Trans(re)lated

The Ups and Downs of the Elevator Business

noreply@blogger.com (Trans(re)lated) — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Niki stopped by the new building last week and saw more progress being made on the the elevator installation at the south end of the building.

Not sure what this green thing does, but I'm pretty confident that it's important.

Short video with one of the crew explaining what's going on now

Letting in the Breeze - Window Installation at the Keyser Building

noreply@blogger.com (Trans(re)lated) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 22:07:00 +0000

Last week was exciting at the new digs:

One much anticipated renovation taking place was replacing the old windows throughout the building.

Old vs. New

Gone are the non-opening, ultra-mirrored windows that looked like a pair of bad aviator shades.

Workers pulled out the old panes and frames replacing them with energy efficient models that were extensively insulated and fitted.

Elevator Work

Another wonderful feature of the new windows...THEY OPEN! A feature that's not only luxurious, but also provides the circulation and natural heating and cooling of the building that is crucial to keeping with architect Warren Lloyd's environmentally responsible design.

The elevator shaft has been sheetrocked and as of last week the cabling was being installed. All of the elevator components have been delivered and crews are working to finish the cables before assembling the rest of the pieces.

A team was also on the roof working to clean and finish an area that may one day be used for BBQ's and entertaining during the summer months. Using ladders to get up there now, an access stair is being put in on the northwest corner of the third floor.

Framing has been completed on the third floor and is underway on the second. Several walls are slated to be glass including the large fishbowl conference room in the southwest corner of the space.

Electricians were also there last week installing boxes, drilling holes in the concrete for data cables and power wires.

Third Floor

Once the walls are built, the roof is finished, the electrical and data has been installed and all the other details are complete, The final phase of the will be to stain and polish the concrete floors!

Steel and Concrete: How to install an Elevator

noreply@blogger.com (Trans(re)lated) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 18:59:00 +0000

Nearly every floor was abuzz with activity during last weeks stop in at the Keyser Building.

Concrete was being hauled in wheelbarrows from the north side's back door down the freight elevator to the basment and was poured into molds around the base of the elevator.

One of the foreman told me they originally had been pouring at the front door (south side) of the building but city officials came by and made them move it to the back. I'm sure that was a big bummer for the crew because it forced them to push 100+ pounds of concrete across the length of the building (which felt like a sauna with the summer heat).

One floor up they were cutting steel beams for what I'm assuming was the elevator shaft frame. Watching the guy cut through 600 lbs of steel with the blow torch made me wonder what it would feel like to hold that much power in your hand...and how long it would take me to burn off all my fingers.

The top floor is almost completely framed and several samples for flooring have been laid in the southwest corner.

I had no idea how many options there were for concrete flooring: polish, stain, polish and stain, epoxy, etc.

USTC Project managers should be happy they can see Energy Solutions Arena from the office as we typically staff interpretation services and equipment for some of the biggest events in the state at that venue.

The proximity should help cut travel time from 45 minutes driving, to five minutes walking - Hallelujah!

Framing starts to shape new space at Keyser Building

noreply@blogger.com (Trans(re)lated) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 18:34:00 +0000

Niki stopped by the building after lunch on Monday and took some pictures of the latest progress.

Formal conference room

Most notably the construction crew from Evergreene Construction has started framing the new U.S. Traslation Company office space, bringing to life the design of Lloyd Architects.

Most of the offices will be located along the west wall with the formal conference room located in the southwest corner of the space.

Offices along the west wall

USTC President David Utrilla's office and private conference room will be located in the northwest corner and employees will be happy to know that a full-service break room (with tables and chairs!) will be set against the eastern wall.

Breakroom space

The renovated space also features rooftop access and will make a great place for employees and guests to grab a burger and cold drink before heading a block north to Energy Solutions Arena for a Jazz game or a block west to the best shopping in SLC at The Gateway.

Roof top with Energy Solutions in the background

In addition to the progress on the USTC floor the basement which will house the new Peruvian consulate building is getting some much needed upgrades.

