by Michael Bastin | 30 Jan, 2020 | Translation agency, Translation services
Established in 2002, BeTranslated is a professional translation service with a vast network of freelance translators and project managers.
Our staff are located in many different countries across the world, from Europe and Asia to North and South America.
We efficiently supply reliable translation services according to the availability, specialisation, expertise, and resources of our team members to meet our client’s needs.
What puts us at an advantage as translators?
Our mix of geographical locations provides us with a unique advantage.
This allows us to use the time zone differences in our favour to benefit our clients, enabling us to not only meet the tightest deadlines, but also to hold a deeper understanding of the various cultural and language requirements needed.
This helps us to cater for variation in the client base that we serve and to enable worldwide reach.
BeTranslated is known for its flexible approach, and our company prides itself on collaborating with those who value quality. We offer a working environment based on mutual respect and a team that communicates openly and well.
The service we offer our clients at BeTranslated
In case you were wondering what the translation process looks like for a professional translation agency like BeTranslated, we thought we’d break it down for you:
Step one
We have representatives in different countries and allocate translators that are the best fit for our client’s needs.
They are usually selected based on being experts in the specific regional versions of the project’s languages.
For example, if a text will be published in Spain, the translator will be a specialist in European Spanish. They will be the contact and obtain the client’s precise project spec and details.
Step two
The core members of our network will discuss each project to evaluate its needs. Then the client is provided with a comprehensive quote.
Step three
Based on the specifics of a job, we will assign the freelance translator who best meets these needs. This might be a specialist in website translation, or perhaps a linguist dedicated to the field of IT or telecommunications.
Our linguists are always fully supported by our technical resources to provide a top-quality translation.
Step four
We deliver the requested documents or files on schedule, whatever the format, to the highest precision.
Step five
We always follow up with our clients to check that everything has been delivered as required and that they are happy with the service(s) provided.
Step six
If there are comments or alterations to be made, we will act on these and make any necessary changes.
Upon confirmation of satisfaction, an invoice will be issued for payment.
A professional translation service you can trust
All our translators are highly qualified professionals. We can cater to most types of translations and, with clear guidelines plus a reasonable deadline, we will ensure that all of our clients are impressed and delighted with our work.
We look forward to the opportunity to wow you with what we do and to welcoming you as a new client at BeTranslated.
Got a translation or localisation project on the horizon and looking for a reliable professional translation service? Request a free, no-commitment quote today!
by Michael Bastin | 17 Oct, 2019 | Languages
The word ‘universal’ describes something that is all-encompassing, such as today’s business world.
Learning a new language abroad will be key, as business takes place across many languages, not just one single means of communication. Here is how you can avoid this sticking point.
For this reason, limiting yourself and your business to what you can speak means you’d only have a smaller scope of operation.
Thankfully, languages can be learned, and with modern methods, you’ll quickly pick up on the garb of a foreign tongue.
Learning a new language abroad is a gateway that creates a connection that makes things run smoothly.
Whether that’s sitting in a classroom, using an app or a blog, the practical purposes a new language serves to solve many problems.
These tips will help you when learning a new language abroad, whatever the business trip you embark on.
Enrol in a language class
This is one of the best and foolproof tips if you’re going to grab on a language quickly enough.
A basic knowledge of the structure, grammar, and how words are pronounced sets the tone for better communication.
You don’t have to know everything to at least say ‘hi’ or effectively pass off a little message in a new language.
Further, enrolling in a language class means you see the bigger picture and the advantages associated with starting off on the right foot with language skills, particularly if your line of business is novel to you.
Language classes do need a certain degree of commitment and attention from you, meaning you will lose some valuable time, but on the whole, it’s worth it if your business must break new ground.
Mimic and imitate
If you’ve felt comfortable watching a Spanish, Chinese or Italian sitcom and didn’t have an issue following (with subtitles, of course), perhaps picking up some few lines to mimic would help.
Sometimes, lines get stuck in the mind, and you find yourself eager to learn more. It’s the same on the business front.
When you meet clients and other business partners, listen with keen interest and observe how they use words, phrases, and the gestures that follow.
Chances are you’ll pick up on some familiar words and try them out at a later time.
This way, you’re testing your mental ability to grasp essential parts of the new language and making an effort that is bound to pay off.
A drawback of mimicking is that you may get lost in the context of what’s being said.
However, an attempt to speak what you’ve heard or learned upgrades your personal network, which helps your business concerns.
Resist the urge to speak your language
It’s definitely one to watch out for. Even though it does help you escape a few sticky situations, replying in your host’s native language further strengthens your resolve to learn it.
Again, you might sound like an insect close to a well-lit bulb, but it’s better than being too comfortable with what you already know.
Resisting the urge to speak your language is awesome, but you should know where to draw a line, particularly if you want to close out a deal or confirm a transaction.
Also, others are just as eager to speak yours or build on what they’ve learned. One positive is that it boosts the process, helping you to learn faster.
Simple words are the key to learning a new language abroad
It’s okay to have a vast array of vocabulary to help you express yourself. But when it comes to new languages, you’ll find that you have a limited scope of words or vocabulary to press home your point.
You don’t want a situation where you’d have to use a service to look up the meaning of what you’re trying to say. For this reason, speaking like a child short on what to say helps a lot.
Forget all the tough stuff and stick to the basics. This way, things don’t get misunderstood since communication is effective.
Use online language tutors
Thanks to the internet, you can connect with a lot of people, including tutors and other language learners.
There are many benefits associated with using language training platforms, such as convenient timing – you can be on the move and still have access to materials – as well as lessons and live chats.
Also, you get to practice your skills with people from all over the globe.
Online learning is on the rise, but still requires a fair amount of time to gain anything meaningful.
