Category: services

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.

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).

International Mother Language Day – Languages Spoken in South Africa

The International Mother Language Day is celebrated each year on 21 February. UNESCO emphasizes its pledge to etymological decent variety and welcomes its member states to praise the day in whatever number dialects as could be expected under the circumstances as an update that phonetic assorted variety and multilingualism are basic for economic development. UNESCO has been observing International Mother Language Day for about 20 years with the point of protecting semantic assorted variety and advancing native language based multilingual instruction.

 Languages of South Africa 

The most widely recognized language communicated considered as a first language by South Africans is Zulu (23 percent), trailed by Xhosa (16 percent), and Afrikaans (14 percent). English is the fourth most basic first language in the nation (9.6%). Most of South Africans communicate in a language from one of the two chief parts of the Bantu dialects that are spoken in South Africa: the Sotho–Tswana branch (which incorporates Southern Sotho, Northern Sotho and Tswana dialects formally), or the Nguni branch (which incorporates Zulu, Xhosa, Swati and Ndebele dialects authoritatively). For every one of the two gatherings, the dialects inside that gathering are generally clear to a local speaker of some other language inside that gathering. The South Africa national hymn is included two tunes combined. They are Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika (Lord, Bless Africa) – the African National Congress’ legitimate song of praise – and Die Stem van Suid-Afrika (The Call of South Africa) which was the national hymn during Apartheid. At this point, when the two melodies were perceived as national hymns with equivalent standing and played in the competition, before they were converted into one in the year 1997. Despite the fact that the song of praise is regularly alluded to as basically Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika, it’s legitimate name is the National Anthem of South Africa.

South African Sign Language

South African Sign Language (SASL) is the essential gesture based communication utilized by the deaf in South Africa. The South African government included a National Language Unit for South African Sign Language in 2001. SASL isn’t the main manual language utilized in South Africa, yet the language is being elevated as the language to be utilized by all Deaf in South Africa, albeit Deaf people groups in South Africa verifiably don’t frame a solitary group. SASL is the gesture based communication that is utilized during TV news in South Africa. Communication via gestures is additionally utilized in the South African parliament, yet unique gesture based communication translators are known to utilize various signs for the equivalent concepts. There are around 40 schools for the Deaf in South Africa, most utilizing an assortment of SASL. Communication via gestures is expressly referenced in the South African constitution, and the South African Schools Act allows the investigation of the language in lieu of another official language at school.

What is a Language Translator

A Language translator/interpreter is a programming language processor that changes over a PC program starting with one language then onto the next. It takes a program written in source code and changes over it into machine code. It finds and recognizes the mistake during interpretation.

The IBM Watson Language Translator administration changes over content contribution to one language into a goal language for the end-client utilizing foundation from space explicit models. Interpretation is accessible among Arabic, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Catalan, Czech, Dutch, Danish, English, Finnish, French, Hindi, Hungarian, German, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Korean, Spanish, Swedish and Turkish.

Different types of translators

The various kinds of translators are as per the following:

Compiler

A compiler is an interpreter used to change over significant level programming language to low-level programming language. It changes over the entire program in one session and reports blunders distinguished after the transformation. Compiler sets aside some effort to do its work as it makes an interpretation of significant level code to bring down level code at the same time and after that spares it to memory. A compiler is processor-ward and stage subordinate. Yet, it has been tended to by an exceptional compiler, a cross-compiler and a source-to-source compiler.

Translator

Much the same as a compiler, is an interpreter used to change over significant level programming language to low-level programming language. It changes over the program each in turn and reports blunders recognized without a moment’s delay, while doing the transformation. With this, it is simpler to identify mistakes than in a compiler. A translator is quicker than a compiler as it promptly executes the code after perusing the code. It is regularly utilized as a troubleshooting device for programming advancement as it can execute a solitary line of code at once. A translator is likewise more compact than a compiler as it isn’t processor-subordinate, you can work between equipment models.

Constructing agent

A constructing agent is an interpreter used to make an interpretation of low level computing construct to machine language. It resembles a compiler for the low level computing construct however intuitive like a translator. Low level computing construct is hard to comprehend as it is a low-level programming language. A constructing agent interprets a low-level language, a low level computing construct to an even lower-level language, which is the machine code.

Some Online Tools

Lingoes – an unreservedly downloadable simple and natural lexicon and content interpretation programming which offers query lexicons, and way to express words in more than 80 dialects.

Leo – a free online word reference, for the most part valuable for German interpreters, with an all around utilized gathering for interpreters where trickier cases are being talked about.

Wordreference – a free online lexicon that offers exact interpretations in the absolute most broadly utilized European dialects, with a well-utilized gathering where you can request counsel from the network.

Go Global! The Best Things For Language Learners Are Apps!

You have the essentials down, you can conjugate without an excess of issue and you feel almost certain you’re headed for progress.

Is it accurate to say that you are perusing like a star? Or then again perhaps a section to a great extent simply doesn’t bode well?

Furthermore, would you say you are absolutely into watching motion pictures in your new dialect? Or on the other hand did that super-significant trade simply pass you by?

In some cases it’s about the instruments you need to get familiar with a language—and for this situation, I’m discussing one device specifically: interpretation applications.