Peruvian Consulate

Benches that wrap around the entire waiting room will be able to accomodate a large volume of guests and provide a comfortable and professional atmosphere for Peruvian citizens in Utah to process paperwork and renew passports and visas.

Getting Buff (Concrete Floors) at the Keyser Building

noreply@blogger.com (Trans(re)lated) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 15:59:00 +0000

After

Before

Part of U.S. Translation Company President David Utrilla's vision with the Keyser Building (320 West, 200 South), in downtown Salt Lake City is to combine historical context with a modern feel.

Referred to as "Industrial Chic" in certain circles, some of the hallmarks of this design are exposed original brick walls, concrete flooring and other original elements of the building juxtaposed with modern workspaces that efficiently utilize the space.

The Keyser Building was originally erected as a storage facility for a booming commercial neighborhood thanks to the railroad cars rolling through with all the staples for a growing city.

Evergreene Construction have cleared out all four floors (basement included), removed paint from walls on the third floor (future home of USTC), cut a hole for the guest elevator on the south end entrance of the building and started buffing and polishing the floors.

The next step will be to finish the floors, before Frank Bernier and his team from Frank's Electric in South Ogden, UT. complete the massive wiring endeavor that will bring power for computers, faxes, copiers, and anything else requiring juice.

Four skylights on the third floor designed to provide the majority of lighting have been cleaned and slightly remodeled to be flush with the exposed ceiling. This was an integral part of Lloyd Architects' environmentally friendly design.

Mayor Becker proclaims July 28th, Peru Day in Salt Lake City

noreply@blogger.com (Trans(re)lated) — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 16:14:00 +0000

Hon. Consul Utrilla giving Mayor Becker
a traditional Peruvian painting

Mayor Becker, David Utrilla, Krista Utrilla

Going Up?

noreply@blogger.com (Trans(re)lated) — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 15:27:00 +0000

Elevator shaft on the third floor

After a meeting in Salt Lake last Friday I stopped by the new home of U.S. Translation Company at 320 West 200 South to see how renovations were coming along.

Imagine the surprise when I saw a giant square hole in the third floor...

And the second floor...

Third floor looking down to the second

No Jimmy Hoffa

And the basement...

Slab taken from the basement floor

The freshly cut hole is the shaft for a new elevator going in on the south side of the building.

There is currently an elevator on the north end that will remain as a freight and employee entrance lift.

Bad Boy doing all the Cutting

A-Core Concrete Cutting in conjunction with Lloyd Architects and Evergreene Construction is taking care of the dirty work and using some Big Boy Toys to get through the concrete floors.

Also on the third floor a crew is pressure washing three decades worth of paint off the original 1919 brick. Looking good boys, looking good.

Dust, Trash, and Rock and Roll: Adventures in the Keyser Building Basement

noreply@blogger.com (Trans(re)lated) — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 16:09:00 +0000

Better Bring a vacuum

So the higher-ups decided I needed to get a few pictures of the renovations to the new building downtown (320 W. 200 S., SLC)

The space includes an 8,225 sq. ft. basement that apparently was home to an eclectic blend of small businesses and Iggy Pop.


Sad little office

I want to caveat this blog by saying I watch a lot of Ghost Adventures on the Travel Channel. When I went down to the basement I was alone. There were no windows anywhere (‘cause it’s a basement) and no lights.

It was scary.

I feel like I can tell you, the USTC audience about my fears without worrying about ridicule. But I have a reputation as a tough, no-nonsense guy to uphold, so don’t make me regret it.

Luckily as I navigated the hallway to each different room I had the camera and used the flash to guide me to the nearest light switch.

Hanging on the wall.
Where do you even get a floppy disk like that?

For the most part the lights came on in, but in a few rooms I was stuck standing in pitch black flailing my arms around like a goon with a camera flash going off every 10 seconds. Upon finding and flipping the light switch, nothing would happen and I’d get out of that room faster than you could say "Stephen King."

Ever have that feeling someone (or something) is following you as you walk down a dark hallway or leaving a dark room and you have an overwhelming urge to get out of that place?

