Wrapping up 2024

In this newsletter, we highlight our website localization project with Singita, a worldwide luxury African Safari lodge with 15 lodges worldwide. Working with Singita’s Contentful CMS and GPI’s Contentful Connector, we expertly localized Singita’s web pages into German.

In Tools & Tips, we explore our Translation Services Connector for WordPress (WPML) enabling us to seamlessly support WPML users and their website localization projects.

In Meet the Team, come meet Leticia Barrera, one of our top-notch Localization Project Managers.

In Curation Corner, learn what innovations Apple is making in the language world using AI.

GPI is proud to introduce ARTEE 1000, our AI-powered copilot providing our team with the latest information so that we can provide our customers with the best service possible.

Finally, if you’re trying to determine if neural machine translation (NMT) – AI is right for your content and languages, GPI can help. We have designed a Research and Prototype Report that evaluates your project to determine the best method and tools to complete it.

2025 is just around the corner and we are excited to share the innovations we have planned for the coming year.

Are you ready to dive in? Read the Languages & Locales October – December edition now!

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The latest languages Google Translate supports are Canadian French and Inuktut, which are spoken in Canada and are the first Indigenous languages for Google Translate. Canada is getting quite an upgrade on Google Translate.

Google Translate has previously announced its commitment to supporting the 1000 most spoken languages globally. Up to this month, Wikipedia reports that Google Translate supports 244 languages. The number has just increased with these two new additions.

There are over 7 million French Canadian speakers in Canada. Surprisingly, Canadian French was not supported sooner, but it is a welcome addition for many, I am sure.

Google put in quite the effort to add Inuktut to their supported languages. Nunatsiaq News reports that there are about 40,000 Inuktut speakers. Kierstin Williams, with Nunatsiaq News, has written a very interesting article about the process Google went through to add this language to their service. The link to her article is here: Google Translate adds Inuktut language to its online service

While Google may be a long way off from 1000 languages at this time, it is impressive to see what effort they are taking to support languages not only for millions of people but also for much smaller locales. Google should be commended for such work as I doubt many of the languages in this effort will be generating a downstream profit for the company, but rather for the good of the world to support communication among all, and to not lose long-built cultures.

• • Google Translate – Wikipedia
  • Google Translate adds Inuktut language to its online service
  • French language in Canada – Wikipedia
  • Canadian French has been added to Google Translate | Montreal Gazette

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The San Francisco-based company Speak recently introduced its application in Taiwan after having already begun operations in Korea and Japan. Since launching in Taiwan in April, it has been their fastest-growing market in Asia, prompting Speak to begin making plans for further investment in that region.

Many users of the application are seeking to learn English, which Speaks reports is a global market of over one billion users. The Speak platform, backed by OpenAI, currently supports nine languages for language training. The use of the technology helps to address speech recognition and natural language understanding.

Speak Expands in Taiwan: Rapid User Growth and Future Plans

What many consider most helpful about the application is that Speak goes beyond general vocabulary and grammar training and works with the user interactively to allow for natural-sounding conversations within practice sessions. The app offers a 7-day free trial so users can try out the platform to see how well it meets their needs.

While OpenAI is a key contributor both technically and financially to the company, Speak also uses other leading AI models from AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.

For Speak to enter the Chinese market, they will need to consider what AI models can be used, as some models, such as OpenAI, are restricting API access in China.

The future looks very bright for Speak to further expand globally.

For more details on Speak’s latest company news and insights into Taiwan’s growing language demand and AI market, visit this article from DigiTimes.

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The U.S. Census Bureau last month released data that U.S. exports to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) jumped 12 percent to $65.3 billion in 2023, marking the consecutive increase in U.S. exports since COVID. While US exporters are dealing with the challenges in the region, they appear to be somewhat offset by the economic growth of MENA.

Several initiatives such as global infrastructure development, security, long-term food security for the MENA region, and US trade policies focused on renewable energy, health care, and technology have recently been launched to foster growth and create a favorable environment for both regions’ economies.

