The Politican, the Firemen, and the Trouble with Language

While we don't frequently post links to videos, this is one that we needed to share with our fellow Spanish-language lovers. The link came courtesy of a professor of Spanish at the University of Vienna's Translation and Interpretation Institute, and we can see how difficult it is to regain your composure after a verbal mishap with a sexual undertone.

We are not quite sure who the speaker is, but he's a very affable Spanish politican who appears to have a great sense of humor. No one is more stunned at what he said than he was. Luckily for him, there were no intepreters in the room, as it might have been very challenging, even for seasoned interpreters, to keep a straight face.

Note: this is in Spanish, and it's not explicit. The speaker has an unfortunate enounter with the term "bien dotados." Enjoy!

3 Ways to Get PR Coverage: Print Media

One of the most effective advertising strategies -- both in terms of cost and in terms of credibility -- is getting some media coverage. This is, of course, mostly free (excluding your opportunity cost), but the challenge is: how do you get someone in the local (or regional, or national) media to do a feature on you? In these challenging economic times, it is true that print publications are struggling, but editors are usually still looking for local articles that don't require a lot of research. Since staff has decreased, many newspapers have confronted challenges in covering local happenings and end up taking a lot of national stories from sources like the Associated Press, hence decreasing their local relevance, so they might be grateful about a business story from their community that's presented to them.

Getting coverage in media can greatly improve your chances of breaking into new markets and being exposed to the business community. There might be translation needs you will probably not have anticipated, and it's a great way to increase demand. However, don't expect to have the phone ring off the hook the next day: sometimes PR is part of brand-building and is a long-term investment.

Here are three things you can do to jump-start your PR efforts in print media.

1. Get featured in your alumni magazine, whether you live in that community or not. Most editors of these magazines are always looking for interesting stories on alumns. Even if your entry only makes it into the smaller "class notes" section, these magazines are usually read quite widely by the business elite. Being an alumna or alumnus of the particular university usually adds to your credibility, as many graudates enjoy doing business with fellow alumns.
2. Contact your local business weekly. Editors' names are usually publically listed in the publications and/or their websites. Write a short note (e-mail is fine) about who you are, why it would be interesting to feature you, and give them some useable information about you. Write a press release about yourself to give editors more background.
3. Write a letter to the editor. Sure, this sounds very old-fashioned, but if you have something interesting and insightful to say and your letter gets printed, a lot of eyes will see what you have written. Ideally, you'd comment on an issue related to your industry; about language, translation, interpretation. etc., in the news and explain your point of view from a languages professional.
   

Guest Post: Getting a Ph.D. in Translation Studies

By B.J. Epstein

I am nearing the end of my time in a doctoral program in translation studies, so I thought I would write a little bit about what it means to get a PhD in the field.

In September 2006, I moved from Sweden to Wales in order to study at Swansea University. There are not that many schools yet that offer translation studies; more often, one must study a language or comparative literature. So what does it mean to be in a translation studies program?

Translation programs on the BA or MA level generally focus on training translators. Such programs combine theoretical and practical work. Students improve their language skills, read and discuss translation theory, practice translation, learn about computer programs and terminology, and maybe get information about starting a company or working for agencies, and other such things. In other words, these kinds of programs are aimed at students who are good with languages and want to work in the field of translation.

In a sense, translation studies might as well be totally unrelated. I have met many people who study or work in the field of translation studies and yet have never translated and have no intention of doing so (I tend to find this odd, but that is a different issue). In a Ph D. program, a student is being prepared to become a researcher, not a translator. As in BA or MA programs, students learn about translation theory, but by the Ph.D. level, they are expected to have (or to quickly obtain) in-depth knowledge about this. Students should already have extensive language skills. One doesn’t really attend courses, although this depends on what country the program is and what individual students require. For example, I chose to sit in on several classes about translation theory and the history of translation, mainly out of interest and a desire to refresh or extend my knowledge. Basically, one spends most of the time researching. Students must be independent and good at working hard and making their own schedule.

