Merlin: Translation News, Services & Directory

Our second new blog category will focus on one of our specialties: medical translation and interpretation.

As I posted last week, we’ve just finished reorganizing our blogs to better reflect what our company does — and what I write about.

Our second new blog category will be specialized in the growing and crucial field of medical translation and interpretation.

We decided to create a medical blog because we specialize in medical translation services, specifically Spanish medical translation. We are the preferred provider for the UC San Diego Medical Center and work with over 40 departments there on a daily basis.

Medical document translation includes working with material as varied as patient instructions, product manuals, medical journals, and operating manuals. In fact, we translate at least 30 different types of medical documents, as specified on our website – and there are probably more where that came from!

Medical interpretation is also a fascinating field, where language and culture meet in a setting that requires 100% accuracy. From technological advances to the cultural aspects of medical interpreting, this blog will keep you informed about the latest trends in all aspects of medical language services.

We’re already off and running on this topic with recent posts about hospital video interpreting services, assessing doctors’ language skills, and the medical subjects that will be covered at the American Translators Association Conference.

Follow our Medical Translation and Interpretation blog for more.

Betty Carlson

See Also

• www.languagetranslation.com
  A leading language translation and interpretation service provider for more than 20 years. .

Our second new blog category will focus on one of our specialties: medical translation and interpretation.

As I posted last week, we’ve just finished reorganizing our blogs to better reflect what our company does — and what I write about.

Our second new blog category will be specialized in the growing and crucial field of medical translation and interpretation.

We decided to create a medical blog because we specialize in medical translation services, specifically Spanish medical translation. We are the preferred provider for the UC San Diego Medical Center and work with over 40 departments there on a daily basis.

Medical document translation includes working with material as varied as patient instructions, product manuals, medical journals, and operating manuals. In fact, we translate at least 30 different types of medical documents, as specified on our website – and there are probably more where that came from!

Medical interpretation is also a fascinating field, where language and culture meet in a setting that requires 100% accuracy. From technological advances to the cultural aspects of medical interpreting, this blog will keep you informed about the latest trends in all aspects of medical language services.

We’re already off and running on this topic with recent posts about hospital video interpreting services, assessing doctors’ language skills, and the medical subjects that will be covered at the American Translators Association Conference.

Follow our Medical Translation and Interpretation blog for more.

Betty Carlson

See Also

• www.languagetranslation.com
  A leading language translation and interpretation service provider for more than 20 years. .

The 1st annual North American Summit on Interpreting was held in Washington, DC in June 2010.

One of the feature events of the Summit, organized by InterpAmerica, was a presentation of the results of a comprehensive study of interpreting in North America. The study was carried out by Common Sense Advisory.

In a recent article, study co-author Nataly Kelly points out the major findings of the research:

• Most interpreters specialize in multiple areas. The majority of interpreters reported working in diverse settings and across geographic boundaries, even though associations are divided on the basis of industry sector as well as countries, regions, and states or provinces.
• By and large, interpreters are translators. The vast majority of interpreters also do written translation work. Nearly eight out of 10 interpreters reported that they also work as translators. This does not mean that the reverse is true (that most translators are interpreters).
• Interpreters are getting older. The data reveals a clear “graying of the profession,” as the majority of interpreters are now getting on in age, while smaller numbers of new recruits are entering the field.

(Extract from Interpreting Stakeholders Join Forces, published on the Gerson Lehrman Group website, August 6 2010)

The second finding is of particular interest in order to understand the difference between translation and interpreting. While the two fields require one common base skill – language mastery – the complete skills sets for each profession are quite different.

Successful translation is based on writing skills and the efficient use of dictionaries and online technologies, whereas interpretation requires specific practice and training in interpreting techniques, and is certainly more stressful. That’s likely why few translators are trained and willing to cross over to interpreting jobs.

Betty Carlson

See Also

• Language Translation, Inc.
  A leading language translation and interpretation service provider for more than 20 years.