While US exports are strong, they are threatened by other countries such as China, whose exports to the United Arab Emirates increased to $55.7 billion last year, with their strengths in the fields of infrastructure, energy, and technology.

To read more about how the economic growth of the MENA region is being fostered by US exports and policies, please see: U.S. Exports to the Arab World Jump By 12 Percent to $65.3 Billion

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In the world of global commerce, trade documents that have been well-translated through certified document translation are considered great assets. Documentation is the heartbeat of thriving businesses; any brand seeking to explore new markets should ensure good documentation processes for efficiency.

However, the translation needs of the import-export industry are so diverse, sensitive, and technical particularly since international trade involves a highly regulated process with an incredibly low tolerance for errors.

For this reason, opting for certified translation is necessary because it is credible and globally accepted.

Step-By-Step Guide to Obtain Certified Document Translation

Certified translations are executed by accredited professional translators who have been authorized by a valid government body or language association.

Many foreign authorities today have made it mandatory for businesses involved in global trade to obtain certified translations because of their validity and legal recognition.

Efficient translation of trade documents ensures smooth compliance with legal standards and facilitates faster trade processes. It goes a long way to fostering trust among parties involved in the trade.

There are a few simple steps to follow to obtain a certified translation.

1. Find the right translation agency or a licensed professional translator. It is advisable to use the highly regarded services of ISO-certified translation agencies because of the accuracy, credibility, and quality of their services. These agencies offer a “Certificate of Accuracy” that is globally accepted.
2. Ask for pricing and delivery time. In most cases, the type of trade document determines the cost and delivery time. GPI’s Translation Quick Quote Calculator can help you quickly determine the prices of document translation. Factors such as length and format of content, language pairs, and urgency contribute to the cost and turnaround.
3. Submit documents with detailed information and clear instructions to the translation service provider.
4. Receive certified translations in either hardcopy or digital versions, once it has been carefully reviewed for accuracy, consistency, and completeness.

Key Trade Documents Needing Translation

There is an endless list of international trade documents that require translation. Listed below are some of the most common, yet important documents that require translation.

For ease of understanding, these documents are carefully presented in groups containing the most common documents any business, regardless of the industry category will inevitably need.

Certificates

These are documents explaining the origin and quality of goods, usually demanded by customs authorities of the importing country. However, the kind of certificate documents needed depends on the type of industry and the country of interest.

Only sworn translators should be given the role of translating certificates because they will check and meet all the requirements of the local authorities. Some examples of certificates that may need translation are:

• Certificates of Origin
• International Import Certificates
• Lading Certificates
• Health and Safety Certificates
• Inspection Certificates
• Delivery Verification Certificates
• Insurance Policy Certificates

Legal Documents

Contracts and patents are inevitable documents to encounter during international trade. When it comes to the law, a punctuation error can alter the credibility of a document.

Hiring certified translators who specialize in legal translations can ensure the final product will meet requirements. Remember to read reviews about them and also write reviews to help other businesses gain clarity.

Financial Documents

It is very clear that finance is a crucial aspect of international trade. Some examples of the financial documents encountered in international trade are bank returns, annual reports, tax reports, quotes, invoices, financial statement analyses, and other documents addressing financial issues. Accurate translation of financial materials brings trust among trade partners and does not cause delays.

Audit Documents

For businesses, professionally translated results of independently conducted audits can be helpful in attracting new partners. Audit translation is to be done carefully. Rushed translation of inventories and payroll, reports can lead to inaccuracies and omissions.

Shipping Documents

These documents are pivotal in logistic and supply chain decisions. They include import/export declarations that contain crucial information such as the type of goods, prices, quantities, and delivery terms. Mistakes in translations can lead to customs delays, which is why hiring certified translators is advisable.

Operational Documents

This is a set of documents that describe how a company works. It addresses details such as product packaging, waybills, reports, and even internal staff memos. Accurate translation of these documents determines the smooth running of a company overseas.

