Two new Translators
October 2024

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! 

What drives our unrivalled passion at Bla?
September 2024

In this blog, we're going to take you down (further than) memory lane as we delve into what makes us at Bla so passionate for our work.

In 1536, the Acts of Union were passed which meant that Wales was now a part of England. The Acts ruled the English language as the only language in Wales, even though most of our country's residents were monoglot Welsh speakers, putting them at a disadvantage in all aspects of daily life. 

In the late 18th century, the Welsh Not was introduced in Welsh schools. It was a form of punishment and its aim was to ban children from speaking their mother tongue with their friends. In the long term, the goal was to completely banish the Welsh language. 

The year 1588, however, was paramount and, you could say, is responsible for the survival of the Welsh language. The translation of the Old Testament into Welsh is arguably the most important Welsh translation ever to have been completed. It introduced the first written version of the Welsh language and many believe that this act saved our language. 

This is only a snapshot of the trials and tribulations the Welsh language and Welsh people have suffered over the years. It is our pleasure to play our part in ensuring a prosperous future for our beautiful language. 

THIS is why we do what we do! 

From Wales to the World: Bla in the media
September 2024

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. 

TECHNOLOGY TRENDS IN TRANSLATION
August 2024

As a professional translation company, we have invested heavily in the technology used by our staff on a day-to-day basis. Our use of technology supports our internal talents, helping us to boost speed, ensure consistency and deliver efficiency savings in the services we provide. 

It’s very interesting to note that we have seen a noticeable increase in the translation requests we receive which involve an element of working on the client’s own platform – and we’re more than happy to accommodate such requests! 

From apps to websites to internally created platforms, our staff are adept at being flexible in their approach, learning new technologies as they work and upskilling our team. 

Here are some of the platforms we are experienced of working on, however please note that this is not an exhaustive list:

• Memo-Q
• Déjà vu
• Memsource
• Trados
• Phrase
• WordPress Multilingual Plugin

If you have an internal platform on which you’d like us to work or if you’d prefer us to use a translation software not included in the above list, then please get in touch with Anna: anna@bla-translation.co.uk who will be happy to discuss your needs. 

Your 5-step Guide to Translation Services
August 2024

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 Anna: anna@bla-translation.co.uk

Not as simple as it seems
June 2024

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:

1. Is this a noun? “I’m going for a walk”
2. Perhaps it’s a command? “Get up and walk”
3. Could it the name of a walking route? “Let’s follow Torrens Walk path”
4. 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!

ITI Conference - Edinburgh
June 2024

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!

'Cynnig Cymraeg' Week
May 2024

Between Monday 13^th May and Friday 17^th 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.

We are recruiting
May 2024

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:

• Welsh Translators (permanent, full time preferably but open to discuss with the ideal candidate)
• Trainee Welsh Translators (1-year contract with the view of appointing as Translator)
• Business Development Officer (permanent, full time preferably but open to discuss with the ideal candidate)

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.

Finding the Flavour
May 2024

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.