The new normal – Corona times in the translations world

Wonders never seize!  When the Covid-19 pandemic made face masks an everyday essential, Japanese startup Donut Robotics spotted an opportunity. As people around the world are being urged to wear face masks when out in public, it hasn’t taken long for the functionality of a mask to be greatly enhanced but thanks to technology. The Donut Robotics has created a smart mask (C-Face smart mask) – a high-tech upgrade to standard face coverings, designed to make communication and social distancing easier through translations.

How the smart face mask works in conjunction with the translations world

Conjointly with an app, the C-Face Smart mask can transcribe dictation amplify the wearer’s voice, and translate speech into eight different languages. As you’d expect, the mask doesn’t work on its own, its instead relying on a wireless link (Bluetooth) to a smartphone and Donut Robotics’ software. The associated app uses machine learning developed with the help of translation experts and specializes in the Japanese language to handle language translations. Most competitor apps focus on translating to and from English. Donut Robotics CEO Taisuke Ono claims it’s “better than Google API, or other popular technologies” for Japanese.

Donut Robotics first developed the translations software for a robot called Cinnamon but when the pandemic hit, the robot project was put on hold. That’s when the team’s engineers came up with the idea to use their software in a facemask.

The new normal corona times in the translations world

The cutouts on the front are vital for breathability, so the smart mask doesn’t offer protection against the corona virus. Instead, it is designed to be worn over a standard face mask, explains Donut Robotics CEO Taisuke Ono. Made of white plastic and silicone, it has an embedded microphone that connects to the wearer’s smartphone via Bluetooth. The system can translate between Japanese and Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Indonesian, English, Spanish and French.

The impact of Smart face masks in communication amidst Covid-19 Social distancing rules

The mask’s Bluetooth chip can connect to smartphones up to 32 feet (10 meters) away, says Ono. He hopes the mask will make new social distancing norms in locations including hospitals and offices easier, by enabling good communication.

“We still have many situations where we have to meet in person,” he says. “In this new normal … the mask and the app are very helpful.”

The future of these new normal smart face masks

The company is expecting to make the mask available from January 2021 at a cost of roughly $38. If you want to take advantage of the translations and dictation features, there’s going to be a monthly charged, but the ongoing cost has yet to be disclosed. It also seems likely this will be the first of many smart masks to appear in the coming months, because companies are now realizing this is a new category of wearable and there’s the potential for millions of customers.

Why your business shouldn’t lag behind in the new normal times – Covid-19 times

Simply take a look why you need language translations services even in the new normal era:

  • Due to the pandemic, most businesses have switched to online operation. And so, you need translations for the growth of your online business. Though online businesses generally target a particular group of people of a country sometimes it has been seen that visitors from other countries also visit your website. Language translation services provide a translator medium which translates your website into different languages.
  • Hiring language translation services helps you attract a large audience to your business. In business, the products should speak the language but to advertise your products and services and to reach a global audience, you need a medium. Translations will increase your business to an extent you wouldn’t have ever thought.
  • There are many companies that need a translation of the technical text. Outsourcing language translation services in Africa helps you concentrate on your business goals and the translation work to be done by the efficient team of translators. You invest a little money and in return, you get to expand your business globally.
  • Language translations are specially used in travel and tourism. Translators are required to translate the history of the nation to the tourists visiting the country for vacation.

Language translation services have a huge scope in every field.

  • Localization translators have an aim of spreading the product information in different languages and cultures. They possess a high degree of knowledge about the product and the local users of the product. The main aim of the localization translators is to adapt the product information from where it has been manufactured and spread it where it will be actually sold.
  • Then there are specialized business translators who translate the information of finance, e-commerce, marketing among others to the dealers from other corners of the world. The aim is to expand the business. They possess great knowledge of business as well as both the languages.
  • Medical translators and interpreters promote communication between the hospital management and the patients. Medical translators have strong knowledge of both medical as well as conversational terms in both the languages.
  • Conference interpreters generally work in international forums where the people come from all around the world. Conference interpreters are a pro at translating languages into active as well as passive form during this new normal era.

Language translation services in Africa are affordable and provide the best services for the expansion of all types of businesses whether small scale or large scale. Language translations are used everywhere, whether in tourism, business or medical department.

Take no chances!

You can’t afford to lose, adjust to the new normal just like Smart Face mask inventors did! Hire the best language translations services and reach a much wider audience in this new normal era, Covid-19 or Corona times!

Content that connects international audiences

In today’s world, content drives sales, marketing, user engagement, and even user experience. Most successful companies have stopped competing on features and now focus on brands, and brands are primarily driven by storytelling.

Did you know!

More than half of the purchase decisions are made before the customer even reaches out to the supplier! That is why, in the content economy, every company is a media company.

Having a translation and localization plan in place is a natural fit within an organization’s digital transformation strategy. Out of the world’s billion residents, just 20% – 1.5 billion – speak English. If you are only producing marketing and product copy in one language, you’re missing out on profitable new customer markets simply by not localizing your content.

 

Do you wish your potential local customers to know about you?

 

If you want your local customers to know about you, first you have to adapt yourself to the language they speak and the perspective they view things. Localization helps you break the linguistic and cultural boundaries, which allows your brand to blend in and then stand out. Hence, connecting to your international audiences with ease.

How important is localization of your marketing content?

Localization is no longer just an option for companies that want to go global; it is now becoming a must, a strategic plan that can help a brand survive abroad. By localizing your website, products or marketing campaigns, you are building a bridge to your target customers and making your brand more memorable in local markets/international audiences. So, here are some key benefits of content localization that are less obvious but also really important;

Market expansion

Localization helps you break the linguistic and cultural boundaries, which allows your brands to blend in and then stand out. It is true that market penetration success depends on other factors such as product, price, place and promotion; however, without the aid of localization, it is more likely that cultural conflicts will block your way before you can step into the market.

Sales growth

By communicating with your customers in their own language and creating mutual understanding, you are building trust and commitment with them. That will make them more comfortable when dealing with you and making a purchase. Research shows that 57% of customers said that to obtain information in their own language is more important than price. Therefore, with localization, you are to set a pace for your competitors.