Challenges in Translating International Trade Documents

Just like any other industry, professionals in the translation industry also face some challenges when translating international trade documents.

Below is a comprehensive list of the major challenges encountered by translators when working on trade documents.

Complex Terminology

Translators are often saddled with the challenge of maintaining industry standards during translation. It is important to get translators who are subject matter experts in the type of document and industry.

For instance, in translating financial documents such as annual reports, invoices, or tax reports, the translator must have an in-depth understanding of the International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) to effectively translate the documents.

Numerical Inaccuracies

In any international trade process, numerical accuracy and consistency across languages are very crucial. It is also considered a challenging task for translators particularly because different countries have their numerical formats, measurement standards, currency symbols, and punctuation rules.

Translators must pay keen attention to details to be able to maintain the accuracy of financial details.

Legal Discrepancies

Countries have their unique and distinct legal structures and regulatory frameworks that govern every international trade process. It is important to have a solid knowledge of the legal processes of target markets and to note their differences from one another to avoid generalization.

Failure to address or adhere to these legal differences can lead to misunderstandings and disputes, and further results in legal implications.

Security and Confidentiality of Entrusted Documents

International trade documents are often filled with sensitive information. It is a risk for documents, especially financial documents, to be made public.

Translators need to follow strict data confidentiality rules to keep documents completely secure from unauthorized access during translation. It is also recommended that you use a translation provider such as GPI, that has established digital security practices, as shown by ISO/IEC 27001:2013 – Information Security certification, and also NDAs with all people who work with client data.

Tight Deadlines and Ineffective Communication Process

Strict deadlines are usually associated with international trade document translation because many trade processes like approval, payment, and shipping are time-sensitive.

Translators can avoid late delivery situations by acquiring good project management and communication skills. This way, they are able to ensure the satisfaction of all stakeholders by simply meeting deadlines without compromising on the quality of work entrusted.

Legal Implications of Translation Errors in International Trade

Different countries have their unique legal systems and regulatory structures that pertain to international trade. Failure to adhere to these laws could result in serious legal implications as well as reputational damage to defective brands.

In the international trade process, translation errors and non-compliance with local legal standards in trade document translation are two major aspects that attract legal consequences.

These penalties are country-specific, and the choice of penalty may be determined by the weight or intensity of the offense as defined by the legal authorities of the country whose laws have been violated.

There are several significant legal actions taken due to errors in the translation of trade documents, but these are the most common implications of translation errors and non-compliance with the legal requirements of trade documents.

1. Inaccuracies in the translation of trade documents such as contracts and technical agreements often lead to misunderstandings between parties which further results in disputes, and attract a lawsuit filed by the offended party.
2. Errors in the translation of intellectual property documents like patents and trademarks can lead to disputes and further result in a legal penalty of loss of ownership rights and other financial losses.
3. In most countries, failure to adhere to contract laws, trade document regulations, or any related international transaction framework can result in sanctions, fines, and termination of business operations in the country.
4. In regions where data privacy and protection laws have been enforced, necessary legal actions are taken to penalize defaulters. Most often, failure to adhere to data privacy laws often leads to reputational damage in the target country.

Violation of legal laws related to international trade is a huge risk for any business to incur.

To mitigate these risks, businesses should seek expert legal counsel with a deep understanding of local laws and ensure adherence to the regulations of countries involved in the trade process.

7 Best Practices for International Trade Documents Translation

1. Hire professional translators who are not only language proficient but are well acquainted with and understand industry-specific terminologies. This will guarantee high accuracy in translation.
2. Legal documents are a must-have in international trade. Obtain legal counsel from experts to draft these documents before hiring a translator whose expertise is in legal translations, to avoid errors that attract legal consequences.
3. Work with a provider that has quality control processes in place to ensure that translated documents are thoroughly reviewed to ensure the elimination of errors, accuracy, and consistency.
4. Implement effective confidentiality measures such as signing a non-disclosure agreement with transits and enforcing strict adherence to data protection laws to secure sensitive information.
5. To avoid offenses like cultural insensitivity, employ appropriate localization practices that ensure trade documents are carefully adapted to the culture of the destination country.
6. Carefully plan and adhere to translation timelines to prevent the disruption of trade processes such as approvals, transactions, and shipping.
7. Keep an organized and easily accessible record of all translated documents. They are especially important for future reference and compliance checks in case of disputes, audits, and legal inquiries.

