Tag Archives: Agency For Translation Services

Remembering and Honoring: Memorial Day – A Tribute to Our Heroes

On May 29th, we come together as a nation to pay tribute to the courageous men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the armed forces. Memorial Day holds a special place in our hearts at Homeland Language Services, a time when we reflect on the profound significance of this solemn observance.

Memorial Day is an opportunity for us to honor and remember the brave individuals who have served our country while reflecting on their sacrifices. This day is a great honor for our team as well. Our leader, COO & Co-founder Ernesto Lanazca is a veteran of the US Army. He enlisted in the US Army in August 2000.

With his wealth of experience and deep appreciation for the values that Memorial Day represents, Ernesto provides us with a unique perspective on the true meaning behind this national holiday. Join us as we dive into an inspiring conversation that sheds light on the sacrifices, patriotism, and gratitude that permeate the essence of Memorial Day.

Ernesto, in your opinion, what are the main values Homeland Language Services is bringing to the market as a Veteran-Owned Business? 

As a US ARMY Veteran, to this day, I’m still working under the Army Code Values: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Services, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage.

At Homeland Language Services we treat each other as a big family, sharing the same values; work ethics, respect, clear communication, teamwork spirit, trust in each other, accountability, and the commitment to meet the same goals.

How can language services affect the daily life of veterans and their families?

The United States of America is one of the few countries in the world to have enlisted US Citizen soldiers with different backgrounds, ethnicities, and religious beliefs, creating a multicultural military community with ESL status.

This situation creates a need for Interpretation & Translation Services to assist the military’s family members to interact within their military bases.

Our company has a wide range of language services. What is your favorite service and why?

Our company offers a wide variety of Interpretation and Translation Services for more than 120 languages worldwide through Video Remote Interpreting (VRI), Onsite Interpreting, and Over-the-phone interpreting (OPI). My favorite service is Onsite interpreting.

Many clients appreciate the presence of an onsite interpreter. During a conversation, the interpreter can see the speaker and the other party and can read the body language of the two people. The interpreter can see if the client shows signs of confusion or difficulty in comprehending the instructions and needs further clarification. Reading body language is very important for effective communication, especially when they feel shy or intimidated due to their lack of proficiency in the language.

However, one of the big disadvantages of onsite interpretation is the lack of time and resources. There are instances when an interpreter is not available. This is the advantage of OPI over onsite interpreting services. Onsite interpreters normally have higher hourly rates.

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📚 Unraveling the Tapestry of Translation and Interpretation 🌍

Did you know that the art of translation and interpretation has been shaping our world for centuries? Let’s dive into a captivating historical tale that showcases the power and impact of language mediation. 📜✨

In the bustling city of Alexandria, Egypt, during the 3rd century BCE, a renowned institution known as the Library of Alexandria stood as a beacon of knowledge and enlightenment. Among its many treasures were the translators and interpreters who played a vital role in bridging cultures and facilitating intellectual exchange.

One of the most celebrated figures in this ancient hub of translation was the legendary scholar, Ptolemy II Philadelphus. Recognizing the importance of multilingualism, he embarked on an ambitious project to gather texts from around the world and have them translated into Greek, the lingua franca of the time.

Under his patronage, a team of talented linguists and scribes worked tirelessly to translate works from languages as diverse as Egyptian hieroglyphs, Aramaic, Sanskrit, and Persian into Greek. This monumental effort not only preserved invaluable knowledge but also allowed the works of thinkers like Plato, Aristotle, and Euclid to transcend language barriers and inspire generations to come.

Another fascinating historical chapter lies in the realm of interpretation, particularly during the Silk Road era. As ancient trade routes connected distant civilizations, interpreters became invaluable intermediaries, facilitating communication between merchants, diplomats, and travelers hailing from different cultures.

These interpreters possessed not only linguistic prowess but also a deep understanding of cultural nuances and diplomatic protocol. They played a pivotal role in fostering mutual understanding, resolving conflicts, and forging economic and political alliances.

From the legendary interpreters of the Tang Dynasty in China to the multilingual scholars of the Islamic Golden Age, the history of interpretation is brimming with tales of individuals who broke down language barriers, fostered cross-cultural dialogue, and contributed to the exchange of ideas that shaped our collective heritage.

