Dragoman Transcreation
265 episodes - English - Latest episode: 13 days ago - ★★★★★ - 1 ratingThese podcasts are for everyone who want to improve their spoken and written English. It will benefit business communicators, students, academics as well as translators and interpreters. We are experimenting with voices, ideas, AI and having lots of fun. Please share our posts and help us reach a greater audience.
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Episodes
Branching (linguistics)
September 21, 2018 00:01 - 35 seconds - 201 KBIn linguistics, branching refers to the shape of the parse trees that represent the structure of sentences. Parse trees that grow downward as speech and processing proceeds left to right are right-branching, whereas parse trees that grow upwards as speech and processing proceeds left to right are left-branching. Taking a top-down perspective, parse trees that grow down and to the right are right-branching, and parse trees that grow down and to the left are left-branching. Sentence Branching...
interpreting equipment
September 20, 2018 23:36 - 38 seconds - 218 KBInterpreting equipment is a set of tools and devices required to perform simultaneous interpreting during meetings and conferences. Typical interpreting equipment package consists of a central interpreting management system, which manages all other equipment, as well as an interpreter booth, interpreter unit(s), audience units (headsets) and microphones. Intepreting equipment or system must be connected to a sound system which has a main mixer or the mixing console, microphones, computers, vi...
mobile interpreting equipment
September 20, 2018 23:10 - 1 minute - 371 KBMobile interpreting equipment is a portable set of small devices used for tour guiding or interpreting purposes. Tour guiding devices are also called infoport systems. Mobile interpreting equipment is also called a simulport system because it is designed with simultaneous interpreting in mind. Pros Mobile equipment adds comfort to whispered interpreting tasks because the interpreter would not need to lean forward and whisper to the client. Mobile interpreting equipment are also very practical...
Dragoman Language Solutions
September 20, 2018 22:17 - 1 minute - 426 KBDragoman was founded in 2005 as an interpreting agency. In time, we evolved into a multi-language vendor of many services including on-site & remote interpreting, transcreation, app & games localization, and video subtitling & dubbing in 80+ languages. Today, we are happy and gratefull to serve over 500 Turkish and multinational corporations. Dragoman has several apps to give you accessibility, our linguists operate in the cloud and most of our services are available 24/7. Our translation & i...
Avoiding Gender Bias
September 19, 2018 09:49 - 1 minute - 381 KBDragoman prefers using gender-neutral vocabulary in its translations wherever possible. Inappropriate: This small, soil dwelling, bacteria eating, unsegmented worm may be an important key in mankind‘s endeavor to explore space. Gender-neutral: This small, soil dwelling, bacteria eating, unsegmented worm may be an important key in humankind‘s endeavor to explore space. Inappropriate: In this edition, Elizabeth Warren, chairman of the Congressional Oversight Panel, discusses TARP and...
Internet: To Capitalize or To Not Capitalize
September 19, 2018 08:43 - 29 seconds - 165 KBDragoman uses AP Style, and AP no longer capitalizes the word internet. Incorrect: The bogus article contained a software tool that could verify Internet addresses. Correct: The bogus article contained a software tool that could verify internet addresses. You can further explore this updated writing style topic here.
The Plural of "Behavior"
September 19, 2018 07:59 - 50 seconds - 291 KBBehavior is almost always a mass noun and it is very rarely used in the plural. Incorrect: You must reflect on your behaviors if you want to avoid repeating your mistakes. Correct: You must reflect on your behavior if you want to avoid repeating your mistakes. Behavior is used in the plural in the fields of psychology, social science, and education. Five behaviors could extend life expectancy at 50 by more than a decade, even without the discovery of a single new drug or […]
Using However Correctly
September 12, 2018 12:23 - 39 seconds - 227 KBWe must always insert a semi-colon before and a comma after however to connect two independent clauses. Incorrect: Japan was an expanding giant however it could not generate enough capital to support its rapid industrial development. Correct: Japan was an expanding giant; however, it could not generate enough capital to support its rapid industrial development. Using however instead of ‘but’ or in the meaning of ‘no matter how’ or ‘not matter how’ may or may not require a comma. You ...
