Simplified English : the new language in international business
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There are roughly 6,000 languages in the world, without counting dialects. In addition to common usage terms,
technicians and scientists have developed an extensive technical and scientific vocabulary of their own. So it is no
surprise that the situation has led to misunderstanding, misinterpretations and sometimes calamities.
During the 20th Century, as business exchanges grew, the complexity of products and processes grew too. In this context, clear and
effective communication and documentation became more important than ever before. Unfortunately, technical malfunctions and disasters with fatal results also increased.
The necessity for a clear and unambiguous language became increasingly obvious.
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Therefore, linguists and manufacturers decided to build a single, internationally applicable, controlled language
to support a truly “global technical language".
This process started in 1930s and still continues to the present day. Today, a very reliable and basic language called
“Simplified English” exists and is used successfully by manufacturers throughout the world for technical documentation. Simplified
English (SE) facilitates global communication – especially when the text written in Simplified English will be translated
into many languages because it removes ambiguity. SE helps users throughout the world to understand English technical
documentation. Although this particularly applies to non-native speakers, it also benefits native speakers.
If we were to simplify a language to make it easy to read, write and understand, why choose English? The reason is that English
is the most widely spoken language in the world and it has grown to become the most used language for writing technical documentation.
But English like all languages has many words with multiple meanings thus leading to ambiguity. However, since the goal is to ensure the
absence of misunderstanding and misinterpretation, an unambiguous language should be used for technical writing.
With this in mind, the basic principles for this unambiguous language include:
- Each word has only one meaning
- Each word is only one part of speech
- Each word must be functional
- The meaning of a word should no longer be derived from the context.
As a language services provider, we recommend the use of the above rules when writing technical documentation and operating procedures.
In addition to following these rules, we suggest the development and usage of a "controlled language" that will contribute better understanding. A "controlled language" may initially be a simple glossary in which the meanings of the terms used
in a particular business are clearly defined. Later on, the "controlled language" may include syntax rules. With regards to translation projects, these practices prevent re-work, speed the turn-around and improve the accuracy of the translated content.
MTM LinguaSoft can work with your organization to develop a glossary by extracting the relevant terms from previous translations. Contact us for a consultation.
For more information, visit the History of SE,
Rules of SE,
An Example.
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Projects
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Recent e-learning work by MTM LinguaSoft
At the request of one of our pharmaceutical clients, MTM LinguaSoft translated and adapted an interactive e-learning module into French, Spanish, Italian, Croatian and Japanese.
The topic of this e-learning was data management policies. We successfully translated the content and user interfaces (images, navigation, graphics) integrated into a Flash movie. The use of XML files proved to be beneficial for all parties involved.
Contact us if you’d like to learn more and see a demo.
MTM LinguaSoft organizes a simultaneous interpretation conference
We recently set up a simultaneous interpretation conference for a pharmaceutical client: a 2-day conference with 15
participants covering the topic of “Global Security” in French and English. Our services covered selection of the rental
equipment, hiring of the interpreters and preparation of a glossary. Unclear about the difference between simultaneous and
consecutive interpretation? Download our FAQs.
News
IAEM is the International Association for Exhibition Management.
Myriam's educational session is titled ”How to Attract and Care for International Attendees". The session will address how to adapt a
convention or exhibition for international audiences. Topics will include how to globalize both on-line registration and
post-event evaluation, how to select a language services provider and how to care for international attendees before, during and after
the event.”
More information available at www.iaem.org
MTM LinguaSoft, Sponsor at the June 2006 Middle East and Africa Trade Conference organized by the US Export Assistance Center in Philadelphia
Despite the frequent “bad news” from the Middle East, there are thriving businesses and markets in the Middle East as this conference made abundantly clear. Over the past 3 years, MTM LinguaSoft has developed a strong
network of linguists and built a proven record with Middle Eastern languages.
Shortly after this conference, Myriam Siftar, President of MTM LinguaSoft and Lisa Verdon, CEO and founder of the Joint Middle East
American Trade Center in Philadelphia, co- authored an article titled “Hospitality, Friendship, Success – Developing Business Relationships.”