Wallet piles found throughout the basement

It was like that.

I found several odd bits and pieces including piles of cheap wallet-like objects randomly scattered through three or four rooms. Visions of an illegal sweatshop filled with immigrant children piecing these together for sale throughout Salt Lake City's underground wallet market flashed through my imagination.

Wonder where they are now...
probably back in mom's basement

Further down the hallway I found several rooms that appeared to have been occupied by the Rolling Stones. Graffiti and glue holding up soundproof foam provided the wall treatment; the floor was accented by empty whiskey bottles and various broken drumsticks, mic stands and drum heads.

I love the use of spray-painted
color on this piece

One of the more avant-garde rooms had wall hangings and a spray-painted TV that gave the place a distinct modern art museum quality.

It’s a little sad to know that this chapter of the historic Keyser building (constructed in 1919) is coming to an end.

Sound proof garbage room

At the same time I’m sure glad that I’m not the one who has to clean it up.

Breakin' Stuff - Demolition Time at the Keyser Building

noreply@blogger.com (Trans(re)lated) — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 19:52:00 +0000

Closing off 320 from 318 West

Ready your sledgehammers ladies and gentlemen!

After closing on the building at 320 West, 200 South it's time to erase any trace of the last three decades at our new home.

Led by Principal Architect Warren Lloyd of Lloyd Architects and Chris Nielson of Evergreene Construction crews have been ripping, smashing, and clawing tirelessly to create a fresh, open space in each of the four, 8,225 sq. ft. floors.

A fine example of the partitioned blandness
that occupied the third floor of 320 West

With a focus on natural lighting solutions and a style highlighted by exposed brick walls, open ceiling, and treated concrete floors, Lloyd's concept to return the building to its original and simple elegance is being masterfully executed by Nielson and his team.

Welcome to the Jungle: Metal mesh left behind
after the wall panels were removed

While the road ahead is fraught with bland examples of cookie-cutter corporate boredom; the final result will be a unique space where tenants will be both inspired and invigorated by their surroundings.

U.S. Translation Company President David Utrilla is responsible for purchase and restoration of the building at 320 West, 200 South.

Above - USTC President David Utrilla
points out features
of the new space

From design, to electrical, to data and everything in between, Utrilla has been (and will continue to be) hands on for the duration of the project.

Despite just beginning, the transformation has already been impressive as mountains of sheetrock, light fixtures, doors, door knobs, metal framing, and wiring have already been removed.

Simply clearing out the office suites already gives everyone involved an impression of just how unique the space is and how welcome the open industrial warehouse design will be.

U.S. Translation Company to make Historic Keyser Building New Downtown SLC HQ

noreply@blogger.com (Trans(re)lated) — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 14:52:00 +0000

SOUTH OGDEN, Utah – in 1880, Salt Lake City entrepreneur Aaron Keyser noticed residential construction in downtown’s west side had ground to a halt.

Old Keyser Warehouse Bldg
320 W, 200 S

Creation of the 1887 Interstate Commerce Commission helped regulate a booming railroad industry and track outlets started springing up in the area. Keyser envisioned warehouses big enough to satisfy the growing capital.

At the turn of the century Keyser began a 12-year construction project on a complex of three warehouses at 328, 320, and 312 West, 200 South. 328 West was completed in 1909 and became the M.A. Keyser Fireproof Storage Company – Keyser passed away on Christmas Eve, 1914 before the other two buildings were finished in 1919-20.

ESA Arena
View from the North office window

The original design of the building by William A. Larkin embodies late 19th, early 20th century commercial-warehouse style architecture. Interior décor has suffered at the hands of gaudy trends (faux gold fixtures, green carpet, and more mirrors than a carnival funhouse) through the last four decades; however a return to industrial roots (with a modern twist) at 320 West, 200 South has begun.