"Such As … and So On / So Forth" Redundancy
September 12, 2018 11:34 - 34 seconds - 198 KBDragoman prefers “and so on” or “and so forth” to “etc.” (et cetera) to show that there are many other similar things or people that we can add. However, combining “such as” with “and so on” or “and so forth” in a sentence causes a redundancy. Incorrect: Animals such as mountain lions, wolves and so on are carnivores. Correct: Animals such as mountain lions and wolves are carnivores.
"E.g. … and So On / So Forth" Redundancy
September 12, 2018 10:08 - 56 seconds - 328 KBIf we begin by saying e.g., which means for example, it is redundant to add and so on or and so forth at the end. Incorrect: Some EU countries (e.g., Italy, Belgium, Greece and so on) are largely dependent on gas imports from abroad. Correct: Some EU countries (e.g., Italy, Belgium, Greece) are largely dependent on gas imports from abroad. Redundancy or wordiness is the enemy of clarity; makes it difficult to read and understand your sentences. On this knowledbase […]
Consist Of vs. Consist In
September 12, 2018 09:21 - 47 seconds - 275 KBConsist in something and consist of something have entirely different meanings. Consist in means to be based on or depend on something. Incorrect: Patriotism does not consist of blind obedience of the ruled to their rulers. Correct: Patriotism does not consist in blind obedience of the ruled to their rulers. Consist of means to be formed from two or more things or people. Incorrect: The students consisted in private school graduates. Correct: The students consisted of private sc...
Not Only … But Also
September 12, 2018 08:28 - 54 seconds - 311 KBDragoman expects its translators to use correlative conjunctions correctly. The Oxford Dictionary of English Grammar defines a correlative as a pair of elements that join two similar parts of a phrase, clause, or sentence. “Not only … but also” is one of the more frequently used correlative conjunctions that Dragoman translators use to translate Turkish copy into English. What you have to keep in mind is that a verb that applies to both phrases must come right before “not only.” […]
Multilingual Localization
September 09, 2018 10:31 - 1 minute - 491 KBIf you are only localising content into English, your marketing efforts are wasted for 80% of the world population. Researches suggest that people feel more comfortable to buy when they read information in their native language. Do you really want to become a global brand and easily sell your products and services? Contact Dragoman today and let us guide you in multilingual localization. Localization is not only about content but also involves adopting design, hand-picking images, investing i...
Warranty vs. Guarantee
September 05, 2018 11:30 - 50 seconds - 292 KBAlthough warranty and guarantee have similar meanings they cannot be used interchangeably. Dictionary.com defines warranty and guarantee as follows: A warranty is “a promise or guarantee given.” A warranty is usually a written guarantee for a product, and it holds the maker of the product responsible to repair or replace a defective product or its parts. It is only used as a noun. A guarantee is the promise included in the formal (and legal) warranty. Unless we are talking about a money-back ...
Sex vs. Gender
September 05, 2018 09:56 - 1 minute - 532 KBWikipedia’s entry on sex and gender distinction reads as follows: “The distinction between sex and gender differentiates a person’s biological sex (the anatomy of an individual’s reproductive system, and secondary sex characteristics) from that person’s gender, which can refer to either social roles based on the sex of the person (gender role) or personal identification of one’s own gender based on an internal awareness (gender identity). In this model, the idea of a “biological gender” is an...
Only vs. Alone
September 05, 2018 09:05 - 1 minute - 452 KBAlthough only and alone have similar meanings, we cannot always use them interchangeably when translating into English. When we use alone to mean without including anything else, it comes right after the noun it modifies. Incorrect: Minnesota only exports more than $2 billion in soybeans annually, with China as the state’s top export market. Correct: Minnesota alone exports more than $2 billion in soybeans annually, with China as the state’s top export market. Incorrect: The U.S. De...