It was published in July 2006 by MultiLingual Computing Magazine, the trade magazine for the localization, internationalization,
translation and language technology industry, in their “Middle East: Getting Started Guide”. Visit Doing Business in the Middle East for an excerpt of the article as well as a link to the full text.
Wondering whether the rest of the world celebrates Halloween or a version of it?
As one of the world's oldest holidays, Halloween is still celebrated today in several countries around the globe, but
it is in North America and Canada that it maintains its highest level of popularity. Every year, 65% of Americans decorate
their homes and offices for Halloween, a percentage exceeded only by Christmas. Halloween is the holiday when the most candy
is sold and is second only to Christmas in terms of total sales.
Austria
In Austria, some people will leave bread, water and a lighted lamp on the table on Halloween night because it was once believed such
items would welcome dead souls back to earth.
Belgium
The custom in Belgium on Halloween night is to light candles in memory of dead relatives.
Canada
Modern Halloween celebrations in Canada began with the arrival of Scottish and Irish immigrants in the 1800s. Halloween celebrations in
Canada are very similar to the ones in the United States.
China
In China, the closest celebration to Halloween would be Teng Chieh, the Lantern Festival that takes place under a full moon and marks the
end of the Chinese New Year season. The date changes every year. It has roots in Hinduism and Buddhism and is celebrated in countries
such as China, Taiwan, Thailand and in Asian immigrant communities around the world.
Czechoslovakia
In Czechoslovakia, chairs are placed by the fireside on Halloween night. There is one chair for each living family member and one for
each family member's spirit.
England
At one time, English children made "punkies" out of large beet roots upon which they carved a design of their choice. Then, they would
carry their "punkies" through the streets while singing the "Punkie Night Song" as they knocked on doors and asked for money. For the
most part however, the English ceased celebrating Halloween with the spread of Martin Luther's Protestant Reformation. Since followers
of the new religion did not believe in Saints, they saw no reason to celebrate the Eve of All Saints' Day. However, in recent years,
the American "trick or treating" custom has become relatively popular among English children, although many of the adults have little
idea as to why they are being asked for sweets. For an interesting article about protection from “cultural invasion”, read "Trick or Treat? For Many Britons, the Reply Is Neither " by Sarah Lyall, published in the New York Times,
Oct 31, 2006. pg. A.4.
France
Halloween is not celebrated by the French but All Saints’ Day is a holiday dedicated to honor the dead and departed ancestors. More recently,
marketing for candy and decorations has strongly targeted French society where it is openly branded as an "American" holiday.
Germany
In Germany, the people put away their knives on Halloween night. The reason for this is to prevent potential harm to the returning spirits.
Hong Kong
Usually occurring at the end of August, the Yue Lan Festival (Hungry Ghosts’ Festival) has a spiritual purpose: to prevent unhappy spirits
from wreaking vengeance on the living. Consequently, during this Festival, religious processions and street ceremonies are performed to
appease the dead.
Ireland
In Ireland, believed to be the birthplace of Halloween, the tradition is still celebrated as much as it is in the United States. In rural
areas, bonfires are lit as they were in the days of the Celts and children dress up in costumes to spend the evening "trick-or-treating" in
their neighborhoods. After the visiting, most people attend parties with neighbors and friends. Children are also known to play tricks
upon their neighbors on Halloween night. One of which is known as "knock-a- dolly," where children knock on the doors of their neighbors
but then run away before the door is opened.
Japan
The Japanese celebrate the "Obon Festival" (also known as "Matsuri" or "Urabon") which is similar to Halloween festivities in that it is
dedicated to the spirits of ancestors but it takes place during July or August.
Korea
In Korea, the festival similar to Halloween is known as "Chusok" and takes place in August. It is at this time that families thank their
ancestors for the fruits of their labor. The family pays respect to these ancestors by visiting their tombs and making offerings of rice
and fruits.
Mexico, Latin America And Spain
Among Spanish-speaking nations, Halloween is known as "El Dia de los Muertos." It is a joyous and happy holiday, a time to remember
friends and family who have died. Officially commemorated on November 2 (All Souls' Day), the three-day celebration actually begins
on the evening of October 31.
Sweden
In Sweden, Halloween is known as "Alla Helgons Dag" (meaning All Saints’ Day) and is celebrated from October 31 until November 6.
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