Conclusion

In the competitive world of foreign trade, a successful import-export process relies heavily on documentation. Accuracy and credibility of trade documents are also especially important.

Certified translations are accompanied by a certificate of accuracy and are legally recognized in the foreign market. These trade documents are crucial to guarantee smooth trade processes.

Certified translators are authorized to use a professional certification for the translation of documents. By partnering with certified translators from accredited government bodies, companies are assured of translation accuracy and can achieve their goals for global business success.

References:

• Common Export Documents  
• International Organization for Standardization
• Description of Non-Disclosure Agreement

The post Certified Document Translation: Your Guide to Seamless International Trade appeared first on Globalization Partners International.

For the second year in a row, Jennie, an on-demand interpreting service provider, has been recognized as a Red Hot Company by DCA Live. This award is given to Washington, DC area companies that are pioneering solutions to address some of our country’s greatest challenges.

For Jeenie, their mission is to remove language barriers with their on-demand interpreting support for 300 languages. With an average connect time of 13 seconds, Jeenie, with its HIPAA-compliant platform provides accessible and affordable interpreting support for the healthcare industry and business.

To learn more, continue reading at Jeenie Recognized as 2023 Red Hot Company by DCA Live.

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Do not miss July’s issue of Languages & Locales. In this issue, we provide a website localization case study for Singita, a luxury African Safari lodge with 15 lodges worldwide. This project included customization of GPI’s Contentful translator connector, based on the client’s specifications, to facilitate the handling of the client’s unique content model. This resulted in improved efficiencies for a seamless translation of the website.

In Tools & Tips, learn more about GPI’s Translation API, this agnostic platform that can work with any type of system. The GPI Translation API can easily integrate with any application enabling clients to make use of our award-winning suite of translation services and tools and provides a flexible solution to accommodate different translation workflows. Developed by our team of engineers and developers, the GPI Translation API is another example of GPI’s dedication to technology and making the process of creating and managing multilingual content easy for our clients.

In Meet the Team, take a moment to learn about GPI’s own Ahmed EL-Saba, Director: EMEA Linguistic Services.

In Curation Corner, learn how the Texas Heart Institute is using neural machine translation (NMT) to provide health information to speakers of more than 100 languages through its website. The positive impact of providing important heart health information in a patient’s native language not only informs but can also ease anxiety for patients. If NMT can be applied to medical and scientific research, collaboration and information-sharing across languages can open the door to quicker advancements and greater knowledge-sharing.

Are you ready to dive in? Read the Languages & Locales July – September edition now!

Subscribe here if you want to receive the upcoming editions of Languages & Locales.

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Franchising has been a key area for small business growth in the United States for over half a century, but recently real growth is happening in our neighbor to the south, Mexico. Mexico is not just a country with tourist beach locations but multiple large cities and a growing middle class. It is a market that franchisors should be considering or reconsidering.

Why Mexico?

Mexico has a growing population of 132M with a median age of 29, compared to the United States with a median age of just over 38 years of age. Many of the largest countries in the world are seeing their population trending to the middle to older populations on average and with either nominal or declining population growth. Mexico is youthful by comparison and with a growing population that is expected to trend upward to reach close to 150M by 2030.

The largest city in Mexico is Mexico City with a population of over 22M and growing. Over 80% of the population of Mexico resides within their cities and urban areas. In addition to Mexico City, other leading cities are Guadalajara (5M+ in the metro area), Monterrey (5.1M+ in the metro area), and Puebla (3M+ in the metro area). Today 70% of the franchising activity resides within the urban areas of the three largest cities.