Contractions
August 29, 2018 13:09 - 1 minute - 527 KBThe AP Stylebook recommends avoiding excessive use of contractions. Yet, it all depends on the context. If we are translating formal documents such as contracts, financial reports, user guides, journal articles and so on, we must never use contractions. Incorrect: The Parties agree that they shan’t discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, creed, color, sex or national origin. Correct: The Parties agree that they shall not discriminate against any empl...
Invitation vs. Reception
August 29, 2018 10:00 - 50 seconds - 289 KBTurkish to English translators frequently confuse invitation (davet) with reception. Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English defines invitation and reception as follows: Invitation: A written or spoken request to someone, inviting them to go somewhere or do something or a card inviting someone to attend a party, wedding etc. Reception: A large formal party to celebrate an event or to welcome someone. Dragoman prefers translating davet into English not as invitation but as reception. Dep...
Headlines 2
August 29, 2018 09:24 - 52 seconds - 304 KBThis is our second piece on how to write headlines in English. Please read the following examples carefully and get back to ask if you have any further questions. 4. Headlines use infinitives to refer to future events. Incorrect: TRUMP WILL VISIT FRANCE Correct: TRUMP TO VISIT FRANCE 5. Headlines often contain a string of nouns. Incorrect: LOCKOUT IS DECLARED AT A CAR PLANT OVER A LABOR DISPUTE Correct: CAR PLANT LABOR DISPUTE LOCKOUT 6. Headlines often make use of […]
Capitalizing Disease Names
August 15, 2018 12:36 - 41 seconds - 237 KBDo not capitalize disease names or medical terms. AP Style suggests that: “Do not capitalize arthritis, emphysema, leukemia, pneumonia, etc. When a disease is known by the name of a person or geographical area identified with it, capitalize only the proper noun element: Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Ebola virus, etc.” Capitalization is tricky even for native speakers. You can learn why Ebola is capitalized and further explore capitalization topic here.
E-mail vs. Email
August 15, 2018 12:23 - 16 seconds - 92.3 KBDragoman and Associated Press (AP) Stylebook prefers e-mail over email. We use a hyphen with other e- terms: e-book, e-reader, e-commerce. Source: AP Stylebook
Over vs. Above to Mean More Than
August 15, 2018 11:31 - 40 seconds - 230 KBDragoman prefers over, not above to talk about ages and to mean more than. I know this may sound like a minor detail but for us Dragomans, the beauty is right there in the details. Incorrect: There are above 60,000 screaming fans in the stadium this afternoon. Correct: There are over 60,000 screaming fans in the stadium this afternoon. Incorrect: You have to be above 35 to run for president. Correct: You have to be over 35 to run for […]
Headlines 1
August 15, 2018 11:10 - 1 minute - 501 KBPress releases and headlines account for a big part of Dragoman‘s daily business volume. Headlines are written in a style of their own, and we have to know how to translate them. 1. Headlines often leave out articles and the verb be. Incorrect: MAN LANDS ON THE MOON Correct: MAN LANDS ON MOON Incorrect: U.S. SANCTIONS ARE UNJUSTIFIED SAYS ROHANI Correct: U.S. SANCTIONS UNJUSTIFIED SAYS ROHANI 2. Headlines are rarely complete sentences. Incorrect: MORE WARMING IS ON THE WAY. Corre...
Definite Article in Country Names
August 15, 2018 10:33 - 56 seconds - 324 KBEnglish writers and translators often confuse when and how to use a definite article. We have several tips for translators on our knowledge base and We precede any country with “the” whose name is plural or includes state, union, republic, and kingdom. Incorrect: The Dutch famine of 1944–45 is known in Netherlands as the Hongerwinter (literal translation: hunger winter). Correct: The Dutch famine of 1944–45 is known in the Netherlands as the Hongerwinter (literal translation: hunger w...
Starting a Sentence With a Number
August 08, 2018 12:46 - 41 seconds - 235 KBNever begin a sentence with a numeral. There is one exception: a numeral that identifies a calendar year. When translating press releases or annual reports, we occasionally come across situations where we have to place the percentage at the beginning of the sentence. E.g.: Twenty-eight percent of the participants passed the test last year. Although this sentence is correct, it looks odd. Where possible, recast the sentence so that the numbers are expressed in figures. Better: Last year, 28 pe...
