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Meet the 'Consuegros': Your New Favourite Word for 'In-Laws'

9/27/2024

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Wouldn’t it be great if the English language had a single word to refer to your son or daughter in-law? In English, we’re stuck saying, ‘my daughter’s father-in-law’ or ‘my son’s mother-in-law’. This requires several words to describe a relationship that could be summed up in just one.
 
In Spanish, there’s a perfect term: consuegro (masculine), consuegra (feminine), or consuegros (plural). These words describe the relationship between the parents of a married couple, and it is an elegant and efficient way to refer to this unique familial connection.
 
Therefore, if your child is married, their spouse’s mother is your consuegra, and their spouse’s father is your consuegro. Together, they are your consuegros. It’s a term that emphasizes the bond shared by two families, a concept that doesn’t quite have an English counterpart.
 
This is just one of many beautiful examples of Spanish words that don’t have a direct translation into English but carry cultural significance.
 
Curious to learn more words that capture such rich meanings? Dive into the beauty of the Spanish language and uncover the cultural nuances that can enhance your understanding of relationships, traditions and more!
 
Connect with us for more information on how we can support your language and intercultural needs.

Email us at @[email protected] or connect with us on social media.
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A Swedish Word We Should All Adopt

9/25/2024

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​In recent years, ‘work-life balance’ has become a widely discussed issue across social media platforms, promoting the importance of maintaining a harmonious relationship between professional and personal life.
 
However, what if I told you that the Swedes have already mastered this art and even have a word in their language to describe finding the right balance between life and work?
 
Have you heard of the Swedish word Lagom? It roughly translates to ‘just the right amount’ or ‘not too much, not too little, but perfectly balanced’. This simple yet powerful concept extends far beyond the workplace, offering a mindset that permeates every aspect of Swedish life. Lagom invites us to find harmony in everything we do, whether it’s work, play, relaxation or even the way we eat.
 
In Swedish culture, Lagom isn't just a word– it's a way of living. It reflects the nation’s deep-rooted belief in moderation, sustainability and collective well-being. You can see it in the way Swedes design their homes with minimalism, prioritizing functionality and simplicity. It’s present in their approach to environmental consciousness, where decisions are often made with a focus on balance – neither overconsuming nor being overly restrictive.
 
By incorporating Lagom into our routines, we might just find that sweet spot of balance that leads to a more fulfilling, less stressful life.
 
How do you embrace the principles of Lagom in your daily life?
 
Tell us in the comments below and follow us for more insights into how cultural concepts like Lagom can inspire a more balanced, harmonious way of living.

Email us at [email protected] or connect with us on social media.
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In Celebration of International Translation Day 2024

9/23/2024

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Japanese word with no direct English translation

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How many times have you admired the beauty of sunlight filtering through the leaves of a tree? Did you know there’s no word in English to describe this phenomenon?
 
But there is in Japanese! The word ‘Komorebi’ beautifully captures this moment. It refers to the sunlight that filters through the leaves.
 
Ko = trees
More = shining through
Bi = sun
 
In the Japanese language, there are several words that beautifully capture the essence of nature (most of these words have no direct English equivalent). This reflects the deep love and admiration the Japanese have for the natural world.
 
But can you blame them? Japan’s nature is uniquely breathtaking!
 
Although there’s no direct English translation, Komorebi serves as a gentle reminder to pause and appreciate the simple beauty of life and nature.
 
Tell us, do you think we should adopt the word Komorebi into the English language?
 
Email us at [email protected] or connect with us on social media.
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In Celebration of International Translation Day 2024

9/20/2024

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German word with no direct English translation

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The beauty of the German language is how creatively it compounds different words to form new ones. For example the German word for slug literally translates to ‘naked snail’ in English. The German word ‘nackt’ means naked and ‘schnecke’ means snail. It is then compounded to make ‘nacktschnecke’ which means slugs.
 
Although English has Germanic roots, there are still many German words with no direct English equivalents. Germans love having a word for every object, thought and experience –perhaps that is why it is called German efficiency!
 
One such word is ‘Kummerspeck’, which describes the excess weight gained from emotional eating. The literal translation is ‘sorrow bacon’– a perfect blend of humour and accuracy.
 
