5 More Difficult Words to Translate
Over the last several months, Beyond Words readers from around the world have contacted us to share their experiences with particular words that are difficult to translate. If you enjoyed our Ten Most Difficult Words to Translate article, here are some additions that have caught our attention. Thanks to everyone who sent words! Keep them […]
American Pronunciation Lesson: A Visit to the Doctor
It is important for English learners to master proper intonation and pronunciation when speaking with a doctor, a nurse, or a pharmacist. ALTA’s accent reduction training includes interactive homework lessons featuring recordings of real-world scenarios, such as A Visit to the Doctor. The following recordings (MP3 files that you can listen to repeatedly, or download […]
Translator and Playwright Christopher Hampton Discusses The Importance of Translation
Christopher Hampton loves linguistics and has a deep appreciation for the art of translation. In addition to translating Chekhov’s The Seagull, Hampton is currently directing a revival of a 1969 play about an English philologist, The Philanthropist. The NY Times featured an interview with Hampton today where he discusses the play and says the following […]
English Pronunciation Lesson: Telephone Conversation
Among the most difficult things for English learners to master is proper intonation and pronunciation when speaking over the phone. Part of ALTA’s accent reduction training includes interactive homework lessons featuring recordings of real-world scenarios. The following recordings (MP3 files that you can listen to repeatedly, or download for use on any media player) will […]
Chew on this, Whorf-Haters
If you’re not a linguist, you might not be familiar with the work of Benjamin Whorf. If you are a linguist, you no doubt have a strong opinion about Whorf’s controversial hypothesis, which postulates that particular languages influence the way that their speakers perceive and form opinions about the world. New research in cognitive linguistics […]
The “Unnecessary” Quotation Marks “Blog”
Considering how long this wonderful blog has been around, I’m surprised I hadn’t stumbled upon it until recently. Most language professionals and language lovers have certain pet peeves when it comes to grammar and usage. The unnecessary quotation mark is definitely one of mine! What are the rules for using quotation marks correctly? Well, here […]
Free Word Stress Lessons!
Word Stress is the distribution of stresses within a polysyllabic word. If you’re training to improve your English pronunciation, it is important to place the emphasis on the correct syllable. Take advantage of this free offer to recieve 9 weeks of Word Stress lessons developed by ALTA’s Accent Training professionals. Visit Free Word Stress to […]
The Translator Song: 5000 Words by Sharon Neeman
This morning, one of our translator friends on Twitter sent a link to this great video. It features a professional translator / singer songwriter who poured her wit and musical talent into what could be titled A Translator’s Lament. Of course, our agency would never cause her such troubles, but we’re well aware of the […]
Translation Fail: A Chinese Scarlet Letter
The Taipei Times reported today that officials from China’s National Museum of Prehistory issued an apology for a mistranslation in a publication on Aborigines. The book, Bridging Taiwan with Austronesia, wrongly referred to Aborigines’ facial tattoos as a symbol of “adultery” when in fact such tattoos represent passage into adulthood. Here is an excerpt from […]
Ode to a Dawdler: A Note On The History Of Procrastination
Open a newspaper, or turn on the television or news radio and you will hear the following message from our leaders and pundits: we must act now, there is no time to waste, swift and bold action is required. It is as though the ultimate cause of the financial crisis was not the actions of […]