Continuous vs. Continual
August 08, 2018 11:49 - 1 minute - 395 KBThe difference between continual and continuous can be hard to notice. The Oxford English Dictionary defines continual and continuous as follows: Continual: Forming a sequence in which the same action or event is repeated frequently. Continuous: Forming an unbroken whole; without interruption. Interruption of time is key to understanding the difference between these two words. And one other key difference between the two is that continuous can be used to refer to both to space as well a...
Use Alliteration for Impact
August 08, 2018 09:37 - 54 seconds - 314 KBTranscreation or translating creative copy is one of Dragoman’s strong suits. We occasionally translate brochures, promotions, campaigns, slogans, hotel websites, and so on. Alliteration, or the use of several words together that begin with the same sound or letter in order to make a special effect, especially in poetry, is a literary device that comes handy when translating creative copy. Drive Your Dream Drive a Dream We offer you the solitude and stillness I had always craved. Freedom For ...
DO NOT Use a Comma Between Cumulative Adjectives
August 08, 2018 08:50 - 56 seconds - 325 KBWhen multiple adjectives each do not modify a noun separately, they are cumulative. Do not use a comma to seperate cumulative adjectives in English. This rule may be different in your mother tongue but when translating into English, we should all follow the rules & conventions of English language. E.g.: The company is planning to open five new mid-sized stores by May next year. Incorrect: The company has ordered an expensive, mini coffee machine for the new CEO. Correct: The […]
Hyphenating Compound Modifiers with Words Ending in -ly
August 01, 2018 09:42 - 1 minute - 696 KBWikipedia defines a compound modifier (also called a compound adjective, phrasal adjective, or adjectival phrase) as a compound of two or more attributive words: that is, two or more words that collectively modify a noun. We frequently come across compound modifiers like “çevre dostu bina,” “kullanıcı dostu arayüz” and so on. What we should keep in mind is that we are not supposed to hyphenate these compounds formed by an adverb ending in ly plus an adjective. Both the Associated Press Styleb...
Nominalizations and How to Avoid Them
August 01, 2018 09:04 - 49 seconds - 284 KBThe Free Dictionary defines nominalization as the creation of a noun from a verb or adjective. Although they sound fancy and sophisticated, their overuse will actually create weak and pretentious sentences. Dragoman prefers avoiding nominalizations wherever possible. Weak: We will have to make a decision by 10 p.m. tomorrow. Stronger: We will have to decide by 10 p.m. tomorrow. Weak: The world leaders will hold discussions on the Syrian refugee crisis at the summit. Stronger: […]
How to Translate Company Milestones
July 25, 2018 12:37 - 1 minute - 439 KBWe occasionally translate company milestones contained under “About Us” pages of corporate websites. Translating milestones from Turkish into English requires management of verb tenses. Here is why. Although companies almost always prefer the simple past tense to describe these important dates in Turkish, Dragoman prefers the simple present tense to make these dates enticing to the reader. This is also why headline statements are framed in the present tense. E.g.: 1944 – Borusan Grubu’nun il...