Led by Principal Architect Warren Lloyd of Lloyd Architects, Chris Nielson of Evergreene Construction and Collin Perkins with NAI Real Estate, renovations have already begun at the space recently purchased by South Ogden business owner and Honorary Consul to Peru in Utah, David Utrilla.

View Larger Map

The 8,225 sq. ft. top floor will be home to Utrilla’s U.S. Translation Company, a business that’s been looking for downtown space over the last several years after experiencing phenomenal growth in the language translation and live interpretation business. The basement will house the Peruvian Consulate.

The two other floors will be leased out to businesses interested in the unique design and layout of the building.

Current Decor
Don't worry, that's all going to change soon

“We wanted to create a space with modern, clean lines while reviving the building’s original charm,” Utrilla said. “It’s also important that we do this in a way that’s both energy efficient and environmentally friendly.”

Painstaking measures are being taken to not only comply with renovation standards for historical structures but also use techniques and reusable materials that fit requirements for environmentally sound construction.

Renowned for his “green” designs, Lloyd says its renovations like these that get him excited.

Pre-Renovation Decor

“Truly the greenest building is the one that is never built,” he said. “This building has a great history and we can return it to its original roots while adding all the amenities of a modern office space.”

Completion of the building is slated for the end of Sept. and tenants will begin move-in on Oct. 1.

Join the Team Sam Nation!

noreply@blogger.com (Trans(re)lated) — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 17:11:00 +0000

Join Sam, Doug and Tausha Dingman of Dingman Professional Printing along with thousands of supporters for the First State Wide Utah Down Syndrome Foundation Buddy Walk, Sep. 10, 2011 at West Riverfront Park (11235 South, 900 West) in South Jordan, UT.

Established in 1977, the Utah Down Syndrome Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides outreach, contact support, activities and community awareness for individuals with Down Syndrome, their parents and families. This volunteer organization also provides education and information to the community and has grown to become Utah's largest support organization with 14 chapters throughout the state.

The UDSF continues to link families together, to share common challenges, and to educate parents and the public in understanding and appreciating the needs of individuals with Down syndrome.

Ths year’s Buddy Walk 5k will be a state wide walk with all of the chapters participating together. Funds raised at this event will help support all the programs and services for each chapter of the Utah Down Syndrome Foundation as well as the National Down Syndrome Society.

This years UDSF Buddy Walk® will be on Saturday, September 10, 2011 8am - 4pm
8:00am -5k Registration
8:30am - 5k Begins
8:30am Buddy Walk Registration
10:30am Performance by Rachael Coleman
11:30am Buddy Walk
12:00pm Lunch
Booths, Silent Auction, and Entertainment until 4pm.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS SEPTEMBER 1ST FOR A GUARANTEED T-SHIRT. YOU CAN REGISTER THE DAY OF THE WALK BUT NOT BE GUARANTEED A T-SHIRT.

Please note: You have to regsiter before starting a fundraising page. So register early and start your fundraising now.

Click here to register and start a fundraising page:
http://bit.ly/jsKgLk

For more info contact:
Tausha Dingman
801-309-0950
tbdingman@comcast.net

Translation Services Vendor of 2011 First Quarter - Elemér Szász

noreply@blogger.com (Trans(re)lated) — Thu, 05 May 2011 17:31:00 +0000

Elemér Szász - Hungarian translation expert

Languages Spoken: Hungarian, Romanian, English and Spanish

Background Education:
"Since I was a member of the Hungarian ethnic minority in Romania, I conducted my primary education in Hungarian, in Romania. After secondary school I studied philosophy in Kolozsvár (Cluj-Napoca), and went to an MA in political sciences at Central Europen University in Budapest, Hungary, which is an English speaking, US-type university and it was a great experience for me."

Hobbies:
Cycling, photography, watching art movies and reading philosophy and literature.

Most Memorable Experience working with USTC:
"USTC was a very kind company from the very beginning of our cooperation. They are always nice and professional people. Once I was late with a project since I had to go with my child to the hospital. Kathy was very understanding, and sympathizing, which makes a company socially responsible besides making business."