The 1st annual North American Summit on Interpreting was held in Washington, DC in June 2010.

One of the feature events of the Summit, organized by InterpAmerica, was a presentation of the results of a comprehensive study of interpreting in North America. The study was carried out by Common Sense Advisory.

In a recent article, study co-author Nataly Kelly points out the major findings of the research:

• Most interpreters specialize in multiple areas. The majority of interpreters reported working in diverse settings and across geographic boundaries, even though associations are divided on the basis of industry sector as well as countries, regions, and states or provinces.
• By and large, interpreters are translators. The vast majority of interpreters also do written translation work. Nearly eight out of 10 interpreters reported that they also work as translators. This does not mean that the reverse is true (that most translators are interpreters).
• Interpreters are getting older. The data reveals a clear “graying of the profession,” as the majority of interpreters are now getting on in age, while smaller numbers of new recruits are entering the field.

(Extract from Interpreting Stakeholders Join Forces, published on the Gerson Lehrman Group website, August 6 2010)

The second finding is of particular interest in order to understand the difference between translation and interpreting. While the two fields require one common base skill – language mastery – the complete skills sets for each profession are quite different.

Successful translation is based on writing skills and the efficient use of dictionaries and online technologies, whereas interpretation requires specific practice and training in interpreting techniques, and is certainly more stressful. That’s likely why few translators are trained and willing to cross over to interpreting jobs.

Betty Carlson

See Also

• Language Translation, Inc.
  A leading language translation and interpretation service provider for more than 20 years.

Anyone who has studied a foreign language knows that dealing with “the real lingo” can be a hurdle to effective communication.

Many English-speakers who travel abroad hoping to make good use of their high school foreign language skills come in for a rude awakening. Foreigners seem to talk awfully fast, and syllables somehow run together, making it difficult to distinguish even the simplest words.

For the few who manage to handle basic restaurant and shop dialogue, holding forth in a social situation can be a real test. Slang and idioms fly at breakneck speed, and the scenario gets worse the more people join in the conversation.

English-speakers are, of course, guilty of the same linguistic behavior. We are in fact somewhat notorious for not knowing how to make ourselves clear to foreigners.

Our great variety of accents doesn’t help, but we also use idiomatic expressions and catchy slang constantly, without even realizing it.

“In English we have the habit of using sport and military metaphors…” pointed out a recent article contributed to Technology News. “We talk about ‘leveling the playing field’ before we ‘charge straight in’ to the ‘front line of operations’.”

Of course all languages possess this type of expression. That’s why when speaking in groups where not everyone shares the same native language, it is important to pronounce clearly, slow down your speech, and also give some thought to the literal meaning of idioms and slang – and make adjustments if necessary.

Betty Carlson

See Also

• Language Translation, Inc.
  A leading language translation and interpretation service provider for more than 20 years

Anyone who has studied a foreign language knows that dealing with “the real lingo” can be a hurdle to effective communication.

Many English-speakers who travel abroad hoping to make good use of their high school foreign language skills come in for a rude awakening. Foreigners seem to talk awfully fast, and syllables somehow run together, making it difficult to distinguish even the simplest words.

For the few who manage to handle basic restaurant and shop dialogue, holding forth in a social situation can be a real test. Slang and idioms fly at breakneck speed, and the scenario gets worse the more people join in the conversation.

English-speakers are, of course, guilty of the same linguistic behavior. We are in fact somewhat notorious for not knowing how to make ourselves clear to foreigners.

Our great variety of accents doesn’t help, but we also use idiomatic expressions and catchy slang constantly, without even realizing it.

“In English we have the habit of using sport and military metaphors…” pointed out a recent article contributed to Technology News. “We talk about ‘leveling the playing field’ before we ‘charge straight in’ to the ‘front line of operations’.”