Capitalizing Non-Proper Nouns
July 25, 2018 12:01 - 1 minute - 452 KBWe translate a lot of press releases, agreements, websites, and disclosures that are filled with words like board of directors, company, general manager. Capitalizing these words should be an exception rather than the rule. Unless an agreement or a contract contains a clause that reads “hereinafter to be referred to as “The Company” or “Company,” we need not capitalize the word “company,” or any other word like “board of directors” or “general manager” for that matter. Likewise, we need not […]
Translating Turkish: 5 More Common Mistakes
July 22, 2018 14:43 - 4 minutes - 1.69 MBAuthor: Benjamin Browett As with any writing, it’s important when translating to remember who your audience is. A good translation should be true to the message of the source text, yet read naturally to a native speaker of the target language. If the reader detects they are reading a translation, they will be distracted from the message of the text. The goal is to create an end product which is undetectable as a translation. When editing, we often spot certain words and phrases […]
Simultele
October 01, 2017 15:26 - 34 seconds - 196 KBSimultele is backed with 500+ live interpreters in 80+ languages. Use it to connect to a live interpreter and pay for minute. Our interpreters are experienced and certified. Ideal for public services in hospitals, jails, police stations, courts and immigration offices. Simultele is remote interpreting technology for community interpreting purposes. Learn more at simultele.com
AIIC Resources
May 15, 2017 18:24 - 2 minutes - 776 KBThis piece was originally published in November 2009 A Language The interpreter‘s native language (or another language strictly equivalent to a native language), into which the interpreter works from all her or his other languages in both modes of interpretation, simultaneous and consecutive. B Language A language other than the interpreter‘s native language, of which she or he has a perfect command and into which she or he works from one or more of her or his other languages. Some […]
Books on Interpreting
May 15, 2017 18:14 - 5 minutes - 1.84 MBThis article was originally published in November 2009 Concepts and Models for Interpreter and Translator Training Concepts and Models for Interpreter and Translator Training is a systematically corrected, enhanced and updated avatar of a book (1995) which is widely used in T&I training programmes worldwide and widely quoted in the international Translation Studies community. It provides readers with the conceptual bases required to understand both the principles and recurrent issues and dif...
Machine Translation
March 09, 2017 14:24 - 1 minute - 523 KBMachine translation (MT) is not an automated process and will not deliver business grade translation. However, it is very practical for large volume content if you only need a convenient translation. We can give you readable and understandable “edited” machine translation up to 10 times faster compared to regular human translation. News, articles, user comments and blogs are best suited for this type of service. Mobile apps and online shopping portals are also typical use cases. We call our M...
How Dragoman are you?
March 03, 2017 06:35 - 23 seconds - 131 KBHi, This is our new screening test for language professionals. We advice you to read our style guides and as many articles on this knowledge base as possible before you take the test. If and when you score above 80%, we will invite you to take a translation test.
Dealing with quotations – Editor Notes
February 03, 2017 20:18 - 1 minute - 686 KBNotes from the Editor – December 2015 How to deal with quotations When the text you are translating into English contains a quotation, and it is from a world-renowned figure, a well-known book, an article in an international newspaper or magazine, and so on, then you will likely find the original quotation in English. It’s that simple. You should translate the quote if, and only if, you are unable to find the quote in English. This principle applies to all […]
Consecutive interpreting
October 07, 2016 19:55 - 1 minute - 603 KBConsecutive interpreting is a must to have to facilitate multilingual communication during bilateral meetings, site & factory visits, investor meetings and device / equipment training. Some people assume that consecutive interpreting is easier than simultaneous interpreting only because they have experienced this when they entertained foreign visitors in their company. In professional settings, consecutive is much more difficult because it requires additional people and moderation skills. Dra...
Why translation tips?
August 05, 2016 14:44 - 1 minute - 346 KBAbout This knowledgebase was created by Benjamin Browett. He served as an in-house copy-editor at Dragoman between 2014 and 2016. In addition to editing, it was also his task to try and improve the way we work at Dragoman; to address the needs of the translators and editors. Why this resource? There has been no central resource at Dragoman for our translators and editors to refer to when working. This was the first time all documents and material have […]
Branching – Editor Notes
May 25, 2016 03:54 - 2 minutes - 833 KBNotes from the Editor – May 2016 Branch to the right English is a subject–verb–object language. And it is considered a right-branching language. In right-branching sentences, the subject is described first, and is followed by modifiers that provide additional information about the subject. The prince raised the sword, clutching the hilt in both hands, grinning with madness. In left-branching sentences, however, modifiers are presented before the introduction of the subject and verb. We are ke...