Customer satisfaction

Localization is not just about translation. It is about thoughtfully refining and adapting the content to suit local culture. Without a careful localization plan, your million-dollar campaign can be turned into something hilarious or even offensive to the local customers. The unwanted effects of a localization fail can cause intensive damages to your brand image. Localization will help you avoid those damages and create appealing user experience for your diversified target customers. It is a way to show your customers that you care about them and truly understand what they need. Therefore, your overall customer conversion will increase significantly.

Risk Reduction

In some countries, certain colors or expression can bear the meaning of bad luck or insult. There are certain risks from cultural conflicts when you go global. Your localization agency can help you stay away from those possible blunders.

Localization acts as a precaution for you to ensure that your business runs smoothly in other country. The investment in localization will benefit you in both short-term and long-term. It would be a big loss if you have to spend money and time to fix the screw-ups caused by the lack of proper localization. That is why the importance of localization cannot be denied.

In conclusion

Remember, at the end of the day, people won’t buy a product if they can’t understand what they’re buying. Seems obvious, right? Investing in localized experiences is a proven way to drive your organization’s global growth. Create content that connects international audiences to your product or services.

Why is a Sworn translation important?

 

What is a sworn/certified/legal/notary public translation?

A Sworn translation simply refers to an authorized translation service, used to translate legal documents or certificates. The document is endorsed by the signature and seal of a sworn Translator who is authorized by the foreign office to translate official documents. This endorsement grants the document an official, formal status and a legal value that is equivalent to the original document. This means that the translator takes full responsibility for the accuracy of the document. This includes birth certificates, university degrees, academic records, certificates of incorporation, statutes and other official documents.

What is a certified translation?

Certified translation refers to a translation which fulfills the requirements in the country in question, enabling it to be used in formal procedures, with the translator accepting responsibility for its accuracy. These requirements vary widely from country to country. While some countries allow only state-appointed translators to produce such translations, others will accept those carried out by any competent bilingual individual. Between these two extremes are countries where a certified translation can be carried out by any professional translator with the correct credentials (which may include membership of specific translation associations or the holding qualifications). Certified translations are mandatory for legal documents such as immigration papers, birth certificates, business contracts, and court transcripts.

What is a legal translation?

A legal translation is the translation of texts within the field of law. As law is a culture-dependent subject field, legal translation is not necessarily linguistically transparent. In-transparency in translation can be avoided somewhat by use of Latin legal terminology, where possible.

What is a notary translation?

A notarized translation requires a notary public to witness the certification process. To acquire a notarized translation, the translator signs the certificate of authenticity in front of the notary. The notary then signs and stamps the document. This signed document becomes known as an affidavit, and can be used for any submission requiring this level of verification. A notarized translation is typically requested by various schools and universities for verification of application documents, previous courses taken, and diplomas in a language foreign to the school.

Why is a sworn translation important?

When certain types of documents are being translated, it is essential to have a guarantee of accuracy and legal recognition. More so if you need to present these documents to an official body, such as a court, university or a notary. In such cases, a Sworn translation is often mandatory.

A non-sworn translator cannot officially guarantee the accuracy of a translated document, as they are not qualified to do so. Thus, a regular translation of such documents will hold no value in the eyes of the authorities. A sworn translator officially guarantees the accuracy of the translated documents by signing and stamping the documents, and the assigning of a unique registration number. They also provide their credentials and contact details. When submitting legal documents, a certified translation is often obligatory.

Who is a sworn translator?

A sworn translator is a translator who has been officially sworn in by the court and is authorized to issue certified or sworn translation(s).

Is it worth paying extra for a sworn translation?

Oh yes, to a greater degree! In the translation industry, sworn translators are considered to possess the highest level of expertise. And more to that, a sworn translator is expected to be extra careful when working! More notably, a sworn translator never should he/she be slack when researching. If they are, they run the risk of being charged with negligence, perjury, or even contempt of court.

Sworn translators need to have a thorough understanding, of both the terminology and phrasing, of the languages they translate into. They agree to abide by precise rules, and to be bound by an ethical code.

Point to Note:

Sworn translation(s) can only be provided in hard copies, given that they need to be signed and stamped by the translator. However, the original documents can be passed on in any form (email, fax, among others).

As a result, Sworn translation(s) end-up more costly than any-other translation service. Nevertheless, if you need it, it’s worth extra penny!

In conclusion

Distinct countries have distinct regulations, but if you need to certify a document, usually you have to use a certified/sworn translator. You may also have to submit additional documents, such as The Hague Apostille. In some instances, you may need to get legal approval from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI). (Chambers of commerce exist all over the world. They do no have a direct role in creating laws or regulations, though they may be effective in influencing regulators and legislators with their organized lobbying efforts). Regulations vary from country to country, so it is best to check with your Language Service Provider before proceeding.

All in all, Translate 4 Africa Limited prides oneself on having a number of qualified Certified Translators! For more info, please get in touch with us.

Machine Translation Errors

Machine translation (MT) is still a huge challenge for both IT developers and users. From the initiation of machine translation, problems at the semantic levels have been faced. Machine translation can be referred to as the process by which computer software is used to translate a text from one natural language (such as English/Afrikaans) to another (such as French/Swahili).

Today despite progress in the development of MT, its systems still fail to recognize which synonym; collocation or word meaning that should be used. Although mobile apps are very popular among users, errors in their translation output create misunderstandings.

A brief history about machine translation

The origins of machine translation can be traced back to the work of Al-Kindi, a 9th-century Arabic cryptographer who developed techniques for systematic language translation, including crypt-analysis, frequency analysis, and probability and statistics, which are used in modern machine translation. The idea of machine translation later appeared in the 17th century. The field of machine translation was founded with Warren Weaver’s Memorandum on Translation (1949). The first researcher in the field, Yehosha Bar-Hillel, began his research at MIT (1951). A Georgetown University MT research team followed (1951) with a public demonstration of its Georgetown-IBM experiment system in 1954. MT research programs popped up in Japan and Russia (1955), and the first MT conference was held in London (1956).(wikipedia)

Can Machine translations out-compete professional translators too!

Although computer/technology has stolen the spotlight from humans in many sectors, they aren’t a threat to professional translators. Here are the main reasons why.

Today, we all have access to an automatic translator, and it is also true that we are often tempted to use this tool. But only a couple of uses are enough to realize that these tools are not always effective. This is because they provide literal translations in their raw state, without taking into account cultural and contextual factors, which is essential to any professional translation. This is the main reason why automatic translations often make mistakes.