Of course all languages possess this type of expression. That’s why when speaking in groups where not everyone shares the same native language, it is important to pronounce clearly, slow down your speech, and also give some thought to the literal meaning of idioms and slang – and make adjustments if necessary.

Betty Carlson

See Also

• Language Translation, Inc.
  A leading language translation and interpretation service provider for more than 20 years

Anyone who has studied a foreign language knows that dealing with “the real lingo” can be a hurdle to effective communication.

Many English-speakers who travel abroad hoping to make good use of their high school foreign language skills come in for a rude awakening. Foreigners seem to talk awfully fast, and syllables somehow run together, making it difficult to distinguish even the simplest words.

For the few who manage to handle basic restaurant and shop dialogue, holding forth in a social situation can be a real test. Slang and idioms fly at breakneck speed, and the scenario gets worse the more people join in the conversation.

English-speakers are, of course, guilty of the same linguistic behavior. We are in fact somewhat notorious for not knowing how to make ourselves clear to foreigners.

Our great variety of accents doesn’t help, but we also use idiomatic expressions and catchy slang constantly, without even realizing it.

“In English we have the habit of using sport and military metaphors…” pointed out a recent article contributed to Technology News. “We talk about ‘leveling the playing field’ before we ‘charge straight in’ to the ‘front line of operations’.”

Of course all languages possess this type of expression. That’s why when speaking in groups where not everyone shares the same native language, it is important to pronounce clearly, slow down your speech, and also give some thought to the literal meaning of idioms and slang – and make adjustments if necessary.

Betty Carlson

See Also

• Language Translation, Inc.
  A leading language translation and interpretation service provider for more than 20 years

Anyone who has studied a foreign language knows that dealing with “the real lingo” can be a hurdle to effective communication.

Many English-speakers who travel abroad hoping to make good use of their high school foreign language skills come in for a rude awakening. Foreigners seem to talk awfully fast, and syllables somehow run together, making it difficult to distinguish even the simplest words.

For the few who manage to handle basic restaurant and shop dialogue, holding forth in a social situation can be a real test. Slang and idioms fly at breakneck speed, and the scenario gets worse the more people join in the conversation.

English-speakers are, of course, guilty of the same linguistic behavior. We are in fact somewhat notorious for not knowing how to make ourselves clear to foreigners.

Our great variety of accents doesn’t help, but we also use idiomatic expressions and catchy slang constantly, without even realizing it.

“In English we have the habit of using sport and military metaphors…” pointed out a recent article contributed to Technology News. “We talk about ‘leveling the playing field’ before we ‘charge straight in’ to the ‘front line of operations’.”

Of course all languages possess this type of expression. That’s why when speaking in groups where not everyone shares the same native language, it is important to pronounce clearly, slow down your speech, and also give some thought to the literal meaning of idioms and slang – and make adjustments if necessary.

Betty Carlson

See Also

• Language Translation, Inc.
  A leading language translation and interpretation service provider for more than 20 years

Anyone who has studied a foreign language knows that dealing with “the real lingo” can be a hurdle to effective communication.

Many English-speakers who travel abroad hoping to make good use of their high school foreign language skills come in for a rude awakening. Foreigners seem to talk awfully fast, and syllables somehow run together, making it difficult to distinguish even the simplest words.

For the few who manage to handle basic restaurant and shop dialogue, holding forth in a social situation can be a real test. Slang and idioms fly at breakneck speed, and the scenario gets worse the more people join in the conversation.

English-speakers are, of course, guilty of the same linguistic behavior. We are in fact somewhat notorious for not knowing how to make ourselves clear to foreigners.

Our great variety of accents doesn’t help, but we also use idiomatic expressions and catchy slang constantly, without even realizing it.

“In English we have the habit of using sport and military metaphors…” pointed out a recent article contributed to Technology News. “We talk about ‘leveling the playing field’ before we ‘charge straight in’ to the ‘front line of operations’.”