Sexism & Gender Neutrality – Editor Notes
May 25, 2016 03:54 - 1 minute - 636 KBNotes from the Editor – April 2016 Using the singular “they” for gender neutrality English does not have a generic third-person pronoun, unlike, for instance, Turkish. This poses a problem when the person we refer to can be a male or a female. In the past, it was common to use pronouns he, him, and his when referring to persons of either sex. But “he” is no longer accepted as a generic pronoun; on the contrary, it is viewed as […]
Copy-editing tips for beginners
May 07, 2016 13:36 - 4 minutes - 1.47 MBWhen you first apply for a copy-editing position at Dragoman, you might assume your job will be limited with surface errors; it will be done after correcting spelling, prepositions and some connecting phrases. And when you realize that you are expected to change sentence structures, deal with proper usage and remove ambiguities, you may be struggling to figure out your limits. How far can I edit, where shall I begin from and where should I stop? I know exactly how you are feeling and am […]
What is the difference of Gold Translation?
May 04, 2016 20:30 - 2 minutes - 897 KBDragoman Gold refers to translation + editing + proofreading as specified in international translation quality standards. But so does Dragoman Plus. So what is the difference of Gold and Plus? And also what exactly is Dragoman Standard? The biggest difference of Gold Translation Level is full review; Standard or Plus does not include full copy-editor review. Standard translation includes translation + full QA and industry-specific terminology management. Dragoman’s QA is not only automated QA...
Industry vs Sector – Dragoman Style
March 09, 2016 02:17 - 1 minute - 353 KBWhich one is correct? Industry is smaller, more focused, single business area. Sector is broader. A group of industries form a sector. In Turkish to English translations, authors mainly talk about industries and they use the word “sektör” in Turkish. As a rule, use industry in your translations and not sector, except for “public or private sector.” Examples: healthcare industry healthcare sector entertainment industry entertainment sector banking industry ...
Titles of Films, Songs, Works of Art, Ads, etc. – How to translate?
March 09, 2016 01:59 - 1 minute - 562 KBThis is a quick reminder for writing in style for the following copy types: Titles of Films, TV Series, TV Episodes, Albums, CDs, Songs, Videos, Visual Media, Works of Art, Sculptures, Paintings, Exhibitions, Advertising Slogans and Radio/TV Spots, Projects, and Clinical or Case Studies or Clinical Trials Follow these general rules: 1. Use initial capitalization and quotation marks. Put the year in parenthesis. 2. Follow these examples for each category: “Pride and Prejudice” – film “CSI: New...
Quotation Marks – Dragoman Style
March 09, 2016 00:41 - 2 minutes - 956 KBFollow U.S. capitalization and punctuation rules. Do not use U.K. style. For “quotation marks” follow these rules: 1. Commas and periods always go within the quotation marks for all copy. [wc_fa icon=”check” margin_left=”” margin_right=””][/wc_fa] GarantiBank received the EU Award for the “Best Bank in Turkey.” [wc_fa icon=”times” margin_left=”” margin_right=””][/wc_fa] GarantiBank received the EU Award for the “Best Bank in Turkey”. [wc_fa icon=”check” margin_left=”” margin_right=””][/wc_fa]...
Figures in Legal Agreements – Dragoman Style
March 08, 2016 23:25 - 1 minute - 432 KB1. Spell out figures followed by the numerals in parentheses. 2. Do not round off the figures when writing the numerals. Examples: five thousand six hundred dollars ($5,600) ten million five hundred forty-five thousand six hundred fifty Turkish lira (10,545,650 TL) twenty million nine hundred thousand two hundred fifty-two dollars ($20,900,252) thirty (30) days, two (2) weeks, five and nine tenths percent (5.9%) Changing the format of numbers is very important to properly ...
Charts and Tables – Dragoman Style
January 04, 2016 05:05 - 1 minute - 683 KBCharts and Tables: Dates, Financial Figures, Statistics 1. Months of Year: To abbreviate months use these three-letter forms without a period: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec 2. Days of the Week: To abbreviate days use these three-letter forms without a period: Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat 3. Percent Symbol (%): use the percent symbol (%) in all charts and tables in all documents. 4. For the Turkish currency symbol (TRY): Use […]