Research what? Well, there are many different possible areas. One can research and analyze the translation of specific kinds of non-fiction or fiction works or specific types of language, the translation of a particular author, what it means to translate between two or more different languages, how translators feel about their jobs, what translators actually do as they work, how translators are or ought to be trained, how translators use (or don’t use) computer tools, how ideas of translation have changed over time, critiquing translation, how translation can be used to control certain populations, how translation can develop a target language, what conditions translators work in, differences in how translators and those studying to be translators work or think about their work, and much, much more. Remember that much of this can apply to interpreting too, which is generally subsumed under the field of translation studies, though interpreting studies as a separate field is growing, and also to subtitling.

As an example, my own research has been focused on children’s literature and I have been particularly interested in how figurative language is used and translated in books for children from English to Swedish. I also know people who research the translation of medical texts between English and Chinese, and the translation of idiomatic phrases in non-fiction from Spanish to English, and the subtitling of talk shows. Some researchers use computer programs to help with their research (particularly if they need a large corpus of texts), while others interview translators or sit with them while they work, and still others focus on close analysis of texts.

Those who are starting out in the field often spend a lot of time learning about translation theory in general and their particular field specifically. For example, in my first term or two in the PhD program, I read everything I could find on the translation of children’s literature, on translation in the colonial and postcolonial contexts (this was related to my need to learn more about translation and power), on functionalist theories and skopos, on translating dialects and wordplay, and related topics. Others might want to read about gender theories or issues of in/visibility or financial translation or interpreting in a legal setting or think-aloud protocols.

The next step is picking one’s texts and starting the research and, of course, trying to find something new and important to contribute to the field. I use primarily textual analysis and statistical analysis, which means I study texts and their translations, and then compute how common certain translatorial strategies are. In the first term, students often begin writing literature reviews and chapters of their dissertation. Here, one’s supervisors should give detailed criticism on one’s writing style and ideas.

In the first year, many students start attending academic conferences and sometimes even presenting at them. Conferences are an excellent way to learn about what research is taking place in the field and also to get feedback on one’s budding research. Next, one ought to try to get articles published. Attending and speaking at conferences and having work published are both essential when one is finished and looking for a job. Research trips may also prove beneficial; I spent two wonderful weeks at the National Library in Stockholm, studying various translations of work by Lewis Carroll and Mark Twain.

I have really loved my time being a PhD student in translation studies. I have continued to translate, edit, write, and teach throughout my years in Wales, and that has been really stimulating for me, although many Ph.D. students prefer to focus solely on their research. It’s a lot of fun to research translation and to try to contribute to the field and in the future. I hope to continue combining research with being a practicing translator.

B.J. Epstein is a Ph.D. student and a Swedish->English translator living in Wales. She's originally from Chicago, and lived and worked in Sweden for many years. She's also a friend of ours whom we had the pleasure of meeting in Vienna earlier this year. Don't miss her fantastic blog, Brave New Words.

Link: Speaking of Translation Interview in Colorado

Thanks to Web 2.0 innovators and fellow translators Corinne McKay and Eve Bodeux, who host the very popular -- and only, as far as we know of -- translation podcast.

A few weeks ago, after giving my "Lessons From Business School: The Entrepreneurial Linguist" workshop, Corinne and Eve interviewed me in Denver, Colorado, in the middle of what Coloradoans call a "mild" snowstorm. In southern Nevada, it would be considered a blizzard! Thanks to everyone for braving the elements and joining us for this fantastic day of learning and collegial exchange. The members of the Colorado Translators Association who attended are an interesting, lively group, and we had many great discussions, followed by an afternoon panel.

You can listen to the podcast on the Speaking of Translation site.

Phone Etiquette

Regardless of the time of day or night, we give every phone call and e-mail the time, attention and professionalism it deserves. Even though we don't work with agencies, we frequently get calls from them. Some callers are more professional than others. It is frustrating not to know who exactly you are speaking with, and if the caller seems very hurried and does not give enough details for us to make a decision on the project, that's usually not a good basis for collaboration. Here's a recap of a phone call that we received from a New York City number on 1 p.m. PST, 4 p.m. EST.

Caller (speaking very quickly, hurriedly): "Hi, this is XYZ (first name only, could not understand it). I called you earlier and you couldn't hear me. Can you hear me now?"

Judy: "Well, yes, I can certainly hear you now. Thanks for calling. What can I do for you?"