Some sample machine translation error instances

The type of document

machine translation errors

Firstly, translation tools are very general. The reason is simple: they’re supposed to be useful with any type of document. This is where the worst enemy of machine translation tools comes in: ambiguity. You will find below a small example that should make you smile, where the computer obviously unwanted translated “female jacket” in Brazilian PT and into Spanish languages.

Translation model

Another flaw of translation tools lies in the translation model. These tools compare numerous collections of texts and draw translation rules from them. Despite these rules, for each new translation, the professional translator is faced with new issues which only they alone can solve by making choices. These choices cannot be made by the software.

Machine translation errors

Some examples of machine translation errors:

Machine translation errors

Here’s another example of a machine translation error of a sentence in French that was automatically translated into English

Here, ambiguity has led to a computer error still. The verb “sauter” in French can be translated as to jump, or to skip in English, depending on the context. Unluckily for these far-from-perfect tools, the verb “sauter” was used incorrectly. It should have been used to mean “skip” in order to conserve the original meaning of the sentence.

In addition, in a medical or legal context, a bad translation could have serious consequences.

In conclusion

The results are disappointing, because even after almost 70 years of MT research and improvement, researchers still cannot offer a system that would be able to translate with at least 50% correctness.

Always be cautious of these types of tools. They can be useful in some cases, but their limits must never be overlooked. Our advice to you is to always opt for professional translation services.

How to escape Cyber attacks by 2020!

With the number of cyber-attacks increasing across the globe day by day, businesses are seeking for new ways to ensure the cyber safety of their organizations. One way to double-check that cyber-security is the best it can be; is to seek assistance from companies that specialize in safeguarding systems and data. Regardless of the size of your business, enlisting a cyber-security firm’s help could be your best defense against a potentially devastating system attack or data breach. How about Cyber security localization!

Businesses large and small are at risk. To counteract this threat, companies need to invest in more sophisticated verification technologies, including AI and machine learning algorithms, as well as staff trained to identify the tiny details. However, results can be for sure if these are all fully localized! Cyber security localization solutions can help you strengthen your business security with less incurred.

 

What’s the meaning of Cyber-security!

Cyber-security refers to the practice of defending computers, servers, mobile devices, electronic systems, networks, and data from malicious attacks. It’s also known as information technology security or electronic information security. The term applies in a variety of contexts, from business to mobile computing, and can be divided into a few common categories, namely:-

  • Network security which refers to the practice of securing a computer network from intruders, whether targeted attackers or opportunistic malware.
  • Application security focuses on keeping software and devices free of threats. A compromised application could provide access to data it’s designed to protect. Successful security begins in the design stage, well before a program or device is deployed.
  • Information security protects the integrity and privacy of data, both in storage and in transit.
  • Operational security includes the processes and decisions for handling and protecting data assets. The permissions users have when accessing a network and the procedures that determine how and where data may be stored or shared all fans under this umbrella.
  • Disaster recovery and business community define how an organization responds to a cyber-security incident or any other event that causes the loss of operations or data. Disaster recovery polices dictate how the organization restores its operations and information to return to the same operating capacity as before the event. Business continuity is the plan the organization falls back on while trying to operate without certain resources.
  • End-user education addresses the most unpredictable cyber-security factor: People. Anyone can accidentally introduce a virus to an otherwise secure by failing to follow good security practices. Teaching users to delete suspicious email attachments, not plug in unidentified USB drives, and various other important lessons is vital for the security of any organization.

Check out the common Cyber-security threats

Along with the increase in the number of cyber-security attacks that are occurring worldwide, the implementation of these attacks has become more sophisticated, meaning that businesses cannot simply count on standard software to ensure that they are protected. Some of the types of cyber-security threats that companies face include:

Phishing: Scammers will use social media or emails to persuade users to click on misleading links and give sensitive information, such as financial data.

Malware: By inadvertently downloading malware, users give access to their computer systems, which cyber-criminals can use as a basis to spy or initiate a virus.

Password theft: When cyber attackers are able to determine the password of a network, they can gain access to a grave amount of important and sensitive information.

Ransomware: With this type of malware, cyber-criminals can lock down a system and encrypt a device, rendering it unusable. To regain access, the user might have to pay a large sum of money to the attacker.

Distributed denial of service (DDoS): By flooding a server with requests from numerous sources, attackers cause the server to crash or slow down considerably.

Considering that half of these attacks are aimed at small businesses! Every company, regardless of their size, should have a localized approached to cyber-security.

Here’s an insight of how Cyber Security Localization can help

Since language and cultural barriers can prevent the user from recognizing a potential cyber-attack, multilingual training and localized products from cyber-security companies are critical to heading off cyber threats. Whether used by a large corporation or an individual, ensuring that the product is understandable to everyone is a vital step toward prevention. Here are some ways that cyber-security firms can ensure that their products and services are used to their full potential:

  • Provide product training in all regions that the company serves. This multilingual approach will give users the information they need without language barriers interfering.
  • Make certain that the users interface resonates with customers in their language. If someone doesn’t understand the symbols or text used to explain the product, then the user will not be able to prevent an impending attack. Understanding what a particular action entails is vital to using the cyber-security system properly.
  • Ensure that any region where the product is used has a localized website that provides important information and delivers the tools necessary for the product.
  • Offer localized instruction documents that include step by step descriptions of how to use the cyber-security product. With the help of localized brochures, user manuals, websites, and videos, employees in each region that your company is located will be able to participate in helping to protect your systems and data.
  • Work with a professional translation services company to make certain that the cyber-security product training and documentation is the best it can possibly be. Cyber-security companies provide a crucial service to their clients, so it is vital that the information is translated and localized properly. One mistake in the language or cultural nuances can make a huge difference for a client, as well as cause future customers not to have confidence in the product.

“2020 will be the year of 5G, bringing with it not only faster speeds and bandwidth capabilities to our mobile devices, but also making them highly coveted targets by DDoS attackers. While mobile devices have always been targeted by financial or personal data thieves, 5G’s increased bandwidth allows attackers to take control over a relatively small number of mobile handsets and unleash a tremendous amount of damage. A potential DDoS attack may be distributed via an innocent-looking app on the Play or App store and an attacker just needs a few hundred installs to create a massive outbreak”-Hagai Shapira, Research Team Lead, SAM

In the final analysis

With the above in mind, every company, especially those that handle sensitive customer information, should have a plan in place to prevent such attacks in each region it serves. Get in touch with a professional translation services company to help you with your Cyber Security Localization Solutions.

