Non-profit organizations who want to publicize their services in languages other than English frequently contact us.  The issues they deal with are not frivolous, so letting the community know about their services is very important.  For example, victims of abuse need to know where to call for help, and they need to be sure that all calls are confidential. 

Most of us would agree that the best way to win the trust of the people who need help is by giving them information in their native language.  But many non-profits do not have the budget for translating and printing in other languages. We - and most other translation companies - will cut prices or do some pro bono work when we can, but projects are still sometimes cancelled because the funding just isn't there.

The need for non-profits to have multilingual materials or website landing pages to fulfill their missions is not going away.  With some planning, non-profits can reach more than just their English-speaking clients.

• Include translations as a line item when you write a grant.  That way the funding will already be in place for new programs or services.
• Work with local universities.  There may be professors or students of translation who will volunteer their services. 
• Send the translation to us for proofreading.  If we can't do it for free, the cost will be minimal.
• Appeal to companies in your area who support your mission and request funding for translations.  Most corporations are committed to being good neighbors.
• Give us a call and we'll do whatever we can to help.

http://www.pandltranslations.com

In "Politics and the English Language", George Orwell wrote that "vagueness and sheer incompetence" were the "most marked characteristics" of written English.

The essay, which he wrote in 1946, is considered to be one of his most influential non-fiction pieces.  The six rules he proposed for better, clearer writing still apply, even for documents that you want translated.  The translations will communicate your message precisely  in other languages if you follow Orwell's rules.

Before you submit your marketing materials, website or user manuals to your translations provider, review these rules and edit the copy as needed.  If you're not sure that the text is culturally appropriate for another market, give us a call and we'll help you.

Orwells's  6 Rules for Better Writing 

1. Never use a metaphor, simile, or other figure of speech which are you are used to seeing in print.

2. Never use a long word where a short one will do.

3. If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out.

4. Never use the passive where you can use the active.

5. Never use a foreign phrase, a scientific word,  or a jargon word if you can think of an everyday English equivalent.

6. Break any of these rules sooner than say anything outright barbarous.

http://www.pandltranslations.com

There's an interesting post at Three Percent on how translations could play a role in easing the publishing industry's woes.  About 50% of the books in translation are translated from English, but only 3% are translated into English. 

Horace Engdahl, the permanent secretary of the Nobel Committee for Literature, said earlier this year that Americans are "too isolated, too insular" and that American publishers are not open to translations.  Yet with some U.S. publishing companies in crisis mode (remember Houghton Mifflin Harcourt's freeze on new acquisitions), could 2009 be the year of translations?

http://tinyurl.com/6dtzdx

http://www.pandltranslations.com

Literary translation requires cultural awareness in addition to language skills.  Translators must recreate customs, behavior and context for readers who may know nothing about the novel's setting.

Three translators recently discussed the challenges of their profession on NPR's "All Things Considered".  The program concluded that "reconciling language and culture is both a science and an art."

www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php

http://www.pandltranslations.com

Thank you, Nashville, for such a warm reception!  In return, we are thanking you by helping you save money on your Spanish translations.

You know what you've paid for translations in the past.  How would you like to reach out to more customers without increasing your translations budget?  We're so confident that we can save you money,  P & L Translations will beat the price for Spanish translations from any other translations company in Nashville!

That's right, we'll beat the price if you get a lower quote from another company here in Nashville*.  This offer is good for non-technical documents that don't require extensive formatting.  Our pricing includes translation and proofreading by a second professional translator to ensure accuracy.  You have everything to gain and nothing to lose.

When we started, our goal wasn't to offer the lowest prices in town, but we soon discovered that we could.  We'd rather be your "go-to" translations partner, not just a one-time vendor.

What are you waiting for?  Give us a call today at 615.460.9119 and ask for Amanda.  If you're feeling shy, email us at info@pandltranslations.com with your questions.

Happy Thanksgiving and gracias, Nashville!

http://www.pandltranslations.com

*This offer doesn't apply to quotes from freelancers or translations companies not located in Nashville, TN.  You must provide a written or electronic copy of the competitive quote before we begin work on your project(s).  This offer expires March 1, 2009.