Caller: "I wanted to see if you could take on a rush translation from English into German, 2,000 words, until tomorrow morning."

Judy: "Traditionally, we don't accept rush jobs unless they are from repeat customers and we are very familiar with the subject matter. Who are you with again (note: she had never said)?"

Caller: "I am with XYZ (didn't catch it again, caller appeared to be out of breath)."

Judy: "I am not familiar with your agency. What's the subject matter of the translation?"

Caller: "It's legal."

Judy: "Well, our thorough quality assurance process (four drafts, as a team) usually doesn't lend itself well to extreme rush jobs like the one you are describing. However, as you seem to be in a bind, you can go ahead and e-mail me the document and I will have a look at it, discuss it with my businesss partner, and get back to you."

Caller: "OK. What are your rates again? I don't know your company."

Judy: "Well, the non-rush rate is twenty-something cents a word."

Caller (very surprised, harsh): "What? That's way too expensive! Forget it!" (hangs up)

Judy: "Well, it was my pleasure speaking with you." (Ah, no one on the line anymore)

I briefly considered recommending a colleague whose rates might be more in line with the agency's budget, but 1) the caller hung up and 2) I don't think any of my colleagues want to work with someone who cannot have an educated conversation about services and rates. First impressions do matter, for buyers and for sellers, and establishing solid work relationships with clients and vendors is paramount to anyone's success in our business.

Link: Colorado Translators Association Marketing Workshop

Two weekends ago, I (Judy) had the honor to present my two-hour marketing workshop "The Entrepreneurial Linguist: Lessons from Business School" in Denver, Colorado, at the Colorado Translators Association. I really appreciate all the wonderful positive feedback I have been getting. While I have already e-mailed the actual PowerPoint presentation to anyone who requested it, I also meant to write up a short summary.

Turns out that Riccardo Schiaffino, Italian translator and fellow blogger at About Translation, has already done that. He took stellar notes, and provides an excellent summary of the workshop. Please visit Riccardo's informative blog, where he also expanded on my presentation and priovides great links to additional informatio as part of his recap. I will be presenting my workshop again on May 16, in Chicago, at CHICATA's 20th annual conference on translation and interpretation.

Great Professional Development Workshop in Germany

Our friend and ATA colleague Karin Bauchrowitz recently told us about a fantastic 2-week workshop in Erlangen, Germany. She's been attending for many years, and the workshop is an excellent combination of learning and sightseeing - it's quite unique in the world of professional developement opportunities for translators and interpreters.

Here are a few details and contact information:

8th Biennial Study Workshop for German/English Translators and Interpreters in Erlangen, Germany
September 27 – October 10, 2009


The very popular and well-received 2-week Study Workshop for German-English translators and interpreters will be held again at the Institut für Fremdsprachen und Auslandskunde in Erlangen, Germany in 2009.

This year’s presentations will address the current financial crisis, renewable energy, law enforcement, diet and health and contemporary German literature, among other things.

Site visits will include a trip to Eurocopter – the market leader in civil helicopters-- in Donauwörth, a presentation on shipping and logistics in the Nürnberg harbor, IMO a leading manufacturer of wind farm equipment, the Erlangen district heating facility (Fernwärme) and by popular demand, a repeat visit to the Schwan-Stabilo pencil factory.

We will also visit the Martin Bauer tea factory, complete with a visit to the company’s herb garden and the opportunity to try a wide variety of unusual teas. No visit to Erlangen is complete without at least one visit to a Siemens Division. This year we will visit Siemens Mobility, where the focus will be on logistics and automation, topics that some of us are called upon to translate and interpret on a regular basis.

Also included is a tour of an “Aromagarten,” the open-air museum in Windsheim, the Roman ruins in Weißenburg, a boat tour of the Nürnberg harbor. Other activities include a social get-together with the teaching staff and students of the Institut, joining our colleagues at the regional meeting of the BDÜ in Nürnberg, a visit to the Waldkrankenhaus, an optional (!!!) bicycle tour of the Erlangen environs, and a tour through the vineyards and wine tasting in Volkach.