Kummer – sorrow
Speck – bacon
 
In Trinidad and Tobago, we might say someone has a ‘tabanca’, but this does not refer to the weight gain from emotional eating. Instead, tabanca refers to the emotional turmoil and weight loss after a breakup or an emotionally distressing experience.
 
The next time you find yourself lounging on your couch binge eating a tub of chocolate chip ice cream at the end of a stressful work week, remember Kummerspeck!
 
Follow us for more fun foreign words with no English equivalent!
 
Connect with us for more information on how we can support your language and intercultural needs.

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In Celebration of International Translation Day 2024

9/19/2024

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Chinese (Mandarin) words with no direct English translation

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One notable aspect of Chinese culture is the strong emphasis on academic excellence and achievement. The Mandarin language reflects this with terms like 学霸 (Xué Bà), which describes a diligent, hard-working, and highly knowledgeable student.
 
On the other hand, 学渣 (Xué Zhā) refers to a student who shows little interest in studying, passing exams, or striving for success.
 
In English, there are no direct equivalents for these terms, making them uniquely expressive within their cultural context.
 
In the Caribbean, we might describe a student as studious or diligent, or alternatively label a student as lazy if they don’t put effort into their work. However, these English terms can apply in various contexts, whereas 学霸 (Xué Bà) and 学渣 (Xué Zhā) are used specifically for students.
 
We have lots more exciting insights about language and culture!
 
Connect with us for more information on how we can support your language and intercultural needs.

Email us at admin@rmclanguages or connect with us on social media.
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Translators: The Unsung Heroes of Communicating Across Cultures

9/19/2024

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Every year since 1991, International Translation Day is celebrated on the 30th day of September. Many may not know this, but International Translation Day coincides with the feast of St. Jerome – the patron saint of translators.
 
Why celebrate the work of translators?
 
There is a common misconception that translation is merely converting words from one language into another. In reality, translation is an art form that goes beyond just simply converting words.  It is about crafting a bridge between cultures and unlocking an entire world of meaning and history.
 
Translators possess the unique ability to dive deep into the nuances, emotions and context behind every sentence to ensure meaning is accurately reflected. In fact, translators are not just language experts, they are often cultural ambassadors!
 
From legal documents to scientific reports to literature, translators capture the essence of every sentence, understanding that certain concepts, idioms and expressions may not have direct equivalents in other languages.
 
Think about how challenging it must be to translate a word or expression from a foreign language when no equivalent exists in another!
 
The next time you read a translated text or watch a dubbed film, remember the translator who had a deep understanding and knowledge of the language, culture and history required to convey it accurately.
 
Want to learn more about foreign words or expressions with no direct English translation?
 
As part of our lead up to International Translation Day, we will be sharing some intriguing non-translatable words and expressions from selected foreign languages.
 
Connect with us for more information on how we can support your language and intercultural needs. Email us at [email protected] or connect with us on social media.

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How We Support Our Clients

6/25/2023

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At RMC we help our clients to communicate, negotiate and transact business in foreign languages and develop intercultural skills for success when working with global teams and when relocating.

We offer online language courses to busy professionals and create programmes tailored to your specific needs. Classes are delivered live by a tutor who works with learners – at any level – and supports them to achieve their language goals.
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Do you want to export to foreign markets or engage with foreign investors but cannot communicate in their native language?

Considering a foreign investment but can't speak the language?

Want to approach a new customer whose native language is not English?

​RMC can support you by providing:
  • Professional document translation (including editing and proofreading) in multiple languages 
  • Interpreting services in multiple languages
  • Cross-cultural coaching
  • Language courses
Our team of qualified and experienced translators and interpreters based locally and internationally specializes in a wide range of subject matters and use the latest translation and interpreting technology in order to deliver quality, every time. 

Our cross-cultural coaches work with a wide range of cultures and are also based locally and internationally serving our highly mobile clientele.

Our language tutors are qualified and able to deliver courses virtually and in person.
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With our cross-cultural (intercultural) coaching, we assist global leaders, business persons (assignees) and their families who have relocated to a foreign country to adjust and perform successfully in the new culture. Research has shown that intercultural coaching enables personal and professional success and growth, facilitates day-to-day living and saves organisations millions of dollars from making costly mistakes caused by offending their stakeholders in foreign cultures and by challenges caused by an ability to adapt to the new culture.

For more information on how we can support you, email us at [email protected].
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Multinationals – Do you want your global leaders to be successful on assignment?

