Blog | America

Translation pricing: You get what you pay for

After 30+ years in the language business, the most common question people ask is “How much do translations cost?” Without receiving specifics, that is like asking, “How much does a car cost?” Answer: As with a car, it all depends. Do you want a clunker that simply runs or a car that runs well and… Continue reading

Frightening dogs. Insane sheep. A unique tourist destination. Defensive driving. January Friday Funnies is here.

Welcome to 2023! The holidays have come and gone leaving many of us with the arduous task of shedding those festive pounds we've added over the past six weeks. Happy New Year, indeed! On the positive side, there are numerous days this month that give us reasons to continue a celebratory attitude. For instance: National… Continue reading

A year-end gift: The craziness of English

As a year-end gift to our clients and supporters, we wanted to offer an amusing example of the total craziness of the English language. Ours is a jumble of adoptions from many peoples, cultures and other languages formed over more than 1000 years; words with double meanings or pronunciations; all mixed with logic, illogic, standards… Continue reading

Season’s Grettings

As year-end approaches, we wanted to remind you that last-minute translation “gifts” of documents, videos, websites and more should be quoted and contracted this week so you can expense them in 2022. That would be a nice gift to many Accounting gnomes while our translation elves can start working in any of our 120 languages.May… Continue reading

A Krampus, Ho, Ho, Ho’s and No, No, No’s – the December Friday Funnies is here

Oh, the weather outside is frightful but the fire is so delightful! December is here and 2022 is rapidly coming to a close. 'Tis the season to get together with family and friends and share food, festivities and fraternity. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or Ōmisoka, December is a time of sharing and charity… Continue reading

Thanksgiving is near and so is that Bottomless Pit

As the US holiday of Thanksgiving approaches, we would like to extend our appreciation to our clients and prospects by presenting some amusing examples to brighten your day. As you will see, some sentences are clear and can translate well. In others, the word order or word choice changes the meaning into something humorous.Actual reasons… Continue reading

Jazz, Squid, Earthquakes, Trudeau and Thor – The Friday Funnies are here

Over the river and through the woods, to Grandmother's house we go! November, the month of turkey and stuffing, pumpkin pies and cranberry sauce, and tipsy old uncles who always say the wrong thing during Thanksgiving dinner! November marks the start of the holiday season. The beginning of two months of family, friends and food. So,… Continue reading

How wrong translations led to wars and bloopers

Many people assume that if others can speak a language, they can translate it. If you are talking about simple sentences such as, “I would like some beer,” the answer is probably correct. If you are talking about business, technical or political issues, incorrect translations have led to extremely serious consequences. Vietnam On August 2,… Continue reading

Forget the stork. Don’t step in the Mist. A peach is still a peach. Friday Funnies begins now

Welcome to Spook-tacular October! October, the month of ghouls and goblins, ghosts and gremlins is here again! What was once a single day of childhood customs and sugar overloads has become a month-long celebration of monstrous fun for all ages. It's also a month that features other unique holidays and celebrations. For instance: World Egg… Continue reading