Cost for the two-week workshop: $45 non-refundable registration fee, due immediately to reserve your place, and then €760 (or about $985 or so depending upon the rate of exchange) by June 1. Workshop fees cover 13 days of bed and breakfast at the Frankenhof, a hostel run by the city of Erlangen, all presentations, excursions, admission to all museums, etc., as well as the farewell party on the evening of Friday, October 9th.

The workshop fee does not include air fare or lunches and dinners, though occasionally some of the companies hosting factory visits have provided lunch.

Contact information:
Lois Feuerle
3036 SE Taylor Street
Portland, OR 97214
(503) 236-5593 w/voicemail
LoisMarieFeuerle@cs.com

Link: Translator Community Mourns Ben Teague's Death

Ben Teague, former American Translators Association (ATA) president, German->English translator and theater aficionado, was fatally shot on Saturday, apparently by a University of Georgia professor while attending a picnic. It appears that Ben was trying to protect the real target, the shooter's ex-wife.

Although we did not know Ben Teague personally, many of our colleagues did, and our hearts go out to this corageous linguist's family. Ben had inspired many people and translators during his career, and contributed a tremendous amount to our profession. The Austin Area Translators and Interpreters Association has a short account of the tragedy and additional background on Ben on their blog. For more information, please see here.

Link: Alicia Gordon Award for Word Artistry in Translation

Thanks to our friend, fellow blogger and president of the Colorado Translators Association, Corinne McKay, for posting the following on her blog, Thoughts on Translation. The Alicia Gordon Award for Word Artistry in Translation (awareded by the American Foundation for Translation and Interpretation) competition is now accepting submissions until June 1. The winner will be announced during the American Translators Association's 50th Annual Conference in New York City at the end of October. The prize is $250 and a certificate of recognition. The passages need to be 750 words in length. The competition is open to any ATA member in good standing (all subject areas, not limited to literary translation). The languages are: French/Spanish into English or English into French or Spanish. For more information, please see this link.

Guest Post: 5 Ways a Blog Can Boost Your Freelance Business

By Susan Johnston

Photo by Rachel Hadiashar, MergeWeddings.com

These days almost everyone has a website, and that can be a great way to showcase your professional accomplishments and list your qualifications. But to really stand out, I'd suggest blogging. Here are five ways that freelancers can benefit from writing a blog

1. Connect with others in your industry. Through blogging, I've "met" a ton of like-minded writers and other freelancers. Some of them have suggested new ways to market myself, and others have actually referred me to new projects. At the very least, blogging gives you the feeling of a virtual community, something that every work-from-home freelancer needs to fight social isolation or the occasional frustration over difficult clients.

2. Build credibility. Several months ago I contacted an editor about writing for her publication, and she emailed me back saying that she already knows my work from reading my blog. Who knew? Many other freelancers find that blogging helps them establish authority in their field, which can lead to referrals and even interview requests from the media.

3. Improve your online footprint. I'm one of about a million Susan Johnstons in the world. But since my blog is updated regularly and gets a lot of incoming links, it ranks #2 in Google's organic search results (my website is #1). When clients Google you (as many will), you want them to find relevant items that showcase you as the fabulous freelance professional that you are, rather than getting a bunch of outdated research papers you wrote in grad school or photos from your community newspaper. Blogging helps ensure that you maintain control of your internet image.

4. Hone your skills. The most obvious skill you develop while blogging is writing. But good bloggers are also savvy project managers, a useful skill for any freelancer who needs to meet deadlines or endure editing by committee. In the course of maintaining your blog, you might also learn how to edit and resize images, record a podcast, or tweak basic HTML. You never know when a client might say, "this is great, but could you add X?" Now you can. And of course, you can charge extra for the extra skill.

5. Show your human side. Your website and LinkedIn profile show your professional side, while blogging is a chance to let your hair down and show some personality. True, you probably don't want to get too personal and reveal details about poker night or that wild pub crawl, but you can write a bit more informally so that readers and potential clients connect with you as a person, too.

What about you? Has blogging improved your freelance business in other ways? Leave a comment and tell us about it!

Susan Johnston is a freelance writer/blogger who has contributed to The Boston Globe, The Christian Science Monitor, Self Magazine, and Yahoo! HotJobs, as well as many other websites and print publications. She shares her tips and anecdotes about writing and the freelance life at The Urban Muse.