Kinyarwanda as a Language of the African Nation

The start from the introduction to the Kinyarwanda language. Kinyarwanda, called Urufumbira in Kisoro, Uganda, is a political candidate language of African nation and a vernacular of the African nation-Rundi language spoken by, at any rate, twelve million people in Rwanda, Japanese, Democratic Republic of the Congo and contiguous items of southern African country (the usually comprehensible  Kirundi vernacular is that the official language of neighboring Burundi). Kinyabwisha and Kinyamulenge area unit the usually fathomable tongues spoken in North Lake Kivu and South Kivu regions of neighboring DR Congo. Kinyarwanda is one in every of the four authority dialects of African nation (alongside English, French and Kiswahili) and is spoken by much the bulk of the native people. That seems otherwise in reference to most current African expresses, whose outskirts were drawn by pioneer controls and do not compare to ethnic limits or precolonial kingdoms. Kinyarwanda could be a natural language. Within the same means as alternative Bantu dialects, it’s a two-route differentiates among high tones and low tones (low-tone syllables may be examined as toneless). The acknowledgment of tones in Kinyarwanda is littered with a remarkable set of descriptive linguistics pointers.

Rwanda marks the International Day of language

As African nation joins the remainder of the planet to mark the International Day of Sign Languages, that the method to provide a replacement national language lexicon has reached the ultimate stages, with Associate in nursing calculable eighty per cent of the work done, a political candidate has aforementioned. The lexicon, which can be the second of its kind in African nation, has been within the works since 2014.The project is being together undertaken by National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) and African nation National Union of the Deaf (RNUD), with support from Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO).Emmanuel Ndayisaba, the manager Secretary of NCPD, aforementioned that the analysis section terminated and consultants area unit currently putt the lexicon along. “The project is currently at concerning eighty per cent. We tend to visited all provinces across the country to gather information, and area unit currently within the final section of writing” the official aforementioned. Language differs from country to country because of cultural variations. Ndayisaba noted that the analysis was aimed toward knowing totally (completely different) and customary sign languages utilized by different individuals within the country, thus on come back up with Associate in Nursing inclusive lexicon. NCPD says that the lexicon is anticipated to be printed in June 2020. The 2012 population and social unit census by the National Institute of Statistics African nation (NISR) discovered that there have been over thirty three thousand Rwandans with speaking.

Rwanda makes Swahili a political candidate language

Rwanda’s members of parliament have passed Associate in nursing constitution that established Swahili as a political candidate language within the geographic area nation. The languages are going to be used for body functions, utilized in official languages in some official documents. Swahili becomes the fourth language once Kinyarwanda, English and French. “Rwanda joined the geographic area Community (EAC) in 2007 and within the statute that establishes this coalition, Swahili is universally utilized in the region and members area unit requested to form Swahili one in every of their official languages,” aforementioned Minister for Sports and Culture, cut Uwacu. “Swahili as a political candidate language is, on one hand, fulfilling what we tend to area unit needed to try and do as a member country however, on the opposite hand, it’s how to extend the advantages that Rwandans will reap from economic integration.” aforementioned Ms Uwacu.

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.

Xenophobic Attacks In South Africa – Solution With Professional Translation

There has been much disharmony in the recent days in the beautiful country South Africa. The most recent one being on  2nd  September, 2019 in Johannesburg. Do you know the reason why? Well, a section of the society says that the South Africans are causing disharmony in their own country because of xenophobia (hatred towards people of other community or country etc.). Considering this is the case, doesn’t a question arrive that the locals are causing harm to themselves as well in the process of looting the foreigners?

The locals there are also setting the foreigners shops on fire and taking away all that they can get their hands on. However, another section of the society says that these are just a few criminal minded people who are hiding under the curtain of xenophobia. They are targeting only the foreigners so that these attacks look like acts of xenophobia.

Who, Then, Is Correct?

These kinds of attacks were not uncommon in the country of South Africa. Statistics say that these attacks have occurred at a high rate in the year 2008 and then in 2015. Now, again, the bar is rising high. People in various parts of South Africa are getting looted everyday and there have been a few deaths in the process as well.

One of the reasons these loots are happening is because the unemployment rate in South Africa is about 28%. This statistic indicates a large number of people who are in a state of unrest because they do not have any jobs. In addition to that, they observe that the immigrants have jobs in their country. Though the immigrants are earning their living in an honest manner, this causes jealousy in the hearts of a few criminal-minded people and they are the ones who commit these crimes.

The policemen there are doing everything they can to help the people who are endangered. They have taken strict measures to control these loots. These measures include arresting, using tear gas, stun grenades and rubber bullets. One of the sad things we have to notice is that in this process, the innocent locals are also getting affected. The name of the country is going down continuously because of all these happenings.

It is very clear that xenophobia is only an excuse which the criminals are using to cause all this distress in the country.

How Can Professional Translation Services Be Part Of The Solution?

Amidst all the spite that exists between some of the locals and the non-locals, there also exist lots of people who want this thuggery to stop and live in peace. Violence, indeed, is violence, regardless of on what basis or in which place it happens and it needs to be stopped for the well-being of the whole country. The little solution to these loots and violence lies in professional translation services. By effective communication between the locals and the immigrants, there can be better understanding and empathy. Right now, the locals and the immigrants might not have complete understanding of the feelings of each other and translation services will help them understand each other better and then, we can finally hope that the locals and the immigrants will co-exist peacefully.