As we celebrate the rich tapestry of translation and interpretation, let us remember the dedicated individuals throughout history who have devoted their lives to bringing people together through the power of words. 🌐💫

Tell us, have you ever experienced the transformative impact of translation or interpretation in your own life? ✨

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🚀May the Fourth be with You!

On May 4th, fans of the epic tales from a distant, magical galaxy come together to celebrate what has become known as Star Wars Day. This date was selected by fans as a day to honor the films and universe created by George Lucas, due to its connection with the iconic Star Wars catchphrase, “may the force be with you.”

We asked our team if somebody likes the Star Wars Universe.
Our Homeland Language Services Call Center Operations Supervisor Alejandro Olivero commented on this day in the calendar:
“I really love it because it is not only an action movie, it also involves politics and has a lot of depth in its history. It is a really rich universe.

I am a hardcore fan although I don’t get to the point of dressing up like Chewbacca. This doesn’t mean I wouldn’t look good in that suit.

I have seen these movies in several languages. I began with the original trilogy in Spanish, then the second trilogy I saw in English. All the rest have been either in German or English too. Except for The Clone Wars comics that were in Spanish also.

Unfortunately, I won’t make the movie night today, but as a sure thing I will see something from the catalog on the weekend.”

Whether or not you are familiar with the Star Wars franchise, there are fascinating elements to explore within its fictional world. Here we will delve into the intersection of languages and the Star Wars Universe.

Localizing Star Wars for a global audience presented numerous challenges, particularly regarding the use of fictional languages such as Aurebesh, Huttese, and Shyriiwook. These languages were created specifically for the Star Wars universe, and their usage required close collaboration between linguists and filmmakers to ensure that the dialogue made sense when translated into other languages. For instance, in the German version of the films, the term “Force” was translated as “Macht,” which means “power” or “strength,” to reflect the concept of the mystical energy that can be harnessed by Jedi Knights.

Adapting cultural references and humor was also a crucial aspect of localizing Star Wars. The films are rife with American pop culture references and humor that may not translate well across different countries. For instance, in the French version of the film, the character of Han Solo was portrayed as more cynical and sarcastic, reflecting the French cultural stereotype of a rebel. In contrast, the Japanese version of the films emphasized the Jedi’s honor and duty, which aligns with a central value in Japanese culture.

Localizing the Star Wars films for different audiences also required adapting some of the visual elements. In the Chinese version, for example, Darth Vader’s appearance was modified to resemble a traditional Chinese warrior. This was an attempt to make the character more relatable to Chinese audiences and emphasize his intimidating presence.

The localization process for Star Wars was a complex and challenging task that necessitated careful attention to cultural differences and subtleties. The translators, linguists, and filmmakers involved had to strike a balance between accuracy and faithfulness to the original films and making the movies relatable and accessible to audiences from various regions and cultures. Despite these obstacles, the Star Wars franchise has enjoyed worldwide success and continues to enthrall audiences across the globe. And that’s also a reason why we, as a language services provider, are fond of Star Wars Universe. We see this enormous work of translators, and interpreters and we are proud that we serve the world languages as well.

By the way, since its premiere in 1977, the Star Wars films have been translated (and localized!) into over 50 languages.

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Hey! Did you think we’d miss this day? International Harry Potter Day? No way! ⚡️⚡️⚡️

International Harry Potter Day is a beloved celebration amongst Potterheads worldwide, bringing joy and merriment on May 2. This special day was officially designated as an international holiday by former UK Prime Minister David Cameron in recognition of the outstanding literary achievements of J.K. Rowling. Despite more than a decade has passed since the final book in the series was released, the passion and enthusiasm surrounding the magical world of Harry Potter and its unforgettable characters remain as strong as ever.

Why May 2, you ask? This date holds significant historical importance as it marks the anniversary of the Battle of Hogwarts, the final and most intense conflict of the Second Wizarding War. Taking place within the walls of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, this pivotal moment saw the Order of the Phoenix emerge victorious over the dark forces of Lord Voldemort, bringing an end to the war and ushering in an era of peace. However, the battle resulted in numerous casualties, forever commemorated on this solemn but inspiring day.

