We have recently welcomed two new members of staff to our team at Bla.
Bethan has joined us as a Translator and Elin as a Trainee Translator. With Bethan’s background in education and Elin’s experience of the nature and conservation industry, they will make great additions to our existing specialist subjects at Bla.
It is a pleasure to have both a part of our team and we’re sure they will be very happy with us.
Croeso!
Business News Wales have shared an insightful article that shines a light on Bla’s successful business journey so far. From a one-man band to a double-award winning language service company, the past 11 years have been incredibly busy for us. Read this article to learn more about our business.
While searching cluelessly through hundreds of search listings in an attempt to find a translator, one of the first questions that may spring to your mind is: how does it work?
This blog will answer that very question, throwing more light on the process of translation and how working with us can make your work life easier!
Step 1 – When approaching us with a translation request, make sure that you have 3 key details at hand: 1) the subject matter, 2) the wordcount and format of the document and 3) the deadline. It’s always a bonus if you can share the document in question with us as we can then analyse exactly with what we’re dealing.
Step 2 – We will provide you with a cost and, if you haven’t noted a deadline, an estimated return date. We await the green light from you before proceeding to assign the task to one of our linguists.
Step 3 – When you’ve given us confirmation to proceed, the translation phase begins. This is when we read the original document thoroughly, research the subject matter and complete an accurate and audience-appropriate translation.
Step 4 – Following completion of the translation phase, the all-important reviewing phase takes place. This is when we scrutinise the original document and the translated text with a fine toothcomb, searching for typing errors, grammatical accuracy, appropriate use of linguistic register, correct terminology etc.
Step 5 – Having had our stamp of approval, the translation is returned to you punctually – you’re now ready to use your new document confidently and safe in the knowledge that you turned to a reputable and professional translation company.
For more information about how we can take the stress out of your translation requirements, please contact our Busiess Unit: business@bla-translation.co.uk
Our latest blog delves into the practice of translation. You may argue that translation is seen as merely converting words from one language into another. True – to an extent. In this blog, we shine a light on our work, the importance of what we do and how it’s not as simple as it seems! Let us show you a real-life example of a request we recently received:
Please can you translate the following?
Walk
At first glance, you may think that this is a straight-forward, uncomplicated task. Perhaps you would even be tempted to turn to one of your Welsh-speaking colleagues and shout across the office, “what’s ‘walk’ in Welsh?”, to which you could receive this reply: “cerdded”. It’s only one word. Easy peasy, right? Wrong.
A qualified Translator would look at this request and think of it as a potential atomic bomb. There are so many things that could go wrong linguistically here. Let’s take a look at the questions that would be running through our heads:
Is this a noun? “I’m going for a walk”
Perhaps it’s a command? “Get up and walk”
Could it the name of a walking route? “Let’s follow Torrens Walk path”
Is there a broader context to this single word? “Join us on this walk tomorrow!”
All of these questions lead to a completely different translation. Thankfully, in this case, our client gave us an explanation of the meaning so that we could provide the most appropriate and fitting translation.
The message here is to always consult a professional Translator! In the same way as you would think twice before performing some home dentistry on yourself, please refrain from completing translations without an expert’s advice and, more importantly, before asking your ‘non-Translator but Welsh-speaking’ colleague! Doing so exposes your brand at immense risk as it leaves the door wide open for media-worthy errors.
Remember: a poor translation does more damage than no translation at all!
Our director, Alun, attended the ITI (Institute of Translation and Interpreting) conference in beautiful Edinburgh last week. As always it was an opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new professional acquaintances, as well as listening to a wide variety of presentations.
The industry is still intrigued and partly worried by the development of ‘Artificial Intelligence’ technology within the translation profession, but the themes also covered the importance of social media and branding, pricing and rates of pay, and even a session on the challenges of translating swear words to good effect!
Between Monday 13th May and Friday 17th May, we celebrate Cynnig Cymraeg Week! The Cynnig Cymraeg (literal translation: Welsh Offer) is an official accreditation offered by the Welsh Language Commissioner to organisations who have shown a formal commitment to develop the Welsh language and who are proud in their use of the language. Bla was awarded the Cynnig Cymraeg back in September 2023. We know that some of our clients have also embarked on the Cynnig Cymraeg journey, and if you’re also interested in gaining this worthwhile accreditation, then you’re more than welcome to contact us for Welsh translation assistance. Find more details about the Cynnig Cymraeg by clicking here.
Due to continued growth and demand for our services, we are actively recruiting new, enthusiastic members to join our hardworking team. We have the following vacancies:
More information regarding job packages can be sought through Alun: alun@bla-translation.co.uk or 01248 725 730.
See here what we offer in return for your hard work at Bla.
Artificial Intelligence, also known as AI, is the buzzword of the moment in the global translation industry! With many pro’s and con’s, it’s safe to say that AI is causing somewhat of a stir in the linguist’s profession – you either love it or you hate it.
Before choosing your side however, it’s important to put AI into context. It may be useful in some cases and a source of nuisance in others perhaps. Click here to read Alun’s article published in the ITI bulletin, where he delves a little deeper into the world of AI in translation.
Looking to expand your client base? Perhaps you’re on a mission to strengthen existing relationships? Or maybe you’re working on a campaign to further establish your unique brand?
If you answered ‘yes’ to any of the above, then you’ve probably considered using a translation practice. Or maybe you haven’t? The importance of translation is often neglected in business, a token gesture or perhaps something for you to consider ‘in the future’ (whenever that is!). The question on our lips is ‘is translation really necessary?’.
Well, the answer to that question depends on your goals and aspirations. To help you come to an educated conclusion, let’s take a look at the top 5 benefits of translation services:
As professional translators, we’ve seen first-hand the real benefits of translation to organisations of all types and sizes. From small charities working in a specific area to large multi-national private companies spanning many countries – the advantages are identical. Our language is our greatest asset, so capitalise on our expertise as linguists to support your mission.
If you are to embrace the 5 benefits of translation outlined above, then translation should be at the top of any agenda or strategy. So, what do you think, is translation really necessary?
For a professional, accurate and consistent translation service, contact Bla Translation today.
Welsh language translation – office@bla-translation.co.uk
International language translation – anna@bla-translation.co.uk
Amongst the little traditions we’ve started at Bla is our ever-growing, beloved fridge magnet collection.
Once in a while, our staff like to shake off everyday stresses, let off some steam and revitalise. And what better way to do so than getting into holiday mode and jetting off into the sunset?!
The translation industry provides a satisfying career but with deadlines here, there and everywhere, it sure isn’t for the faint-hearted! Spending time on holiday with family and friends is something all of us at Bla enjoy doing during our well-deserved AL. From star-fishing on a sunbed in the med, putting our tourist hats on in a European city, or exploring our beautiful homeland, a holiday is always on the horizon.
There is only one rule – staff must bring back a fridge magnet to testify their holibobs. Our precious collection is growing with magnets from destinations including Llangollen and Latvia, Panama and Portugal, and Amsterdam and Abertawe (Swansea)!!
The general feeling by now is if there isn’t a fridge magnet then you never went!! The only question now is: where in the world shall we go next?!
“Cabin crew, prepare for landing”!
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