Is Franchising Active in Mexico?

According to the US International Trade Administration, franchising is quite active and accepted as a business concept in Mexico. The Mexican Franchise Association states that there are 90K franchise locations in Mexico of which 85% are Mexican-based brands, and 10% are USA brands.

Historically, economic growth in Mexico has been low, but pre-Covid the Mexican economy was showing strong growth, and it is now again doing so with Covid issues easing. Mexico has a large footprint geographically for a franchisor to consider how to plan a master franchisee strategy for the country.

The food and beverage industry accounts for 35% of the franchises in the country. As of 2022, there were about 400 Mcdonald’s in Mexico. Dominos has over 800 units. KFC reports having about 440 units in Mexico. Wendy’s has 28 units but has recently announced an expansion plan for Mexico.

American brands are well known in Mexico,  with its growing population, growing middle class, global top 15 economy, and large cities to support multiple units in close proximity; all these factors can make expansion easier for a master franchisor.

While Dubai is a hot market with every franchise concept to compete with, it may be worthwhile to consider Mexico for the new expansion.

As a translation company, expanding your services to support franchise operations in Mexico can open up a range of new opportunities. Providing language translation and localization services for franchisors and franchisees entering the Mexican market is crucial for ensuring effective communication, cultural adaptation, and success. By bridging the language and cultural gaps, your translation company can play a vital role in facilitating the growth of franchising in Mexico.

With the right strategies and partnerships in place, franchisors can seize the potential that Mexico offers and establish a successful presence in this rapidly evolving market. The time is ripe to explore the possibilities and expand your franchise into Mexico

References:

• World Bank – Mexico Overview
• U.S. Department of Commerce – Mexico Franchising
• International Franchise Association – Mexico
• Worldometer – Mexico Population
• Mexican Franchise Association
• U.S. Commercial Service – Mexico Franchising
• Talk Radio News – FAQs about McDonald’s in Mexico
• Statista – Number of Domino’s Pizza Stores in Mexico
• QSR Magazine – Wendy’s Plots Major Expansion in Mexico

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Have you joined the wave of people playing pickleball? I admit I held off for a few years while family members kept telling me how much fun it is. I tried it this summer and I am converted. Now I will take my pickleball paddle with me on trips as it is so easy to pack and find games in other cities. Just find a pickleball court.

Recent news that Lebron James and other NBA players and professional athletes are buying into professional pickleball teams is only a sign that this sport is growing beyond being just a sport for recreational players. It is already the fastest-growing sport in the USA, and it is growing internationally as well.

The global organization for pickleball, World Pickleball Federation (WPF) plans to hold a World Pickleball Games Summit in 2023. Their organization has 34 member countries with 6 global regional federations formed.

The International Federation of Pickleball (IFP) is another leading organization for the sport with 63 member countries that have been around since 2010. In 2020, during peak Covid no less, it opened multiple offices in China.

What is great about pickleball for a traveler is that the sport requires limited equipment. The main need is a paddle which is about 8 x 16 inches with a handle of about 4 inches and under a pound in weight. Paddle and handle sizes vary, but all are close to these measurements. Think of a ping pong paddle that is perhaps twice the size, which is easy to throw into a suitcase. The ball is plastic with holes, and while it looks like a slightly larger-sized wiffle ball, that is where the similarities end. The pickleball ball is designed for bounce, heavier than a wiffle ball, with more surface area, with evenly distributed, circular holes.

I often see people on Reddit lining up games and asking advice on where to play, as they plan to visit my local city. Pickleball is a very welcoming sport in which pickleball courts often have open play times for anyone to play their way into the next game. No need for a team or foursome. Just show up and play.

Going forward I will be packing my paddle and look forward to playing domestically and internationally in the coming year. I encourage you to give it a try.

Reference:

Soaring Popularity of Pickleball in Europe and Asia Pacific Boosts Pickleball Equipment Market: Fact .MR

The post Have Travel, Will Paddle. Play Pickleball Around the World appeared first on Globalization Partners International.