6/25/2023

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In this article I share a bit about how I started and continue receiving work in cross-cultural coaching and the importance of having an updated professional digital presence.

Thirteen years ago, my first cross-cultural coaching client – a US company – contacted me to work as a cross-cultural training consultant for one of their clients who had just relocated to the Caribbean. With this company, I started working first with European and US assignees (global leaders) who were relocating to the Caribbean for their jobs. Although my previous work with the Trinidad and Tobago Government involved promoting an awareness of cultural differences and how this awareness impacted successful business transactions and relationships, this was the start of my long-term career in cross-cultural coaching as an independent consultant.

​Subsequently, three more companies contacted me on LinkedIn and I began working with African, Asian, Eurasian, Middle Eastern, North and Latin American, and UK clients relocating to the Caribbean, and Trinidad and Tobago assignees leaving the Caribbean to work globally. I have been the go-to intercultural consultant for three of these companies in the Caribbean region since.

​Do not underestimate the importance of presenting yourself and your skills, especially on digital platforms, including social media, membership directories and on your website. The opportunities are abundant, especially as more and more individuals are networking online and working remotely.

If you need help to successfully bridge language and cultural gaps, email us at [email protected] or connect with us on social media.
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Are You Interested in a Translation or Interpreting Career?

6/25/2023

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We have been approached many times by linguists seeking work within the translation and interpreting fields.

1. If you are considering becoming a translator or interpreter or you are considering offering these services professionally, you should seek qualifications from internationally recognised institutions. Language service providers, also known as agencies, often seek qualified linguists with a couple years’ experience to join their team. Those who lack academic certification and some sort of professional experience — in translation and/or interpreting — may be overlooked. It is not sufficient to have studied a foreign language(s) or have a language degree if you are seeking to work as a professional in this field. Translation and interpreting are fields in their own right and serious professionals specialise in particular subject matters.

​2. As mentioned above, next comes the specialty fields that interest you the most. You may already have some formal training and experience in particular subject matters — this is a natural fit when it comes to specialising. For example, if you have studied medicine, business, commerce or government, you would be familiar with the terminology required to be a successful interpreter or translator in these fields. Within the world of translating and interpreting, linguists are not expected to be knowledgeable in all subject matters. For this reason, RMC's linguists specialise in particular fields such as finance, law, medicine, education, environment, renewable energy and so on. It is quite natural for the individual to be adept in many fields, but finding and focusing on a niche can be a very useful marketing approach. Determine which fields interest you most and continue seeking formation and gaining experience those areas.

3. Finally, it is possible to find full-time work as a translator or interpreter. If this is your area of interest, you must know that unless you are hired in-house, this is not your usual 8 to 4 job. Some days you may be required to work for 12+ hours and at other times, much less. There may be times where you do not get the chance to relax, going from project to project, working hours on end. Then at others, you may experience quieter periods or dry spells, where fewer-to-no job requests come in. This is not to deter you, but to make you aware of the reality of life as a freelance linguist. With regular marketing, keeping up with professional qualifications and technological developments in the industry, you can set yourself up for a successful career.

What has been your experience as a freelance linguist?

Seeking professional translation and interpreting services? Email us at [email protected].

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Looking for Professional Translation Services?

6/25/2023

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Are you considering a merger or acquisition? Are you investing in a foreign market and need legal and financial documents translated?

Here’s how RMC can help you.

We pride ourselves on providing quality, accurate and reliable translation services in multiple languages.
 
We work with translators who are qualified and experienced in a wide range of subject matters. Our translators are based worldwide and are native speakers of the target language (language into which your document is translated).
 
We work with different time zones and adjust our schedule to meet your deadline, while using the best and most up-to-date technology and tools.
 
What translation specialty fields does RMC offer?

We specialise in a variety of areas including compliance, financial, legal, government, international business and trade, marketing, educational, health, safety and the environment and other technical subject matters.

What about the cost?
Cost is determined by many factors including:
  • document size
  • document format (editable/non-editable)
  • document quality
  • number of non-editable graphics
  • language pair (e.g. German to English, English to Korean)
  • turnaround time
  • subject matter
  • technicality
  • electronic or hard copy delivery

For a free quotation within 48 hours, email your document, desired completion date, purpose (for what will it be used), language pair, target country and any  other relevant information to [email protected] and we will get back to you.
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