Of course all languages possess this type of expression. That’s why when speaking in groups where not everyone shares the same native language, it is important to pronounce clearly, slow down your speech, and also give some thought to the literal meaning of idioms and slang – and make adjustments if necessary.

Betty Carlson

See Also

• Language Translation, Inc.
  A leading language translation and interpretation service provider for more than 20 years

Anyone who has studied a foreign language knows that dealing with “the real lingo” can be a hurdle to effective communication.

Many English-speakers who travel abroad hoping to make good use of their high school foreign language skills come in for a rude awakening. Foreigners seem to talk awfully fast, and syllables somehow run together, making it difficult to distinguish even the simplest words.

For the few who manage to handle basic restaurant and shop dialogue, holding forth in a social situation can be a real test. Slang and idioms fly at breakneck speed, and the scenario gets worse the more people join in the conversation.

English-speakers are, of course, guilty of the same linguistic behavior. We are in fact somewhat notorious for not knowing how to make ourselves clear to foreigners.

Our great variety of accents doesn’t help, but we also use idiomatic expressions and catchy slang constantly, without even realizing it.

“In English we have the habit of using sport and military metaphors…” pointed out a recent article contributed to Technology News. “We talk about ‘leveling the playing field’ before we ‘charge straight in’ to the ‘front line of operations’.”

Of course all languages possess this type of expression. That’s why when speaking in groups where not everyone shares the same native language, it is important to pronounce clearly, slow down your speech, and also give some thought to the literal meaning of idioms and slang – and make adjustments if necessary.

Betty Carlson

See Also

• Language Translation, Inc.
  A leading language translation and interpretation service provider for more than 20 years

Anyone who has studied a foreign language knows that dealing with “the real lingo” can be a hurdle to effective communication.

Many English-speakers who travel abroad hoping to make good use of their high school foreign language skills come in for a rude awakening. Foreigners seem to talk awfully fast, and syllables somehow run together, making it difficult to distinguish even the simplest words.

For the few who manage to handle basic restaurant and shop dialogue, holding forth in a social situation can be a real test. Slang and idioms fly at breakneck speed, and the scenario gets worse the more people join in the conversation.

English-speakers are, of course, guilty of the same linguistic behavior. We are in fact somewhat notorious for not knowing how to make ourselves clear to foreigners.

Our great variety of accents doesn’t help, but we also use idiomatic expressions and catchy slang constantly, without even realizing it.

“In English we have the habit of using sport and military metaphors…” pointed out a recent article contributed to Technology News. “We talk about ‘leveling the playing field’ before we ‘charge straight in’ to the ‘front line of operations’.”

Of course all languages possess this type of expression. That’s why when speaking in groups where not everyone shares the same native language, it is important to pronounce clearly, slow down your speech, and also give some thought to the literal meaning of idioms and slang – and make adjustments if necessary.

Betty Carlson

See Also

• Language Translation, Inc.
  A leading language translation and interpretation service provider for more than 20 years

Medical translation and interpretation topics will be well-represented at the major industry event.

The 51^st annual ATA (American Translators Association Conference) will be held at the Hyatt Regency in Denver from October 27^th to 30^th, 2010.

Participants will have the opportunity to participate in different sessions all day from Thursday the 27^th through Saturday the 29^th. Sessions can be categorized by language or by specialization. With 10 sessions devoted to it, medical translation and interpretation will be one of the most discussed topics.

The subjects of the 10 “Medical T & I” sessions will be:

- Translating for medical and pharmaceutical marketing and promotion

- Bioethical issues in translation: informed consent

- Mentorship in professional development

- Using the Web to get professional information about the field

- Best practices for medical interpreters working in school settings

- Spanish medical terminology used in the Southwest

- Managing hospital interpreters (two sessions)

- Interpreting for older patients

The medical topics will be rounded out by the ATA Medical Division’s annual meeting.

The sessions’ exact titles, times and speakers can be found in the conference program.

The conference will also feature sessions about a dozen other specializations, including legal translation and interpretation, literary translation, and different professions in the language service industry.