We also celebrated Harry Potter Day in our company! We have two Potterheads on the team 😊

Solana Petrecca, Talent Acquisition Specialist:

“When I was a kid, everyone loved Harry Potter. I went to the movie theater to watch the whole series with my mom and little brother throughout the years, but it wasn’t until later in life that I started grasping the whole story. When I moved to the United States, my host family was a Potterhead and kept talking about the different houses, guessing which one was mine. They always encouraged me to read the books as they loved them when they were kids… at the end, I ate up the first three books in less than a week. From then on, I became fascinated with the Wizarding World. Go Ravenclaw!🦅💙”

Yomna Elkhiamy, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist:

“I was 12 when I went to the Cinema for the first time on my own and the movie was “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”. I remember being so fascinated with every detail and I didn’t want the movie to end since then Harry Potter is part of most of my childhood (and adulthood) memories. I watched all the movies on the first day they showed at the cinema and bought all the CDs and even downloaded them on my computer just in case. I also read all the books in both Arabic and English versions of Gazillions times and got so attached to the point of crying so hard when Dumboldor died and was so happy and nostalgic when I watched the reunion. I even went to England specifically to visit the HP Studios and got the elder wand. Whenever I felt sad or bored or just wanted to escape the world, I grab any book of them and instantly I travel to the fascinating and magical world of Harry Potter.”

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Language services help volunteers do their work

National Volunteer Week is a time to celebrate the contributions of volunteers around the world and to recognize the important role that language services play in supporting these efforts. Volunteers are critical to many organizations, from nonprofit groups and community associations to international aid organizations and disaster relief efforts. They provide essential services, from teaching literacy skills and providing healthcare to distributing food and supplies to those in need.
However, volunteering can be challenging, especially when language barriers exist. This is where language services come in. Interpreters and translators play a crucial role in helping volunteers communicate effectively with the communities they serve, and in ensuring that important messages are conveyed accurately and effectively.
There are countless examples of how language services have helped volunteers make a difference around the world.

📍For instance, during the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, interpreters and translators played a critical role in helping international aid organizations communicate with local communities about the disease and how to prevent its spread. Without these language services, it would have been much more difficult for aid workers to deliver life-saving information and services to those in need.

📍Similarly, in refugee camps around the world, interpreters and translators help volunteers communicate with people from a variety of cultures and language backgrounds. They ensure that refugees receive the support and assistance they need, from medical care to legal aid to educational services.

📍In the United States, language services have helped volunteers in a variety of contexts, from working with immigrant communities to supporting disaster relief efforts. For example, after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in 2005, interpreters and translators helped volunteers communicate with residents who spoke a variety of languages, from Spanish to Vietnamese to Haitian Creole. These language services were essential in ensuring that volunteers could provide aid and support to those who needed it most.

📍During the Covid-19 pandemic, interpreters and translators have played a critical role in helping healthcare workers and volunteers communicate with patients and their families. For example, in the United States, language services have helped healthcare providers communicate with non-English speaking patients who can’t read or understand Covid-19 prevention and treatment information in English. In addition, interpreters have helped public health officials communicate with communities that may be hesitant to receive Covid-19 vaccines due to language or cultural barriers.

📍In the aftermath of the recent Russian invasion of Ukraine, interpreters and translators have been essential in helping international aid organizations communicate with local communities. For example, language services have helped volunteers communicate with Ukrainian refugees who have fled the conflict and are seeking shelter and assistance. Additionally, interpreters have helped volunteers navigate complex legal and bureaucratic processes to ensure that refugees receive the support and services they need.

In all of these contexts, language services have made a critical difference in the success of volunteering efforts. They have helped to break down language barriers, build trust between volunteers and the communities they serve, and ensure that important information is communicated effectively. As we celebrate National Volunteer Week, it’s important to remember the important role that language services play in supporting these efforts and to recognize the contributions of interpreters and translators around the world.

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Witness the earthquake in Turkey: how to live next to the disaster

On the day of the earthquake on February 6, 2023, a catastrophic natural disaster struck Turkey, leaving thousands of people injured, homeless, and grieving. But the impact was felt far beyond the areas of the country that were directly affected by the physical destruction. For many people, the trauma of the earthquake was deeply felt, whether it was through the emotional toll of witnessing the devastation, or the physical toll of living in temporary shelters or dealing with disrupted services.

It’s difficult to overstate the magnitude of this experience, which left its mark on individuals and communities across the country. Whether felt morally or physically, the earthquake had a profound impact on the lives of many people, and the healing process will take time and perseverance.