This is coupled with the fact that nothing beats the real-time experience of learning a new language abroad.
On the plus side, however, it’s relatively cheap.
Culture is just as important – embrace it
Some cultures are largely unspoken, but one thing they’re not is hidden. Also, in most cases, you’re taken seriously when you observe such customs in a foreign country.
For instance, you may find yourself in countries that don’t accept tips for some services. Offering one would seem offensive, demeaning or in contravention of a law.
Even if the new language is not your strongest suit, observing the local culture and the customs that come with it is a nice step towards fitting in.
One drawback here is not staying long enough to latch onto significant parts of the culture and customs of a foreign place.
On the flip side, it’s something you never forget, especially if you return in the future.
When in doubt, ask for help
Being on a business trip presents many challenges, even if you’re fluent in the new language.
Getting a native speaker to help you translate essential aspects of business transactions is a good idea.
Things like residence permits, contracts, bargaining power, and red tape need experts to sift through them.
Furthermore, asking for assistance isn’t a sign of failure, rather a recognition of the fact that you’ve gone far enough. A pitfall would be falling into desperate hands.
Sticking to those recognised by authorities helps a lot.
Conclusion
Having a command of two or more languages is helpful to you and your business. It often means you can reach further in foreign countries and hold your own as you engage in profitable transactions.
These tips will help you hit the ground running.
In the meantime, if you need assistance with translations to help you go abroad, don’t hesitate to contact BeTranslated, for a free, no obligation quote.
by Michael Bastin | 11 Jul, 2019 | E-learning, Education, International Development, Training
Just like literature, cinema is a great way to set off on a journey of discovery into other cultures, languages and ways of life. This interest in capturing other perspectives through the camera lens has produced many classic and modern films dealing with the subject of translation, either as a subject in itself or as a backdrop for some of the biggest stars in Hollywood.
Check out our top ten!
Arrival (Denis Villeneuve, 2016)
An outstanding work of science fiction by the director of Blade Runner 2049 Denis Villeneuve, starring the hugely talented Amy Adams as a translator given the task of communicating with some rather chatty aliens. The film delves into the process of translating an unfamiliar language and the potential effects of language barriers.
Can she save the world with her translations?
Charade (Stanley Donen, 1963)
In what will always be one of Stanley Donen’s best films, Audrey Hepburn plays the role of a conference interpreter who sets off on a riveting adventure alongside Cary Grant, in arguably one of the sexiest couples of the last 100 years (we are, of course, open to differences in opinion)!
We wonder how many interpreting and translation careers were launched by this film?
Lost in Translation (Sofia Coppola, 2005)
Of course, we can’t talk about translation in film without mentioning this cult classic. Directed by the fantastic Sofia Coppola, the film takes place in Japan, where two Americans on holiday – Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson – discover the delights of cultural misunderstandings and the difficulties of finding yourself far away from home, even when just for a few days.
We particularly enjoy the scene with a Japanese translator and a very confused Bill Murray!
The Terminal (Steven Spielberg, 2004)
What’s the first thing you might need when detained in an airport? A good translator, of course (just ask Tom Hanks)! This film by Steven Spielberg tells the true story of Mehran Karimi Nasseri, an Iranian political refugee who had to live in an airport from 1988 to 2006.
The Interpreter (Sydney Pollack, 2005)
In this political thriller, Nicole Kidman plays the role of a conference interpreter who accidentally overhears a conversation between two politicians which could put her life in danger.
This film is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat with its action-filled plot, and hearing the incredible Nicole Kidman speaking French at the start of the film is a charming moment. This film is guaranteed to please all Kidman and translation fans!
Spanglish (James Brooks, 2005)
This down to earth comedy is a real must-see. The title says it all: the film deals with the meeting of two cultures – American and Spanish – and all the cultural and linguistic misunderstandings that come with it. Everything would have been much simpler with a professional Spanish translator! Claro, hombre.
Okja (Bong Joon-ho, 2017)
Not necessarily a film about translation, but a very interesting exploration of friendship and modern industry by Netflix. In this case, it is the translation of the film itself which is interesting.
As we saw with the recent film, Roma, the film’s subtitles were the subject of much debate.
Dealing with the linguistic differences between English and Korean is no mean feat, and at times things can get lost in translation in the subtitles. For example, in an attempt to translate a Korean joke about language learning, a character simply says their name and the subtitles say “Try learning English. It opens new doors!”
An Impossible Love (Catherine Corsini, 2018)
Once described by a member of BeTranslated who will remain anonymous as “to be avoided like the plague” we’ve included this film to hear your reviews! This romance by Catherine Corsini, based on the novel by Christine Angot, tells the emotional tale of the wonderful Virgine Efira and an abusive and sadistic translator played by Niels Schneider. Don’t worry, our language professionals are nothing like this unsavoury character and will respond to your demands in a much more civilised manner.
Welcome to the Sticks (Bienvenue chez les ch’tis, Danny Boon, 2008)
Perhaps not the subtlest film of all time, but certainly one with a lot of character. This hit French comedy includes some hilarious scenes of cultural and regional differences and lots of slapstick humour. Not to mention the admirable subtitling effort into English!
Chuck Norris vs Communism (Ilinca Călugăreanu, 2015)
This comedy documentary is a fascinating insight into the world of audiovisual translation and looks at just what happens when issues of censorship and politics come into play.
The film tells the story of the illegal importation and dubbing of American action and religious films to Romania in the 1970s and 1980s, and the political consequences of this cultural exchange.
What do you think? Is there one we missed out? We would love to hear about your favourite translation and interpreting films!
Or, alternatively, if you’re looking for the Nicole Kidmans and Amy Adams of translation services, contact us for a free quote or to find out more about our services!
