Translating… The Future?
A little over 600 years ago, Geoffrey Chaucer, whom is widely considered to be the father of English literature, asked why anyone would possibly want
January 12, 2015
Exploring Idioms in Foreign Languages
In my previous post “Understanding English-Language Idioms,” I discussed the peculiarity of idioms. Idioms are expressions used in informal language that don’t actually mean what
December 29, 2014
A big “spasibo” to translators of the Russian classics
If you’re not planning on learning Russian and learning it fast, this holiday season is the perfect time to treat yourself to a bit of
December 22, 2014
Understanding English-Language Idioms
Idioms are one of the most interesting yet curious aspects of language due to their often comical references which may actually have absolutely nothing to
December 15, 2014
Is it possible to mirror the source?
There is no intellectual feat which can be considered anything but useless, according to Jorge Luis Borges in “Pierre Menard, author of the Quixote”. This
December 9, 2014
How are the World’s Languages Regulated?
Language is a massive, intangible, ever-changing palimpsest that arguably exerts one of the strongest influences over our daily lives. Due to its ability to easily
December 1, 2014
Spectacular Vernacular
Before the beginning of the Middle Ages, Latin was the language used by educated persons to transmit their knowledge, both religious and academic. Even after
November 7, 2014
Are We Just a Product of the Languages We Speak?
Each language has a particular grammatical structure and different ways of expressing ideas, which is something that anyone who has studied another language has experienced
November 4, 2014
Translator Problems II: Tips on the Localization of Proper Nouns
Following on from my last post, in this entry I’m going to be looking at the challenge of localizing proper nouns; that is, nouns that
November 3, 2014
Sigmund Freud: How to Translate a Genius
Rarely must it have been as complex to translate the complete works of an author as was the case with the father of psychoanalysis, Sigmund
October 17, 2014
The Legacy of the Linguist
Following on from my last post on the fundamental differences between translation and interpretation, in this entry I shall consider the life span of each, and
September 22, 2014
How Do Translation and Interpretation Differ?
There is a common misunderstanding about those who work in the field of translation and interpretation. Sometimes these professionals are referred to using the umbrella
September 8, 2014
