Articles & Downloads
Benchmarking Global Ethics & Compliance Programs: LCW's 2012 Survey Report
Cultural Competence Saves The Day
(Manuscript of Chapter Published in "Global Diversity Primer" by Diversity Best Practices, Nov 2011) Inventorying the critical “mix” of cultures that impact any global organization is an important step, as is clarifying what it means for the organization to navigate its particular cultural mix with competence. In this article, the role of national culture differences is explored in corporate cases where differences in national worldviews and contexts are pronounced. Best practice companies are also explored, for how they assess and navigate such cultures as: organizational cultures, generational, regional, LGBT, gender, religious, language-based, nation of origin, ethnic cultures, etc. Intercultural competence is a growing imperative for surviving first, then thriving, in today’s diverse, global marketplace.
Integrating Translation Efforts: Navigating the CMS Marketplace (2012)
There are over 1,000 pieces of software that can be labeled a CMS, built on 40-odd content management frameworks, with a myriad of technologies (Java, SQL, .NET, PHP, etc.). Some can be very simple web-based systems, while others can be gargantuan server-based systems that are used to control and update nearly all of an organization’s content, even social content. Some of them are proprietary and closed-source, some are free and/or open-sourced. Some systems support easy translation and localization, and some of them don’t even support non-English characters. Making a decision that’s right for your organization in terms of what CMS to choose is hard enough, but place the specter of translation and non-English content on top of that, coupled with teaching a completely new workflow to your employees, IT staff, translation vendor, or even transitioning from an existing CMS… and you have the potential for a less than ideal outcome, if your organization fails to plan strategically.
Working with Translation
We at Language & Culture Worldwide take great pride in our translation services. We seek to make your translation efforts easier not only by providing outstanding service, but by empowering you with the knowledge and information which make your job easier...right now and down the road!
Working with Languages & Cultures
Working with Languages and Cultures takes a deeper look at our two primary services and explores the impact of culture on translation. How does something as abstract and subjective as culture impact something as concrete and objective as translation?
The Localization of Ethics
(Published in Multilingual, Dec 2010) Most large companies have an ethics and compliance department whose sole responsibility it is to develop an explicit code of ethics and to get the message to employees worldwide. Organizations attempt to communicate and achieve a unifying message by using multiple channels — printed codes of conduct, online learning, posters, classroom workshops and so on. While the channels may differ, the message is the same: We have a preferred definition of what it means to act ethically, and we want to make sure you have the same one so that we don’t get into trouble with our clients, customers or government. How do we approach this task, keeping in mind the cultural differences around the world?
Multilingual DTP
Nowadays, many professional documents which require translation also require that the translation be put into a desktop publishing software for printing or publishing. This process brings its own challenges to the translation project. Luckily, there are ways to mitigate these challenges with improved knowledge about the multilingual desktop publishing process.
Spanish for Spain or Latin America?
We are often asked to translate into Spanish, and the person requesting the translation isn’t quite sure whether it should be for Spain or for Latin American, or what the difference is. Here, we discuss the differences, when adaptation is necessary, and things to consider when dealing with translating either dialect.
Working Across Language Barriers
When working with international customers, clients, and partners, whether virtually or face-to-face, the language barrier is often the first and most tangible challenge you encounter. While English is widely spoken in business circles, often extremely well, there are tips and suggestions for improving communication with all levels of non-native English speakers.
Top 10 Tips for Being an Ally at Work
LGBT employee resource groups play a crucial part in creating a safe and engaging environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender employees and other stakeholders, while helping organizations achieve their business goals. Click on the link below to learn how you can be an an ally at work.