industry has maintained constant growth since 2018.
Like almost every business sector, these companies face the challenge of constantly reinventing themselves, thanks to the accelerated global transformation of the industry. In addition, they must ensure that they meet quality standards and comply with risk mitigation. It is important to remember that these quality and risk prevention systems must necessarily consider effective and efficient communication as an aspect of special attention. Particularly in this industry, where the interaction with people, companies or institutions with different languages is increasing. This is where professional translation and interpreting services come to the fore, and become more relevant in the medical device industry.
The translation service related to medical devices is a task that must be carried out with high professionalism, because here a slight error could seriously affect people’s lives and health. Currently there is a very specific pharmaceutical or medical terminology, therefore there is a wide variety of documents that are susceptible to being mistranslated. For all of them, specialized professional translators should be trusted, since the health of the patients, the acceptance of the documents by the authorities of the different countries or simply the final quality of said documents..
The translation of the content related to medical devices and instructions must be carried out by specialized translators who have experience in the relevant medical fields. Therefore, working with a translator who does not know the medical terminology and regulatory requirements in place in a given country or region will simply not be enough to translate medical device instructions and other content related to medical equipment. If preparing all the documentation generated by the sector in the local language already has its difficulties, translating it into other languages is a complex process that cannot be subordinated to a word-for-word translation. You have to pay attention to the meaning of the source text and look for equivalences in all the complex terminology used in the sector.
Given the highly competitive environment, the nature of medical devices with a direct impact on the lives of patients, and the resulting high regulation, the issue of multicultural and multilingual communication becomes a critical factor for success and business continuity. In fact, the translation and localization of all documentation, operating procedures in manufacturing, instructions for use, videos, training material, etc., is a mandatory and strategic activity that is part of the quality and risk mitigation policies of companies in this medical device sector.
At LingoCall we provide official translation services for medical device standard operating procedures. We have professional and experienced translators and interpreters. Our clients in the Coyol Free Zone and the La Lima Free Zone are our best letter of introduction. Contact us right now and we will gladly make a budget according to the needs of your company.
Importance of Multicultural Communication in International Negotiations. In an increasingly globalized world, it is necessary to know the different languages, cultures, customs, religions and their importance when doing business. There is a great opportunity to grow and reach new markets in multiple countries and language and cultural barriers should not be an impediment to achieving this. The opening to multicultural communication opens doors to new markets, new business opportunities and, although it is not a guarantee of this, it can even increase sales, since it facilitates the expansion of horizons and allows communication between individuals overcoming language and culture barriers.
If you want to grow as a company, it is essential to open up to new markets in different countries and this implies mastering their languages and cultures. Intercultural relations are highly influenced by the different customs, religions and thought patterns of people. When doing business, it is essential to take certain factors into account to respect these cultural differences and for the negotiations to be successful, these are:
- Language: The language is the most important factor when making international negotiations, you should always ensure that there is the best communication and understanding between all parties. It is known that the most used language par excellence in the world of work is English, but this is no longer enough. When doing business with foreign clients, they must be treated with excellence, simplifying the negotiation process and allowing them to feel heard. This is why, if the client requests it, it is essential to reach him in his own language.
- The greeting: It is always important to investigate what the traditional greeting is in the country of the person with whom you are negotiating. In most countries the most accepted greeting is the handshake, however others have their own traditional greetings. In certain Asian countries it is greeted with a slight nod, in India joining hands and placing them under the chin, in Arab countries the right hand is usually offered and continue with two or three alternate kisses on each cheek. It is always best to find out what is used in the country of each of the participants and try to make everyone feel comfortable.
- Time: The way in which time is perceived and invested can vary from one country to another. As far as punctuality is concerned, in South America and the Mediterranean there is some flexibility in delays while in North America, Europe or Japan punctuality is taken for granted. The value of time is also a factor that varies from one country to another, in North America it is expected to complete the negotiation process as quickly as possible. However, in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, they prefer to take the time to get to know each other more and build a relationship of trust.
- Body language: Body language is one of the most powerful tools in communication. The meaning of different gestures can vary greatly depending on the culture, therefore, when it comes to international negotiations, it is essential to take this into account in order to avoid misunderstandings. Another basic aspect of body language in different countries is distance. You should know in which countries it is preferred to keep a distance between people, or on the contrary, in which countries closeness is preferred since it is seen as a symbol of trust.
- Casual conversations: Casual conversations or in “small talks” are those that are held between negotiations in order to break the ice and get to know each other between participants. In some countries this type of conversation is very common, such as in France, Canada, the United States and Australia. However, in countries like Sweden, Japan and Germany they prefer to focus only on the topic of the meeting.
- Humor: Humor can be a double-edged sword in intercultural negotiations, it can help create a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere or it can create an unpleasant situation. Cultural and religious differences can make it difficult for interlocutors to understand jokes, therefore, one must be careful with the humor and jokes that are going to be used.
- Gifts: For many, gifts are an important element of the negotiation, but it is necessary to know what gift to give to whom. In some Asian countries, it is customary to exchange gifts, and refusing gifts to the other party at the beginning of negotiations can be considered an insult. However, in Western countries if a gift is given, it should always be of little value so as not to be perceived as a bribe.
- Religion: Religion is one of the most touchy and sensitive issues, so it is best to avoid commenting on these issues during negotiations. It is also important to know the basics of these religions to understand the ideas and behaviors of the people with whom we are trying to negotiate.
It is important to mention that in multilingual and multicultural negotiation processes it is recommended to have the professional services of native interpreters who dominate not only the linguistic but also cultural aspects. A good interpreter, who knows both cultures and languages, should serve as a “bridge” or cultural broker advising their clients on the above aspects.