Among those affected was our language partner Ashraf, who lives with his family in the eastern part of Turkey. We’ve been eagerly waiting to speak with him to gain a better understanding of the impact the event had on the country.

Despite the overwhelming challenges, the people of Turkey have shown remarkable resilience and solidarity in the aftermath of the earthquake. Through their words, we hope to learn more about the impact of this disaster on the local community, and the ways in which we, as language services providers, can continue to support and stand in solidarity with the people of Turkey. So, let’s dive into the interview directly with our language partner about their experience of this life-changing event:

Homeland Language Services: Where were you and your family on Monday, February 6 when the earthquake happened?

Ashraf: We were at home sleeping when the earthquake happened around 4:15 am.

Homeland Language Services: Have you known about the evidence of earthquakes before? Are there any special alerts?

Ashraf: No, there were no prior alerts.

Homeland Language Services: What support are you receiving these days?

Ashraf: The government has been very supportive of the affected people, providing shelter as much as possible and necessities such as food, clothes, water, and healthcare. The government will also start giving a small amount of allowance to these families. The long-term plan is to rebuild the houses as quickly as possible.

Homeland Language Services: How are you handling your work duties these days?

Ashraf: Since all my work is mainly remote, the loss of electricity and internet didn’t affect me much, although my concentration was affected. My team steps in to cover for me during these times.

Homeland Language Services: You are a language services provider, did you notice any changes in requests? Is there an increase in the need for interpretation services?

Ashraf: Yes, there is an increase in requests for certain languages because rescue teams with different nationalities have stepped in, which causes a language barrier between foreign doctors and the affected people.

Homeland Language Services: In your opinion, how can language services be useful in such situations?

Ashraf: Most of our support as a language services provider comes from the medical field since thousands of people were injured. Many doctors, nurses, and health practitioners came to support from all over the world. Interpreting between the victims and the health practitioners is a must to better diagnose the victims. On the other hand, the areas that were most damaged are occupied by two major nationalities, Syrians and Turks, who speak two different languages. Assistance is really needed to interpret and translate between the two languages, Arabic and Turkish to English.

We highly appreciate Ashraf’s time and the possibility to talk with us about the situation in Turkey. We empathize with the challenges that the earthquake has brought upon the community. As a language services provider, we can offer our support to ensure that communication barriers are overcome and that the affected people receive the help they need in their native language. Our Homeland Language Services team of professional interpreters and translators can provide fast and accurate language services to aid in the recovery and rebuilding process. We stand with Turkish and Syrian victims of the earthquake during these difficult times. If you want to help Turkish abd Syrian victims, find here some aid resources.

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We are celebrating National Thesaurus Day!

When you’re looking for that perfect word to convey your thought, or don’t want to repeat the same word over and over again, where do you go? The thesaurus, of course!

Today we are celebrating National Thesaurus Day! As language specialists, we are very thankful to Peter Mark Roget that he created this wonderful book.

But the word thesaurus was first recorded in English as early as 1730, and it comes from the Greek thēsaurós, meaning “storehouse,” “treasure,” or “treasury.” So, we can think of a thesaurus as a “storehouse” or “treasure-trove” of knowledge (in the form of words).

Peter Roget started the book in 1848 and finished in 1852 with 15,000 words. The book’s full original title was “Thesaurus of English Words and Phrases Classified and Arranged so as to Facilitate the Expression of Ideas and Assist in Literary Composition.”

The word thesaurus was first recorded in English as early as 1730, and it comes from the Greek thēsaurós, meaning “storehouse,” “treasure,” or “treasury.” So, we can think of a thesaurus as a “storehouse” or “treasure-trove” of knowledge (in the form of words).

Our interpreters and translators love National Thesaurus Day, because:

  1. 1. It helps expand the vocabulary.
  2. Bigger vocabulary helps during translations and interpretations very much. You can easily find the equivalent in English for the message in the target language. Moreover, if you are working on texts it is always good to have several synonyms to make the lexical level of the text higher.
  1. 2. It helps avoid repetitions.
  2. 3. It helps to learn the meanings of new words by seeing what other words they are related to by comparison.
  3. 4. Compare the shades of meaning in words and pick up the best for the needed topic.
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What are the skills of a good translator?

Homeland Language Services has a professional team of translators. For more than 6 years they provide our clients with high-quality translation. We definitely know what skills a good translator should have and our translators have these skills!