Cultural Experiences that have made an impact:
"I spent my youth in a multi-ethnic community, which opened the way towards understanding cultural differences. This approach was very helpful when traveling to France, Spain, and other countries."

Why Elemér was chosen for the the Quarterly Vendor Recognition Award:
Elemér recently played a big role for project coordinator Giovanna Roeseler during an assignment for a big nutritional industry client's website that required extremely tight turnarounds and last minute submissions. Elemér met every deadline and because of the time difference between Utah and Budapest, probably had more than one late night translating.

Peru's National Elections

noreply@blogger.com (Trans(re)lated) — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 20:22:00 +0000

Video of U.S. Translation Company President (and Honorary Consul to Peru) David Utrilla interviewed during the Peruvian National Elections (Spanish).

Peruvian Citizens Living in the U.S. Vote for President

noreply@blogger.com (Trans(re)lated) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 15:32:00 +0000

Congrats to U.S. Translation Company President and Honorary Consul to Peru, David Utrilla for orchestrating a massive effort that enabled Peruvians living in Utah Idaho and Montana to vote in their National Elections on Sunday!

Link to the article in the Salt Lake Tribune:
http://bit.ly/gHRhFx

Second Annual "Women of the Mountains" International Conference

noreply@blogger.com (Trans(re)lated) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 18:33:00 +0000

Last week U.S. Translation Company President and Consul to Peru in Utah David Utrilla presented at the Second Annual "Women of the Mountains" International Conference on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem, UT.

The two-day coference was established to aid in addressing vital issues of women and children in underdeveloped and often impoverished mountain regions of the world.

Health care, domestic violence, trade, and micro-loans were all discussed as Mr. Utrilla's presentation touched on several of the difficulties and challenges posed for women in the mountanous regions of Peru.

View the presentation:

USTC's Business Ethics Scholarship Award

noreply@blogger.com (Trans(re)lated) — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 20:26:00 +0000

Madison Germer - Scholarship Awardee

Sponsored by Zions Bank, the Richard Richards Institute for Politics, Decency and Ethical Conduct Ethics Day Scholarship Banquet was held on March 1, 2011 on the campus of Weber State University in Ogden, UT.

Area high school students were recognized for the ethics essays they submitted through the Ken Garff Keys to Success program and each winner received a $1,000 scholarship to Weber State University courtesy of supporting individuals, corporations, and foundations.

Madison and Former Gov. Olene Walker

Out of 13 essays, Madison Germer's (Northridge High School) was read as part of a ceremony that included an address from keynote speaker, Former Utah Governor Olene S. Walker and remarks from WSU president Ann Milner.

U.S. Translation Company sponsored Madison's scholarship and President David Utrilla and Marketing Director Niki Tonks were in attendance for the presentation and banquet:

Madison and USTC President David Utrilla

Madison Germer with WSU President Ann Milner

Viva la Mexico!

noreply@blogger.com (Trans(re)lated) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 16:24:00 +0000

O.k. so maybe parts of Mexico are having a tough time right now (mildly put), however that shouldn't lead you to believe that it's not a beautiful country full of friendly, humble people.

That being said, Niki (Marketing Director) just got back from the Mexican Riviera and wanted to share some pictures that really capture a side of Mexico that seems World's away from the violence and chaos in the border towns.

Disfruten!

Sunrise at Bahia de Magdalena

The harbor of Mazatlan

Pelican in the Mangrove Estuaries

Cormorants on a outcropping of rocks in Cabo San Lucas

Small fishing village in the Mazatlan estuaries

Cabo at dusk

Fishing boats on the beach at Mazatlan

Translator vs Interpreter

noreply@blogger.com (Trans(re)lated) — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 20:26:00 +0000

We are constantly getting calls from clients who ask to book a translator to come and translate at an event.
You may not see a problem with this request...unless you work in the language services industry.
It’s a common misunderstanding that's perpetuated every day through media, word of mouth, and advertisements. And while any language professional will know what you mean, it's still a pet peeve.
Here’s how it works:
A translator is someone who is proficient with various forms of written documents including (but not limited to) manuals, literature, birth certificates, legal documentation, instruction manuals, product information, etc.
A professional translator has a firm command of Computer Assisted Translation software (CAT) which helps with efficiency and consistency by logging repetitions and other features that enhance human based translations.
Translators are also typically proficient with programs and applications beyond translation like design programs that help keep layouts in line for certificates or other smaller jobs.
Interpreters on the other hand hone a different skill set. They must instantly hear words in one language, process the information, and repeat them as closely as possible while retaining the tone, inflection and meaning conveyed by the speaker.

