Tag Archives: Interpreting services

Celebrating Independence Day: The Resilience and Rich Heritage of the Philippines

As an international language services provider, we embrace and respect diverse cultures. Today, we join our Sales Manager, Stella Bautista, in celebrating this significant day – Independence Day in the Philippines.
She shares her heartfelt sentiments about the occasion. Join us as we explore the spirit of resilience that defines the Filipino people and the rich history that has shaped their identity.

Stella is talking about this day:
“During Independence Day, we put the Philippine flag on our doorstep and attend a public flag ceremony in the city hall. It is also a good day to go to the National Museum to learn more about our rich history.
I love how Filipinos are resilient. I think that’s why we got our independence because we persevered. From 300 years of being colonized by Spaniards, then the USA, and then by the Japanese, we never gave up. We adapted and used different ways to fight for our freedom. Some used poetry, such as Jose Rizal. And arts through Juan Luna’s “Spolarium.” It’s not all blood and tears, we used our talents too.”

One of the highlights of the day is the public flag ceremony held at city halls nationwide. Filipinos gather together, hand over heart, as the flag is raised to the sound of the national anthem. This collective act of patriotism exemplifies the unity and shared aspirations of the Filipino people. It is a powerful expression of gratitude for the freedom that was achieved through perseverance and unwavering determination.

The Philippines, a nation known for its vibrant culture and resilient people, has a rich history that culminated in its Independence Day. Over the course of 300 years, the Philippines endured colonization by various foreign powers. First came the Spanish, who arrived in the 16th century and ruled until the late 19th century. Following Spain’s defeat in the Spanish-American War, the United States took control of the Philippines in 1898. However, the Filipino people’s longing for self-rule persisted, leading to the Philippine-American War from 1899 to 1902. Finally, on June 12, 1898, the Philippines declared independence, led by President Emilio Aguinaldo. The road to independence was paved with the bravery of heroes like Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio, who inspired a sense of national identity and fought for their country’s freedom. Today, Independence Day serves as a reminder of the Filipino people’s resilience, their unwavering determination to overcome adversity, and their continuous pursuit of liberty and self-determination.

We honor the spirit of resilience that defines the Filipino people. Their unwavering determination and ability to adapt in the face of adversity allowed them to triumph over centuries of colonization.

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Celebrate Cinco de Mayo: Embracing Mexican-American Culture and Language Diversity

Cinco de Mayo, also known as the Fifth of May, is a Mexican-American holiday celebrated annually in the United States. It commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over the French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Today, Cinco de Mayo has become a widely recognized celebration of Mexican-American culture and heritage, marked by parades, festivals, and feasts across the country.

As a company that provides language services worldwide, Homeland Language Services recognizes the importance of celebrating cultural diversity and language differences. We believe that understanding and embracing different cultures and languages is crucial in creating a more connected and inclusive world.

Alfredo Hernandez, Business System Manager at Homeland Language Services told us his story about Cinco de Mayo:

“I celebrated Cinco de Mayo since I was in elementary school in Mexico, but it was a different way. In Mexico, it is something more patriotic because it was a big deal for a country like Mexico to defeat the most powerful army of the time with a practically small army of only 12,000 soldiers. Where I come from, it is just a civic celebration.

When I moved to California, I was very surprised that the celebration here is bigger and more due to the beer companies. People here celebrate it because California helped Mexico by sending soldiers to fight in that battle, and the beer companies make it a celebration for many other states on the country and even on some other countries too.”

The celebration of Cinco de Mayo provides an excellent opportunity for people to learn more about Mexican-American culture and language. It is a time to explore the rich history, traditions, and customs of this vibrant community. By learning about the significance of this holiday and its cultural context, we can deepen our appreciation for the diversity of our society.

One of the most important aspects of Cinco de Mayo is the recognition of the Spanish language. Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world, with over 460 million speakers. In the United States, Spanish is the second most common language after English, spoken by over 41 million people. As a language services provider, Homeland Language Services understands the value of language diversity and the need for accurate and efficient translation and interpretation services.

Furthermore, recognizing and celebrating Mexican-American culture and language can help break down barriers and build bridges between communities. By promoting understanding and respect for different cultures and languages, we can foster a more inclusive and harmonious society.

In conclusion, Cinco de Mayo is more than just a celebration of a military victory. It is a reminder of the richness and diversity of Mexican-American culture and language, and an opportunity to celebrate and embrace these differences. At Homeland Language Services, we are committed to promoting cultural diversity and language inclusivity, and we encourage everyone to join us in celebrating Cinco de Mayo and other cultural holidays throughout the year.

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The power of language – story of American senator Victoria Spartz

At the very moment, when an ordinary girl from Nosivka (a small town in Ukraine) becomes an American senator and votes for a lend-lease for Ukraine.

In 1999, Victoria Kulheyko was traveling around Ukraine by train and noticed that an American man, named Jason Spartz was trying to order dinner but the waiter did not know English. And nobody else in the train car knew how to speak English. So she offered to help him interpret. Mr. Spartz was very grateful and both exchanged their contact information.

With the years, they both got to know each other better and fell in love. In the year 2,000, Miss Kulheyko became Mrs. Spartz and moved to the U.S.A. 

Her husband’s successful agrarian business received great support from Victoria in accounting and finance. Her talent was noticed and soon, she started teaching at Indiana University.

Victoria became one of the founding members of the Hamilton County, Indiana, Tea Party. She served as the CFO in the Indiana Attorney General’s office and she was also an adjunct faculty member at the Kelley School of Business in Indianapolis.