Sign Language Interpretation. Interpreting is an act of communication that consists of transmitting the content of an original message issued in a specific language to another understandable to the receiver. The interpreter becomes a linguistic and cultural mediator between both communities, that is: a transmitter of information. In order for an interpretation to be carried out effectively, the content and structure of a message must be understood and decoded, in order to later be able to reproduce it adequately in the other language. Sign language interpreting is similar to other interpreting services and requires a high level of skill to perform successfully. The interpreter must be fluent in Sign Language, as well as fluent in the different native signs of the region of origin of the deaf people for whom he/she is interpreting.
Sign language refers to language through signs made with the hands, mouth and other movements, through which people with hearing disabilities and/or speech difficulties communicate. According to the World Federation of Deaf People, there are more than 70 million deaf people in the world and the different communities have been creating natural linguistic systems in each country or region, which have given rise to the different sign languages. It is estimated that there are more than 300 sign languages in the world and, like auditory-phonetic languages, they are recognized as a full language.
In recent years, it has been demanded that there be more inclusion for deaf and hard of hearing people, since like any other person they deserve full access to information, to communicate with others properly and to the services offered by society. Businesses, governments and society in general must commit to ensuring these people more inclusion through barrier-free accessibility to information and the opportunity to communicate fluidly with others. This is achieved by teaching the respective sign language of each country, ensuring that the media are accessible to deaf people, hiring sign interpreters in companies, etc.
Hearing impairment is an invisible disability, but many citizens in every country live with it. Communication barriers are high, taking into account that very few hearing people know the official language of people with hearing disabilities in different countries and in few places are there enough trained interpreters to meet the demand of deaf people in person. It is important to remember that not everyone who knows sign language is automatically an interpreter, to be one they must receive professional training. For example, being a bilingual speaker does not make anyone an interpreter, it is necessary to receive professional training in order to have this title.
In companies, to ensure inclusion and accessibility, it is recommended to offer sign language interpretation in all the events that are held, it is also good to be constantly raising awareness among all personnel in relation to the treatment of the deaf community and to have a person who communicate in sign language. Having the instructions, regulations, manuals, and contracts in videos with sign language interpretation is of great value. In addition, it would be important to encourage people in the company to learn this language. Governments and the media also have a great task in this area, interpreting only for presidential debates or breaking news is not enough, not giving them full access to information is a lack of respect and a violation of human rights of deaf people.
“For deaf people, access to sign language is key to breaking down communication barriers and being able to participate in society like anyone else,” said Lea Labaki, junior disability rights researcher for Human Rights Watch. “The right of deaf people to access schools, medical treatment or courts depends on the opportunity to use their own language.”
There is no doubt that the system we live in is unfortunately not inclusive enough. Younger generations are becoming more concerned about this and have a broader vision of inclusion than ever before, there is still a long way to go as a society, but the fact that more people are raising awareness and demanding change gives hope for it to happen system changes. Change is in the hands of each person and each one can influence the existence of more social justice, supporting inclusion projects in our environment, promoting inclusion in our company, signing petitions, learning the sign language of our country, giving it visibility to the needs of deaf people, etc.
At LingoCall we provide remote sign language interpreting services for Costa Rica Sign Language (LESCO), United States (ASL), Mexico (LSM), Argentina (LSA), Colombia (LSC) and other countries. We also convert your videos to inclusive versions using subtitles and the Sign Language interpretation box. Inclusivity includes both services since not all deaf people know how to read well, and not all deaf people know or practice the Sign Language of their culture, therefore, the combination of both services increases the probability that the message will be assimilated by the deaf culture community.
Captioning your videos is strategic. Today video-based marketing is very relevant and effective. In fact, YouTube is the second most used search engine in the world, where people want to search, not to read the results found, but to feel the experience, see and perceive the content better. This is very much in keeping with the saying that “An image is worth more than a thousand words”, and what is even better, if the images have movement, audio and music.
In the field of digital marketing, advertising videos or video-clips tend to be short (maximum one minute) and their objective is to draw attention and capture the interest of the public so that they seek or request more information, in the shortest possible time. In fact, it is said that if the first five seconds are not effective in attracting attention and retaining the user to watch the entire video, then the video and its design is ineffective.
On the other hand, when we need to impact international markets, in regions of the world where they speak a different language than the one in the original video, it is necessary to define how to translate and adapt the translation so that the video would be understood in various languages, by various cultures.
Faced with this need, to solve the problem we can create a video for each region, in each language, with the dubbing of the voices to those languages, or, we can create the files of the translated and synchronized subtitles for all the languages of the regions that we need to impact. Creating the translated subtitle files is obviously cheaper than dubbing or creating a different video for each language, with professional voice-over professionals for each language.
On the other hand, regardless of whether the video is in the respective language for the target audience or not, the international trend, and especially among young people, is that they want to consume the content of the video without having to activate the audio, that is, If the video is not subtitled, the user simply does not watch it, or watches it, but does not perceive the message that we want to transmit.
Likewise, subtitling a video is the first step to start being inclusive with deaf communities. In any case, although not all deaf people know how to read well, and not all know the sign language of their country, subtitling the videos is already a first step to be inclusive with these communities.
We would love to know your multilingual – multicultural communication needs or goals and present you with a comprehensive proposal based on our complementary services of interpretation, translation, voice over, dubbing, subtitling and transcription, in more than 25 languages, including sign language interpretation for different countries. (Note: Sign Language is different in each country). The idea is to help you define which service is the most suitable for each content and communication objective, in terms of effectiveness, cost and production time of the multilingual communication solution.