Like translators and the software they use, interpreters have specialized equipment they must also be familiar with. Although most of the time a designated technician will be on site to set up and operate most of the interpretation equipment involved in an event, interpreters must manually control the ICU (interpreter control unit) responsible for toggling between interpreters and controlling the volume of the transmission.

Neither of these jobs is easy and it takes years of education, training, and experience to become a certified professional.

In addition to language training, each interpreter and translator has a set of subject matter they specialize in.

From nuclear engineering to cosmetics, professional linguists’ specialties are as diverse as the people themselves making it easier for translation agencies to match the perfect language professional with virtually any request that comes in.

To review, translation = written word and interpretation = spoken word, so the next time you’re watching CSPAN and your buddy Carl says, “wouldn’t it be cool to be a translator?” You can say, “it sure would Carl, but those are interpreters.”

The Offensive Translator

noreply@blogger.com (Trans(re)lated) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 18:25:00 +0000

Amusing clip about using a not-so-professional interpreter in a professional setting:

This clip (hopefully not too offensive) pokes fun at our cultural differences while at the same time sending a message about what happens when you don't respect a nations language, culture, and beliefs.

Time after time the same scenario plays out in actual boardrooms around the world when upper management grabs the closest bi-lingual employee that has no formal training or education on the etiquette and nuances of professional interpretation.

When it comes to your company's image, reputation, and prosperity, it pays to take the risk out of losing your message in translation.

Translation Services and Mail Order Brides

noreply@blogger.com (Trans(re)lated) — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 20:22:00 +0000

Japanese Brides at Angel Island, CA. (1919)

O.K. it might be hard to make a connection between the two of these, but hear me out.

A 2009 study funded by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service, claims that between 100,000 and 150,000 women annually advertise their marital status through websites and introduction agencies.

4,000 to 6,000 result in marriage.

Several times each year we provide translation services for romantically involved (relax, it’s all PG) clients that have a language gap to bridge.

Emails, letters, and the stack of immigration documentation that comes with the territory all need to be translated by a certified language translation company before federal governments in either the U.S. or country of origin will accept them.

In addition, several tour companies offer specialty trips to countries with a high-demand for matrimonial customers. Professional consecutive interpreters are used to assist potential couples in getting to know one another before they tie the knot.

Hey, everyone wants to find true love right? And if we can do anything to help facilitate that process, it makes us feel good to know that our translation and interpretation services could help someone find the man or women of their dreams.

Put on your Big Girl Pants and Deal with it! – Dynamic Duo Translating Words into Business

noreply@blogger.com (Trans(re)lated) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 19:11:00 +0000

SOUTH OGDEN, Utah – CEO of U.S. Translation Company David Utrilla, never imagined his translation company would be on the 2010 Inc. Magazine list of fastest growing businesses in the U.S.

Thanks to Project Director Kathy Sprouse and Marketing Director Niki Tonks—Utrilla’s right and left-hand women—that dream became a reality.

“They really are the core of this company’s success,” Utrilla said. “I don’t know how we could have done it without the time, effort, and commitment they show every day.”

Over the last three years U.S. Translation Company has grown over 151% and in 2009 with much of the nation still in the throes of economic depression, U.S. Translation Company grew 99.8% by helping other companies reach foreign markets through professional-grade translation services.

