_Can_you_guess_where_my_accent_is_from_? is an amusing and challenging game on international accents.  You'll see a short video of someone reading part of Rudyard Kipling's poem "If", then you will be asked to identify where the reader is from.  If you answer correctly you can go on to win bonus points by identifying the reader's home town or region. 

Do you have a good ear for languages? Can you tell the difference between an Australian or South African accent?  Prove it.

http://www.pandltranslations.com

The LPGA recently announced that players with two years' experience on the Tour will be required to pass an oral test of their English skills at the end of the 2009 season.   The rule goes into effect immediately for new members.  Players who do not pass will be suspended temporarily from the Tour.

The LPGA says this policy is needed so that players can interact with corporate sponsors, Pro-Am partners and the media in order to promote the foreign players to the American public.   The LPGA should focus on feeding the pipeline with talented young American players rather than penalizing players who have earned their spot on the tour because they are great golfers.  Language skills have nothing to do with success in sports.

Many players and sports columnists believe the policy unfairly targets the Korean contingent which has 45 players on the Tour.   In all, there are 121 international players representing 26 countries, including the #1 ranked woman in the world, Lorena Ochoa.

Should Yao Ming have been suspended by the NBA for not speaking English when he started playing in the U.S.?  Did Jorge Posada deserve to play for the Yankees before he improved his rudimentary English skills?  With these rules, would Rafael Nadal be the top-ranked men's tennis player today, or would he still be volleying with his uncle in Mallorca?

Does language play a role in sports?

http://www.pandltranslations.com

Multilingual websites are a cost-effective way for hospitals to improve compliance and ensure patient safety for people with limited English proficiency.  Health education materials, treatment guides, privacy policies, and payment information are standard offerings. A multilingual website also positions the hospital as a “friendly” healthcare provider because it creates a sense of welcome and trust with patients.

Advantages of offering multilingual health information and documents on the website include:

• Improved communications between doctor/nurse and patient
• Reduced risk of malpractice
• Easy access for people with limited English skills
• Improved patient care
• Information can be easily updated

Hospitals that do not provide adequate language services run the risk of compromising their patients’ healthcare.

http://www.pandltranslations.com

New vehicle registrations declined by 3% in 2007, but there is some good news for automakers and dealers.  Sales to multicultural consumers held steady at 22% of the market and the size of this market continues to grow.  Hispanics, Asians, and African-Americans will make up almost 37% of the U.S. population by 2020, according to recent U.S. Census data.  

Car dealers who want to capitalize on the relative strength of the ethnic market right now should consider:

• Making the dealership family-friendly.  Hispanics’ and Asians’ new vehicle purchases are influenced by family members.   Have a kids’ corner with toys, offer balloons, and greet everyone in the family as if they were the one buying the car.

• Translate sales materials and signs.  Make it easy for your customers to understand what you’re selling, special features, and terms and conditions.  You may need information in several languages if you are in a very diverse market, or your ethnic customers may all speak the same language.

• Keeping the relationship going.  Hispanics buy new vehicles more frequently than other consumers.  Stay in touch and keep them coming back to your brand.

Additional information on automotive brand loyalty among multicultural consumers is available from R. L. Polk & Co.

http://www.pandltranslations.com