2020 Magical travel tips to a Swahili land

Are you planning for a trip to a Swahili speaking country? Yes! Whether you’re travelling to Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Uganda or any-other Swahili speaking country, you’ll need a couple of useful phrases with you to enjoy your travels.

About Swahili language

Swahili, also known as Kiswahili (translation: language of the Swahili people), is a Bantu language and the first language of the Swahili people. It is a lingua franca of the African Great Lakes region and other parts of eastern and south-eastern Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, some parts of Malawi, Somalia and Zambia, Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Comorian, spoken in the Comoros Islands, is sometimes considered to be a dialect of Swahili, though other authorities consider it a distinct language.

Here are some of the Basic phrases to make your trip magical

Whether you want to learn how to ask for directions or order a delicious meal, we’ve put together a list of the common Swahili phrases you’ll need to have a relaxing, enjoyable and thoroughly unforgettable trip!

Swahili greetings

A good first impression always starts with an opener that is, a small gesture, to show some willingness. So if you only learn one phrase before your trip, make sure it’s one of these.

Here are a few conversation openers:

  • Jambo! – Hello!
  • Habari za asubuhi – Good morning
  • Alasiri nzuri – Good afternoon
  • Habari ya Jioni! – Good evening
  • Habari! – Hi there!

And here’s a couple more to say Goodbye:

  • Kwaheri – Goodbye
  • Tutaonana baadaye – See you later

 

How to be polite in Swahili

“Please” and “thank you” are two magical words that go along way in English speaking countries. Especially in the UK: day to day, you end up saying “sorry” here and another “sorry” there – sometimes, you even say it when you don’t actually mean it, or when it’s not really your fault. That’s why it’s important for to learn them too in Swahili!

  • Asante – Thank you
  • Asante Sana – Thank you so much
  • Karibu – You’re welcome
  • Tafadhali – Please
  • Samahani – Excuse me / I’m sorry
  • Samahani Sana – I’m very sorry

 

Essential Swahili phrases (For when you get stuck!)

It’ll be an inevitable eventuality on your trip. You’ll start off the conversation with a common Swahili phrase (Hello!, nice work!). You’ll then get a response that’s either delivered so fast that you didn’t quite catch it, or that uses structures and vocabularies that are currently a little too advanced for your liking. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed. But it’s okay not to understand everything you hear.

Here’s how you can ask someone to repeat what they said or say it slower. I’ve also tossed in one when you have no clue of what to say.

  • Sielewi – I don’t understand
  • Pole pole, tafadhali – Slower, please
  • Tafadhali sema polepole – Please speak more slowly
  • Unaweza Kurudia? – can you repeat?
  • Sijui – I don’t know
  • Je!… maana? – What does … mean?

And failing these suggestions, there’s no sin in confessing to them that you don’t speak Swahili, and ask them if they speak English:

  • Sisemi Kiswahili – I don’t speak Swahili
  • Unazungumza Kingereza? – Do you speak English?

 

Getting you around

Let’s get to explore your surroundings.

With so much to take in and so little time to do it in, at some point or another during your trip you’re going to get lost – and you’re going to need to ask for directions.

To ask where something is just say, what you’re trying to find followed by “wapi?”

Use this question when you’re looking for something specific.

Forexample:

  • Choo kiko wapi? – Where’s the toilet/bathroom?
  • Mkahawa uko wapi? – Where’s the restaurant?
  • Iko wapi … mitaani? – Where’s the … street?

Of course, you won’t find these questions useful unless you understand the sorts of common Swahili phrases people will offer in response. Here’s a few phrases locals will use when trying to point you in the right direction:

  • Upande wa kulia – on the right
  • Kushoto – on the left
  • Mwishoni – at the end
  • Kwenye kona – In the corner
  • Hapa – Here
  • Huko – There

 

At the restaurant

Eating out and trying local delicacies are precious moments worth sovouring. From ordering food and drink to asking for the bill, here are some of the most useful phrases you will need in any restaurant:

  • Nataka – I want

The simplest way of ordering at the restaurant is by using “Nataka” (I want). I know what you’re thinking: you’ve got your english hat on and you’re wondering, “But isn’t that terribly rude?” But it’s not as rude as it sounds.

Swahili speakers use it all the time when ordering food and drink, or even when they’re buying something in a shop. If you’d rather stick to the more formal version of the verb, you can say Ningependa (“I’d like”).

Forexample:

Ningependa kahawa – I’d like a coffee.

Ningependa tiketi ya kurudi – I’d like a return ticket.

There’s also an even easier option: you can simply say what you’d like, followed by a Tafadhali.

For example:

  • Kahawa, tafadhali. – Coffee, please.
  • Maji, tafadhali. – Water, please.

Keep your shirt on, we’re not done yet: I’ve got a few more common Swahili phrases for you to cover:

Naweza kupata …? – Can I have …?

Here’s a language tip:

Finish the question Naweza kupata …? By adding the drink or what you you’d like at the end. If you’re really going out of your way to impress locals, try this out next time you are in a café.
Forexample:

    1. Naweza Kupata kikombe cha kahawa? – Can I have a cup of coffee?
    2. Naweza kupata Maji? – Can I have water?

 

    • Nitakayo bili, tafadhali. – I’ll have the bill, please.
    • Kiasi gani? – How much is it?

 

Want more than just a few common Swahili phrases so you can live like a local on your travels? Contact us for your Swahili course for a more thorough crash course.

I now pronounce you officially ready for your trip! Pack up those common Swahili phrases, and we at Translate 4 Africa Ltd wish you a wonderful trip.

Or, as any Swahili speaker would say:

Safari salama! (Safe trip!).

Remember

With a few of the right phrases, you’ll find that people are friendlier and more helpful everywhere you go. Locals always appreciate travelers making an effort. However, you don’t need to be fluent in Swahili to get by. Learning even just a couple of basic Swahili phrases will go a long way. Tunakupenda hivyo, Asante sana (We love you so, thank you very much).

Proofreading principles

Proofreading refers to a writing process that involves experts inspecting a written document in order to identify and rectify grammar, punctuation, spelling and vocabulary errors. It holds the very last step/position in the writing process. However, just because it comes last, does not mean that it is the least important. Proofreading is a very important element of producing a great written document, and it takes a wealth of knowledge and patience to proofread effectively.