That growth is heavily attributed to the hard work, dedication, and sacrifice of Tonks and Sprouse.
With USTC since 2002, Tonks originally started with the company as an administrative assistant. She quickly climbed the ladder and in addition to marketing now juggles, proposal writing, web design, and office management— in addition to her 9-year-old son, Braxton and husband of 15 years, Aaron.

“I was really excited when I started here,” Tonks said. “I had been with two companies that had gone under during the dot com fallout and it was nice to see a lot of stability and potential with David and the company.”

Tonks was recently featured on a KSL news report about the companies’ Inc. Magazine honors -- See the video.

While Tonks puts out the proposals and handles marketing, Sprouse takes care of the heavy-hitter clients USTC provides services for and counts several Fortune 500 companies in her portfolio.

From documents containing hundreds of thousands of words, to interpretation services for conventions hosting thousands, Sprouse handles a mind-blowing amount of coordination with ease, while managing to find time for her two sons, 7-year-old Aidan and 13-year-old Jordan, and her husband Matt.

“It may sound cheesy but we really care about our clients,” Sprouse said. “I honestly have worked with some clients for so long, I consider them good friends as opposed to someone I do business with.”

Sprechen Sie $$$?

noreply@blogger.com (Trans(re)lated) — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 19:09:00 +0000

Professional translators, interpreters, and those looking to get into the industry have something to smile about.

According to the 2010-11 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment of translators and interpreters is expected to increase 22 percent—from $50,900 to $62,200 jobs—by 2018.

Demand for Arabic and Middle Eastern and Eastern Asian languages is expected to spike while the bureau predicts European languages like French, German, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese to also steadily increase.

The report also predicts rapid growth for American Sign Language interpreters primarily due to increasing use of video relay services that allow individuals to conduct video calls using a sign language interpreter over an Internet connection.

Professional linguists can also breathe a sigh of relief when it comes to their automated counterparts.

While the report concurs that advances in the technology area of translation services has made work easier, negative impact on the employment of professional linguists is expected to be minimal citing the fact that “such innovations are incapable of producing work comparable with work produced by these language professionals.”

Not surprisingly Washington D.C., New York City, and a handful of cities in California were listed as the top places for interpreting job opportunities, while the BLS speculated increased growth in rural communities as jobs in these areas become more widely available.

A myriad of criteria dictates what language translation professionals can expect to get paid. Language, education level, subject matter expertise, skill, and experience are factors that have an impact on what these professionals can expect to make.

In May 2008, the annual median wage for translators and interpreters was listed at $38,850 with the middle 50 percent making between $28,940 and $52,240.

The highest 10 percent can expect to earn nearly $70,000 a year, and those classified as language specialists in early 2009 with the Federal Government earned an average of $79,865.

About 26 percent of professional translators and interpreters choose to work on a freelance basis and can take assignments through a translation agency, state courts, or other government entities, adding a level of flexibility in the field for those not looking for full-time employment.

Economic Recovery – Extra Spicy

noreply@blogger.com (Trans(re)lated) — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 16:28:00 +0000

In an effort to promote ties with one of the fastest growing economies in Asia, President Obama heads to the region this week to bolster relationships with some of the up-and-coming countries in the area.

The tour’s longest stop – a three-day stint in India – has Obama spending time in the world’s largest democracy to promote a partnership that he called, “one of the defining relationships of the 21st century.”

Starting with India, explained Bill Burns, undersecretary of state for political affairs, the president sends a strong signal regarding the importance of the two countries economic relations.

“India’s rise and its strength and progress on the global stage is deeply in the strategic interest of the United States,” he said.

Big challenges face companies hoping to send their products to the burgeoning country. Tax regulations, food and drug requirements, and not to be overlooked - how to market effectively to a country that has 22 languages represented on their Official Languages Commission.

Hindi and English are widely spoken throughout India, however states are given permission to use native languages to do business in legislative sessions.

Professionally translating documents, manuals, and product information using a translation agency isn’t cheap. But as a recent study from the Common Sense Advisory suggests, 72.4% of the World’s consumers say they’d be more likely to purchase a product with information in their own language.

