The Translation Company

International Translation Day Prompts Reflection

Posted on: 10/09/2012 by Amanda Jennings

Since 1953, International Translation Day has been celebrated by people all over the world on September 30^th. While such a day doesn’t seem like one worth celebrating, translation is actually very much a part of everyone’s lives, whether they realize it or not. Even if you’ve never sought out professional translation services or even typed anything into Google translate, you’ve probably been more affected by translation than you think. Without translation, we would not be where we are today. Aside from allowing people to communicate with each other from cultures across the globe and bringing new forms of art into different countries, translation has two very real affects on everyday people and their lots in life.

Translation Saves Lives

At any given moment, translators around the world are working diligently to scan news articles from other countries to watch out for threats on the United States. By translating these stories, we can be prepared for any terror threats on our country as well as any serious health outbreaks. That isn’t even the only way translation saves lives, as many doctors use translation services to help people visiting from other countries. Even if you don’t travel, you could someday need medical care from someone who speaks another language. Some diseases can only be treated at world renowned hospitals in other countries, and communicating with your doctor would be impossible without translation.

Translation Fuels the Economy

To meet the expectations and demands of shareholders and customers, most Fortune 500 companies use professional translator services so that they can communicate globally. If they don’t hire staff specifically for that purpose, they probably hire bilingual staff should the need for translation arise. Exportation is part of the United States economy, and it simply would not be possible without translation. Even if a company does not export globally, there’s a chance its investors are from another country, and they’ll need a way to update these investors on progress.

It’s easy to forget the role that translation plays in our every day lives, which is why International Translation Day gives us cause to pause and reflect. Whether officials are using a German translator to halt a global war crisis or you’re reading the English translation of a French poem to your loved one on Valentine’s Day, translation is an essential part of the health, happiness, cultural understanding, and general well being of people around the world.

A Pair of Glasses that Shows You Subtitles

Posted on: 09/10/2012 by Amanda Jennings

When traveling abroad or meeting people from foreign countries, modern technology has made it easier than ever to communicate without language barriers. Instead of learning the language before we visit a country, we can simply bring our smartphone along and translate the conversation as we are engaged in it with one of the many translator services provided on the web or as an app. In fact, real-time translation might be even easier now with the invention of a new form of revolutionary translation technology. Instead of looking down at our phones to see the translation, a set of subtitles will appear before our eyes.

New Invention Combines Existing Technology

The invention, called the Vuvix 1200 Star glasses, is not entirely novel. Essentially, the glasses combine the powers of two small computers, a Jawbone Bluetooth microphone, a TV, an iPhone, an iPad, a headset microphone and a transformer. Clearly, the design is not exactly portable yet. However, it certainly paves the way for similar technology in translation services that you can someday travel with. Right now, the device is only useful for one-on-one conversation. As technology improves and all of the devices get smaller and more efficient, the glasses could be worn even at a major event and they could still translate the spoken words in real time.

Real-Time Subtitles Might Hinder Language Education

While the subtitle glasses will certainly bridge the gaps caused by language barriers both domestically and abroad, they might also affect people’s drive to learn new languages. If you were taking a long trip to Germany, for example, you’d probably focus and spend a lot of time learning German before your journey. Then you’d be able to fully immerse yourself in the culture upon your arrival, even if you did need to whip out your pocket German translator every now and then. These glasses might prevent people from feeling the need to educate themselves, as they are essentially the easy way out.

While the future of translation technology such as the Vuvix glasses might have a negative affect on whether or not people learn new languages for vacations abroad, they will certainly provide benefits to companies or individuals who deal with international business partners. Instead of learning every language or hiring a traveling professional translator for every overseas business meeting, international businessmen can simply wear these glasses to understand every aspect of the new business deal in real-time. Until that day comes though, a professional translator is obviously a more appropriate strategy.