Here are some of the insights that a professional proofreading process involves:

Proofreading generally involves one main objective and that is to ensure that a written document is absolutely perfect in terms of grammar and vocabulary. In order to achieve this, the proofreaders verify accuracy in the following areas:

  • Sentence structure
  • Formatting
  • Spelling
  • Grammar
  • Punctuation
  • Capitalization
  • Consistency
  • Numbers

Tips for proper proofreading

Whether you are writing a magazine article, a college essay or an email to a client, getting your text free of mistakes is essential. The spell checker helps, but it is far from full proof. That is where proofreading comes in. Check below for tips and techniques on how to make your proofreading sessions more effective:

  • Concentration is key

If you’re going to spot mistakes, then you need to concentrate. That means getting rid of distractions and potential interruptions. Switch off the cell phone, turn off the television or radio and stay away from emails.

  • Put it on paper

People read differently on screen and on paper, so print out a copy of your writing. If you read aloud, your ear might catch errors that your eye may have missed.

  • Watch out for homonyms

Homonyms are words that share the same spelling or punctuation, but have different meanings. Switching right with write, wait with weight, accept with except or complement with compliment could be disastrous, so pay attention to them.

  • Watch out for contractions and apostrophes

People often mix their and they’re, its and it’s, your and you’re and so on. If there is something that can hurt the credibility of your text, it is a similar mistake. Also, remember that the apostrophe is never used to form plurals.

  • Check the punctuation

Focusing on the words is good, but do not neglect the punctuation. Pay attention to capitalized words, missing or extra commas, periods used incorrectly and so on.

  • Read it Backwards

When writing we usually become blind to our own mistakes since the brain automatically “corrects” wrong words inside our sentences. In order to break this pattern you can read the text backwards, word by word.

  • Put emphasis on the numbers/values

Stating that the value of a purchase was $20,000 instead of $200,000 is definitely not the same thing. What about the population of Uganda, is it 44.27 million or 44.27 billion? Make sure your numbers are correct.

  • Get someone else to proofread it as well

After checking all the previous points, do not forget to get a colleague or a friend to proofread it for you. You will be amazed at the mistakes you’ve missed. Your colleague will also be in a better position to evaluate whether the sentences make sense or not.

Can you do proofreading of your own work?

I would advise you not to rely fully on your own proofreading. This is because you were tirelessly involved in the creation process of the document and no matter how many times you check it, there will consistently be some errors that you miss. Your eyes may see what’s on the page but your brain will interpret what it wants or expects to read, yet in reality, it is not always actually there. As a result of this, it often takes virgin eyes to identify all mistakes in a document.

All in all

It’s advisable for you to opt for a qualified proofreader from a professional translations company (such as Translate 4 Africa Ltd) with an advanced knowledge of vocabulary, spelling, grammar, and punctuation. This will, therefore, be ideally placed to add value to your written document and make it shine in a manner that you couldn’t achieve yourself.

How to say “hello” in Sundry African languages per country

A greeting is time and again the initial point of call for human communication, and should be the first phrase you learn from any foreign language. Opening a conversation with a greeting is polite and shows willingness to communicate. Communicating can be difficult in Africa, a continent with over 1500 and 2000 African languages. However, don’t be nervous about saying “hello” as the effort will usually be appreciated even if you don’t get it quite right! A few words or phrases go a long way, and the best place to start is at the beginning with “hello.” In this article, we look at some of the greetings used across the African continent, organized by country to make the list easy to navigate. Most African nations employ countless different greetings, with each one representing a different race, people or tribe.

Learning how to greet others in many languages is both rewarding and fun, so here’s a handy list of how to say “hello” in sundry African languages per country; some of which may be repeated from one country to the next. However, where multiple languages are spoken, only the official or most prominent language is included:

Check-out how to say “Hello” In…

Algeria

Arabic: As-Salaam-Alaikum (Peace be unto you)

Berber/Tamazight: Azul (Hello), sbah Lkhir (Good morning), ms lkhir (Good afternoon), ms lkhir (Good evening)

French: Bonjour (Hello)

Angola

Portuguese: Olá (Hello), Bom dia (Good morning), Boa tarde (Good afternoon), Boa noite (Good evening)

Umbundu: Wakolapo (Hello to an individual) Wakolipo (Hello to more than one person, Utanya uwa (Good morning), Ekumbi liwa (Good afternoon), Uteke uwa (Good evening), Uteke uwa (Good night)

Kikongo: Mbote na yo (sg) Mbote na bino (pl) Sango nini (Hello), Boyei bolamu (welcome), Mbote (Good morning, Afternoon and Evening)

Benin

French: Bonjour (Hello)

Yoruba: Ẹ n lẹ (Hello), Ẹ ku aarọ (Good morning), Ẹ ku ọsan (Good Afternoon), Ẹ ku alẹ (Good evening)

Fon/Gbe: Bawo Ni (Hello (informal))

Botswana

Setswana: Dumela mma (Hello to a woman), Dumela rra (Hello to a man)

English: Hello

Burkina Faso

French: Bonjour (Hello)

Mossi: Ne y yibeogo! (Good morning)

Dyula: I ni sogoma (Good morning)

Burundi

French: Bonjour (Hello)

Kirundi: Amahoro – peace, widely used as greetins (reply: n’amahoro)

Swahili: Jambo (Hello), Habari (How’s it going?)

Cabo verde

Cape verde creole/ Portuguese: Olá (Hello), Bom dia (good morning), Boa tarde (good afternoon), Boa noite (good evening)

Cameroon

French: Bonjour (Hello)

English: Hello

Central African Republic

French: Bonjour (Hello)

Sangho/ Sango: Balao madame (Hello ma’m), Balao monsieur (Hello sir)

Chad

French: Bonjour (Hello)

Arabic: Salaam wa alekoum. (Peace be with you)

Comoros

Comorian/ Shikomori: Gege (Hello / how are you?)