A hard number to ignore when it comes to paying for translation services.

Urdu, Punjabi, Oriya, and Kannada are a handful of native languages common in India, however these four dialects reach an estimated 152 million potential customers.

Trying to get a bigger piece of that pie has the power to have business owners searching “translation agency” faster than they can say, “chicken tikka masala.”

With a slow-moving economy at home and ever-increasing potential in Asian markets, U.S. business owners – and the Federal Government – are eyeing India, and the rest of the Asian markets poised for growth.

"With 1.2 billion people and an economy expected to grow at 8 percent a year for the next several years, we really see India as a potentially very important market for U.S. exports," Michael Froman.

Officials say time is of the essence however and getting in on the “ground floor” of these rapidly growing national economies will take more than ingenuity and a good product, they’ll need to effectively and accurately speak the language of those they’re selling to.

2007 Disaster Showcases the Crucial role of Legal Interpreters

noreply@blogger.com (Trans(re)lated) — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 16:50:00 +0000

Crandall Canyon Mine (formerly Genwal Mine) was an underground bituminous coal mine in northwestern Emery County, Utah.

The mine made local, national, and international headlines when six miners were trapped by a collapse in August 2007. Ten days later, three rescue workers were killed by a subsequent collapse.

A firestorm of media ensued after the first collapse, continuing non-stop throughout the rescue efforts. Many of the miners trapped were Hispanic and communications between legal counsel, the families they represented, and local media both Spanish-speaking and English were marred by language barriers.

A professional translation company in Ogden, Utah was hired by the law firm representing to provide on-site interpretation services to help ease the burden of communication. The interpreter faced challenges of confidentiality and the stress that accompanies withholding information for legal purposes.

In addition to being involved in a high-profile, developing case with a tragic outcome and on-call 24 hours a day for nearly 72 hours, the interpreter worked alone until a second linguist was located and brought in to help.

Translation services are part of the legal industry—especially (but not limited to) firms that are involved in international law. It goes without saying that quality of the translation and interpretation is paramount in a field that demands accuracy.

Cases are won and lost on words and if anything less than an accredited linguist is used in a legal situation

Although the tragic events rocked a small Utah community and the job was emotionally and physically exhausting, using a professional linguist made all the difference in playing a small part in helping the legal process involved with this case run smoother.

Why the next lawyer you hire should speak Chinese

noreply@blogger.com (Trans(re)lated) — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 16:51:00 +0000

Everyone in the business world understand that the Chinese economy is like a freight train picking up tremendous speed in the global marketplace.

In 2005, China saw 476,264 patent applications filed at the State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO), in 2009 that number nearly doubled to 976,000.

In contrast, many foreign companies in the U.S. and the world are clamoring to jump on the economic locomotive before its momentum leaves them tumbling in the dust.

Breaking into a new market halfway around the world isn’t easy and like any country, business owners must deal with red tape, politics and a foreign legal system to get a product on the shelves.

Not having a firm grasp on the litigation practices of a foreign country can torpedo a project after tens-of-thousands have been invested to get a product introduced.

Among the biggest business litigation issues in China these days: Patent infringement.

In a 2008 article that appeared on the King & Wook PRC Lawyers website, Counsel Chen Wenping explained that even with excellent representation, a patent litigation case may be won or lost based on something as simple as the quality of the patent’s translation into Chinese.

“More importantly, poor translations of patent claims and specifications may make patent enforcement difficult, or even impossible.”

Wenping reinforces that the quality, accuracy and thorough nature of patent translation services can be a determining factor in a patent litigation case involving the Chinese government.

While patent litigation in China is still fairly new, the economic powerhouse is quickly becoming a hotbed for patent disputes, between Chinese and multinational companies.

Contrary to popular belief, multinational businesses with a certain level of experience and understanding of the Chinese legal system can enforce patents in China.

And as Chinese companies make the transition from imitators to innovators, they are finding that defending their own domestic patents against multinational companies in China can be an effective way to draw a line in the sand and fight for what they consider "foreign technology encroachment."