Christmas, December 25^th, is a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, a spiritual leader whose teachings form the basis of the Christian religion. Christmas traditions range from decorating trees, exchanging gifts, singing Christmas carols, religious ceremonies, imbibing in food and drink to kissing under the mistletoe. Non-Christians around the world celebrate this day as a secular holiday, turning the month of December into a cultural and commercial marvel.

The origins of Christmas predate the arrival of Jesus.  Early Europeans celebrated the winter solstice as a time of renewal as the darkest days of winter were behind them and longer days with more hours of sunlight were ahead of them. In the 4^th century church officials decided to begin celebrating the birth of Christ. There is no mention of the date of Jesus’ birth in the Bible, but Pope Julius I chose December 25^th as the date of Christ’s birthday. It is widely believed that the date was chosen as a way to incorporate the traditions of the pagan Saturnalia festival. Many modern day Christmas traditions are rooted in the Saturnalia festival.

The story of Christ’s birth takes place in a stable in Bethlehem. Mary and Joseph were traveling and stopped at an inn to rest. The innkeeper didn’t have any beds available and instead offered a manger in the stable, surrounded by livestock, where Mary gave birth to Jesus. Shepherds from the surrounding fields were told of Jesus’s birth by an angel and were the first to see him.

Tradition also states that three wise men followed the Star of Bethlehem, believing it announced the birth of the king of the Jews, to visit the infant Jesus; bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. In many churches, children re-enact the events of the Nativity as part of the Christmas celebrations.

Traditions Around the World

In the United States, Christians and non-Christians alike celebrate the holiday with colorful decorations, decorated Christmas trees,  exchanging presents, and feasts. Christmas Eve is when many people begin the celebrations.

In my family, we celebrate by having a special meal, attending a candle-lit church service, and opening presents on Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve is also when Santa Claus and his reindeer make their journey around the world delivering gifts to children. Children can follow Santa’s travel courtesy of NORAD through a variety of social media platforms or NORAD Tracks Santa.

The origin of Santa Claus, dates back to 280 AD in present day Turkey to St. Nicholas, considered the real Santa Claus. He was a monk known for his selfless acts. It is believed that he gave away all his inherited wealth and traveled the land helping the poor and sick. Eventually, he became known as the protector of children and sailors.

There are myriad of different Christmas traditions around the world. Some are similar and some are vastly different. A Christmas tradition I discovered a few years ago is that of Krampus Night on December 5^th. Krampus is Santa’s evil twin whose job is to punish the children on the “naughty list.” This dark and scary tradition originates in the Germanic alpine regions and is widespread throughout Hungary, Bavaria, Slovenia, and is especially popular in Austria.

In the Czech Republic, unmarried  women practice fortune telling to predict their relationship status for the next year. The practice is to stand with your back to the door and toss one shoe over your shoulder. If the shoe lands with the toe facing the door, the woman will be married within the year. If the heel is facing the door, it means another year unmarried.

Norwegian legend states that on Christmas Eve, witches and evil spirits come looking for brooms to ride. To keep them away, all brooms in the house are hidden and men go outside and fire a shotgun to scare the evil spirits away.

Christmas Fun Facts

• In 2019, 26.2 million real Christmas trees were sold in the United States.
• Outlawed in Boston! From 1659 to 1681, the celebration of Christmas was outlawed  and law-breakers were fined five shillings.
• Christmas was declared a federal holiday in the United States on June 26, 1870.
• Rudolph, “the most famous reindeer of all,” was the product of Robert L. May’s imagination in 1939. The copywriter wrote a poem about the reindeer to help lure customers into the Montgomery Ward department store.
• In the Middle Ages, Christmas celebrations were rowdy and raucous, similar to today’s Mardi Gras parties.

To Christians and non-Christians alike  the meaning of this special holiday is one of good will, peace, and joy. All of us at GPI want to wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

Sources:

• History of Christmas – Origins, Traditions & Facts – HISTORY
• Christmas – Wikipedia

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