Betty Carlson

See Also

• Language Translation, Inc.
  A leading language translation and interpretation service provider for more than 20 years.

Medical translation and interpretation topics will be well-represented at the major industry event.

The 51^st annual ATA (American Translators Association Conference) will be held at the Hyatt Regency in Denver from October 27^th to 30^th, 2010.

Participants will have the opportunity to participate in different sessions all day from Thursday the 27^th through Saturday the 29^th. Sessions can be categorized by language or by specialization. With 10 sessions devoted to it, medical translation and interpretation will be one of the most discussed topics.

The subjects of the 10 “Medical T & I” sessions will be:

- Translating for medical and pharmaceutical marketing and promotion

- Bioethical issues in translation: informed consent

- Mentorship in professional development

- Using the Web to get professional information about the field

- Best practices for medical interpreters working in school settings

- Spanish medical terminology used in the Southwest

- Managing hospital interpreters (two sessions)

- Interpreting for older patients

The medical topics will be rounded out by the ATA Medical Division’s annual meeting.

The sessions’ exact titles, times and speakers can be found in the conference program.

The conference will also feature sessions about a dozen other specializations, including legal translation and interpretation, literary translation, and different professions in the language service industry.

Betty Carlson

See Also

• Language Translation, Inc.
  A leading language translation and interpretation service provider for more than 20 years.

Anyone who has studied a foreign language knows that dealing with “the real lingo” can be a hurdle to effective communication.

Many English-speakers who travel abroad hoping to make good use of their high school foreign language skills come in for a rude awakening. Foreigners seem to talk awfully fast, and syllables somehow run together, making it difficult to distinguish even the simplest words.

For the few who manage to handle basic restaurant and shop dialogue, holding forth in a social situation can be a real test. Slang and idioms fly at breakneck speed, and the scenario gets worse the more people join in the conversation.

English-speakers are, of course, guilty of the same linguistic behavior. We are in fact somewhat notorious for not knowing how to make ourselves clear to foreigners.

Our great variety of accents doesn’t help, but we also use idiomatic expressions and catchy slang constantly, without even realizing it.

“In English we have the habit of using sport and military metaphors…” pointed out a recent article contributed to Technology News. “We talk about ‘leveling the playing field’ before we ‘charge straight in’ to the ‘front line of operations’.”

Of course all languages possess this type of expression. That’s why when speaking in groups where not everyone shares the same native language, it is important to pronounce clearly, slow down your speech, and also give some thought to the literal meaning of idioms and slang – and make adjustments if necessary.

Betty Carlson

See Also

• Language Translation, Inc.
  A leading language translation and interpretation service provider for more than 20 years

Medical translation and interpretation topics will be well-represented at the major industry event.

The 51^st annual ATA (American Translators Association Conference) will be held at the Hyatt Regency in Denver from October 27^th to 30^th, 2010.

Participants will have the opportunity to participate in different sessions all day from Thursday the 27^th through Saturday the 29^th. Sessions can be categorized by language or by specialization. With 10 sessions devoted to it, medical translation and interpretation will be one of the most discussed topics.

The subjects of the 10 “Medical T & I” sessions will be:

- Translating for medical and pharmaceutical marketing and promotion

- Bioethical issues in translation: informed consent

- Mentorship in professional development

- Using the Web to get professional information about the field

- Best practices for medical interpreters working in school settings

- Spanish medical terminology used in the Southwest

- Managing hospital interpreters (two sessions)

- Interpreting for older patients

The medical topics will be rounded out by the ATA Medical Division’s annual meeting.

The sessions’ exact titles, times and speakers can be found in the conference program.

The conference will also feature sessions about a dozen other specializations, including legal translation and interpretation, literary translation, and different professions in the language service industry.

Betty Carlson

See Also

• Language Translation, Inc.
  A leading language translation and interpretation service provider for more than 20 years.