French: Bonjour (Hello)

Arabic: Salaam wa alekoum. (Peace be with you)

Cote d’Ivoire

French: Bonjour (Hello)

Dioula: I (a) ni sɔgɔmo (Good Morning), I (a) ni woula (Good Afternoon), I (a) ni suu (Good evening)

Democratic Republic of Congo

Lingala: Mbote (Hello)

French: Bonjour (Hello)

Tshiluba: Betu’abu (Hello)

Djibouti

Afar: Assalaamu qaleykum or Nagayna sin amol tanay (Hello)

Arabic: As-Salaam-Alaikum (Peace be unto you)

French: Bonjour (Hello)

Somali: Iska warran (Hello)

Egypt

Arabic: As-Salaam-Alaikum (Peace be unto you)

Equatorial Guinea

Spanish: Hola. (Hello. /Hi. )

French: Bonjour (Hello)

Fang: M’bole (Hello to one person), M’bolani (Hello to several people)

Portuguese: Olá (Hello), Bom dia (Good morning), Boa tarde (Good afternoon), Boa noite (Good evening)

Eritrea

Tigrigna/Tigrinya: Selam (Hello.)

English: Hello

Ethiopia

Amharic: Teanastëllën (Hello, formal), Tadiyass (Hello, informal)

Gabon

French: Bonjour (Hello)

Fang: M’bole (Hello to one person), M’bolani (Hello to several people)

Gambia

Mandingo/Mandinka: Esama (Good morning), Etinyang (Good afternoon), Ewulara (Good Evening)

Pulaar: No ngoolu daa. (Hello)

English: Hello

Wolof: Na nga def (Hello (sg)), Na ngeen def (Hello (pl))

Ghana

English: Hello

Twi: Maakyé (Good morning), Maaha (Good afternoon), Maadwo (Good evening)

Guinea-bissau

Portuguese: Olá (Hello), Bom dia (Good morning), Boa tarde (Good afternoon), Boa noite (Good evening)

French: Bonjour (Hello)

Guinea

Pulaar: No ngoolu daa. (Hello)

Maninka: I ni sooma (Good morning), I ni wura (Good evening), I ni tele (Good afternoon)

French: Bonjour (Hello)

Kenya

Swahili: Jambo (Hello), Habari (How’s it going?)

English: Hello

Kikuyu: Wĩmwega (Hello), Ngeithi cia rũcinĩ (Good morning), ngeithi cia mũthenya (Good afternoon), ngeithi cia hwainĩ (Good evening)

Luhya: Bushire (Good morning), Keshitare (Good afternoon), Bwakhera (Good evening)

Luo: Misawa/Ber (Hello), Oyawore (Good morning), Oimore (Good evening)

Lesotho

Sesotho: Lumela (Hello to one person), Lumelang (Hello to several people)

English: Hello

Zulu: Sawubona (Hello to an individual), Sanibonani (Hello to more than one person)

Xhosa: Molo (Hello to one person), Molweni (Hello to more than one person)

Liberia

English: Hello

Mende: Bisse (Hello)

Libya

Arabic: As-Salaam-Alaikum (Peace be unto you)

Italian: Ciao (Hello), Buongiorno! (Hello; Good morning; Goodbye), Buona sera! (Hello; Good evening; Goodbye)

French: Bonjour (hello, good morning), Bonsoir (good evening)

English: Hello

Madagascar

Malagasy: Salama (Hello), M’bola tsara (Hello)

French: Bonjour (Hello)

Malawi

Chichewa: Moni (Hello)

English: Hello

Mali

French: Bonjour (Hello)

Bambara: I ni ce (Hello)

Mauritania

Arabic: As-Salaam-Alaikum (Peace be unto you)

Hassaniya: Aw’walikum (Hello)

Mauritius

Mauritania creole: Bonzur (Hello)

English: Hello

French: Bonjour (Hello)

Hindi: Namasthae (Greetings)

Morocco

Arabic: As-Salaam-Alaikum (Peace be unto you)

French: Bonjour (Hello)

Berber: Azul (Hello-informal), Tifawin (Good morning), Timensiwin (Good evening)

Mozambique

Portuguese: Ola (Hello), Bom dia (Good morning), Boa tarde (Good afternoon), Boa noite (Good evening)

Makhuwa: Salaama (Hello)

Namibia

English: Hello

Afrikaans: Hallo (Hello) or Goeie dag (Hello)

Oshiwambo: Mwa lele po (Hello)

German: Hallo (Hello), Guten Morgen (Good morning), Guten Abend (Good evening)

Niger

Fulfulde: Mihofnima (Hello!)

Hausa: Sannu (Hello)

Tamasheq: Wayi wan (Hello)

French: Bonjour (Hello)

Nigeria

English: Hello

Hausa: Sànnu (Hello)

Igbo: Ibaulachi (Hello)

Yoruba: Bawo (Hello)

Fula: Sannuko (Hello), Jam na? (How are you?), Useko (Thank you)

Rwanda

Kinyarwanda: Muraho (Hello)

French: Bonjour (Hello)

English: Hello

Sao Tome and principe

Portuguese: Ola (Hello), Bom dia (Good morning), Boa tarde (Good afternoon), Boa noite (Good evening)

Sãotomense: Seja lovadu! (Hello)

Senegal

French: Bonjour (Hello)

Wolof: Nanga def (How are you?)

Pulaar: No ngoolu daa. (Hello)

Mandinka: I ni sooma (Good morning), I ni wura (Good evening), I ni tele (Good afternoon)

Seychelles

English: Hello

French: Bonjour (Hello)

Seselwa/Seychellois creole: Allo (Hello), Bonzour (Good morning)

Sierra Leone

English: Hello

Krio: Kushe (Hello)

Somalia

Somali: Iska warran (Hello)

Arabic: As-Salaam-Alaikum (Peace be unto you)

Oromo: Naqaa? (Hello)

South Africa

Zulu: Sawubona (Hello)

Xhosa: Molo (Hello)

Afrikaans: Hallo (Hello)

English: Hello

Sudan

Arabic: As-Salaam-Alaikum (Peace be unto you)

South Sudan

Dinka: Cë yïn bääk (Hello (Singular))

English: Hello

Neur: Malɛ (Hello (singular))

Bari: Madaŋ/Do a purwe/Do a parana (Hello (singular))

Zande: Sene foro (Hello (singular)), Sene fu roni (Hello (Plural))

Swaziland

Swati: Sawubona (Hello)

English: Hello

Tanzania

Swahili: Jambo (Hello), Habari (How’s it going?)