In June 2019 Victoria announced her candidacy for Indiana’s 5th congressional district. And to everyone’s surprise, she won the Republican primary elections on June 2, 2020. Her candidacy for the Senate was supported by 187,000 Americans.

This is how, from a simple dialogue with a foreigner, Victoria Spartz became an extraordinary foreigner leader and an example to many people. 

“I look forward to contributing to the United States’ beacon of freedom and hope for people around the world, and to promoting the free market and the rule of law in countries suffering from corruption and oppression. My warmest wishes to Ukrainians!” – this is the phrase Victoria said during one of her first speeches in the Senate.

The time has come. The lend-lease act was signed on May 9th, 2022. This is the start of a new era in the Russo-Ukrainian War when Ukraine is able to get great support to save and restore the country’s sovereignty.

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How to become an interpreter?

If you have a strong knowledge of English, or if it is your Native Language, or you also know American Sign Language, you can think about a career as an interpreter. Nowadays, interpreting services have high demand all over the world. Moreover, due to technological development, you can work remotely from any country. 

We are happy to share several tips on how to become an interpreter and a story from Homeland Language Services’ interpreter to inspire you. 

Interpreters are responsible for transferring messages from one language to another accurately. The interpreter acts between two parties with different voices, accents, and tempos. Meanwhile, the interpreter should stay neutral and transmit information without omissions or additions. The interpreter has to handle the communication according to the interpreting protocol in order to ensure transparency.

Steps to become an interpreter:
  1. 1. Get an educational background. A lot of companies require interpreters to get a bachelor’s degree.
  2. 2. Get the experience. For the first time, you can volunteer at hospitals or non-profit organizations. 
  3. 3. Get the interpretation training and certifications. Certifications from the American Translator’s Association or Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters are not obligatory for getting the job, but they verify your professional skills. 
  4. 4. Apply for a job. Update your resume, write a cover letter, find open positions for interpreters and apply to them. Besides, there is a choice of positions for professional interpreters. You can be an over-the-phone interpreter, video remote interpreter, onsite interpreter, or ASL interpreter. Choose, what better suits you. 

And here is an inspiring review about interpreter’s job from our language specialist Camila Fernandez from Argentina:

“Working as an interpreter caught my attention because I love helping people and I am fond of languages and translating; so I thought this position suited me. After one month of training, I was ready to work. However, it was not easy and it still isn’t sometimes. I face different scenarios every day due to the vocabulary and situations according to the different people.

There were times when I felt like surrendering but had I taken the chance, I would not be where I am right now: I have grown both as a professional and as a person because of how much I have learned at my job. Failure has helped me improve.

Hence, as Ray Bradbury said, “love what you do and do what you love”, try to find your vocation in life. Life is much better when you follow and work on your dreams. Looking back, I know that younger me would be proud of myself for accomplishing my objectives and for working hard. I guess I was cut out to be an interpreter after all.

Thank you for giving me the chance to tell my experience as an interpreter. I really like being part of this team!”

We hope that this article will inspire you to get a new profession and start your new career stage!

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over-the-phone interpretation

The Role of Affordable Over-the-phone Interpreting services in Healthcare

A hospital setting has many touchpoints where there is a place for miscommunications, from the reception desk and emergency room to the billing office. Hospital staff needs to be ready for anything and for anyone who may walk through their doors next. Affordable over-the-phone interpreting services may be sufficient for addressing scheduling questions, but other situations demand face-to-face interaction. Having an onsite interpreter available at a moment’s notice isn’t always practical or possible, especially when you see patients who speak less common languages.

Here are some ways healthcare professionals benefit from affordable over-the-phone interpreting services:

Fewer scheduling errors

Patients with limited English proficiency are more likely to miss appointments or show up at the wrong time because of breakdowns in communication with the office staff. Since physicians’ schedules are set well in advance, these scheduling errors can add up hours of wasted time and lost revenue. Affordable over-the-phone interpreting services help to bridge language gaps, reducing scheduling errors.

Shorter patient wait time

Language barriers can slow down the registration process, increasing patient waiting times and reducing patient satisfaction. Using affordable over-the-phone interpreting services to communicate with patients who don’t speak English can reduce patient waiting time and increase patient flow, contributing to improved patient satisfaction.

Fewer medical errors

When lives are on the line and every second counts, miscommunication can contribute to misdiagnoses or even life-threatening medical errors.

Improved outcomes

Hospital discharge instructions can be confusing enough for a person who speaks the same language as their physician, and language barriers make it even more difficult to follow the directions. When patients understand how to care for themselves properly, they tend to have better health outcomes.

Translating patient education materials, discharge instructions, and other vital documents that are critical to a patient’s care enables patients to take responsibility for their recovery.

Reduced readmission rates

Preventable readmissions have become a huge frustration for hospitals around the country. A number of factors puts patients at a higher risk for readmission, and the language barrier certainly plays a role. When patients can follow physicians’ orders, they are significantly less likely to be readmitted for complications.

Reduced bad debt

Patients who understand their financial obligations and insurance coverage are more likely to pay their bills in a timely manner.

Higher patient satisfaction

According to a report published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, patients with limited English proficiency report lower satisfaction rates compared to English-speaking patients.

Working with Homeland Language Services that offers a full range of solutions, from phone interpreting to video remote interpreting, allows you to keep costs in check while maximizing the benefits to your patients and your bottom line.

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