Translators don’t just convert words from one language to another. They are working with the meaning of the text, considering the specifics of the industry and the culture of the original and target languages. So, the basic translator’s skills are:

  1. 1. Language knowledge.

It is an obligatory skill for language specialists. The ability to speak and write fluently in at least two languages is the main characteristic of a translator’s profession. The best specialists are usually bilingual.

  1. 2. Cultural awareness.

Studying languages: translators are studying cultural peculiarities as well. It helps to understand and translate idioms, references, and slang from one language to another language. The cultural awareness of the translator makes communication smoother.

  1. 3. Writing.

Writing skills have a few components: grammar, punctuation, and style. Grammar and punctuation rules are different in various languages, that’s why good translators should study them carefully. And in terms of examples of writing styles, there are descriptive, persuasive, narrative, and argumentative.

  1. 4.Research.

The translation requires research all the time. The translator should be very confident during the word conversion from one language to another. That’s why he or she should confirm the rules for different languages and the meaning of different cultures.

  1. 5. Computer skills.

Translators generally use several computer programs to work on their projects and be organized. Among them are Microsoft Word, Adobe InDesign, and CAT tools. CAT or Computer-assisted translation tools are used to refine the pre-final translation. There are different types of CAT software, such as Language search engine software, Terminology management software, Translation memory software, Interactive machine translation software, and Text alignment software.

  1. 6. Reading comprehension.

This skill can boost translation skills. Translators should have a deep understanding of the text they are translating to optimize text value correctly.

  1. 7. Attention to detail.

“Details make the difference”, that’s why they are so important. Accuracy is one of the top-skills of a good translator. He or she should be eager to avoid even small errors in their translations because sometimes can cost a life, especially when we are talking about medical or judicial translations.

  1. 8. Specialization.

Industry specialization comes along with cultural awareness and accuracy. The best translators knows the particular industry and the better quality he or she performs in their projects. The majority of specialized translators have degrees in their fields of expertise. Homeland Language Services gets the largest amount of requests for translations in the medical, business, and legal industries.

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Happy International Translation Day!

September 30th is a special day for our team of translators and their team leads. International Translation Day is an opportunity for us to pay tribute to the work of language professionals, which plays an important role in bringing nations together, facilitating dialogue, understanding, and cooperation. We are proud to have such strong and high-skilled language specialists on board. With their help, we provide high-quality translation services in the USA and worldwide. 

We talked to our Translation Department team to discuss why this day is so important for them. 

Florencia Gomez, Localization-Translation Department Supervisor:

“Today we celebrate the International Translators’ Day in reference to St. Jerome, a priest who translated the Bible from Hebrew into Latin.

His journey in translation could spread the word into all different cultures and make it accessible to a wider audience.

Translators play a fundamental role in bringing the world together, from Peace Treaties to your favorite Pop Song; they make science available to different countries so everyone can access all the most advanced literature.

That’s why, as the Project Manager and Translation Department Supervisor, and translator myself, in Homeland Language Services, I would like to congratulate our staff on their day and remember that your role is greatly appreciated in bringing peace, knowledge, development between nations and cultures all around the globe.”

Martina Viegas, Linguist Quality Specialist:

“As translators, we have a huge and important responsibility and we are liable for our works. We’re living in a globalized world and that’s where our role lies. We connect cultures, we build bridges between cultures and people for them to communicate, we make it possible. We must have the ability to transform everything so nothing changes, what an irony, right? And to be where we are, all of us experienced situations that -good or bad- strengthened our powers. 

Personally, becoming a translator was not easy at all, but acting as a professional translator when graduating was the difficult part, almost the most difficult part of my life! (The most  difficult was to study translation while being a single mom of a disabled child). Anyway, at college you have your guiding people, but after that, you’re left alone in the world. Fortunately, I soon became part of this amazing Homeland Language Services team and I love it. And it doesn’t matter if you’re working freelance or in-house, but you love so much what you do that you wake up happy thinking you have to work, this is called passion. This profession requires passion to succeed, and of course lack of sleep and tones of coffee. I had to fail to succeed, make a mistake to learn, fall to stand up. I could tell many stories to demonstrate it’s not a fairy tale, but each of us has to pave our own way. 

In my experience, every time I had to make a hard decision and I said NO, something better came to my life. So don’t be afraid of valuing yourself and valuing and honoring our profession, happy day for all translators who make the world a better place!”

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