Akamba: Uvoo waku?(how are you? To one person), Uvoo Wenyu? (How are you? To a group of people)

English: Hello

Togo

French: Bonjour (Hello)

Ewe: Alekay (Hello)

Tunisia

French: Bonjour (Hello)

Arabic: As-Salaam-Alaikum (Peace be unto you)

Uganda

Luganda/Ganda: Oli Otya (Hello)

Swahili: Jambo (Hello), Habari (How’s it going?)

English: Hello

Acoli: Itye nining? (Hello)

Zambia

English: Hello

Bemba: Muli shani (How are you?)

Kaonde: Muji byépi? (How are you?)

Lozi: Lumela (Hello (sg)), Mlumeleng (Hello (pl))

Zimbabwe

English: Hello

Shona: Mhoro (Hello (sg)), Mhoroi (Hello (pl))

Ndebele/Sindebele: Sawubona (Hello)

All in all

That’s, how to say “Hello” in sundry African languages per country. Languages are very important for society in communication and expression of individuals. And the diversity of language is truly a fantastic accomplishment and it’s great to explore the vast differences and fascinating similarities in how we greet each other the universal way of starting conversation. It’s insightful to see from the above list how some languages include a selection of different greetings, and how others have concise greetings. All that credits to human creativity.

The beauty of mastering/learning a new language

Being able to communicate in a second language can be a privilege, especially when we are in this globalization era. How! Find-out here below in the article why and how learning a new language adds value to your life.

Benefits of learning a new language

It aids with brain growth

Studies have shown that people who are bilingual are better at multitasking and attention focusing. While speaking the second language, you require translating the words in your head. This requires a tremendous amount of focus. Brain scans have also shown that bilingual individuals have more gray matter in regions of the brain linked to executive functions.

It can improve your competitiveness in the job market

Knowing a second language makes your resume stand out and can boost you to the top of the interview list with potential employers. Companies today serve increasingly diverse, multilingual populations at home and abroad. Managers know that multilingual consumers are a huge commercial force and represent a significant opportunity for future business.

It can improve academics

Studies show that dual language students have somewhat higher test scores and also seem to be happier in school. Their attendance is better, behavioral problems fewer and parent involvement higher.

It strengthens native language abilities

People who diligently study a different language start to better understand their own native dialect. They begin to perform better in expressing thoughts in their own tongue.

Knowing a second language can open up new career opportunities

Foreign language skills can be particularly beneficial if you’re interested in changing careers to a new and growing field. Jobs as translators and interpreters are some of the fastest-growing occupations. There are a number of fields such as the military which actively recruits people within a variety of language skills. Other fast-growing fields like tourism and travel, healthcare and national security need employees with bilingual language skills and the ability to work across cultures. Fields such as journalism, education and international development are always in search of bilingual employees. And knowing a second language can give you an edge if you want to apply in those fields.

Increased communion

Truly learning a new language requires a person to dig deep into that particular culture. In your quest to understand their tongue you are grasping their ways. Learning a second language allows you to see things through the eyes of others. You begin to understand the way language shapes their way of thinking, which in turn allows you to feel more communions for them. And by having feeling for those faraway, you are also cultivating feeling for those closest to you.

It can slow the effects of old age

The benefits of learning a new language are life-long, but they seem especially important in old age. Cognitive flexibility which refers to the ability to adapt to unfamiliar or expected circumstances-tends to decline as we age; but speaking a second language can block that decline or at least significantly delay it. Research shows that bilingualism can improve cognition and delay dementia in older adults, particularly related to general intelligence and reading abilities.

And while bilingualism cannot prevent Alzheimer’s disease, but it can delay the onset of symptoms as much as five years. A recent study found that the brains of people who suffered from Alzheimer’s show the same physical deterioration whether they were monolingual or bilingual. But the people who speak two languages do not exhibit the typical symptoms of Alzheimer’s – such as memory loss, confusion, difficulties with problem-solving and planning until much later than those who only speak one language.

Increased quirky thinking

With automation becoming a usual part of society, creativity is a key component to better employment and opportunities. Computers and robots lack the necessary AI to think creatively, which is how you can set yourself apart. Imagination is the essential difference between the terminators and the human resistance. Learning a new language helps you experience the world through different lenses and approach problems in ways you may not normally consider.

So if you have the urge and are still struggling to learn a new language, here are some simple yet effective steps for you to master it faster.

Make full use of media

With the development of communication tools and the internet, you are able to approach the target language anytime anywhere. Even when you are driving, exercising, doing some gardening or cleaning, you can still learn by listening to the radio or music broadcast. The more you listen, the more you accustom yourself to the phonetics, intonation and accents of the native speakers.

You should pick up an online newspaper or magazine in the target language to start exploring the words and also the world. They are a rich source of new vocabulary and glossary for you. Reading is a natural and interesting way for you to run through the already-learnt words and structure, which effectively helps you get the feel of the target language.

Films, instructional videos and TV series are also the helpful sources for you to practice and experience the target language since they are clear, interactive and accessible. You will have a chance to learn how people make conversations in daily life and how they express their thoughts and feelings in the target language.

Interact with foreign/native friends

Hands down, the best way to learn a new language is to speak it. Too often, people spend all of their time studying grammar and memorizing lists of words instead of actually going out there and putting what they’ve learned into practice. Speaking with a real, live person will help you to feel much more motivated about learning the language than staring at a book, pamphlet or computer screen. Speaking to a foreigner helps you accustom your brain to think in the target language, which will sharpen your responsiveness and speaking skills. You should keep in mind that being fluent in a target language is the result of gradual interaction and consistent practice.

Do not worry about making mistakes

The fear of making mistakes can be the biggest obstacle on your way to master a language. Do not feel shy to speak out loud and to express your thoughts in the target language. The more mistakes you make, the more fluent you will be. Native speakers will not judge you by how accurately you pronounce or how well you make complex sentences. They will appreciate your efforts to communicate with them and even help you if you don’t mind.

Be patient and consistent by studying the language everyday

Learning a new language is not something that can be done overnight. It takes time before you are able to use a language like a native speaker. You have to let the language enter your mind and soul naturally, effortlessly. Knowledge about a language is endless; you cannot learn by heart all the vocabulary and phrasal verbs. Indeed, the learning process is like teaching your brain a new habit, which requires daily practice and repetition. Therefore, if you want quick results, you will only make the journey longer. Just take it step by step from basic to advanced level, do not rush to the finish line but try to enrich your language knowledge day by day.

