Translators: From the Rosetta Stone to Now
While you may know that the Rosetta Stone is perhaps the most famous translation device in the world, there are probably other facts about this stone that…
Translation of The Bible and Evolution of the English Language
There’s a bit of argument over who translated the Bible into English. Officially, the translation was completed by John Wycliffe, and that’s the name you’ll…
The Fascinating World of Translation, Showcased by Hollywood
When translators watch movies with their fictionalized counterparts, they can't help but chuckle. The nature of dramatization means that at first sight, Hollywood does not…
Paying Attention to the Translators of Great Literature
Think back to your undergraduate literature classes. When you read Dante or Tolstoy, did the professor lead any discussions about the translator and his or her…
Professional Translations by Native Speakers Work Better Than Even the Bible
A recent article talked about how the Bible could be the key to translating obscure languages. The article looked at how common languages like English…
Bellissimo! The Italian Language and European Culture
What, seriously, have the Romans ever done for us? Well, it's no coincidence that the word “romance” looks suspiciously similar to the word “Roman”. By…
The Danger Zone: Translators At War
If the aim of a military exercise is to minimize casualties - and it isn't always - conflict between two antagonists requires effective communication. This…
Squanto: Trans-Atlantic Translator
Today, unless you're one of the relatively few people who travel between the US and Europe regularly, a trip across the Atlantic is still a…
Sacagawea: Pioneer Interpreter
Imagine a USA that, as you travel west, stops abruptly at St Louis, Missouri. No Denver, in fact no Rocky Mountains at all. No Grand…
Enter The Dragoman: Interpreter at the Crossroads of East & West
For a piece of land so obviously physically continuous as Eurasia, the difference between east and west has always been remarkable. The meeting point of…