TRANSCREATION – For Successful Marketing Translations

Nobody is more aware of the importance of content and copy that goes straight to the heart than marketing and advertising specialists. And also of how frustrating it is to stand by and watch as the nuances and emotions of their messages go up in smoke during the translation process. And I know, because back […]

Can Poetry be Translated? The Unique Challenges of Recreating a Poem

“Poetry is what gets lost in translation”, as the American poet Robert Frost famously said. Actually, he didn’t. Frost’s actual phrase is less pithy and more long-winded: “I could define poetry this way: it is that which is lost out of both prose and verse in translation.” The short, snappy version that has become famous […]

TONE OF VOICE – Just tone it down a bit, will you?

“Just tone it down a bit will you, OK?”, the teacher growled in exasperation after Johnny had viciously yelled that “he could go to hell”. “We hope you have a pleasant stay in our boutique hotel”, smiled the receptionist to the guests in the lobby. “Hey Maggie, come over here and gimme a hug,” Louise […]

The perfect translation briefing exists (+ free checklist)

If you are reading this article, it is highly likely that you have regular dealings with translators or translation agencies. We want to offer you the opportunity to provide them with the most efficient briefing. This means keeping email traffic to a minimum and making sure that everything you agree on is completely clear so […]

The Price of our Translations (and what you get for it)

I can’t stand quotes that don’t contain details. “Built-in wardrobe 7,500 euros. To order, sign here.” Oh right, thanks Rudy, great, but can I have a bit more information please? 🤷‍♂️ Do you provide the material, or do I have to go and get it from B&Q? 🤷‍♂️ Any idea about the exact measurements, so […]

Language Museums: Celebrating the Culture of Words

The world is filled with museums devoted to objects, artefacts and curios. Aside from the most common museums based on history, science or art, there are museums of ships; museums of toys; even museums of umbrellas. We’ve written before about the pleasures offered by multilingual museum showrooms of all kinds. But did you know that […]

Lost in Translation: How to Retain the Meaning in Translation When Writing Succinctly

Lost in Translation: How to Retain the Meaning in Translation When Writing Succinctly ‘If I’d had more time, I would have written a shorter letter’. Some of you may be unfamiliar with this quote, but it’s worth thinking about. That’s because essentially, writing a concise translation can often take longer than writing long-form content. Pinpointing […]