All in all

Learning is a process, not a destination. And in the process, you have to complete yourself and sharpen your skills everyday. People often claim to have studied a language “for five years” and still not be fluent. But when they say five years, they probably mean that they studied the language for a couple of hours a week over that entire time period. Let’s get one thing clear; if your aiming at learning a new language quickly that is, in the space of a few weeks or months! You’re going to have to commit to studying the language for a couple of hours per day.

The journey to mastering/learning a new language would be easier if you have these secrets in hand. And remember that practice makes perfect. All the best!

Why should you opt for video transcription to impact your campaigns the more?

The idea of needing video transcription sometimes baffles marketers and businesses until they realize; after multiple videos or campaigns, exactly how much they could benefit from having them transcribed. Transcriptions are particularly crucial for longer videos, though it’s important for you to consider leveraging them for all of your video content.

What’s the meaning of transcription and video transcription in particular?

Transcription in particular, according to Merriam Webster, is the act of making a written, printed, or typed copy of words that have been spoken while

Video transcription simply refers to the process of translating your video’s audio into text. Video transcription is done with automatic speech recognition technology, human transcriptionists, or a combination of the two.

The different types of transcription

There are three types of transcription known as verbatim, intelligent and edited transcription. Let’s see in details:

Verbatim:

Every single word or mumble that is recorded is transcribed. Such as mmmm…., hmmmm…, I mean…, I know…, and more. Also even the emotions like laughter, excitement, fear, nervousness in voice or body language are all noted when transcribing.

Intelligent:

This is also called “Smart Transcription” known as an accurate transcription for only the words said in the audio or video excluding the mmmm…, hmmmm…, I mean…, I know…, and more.

Edited:

This transcription type is more of a summary and the transcriber omits sentences without changing the sense/meaning of the audio or video.

The type you require, length, context, and specifications of the audio file can affect the time needed and cost to transcribe the audio or video file.

A brief history of transcription

Transcription is one of the oldest, most ancient forms of documentation; a useful, and often necessary, tool put in practice for centuries. Its origins are in the Latin verb for “to transcribe” (transcribere: trans (over)+ scribere (write)). Beyond being an efficient way to keep track of important information, dictation and transcription have helped to promote further understanding in complicated fields such as from medical and legal transcription to business and government transcription. Still widely used today, transcription has a past rooted deep in history. Transcription as a form of documentation began in ancient times. Scribes as early as 3400 BCE would train in hieroglyphics and scripts in order to become employed in ancient Roman and Egyptian times. 100 years later, children would transcribe their ancient languages onto stone tablets. The written language and ancient historical documentation are made possible by transcription and those committed to transcribing (and duplicating) as much information as possible.

16th & 17th century technology

It’s understood that the invention of the printing press in 1439 led to a decline in the need for scribes, and so led to a decline in transcription for a time. However, it was around this time (or soon after, at least) that the modern English language shorthand was developed by a British physician. Formalizing this shorthand set in stone again the transcriptionist’s (or scribes’) specialty field. Scribes in the 17th century were generally used for manuscripts and other types of literature.

Why video transcription is vital for your campaign

Video transcription improves accessibility

The World Health Organization reports that more than 466 million people in the world have disabling hearing loss. Shouldn’t they be able to access and understand your content, too? Video transcription is one of the best ways to involve every individual. When your video is transcribed, you can download the transcription as an .SRT file to add captions that further boost accessibility. Video transcription also makes it easier to translate your video content into other languages, increasing the potential viewers. Users who speak another language can read a transcript in their preferred language instead of watching the video or while following the transcript while the video plays.

Improves user experience and understanding

Although it’s found-out that most consumers would rather watch a video about a product than read about that product, there are still people who would prefer to read. Video transcripts help you capture both types of audiences.

It lets users skim the content before committing to watching the video.

For those who may be in a sound-sensitive environment (and forgot to bring their earbuds), transcription allows them to consume the video’s content without the use of audio. Transcription also lets users skim the content before committing to watching the video. It can also help website visitors find the right video by searching your website or playlist for a keyword used within the video.

Viewers can use a transcript to follow along with a video, potentially increasing retention of your content. (Most transcriptions include some type of timestamp, which helps reader keep up with the video.) Users also may share the transcript along with, or instead of, your video.

Make consuming your video a great experience, and users are more likely to look to you for similar content.

Helps in Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Including a transcript with your video gives search engines another source of data for indexing your content. Using the transcript, search engines like Google can crawl the full text of your audio or video content, potentially increasing your organic search results. Videos also may be ranked higher in YouTube results if they include a full transcription.

If you have longer transcripts, you can also optimize them for specific keywords you want to rank for. Ideally, you can incorporate keywords into the video script before you actually create and share the video, ensuring that the keywords will be in the finished transcript. A high-quality, searchable video transcript can only benefit your website’s SEO.

Better product value with transcription

If you offer a video as part of a paid product, such as a paid-access webinar, you can automatically increase the value of that product by transcribing the video. You might include the transcription as part of the main product or present it as an add-on option for an additional fee.

Either way, a video transcript can help increase revenue. It can also make the product more appealing to an undecided potential buyer.

Provides accurate and professional outsourcing

Professional video transcription services create an environment that meets your expectations with excellent customer service, timely and accurate transcription and a significant return on investment. However, high-quality transcription also depends on the quality of the audio you provide. To ensure a smooth experience, endeavor to submit audio files with good sound quality. When voices fade in and out, there is static, background noise, low speaking voices and audience members far from the microphone, transcription time is extended, which costs you money.

Transcriptions have multiple uses

Not many companies have time to write brand-new content every single day, which is why re-purposing is a vital technique in content marketing. A high-quality video transcript can be shared on other mediums or used to create other types of content. Depending on the subject of your video, the transcription can also be used to create:

A transcript may also help you create additional videos that elaborate or answer questions about the first video. Use the transcript of the first video to help pull out keywords and structure the script of a follow-up video.

In conclusion

Even if you had video scripts, you should still create video transcriptions. Sending your video files to a professional transcription agency like Translate 4 Africa Ltd is quick, easy, and affordable, and we’ll be able to give you the transcriptions that you need to create and other necessities like the .SRT files, closed captions, and subtitles to help take your content to the next level.