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Hyperpolyglots- What is it? Why are there only 1000 of them?

1Oct

By Gareth Seagull1 Comment

Facts

Hyperpolyglots- What is it? Why are there only 1000 of them?

When you meet someone who speaks one or two second languages, it’s impressive. But when you meet a hyperpolyglot, it will blow your mind... (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); But what exactly is a hyperpolyglot? Before we can define a hyperpolyglot, we need to define other language labels. These definitions come from those stated on ILanguages.org. Monolingual- someone who speaks only one language. Monolingualism constitutes roughly 40% of the world’s population.Bilingual- someone who speaks two languages to an equal level of fluency. Bilingualism constitutes roughly 43% of the world’s population. Trilingual- someone who speaks three languages to an equal level of fluency. Trilingualism constitutes roughly 13% of the world’s total popula...

Subtitling vs voice-over, which do I need?

24Sep

By Gareth SeagullNo Comments

Uncategorized

Subtitling vs voice-over, which do I need?

At Raptor Translations, we offer both multilingual subtitling and multilingual voice-overs. However, there comes a point where businesses ask themselves “Which one do we need?” If a video has a strong visual message- a voice-over may be better. However, for training manuals, subtitling may be better. What is Multilingual Subtitling? With subtitled videos, the audience hears the original language and read translations appear at the bottom of the screen. The existing audio remains unaltered and viewers get to hear the original tone and inflections of the narrator and interviewees. This provides the viewers with an authentic experience of the original recording or film. What are the drawbacks of Multilingual Subtitling? If the speech is long, this can be ...

17Sep

By Gareth SeagullNo Comments

Uncategorized

Raptor Translations- Why trust us?

Raptor Translations is one of Europe’s leading translation companies. But there are many translation companies, why should your brand choose us? Raptor Translations has a solid reputation in the industry. Our team has more than 1000 years experience combined in the translation industry. We also provide some of the lowest prices in the industry. We are founded in our three principles: “Accuracy, Punctuality, Affordability.” By this we mean we have the most accurate translations, delivered in a punctual manor at an affordable price. We believe in providing our clients with value. We are constantly striving to better serve our clients. We are constantly experimenting, how can we lower the price? How can we become more efficient? How can we deliver the translation faster? Wh...

What is the first language spoken by man?

10Sep

By Gareth SeagullNo Comments

Facts

What is the first language spoken by man?

Man has been around for 200,000 years. Many languages have been spoken since, but what was the first language spoken by man? What first language spoken by man is a difficult question to answer. Whilst there were undoubtedly languages before. We just don’t know their names or what they sounded like. They have simply been lost to history. The first languages were likely those in the cuneiform script, dating back to the 8 millennium BCE. However, other linguists claim that Sumerian or Egyptian are the oldest- simply because they have the oldest writing systems. What are the first languages spoken by man that we still use? Tamil (5000 years old)- Tamil was first spoken Sri Lanka. It is also the official language of both Sri Lanka and Singapore. It is spoken by 78 milli...

Names- Expert: We shouldn’t translate names

3Sep

By Gareth SeagullNo Comments

Facts

Names- Expert: We shouldn’t translate names

In this globalised world, it’s quite easy to find material in another language. Just last week, I read an article in Spanish. It was about the British Royal Family. However, when I read it, I was taken aback. Queen Elizabeth II wasn’t referred to as “Queen Elizabeth”. But as “Reina Isabel (II)”. The Spanish translation for Queen Elizabeth. Her son and grandson also had translated names. Instead of it being “Prince Charles” or “Prince William”. It was “Principe Carlos” and “Principe Guillermo”. This stunned me. As in English media, we never refer to “Rey Felipe” as “King Phillip”. Normally, just “King Felipe of Spain”. Nor his father “Rey Juan Carlos” as “King John Charles”. However, I sat and read an Italian article. On the same subject. However, the names were ...

What are the 5 most spoken languages in the world 2019?

27Aug

By Gareth SeagullNo Comments

Facts

What are the 5 most spoken languages in the world 2019?

We have talked often about languages. It is our passion. We have talked about what languages are best for translators. What translation students need to know. And more. However, a common question, and a hotly debated one at that. What are the 10 most spoken languages in the world? This is not as simple as it seems. Different sources say different things. There is also the question of “What do you mean by speakers?” Native speakers? Or all the speakers, native and non-native? These two approaches can deliver far different results as to the most spoken languages... Then, there’s a question of the boundary of language and dialect? When do you consider a dialect, a completely different language? This is not as cut and dry as it may seem. People have different opinions. Even experts have...

Will Brexit destroy the translation industry?

20Aug

By Gareth SeagullNo Comments

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Will Brexit destroy the translation industry?

Brexit is a political matter. Britain is exiting the European Union. It’s a combination of two words. “Britain” and “Exit” which becomes “Brexit”. But how does it impact the translation industry? Brexit has its implications. Both good and bad. Even if Britain doesn’t leave on October 31st. This has left many industries uneasy. What does the future (post-Brexit) world have in store? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The post Brexit economy Brexit has certain financial implications. One of the selling points of Brexit was getting financial freedom. Not having to worry about European policymakers. However, analysts say this will take a few years to reveal itself. Some believe Brexit will have immediate economic impact. And not for the...

5 things translation students can never forget

13Aug

By Gareth SeagullNo Comments

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5 things translation students can never forget

Translation students. What do you need to know? Becoming a translator isn’t easy. But nothing worth doing. Is ever worth doing. It takes more than just language skill. No matter your experience. Many students graduate each year in language related fields. With hopes to take the industry by storm. Only to be hit by reality. Of being a translator. So what does a prospective translator need to know? 1. Competitiveness Whether you’re a freelancer. Or an employee. You’ll face steep competition. Many linguists don’t realise the level of competition. For in-demand languages. Such as Spanish. French. German. Italian. Or Polish. The competition is more. Linguists working with these languages. Often compete on a number of factors. Not just price. And accuracy. But in-depth knowledge. Exper...

6Aug

By Gareth SeagullNo Comments

Uncategorized

6 great jobs for expert linguists…

Learning languages can be fun. But also useful. Other than just a translator, what other jobs can linguists get? There are plenty of jobs a language learner can get. Even usual jobs now require or advise that applicants speak at least one foreign language. Whether you speak Spanish or French to Catalan or Occitan, you can get great jobs. 1. Online Tutor This job was unheard of 10 years ago. If you know a foreign language and want to teach others. But don’t want to have to mark stacks of books. This job is for you! As an online Tutor, you can interact on a 1 on 1 or 1 on 2 basis. You can teach at your students pace without having to worry about the curriculum. You can do this relatively simply- set up a listing on something like EBay, Craigslist or set up your own w...

30Jul

By Gareth SeagullNo Comments

Learning Languages

6 best language aids?

Last week, I had the fortune to sit in on a secondary (high) school French lesson. In that lesson, a student asked the teacher what he could do at home to help his language skills. So what are the best language aids? The best online language aids are Duolingo; Quizlet and Memrise. The best language aids are your surroundings, Coffee Break Podcasts; City Speakeasy Review. 1) Duolingo For those who haven't heard of Duolingo. Duolingo is a free online learning platform- specifically catering to learning foreign languages. It also has a 'rewards' system- each time you log in and get a certain amount of XP. You get a reward. Each time you complete a section. You get a reward. It also has a friendly mascot nicknamed 'Duo' or 'the Duo bird' that is aimed at children- and to get the...