Is the language industry trendy? Also Super Bowl commercials, Clubhouse, and podcasts

AP | Portugal Tech Language Solutions' content curation not only aims to disseminate knowledge, by embracing this important role, we also take the selection of the best and most valid content in multiple areas very seriously.

Information remains a powerful weapon, even more, in the circumstances around the world these days.

First up, 2021 Super Bowl Commercials

Many viewers who avoided Super Bowl gatherings on Sunday had little else to do but actually pay attention to the dozens of commercials during the breaks in the matchup between Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs and Tom Brady of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The ads that were served up during a broadcast expected to draw an audience of 100 million presented starkly different ideas of what type of marketing messages would work in the middle of a long pandemic and after a year of social strife and political upheaval.

Jeep persuaded Bruce Springsteen to appear in his first commercial ever, a two-minute call for national unity that was scheduled to run in the fourth quarter. Jeep persuaded Bruce Springsteen to appear in his first commercial ever, a two-minute call for national unity that was scheduled to run in the fourth quarter.

We share a common passion: language

It dawned on me today that just around this time 10 years ago was when I first started out in the language industry. It’s quite difficult to avoid cliché territory so I’ll start with one: It’s been one helluva ride, with its fair share of joys, thrills, successes, difficult moments, and lessons learned. One thing holds true, though — never in my wildest fantasies would I have imagined where I’d find myself 10 years on.

So, here is a collection of 10 things I’ve learned along the way, for your entertainment and my remembrance.

Language industry podcasts to listen to in 2021

According to podcast production company Podcast Insights, more than 850,000 separate podcasts are out there in the world, waiting to be listened to today. With that many out there, it can be tough to find the ones that matter to translators.

With that in mind, we’ve listed the top 12 localization industry podcasts being released today in alphabetical order below. To make our list, producers must have released a show within the last month. We’ve also limited the list to localization and interpreting industry topics — no podcasts on literature in translation, language learning (unless they also talk translation), etc.

Agile and Scrum

Agile and Scrum: What do these terms really mean?  “Agile” comes from the Latin agilis, i.e. quick, nimble and adaptable. This is exactly what companies expect from their staff today, believing that the principles of traditional management are no longer suited to modern production conditions, characterized by competition, a demand for greater productivity, speed and quality. Therefore, many businesses have introduced new project management methods and techniques, inspired by the agile methodology.

The agile mindset has inspired many practical methodologies, and one of the most popular is called Scrum.  

Scrum is the most widespread agile framework, particularly suited for complex and innovative projects. As a typical agile method, a scrum project is divided into sprints to synchronize the product development process with the needs of the customers. Each sprint lasts from 2 to 4 weeks and is timeboxed, i.e. it cannot be extended and it will end even if the work has not been completed. Read the full article.

Sustainability market is on track

Did you know that 49% of global respondents say they're inclined to pay higher-than-average prices for products with high-quality/safety standards, which consumers often associate with strong sustainability practices?

Additionally, consumers are willing to open their wallets for products that are organic (41%), made with sustainable materials (38%), or deliver on socially responsible claims (30%).

In fact, the U.S. sustainability market is on track to reach $150 billion in 2021.

That, in addition to it being better for the environment, is why several companies have gone or are going green in the future.

Virtual reality tourism

With globe-trotting banned in the pandemic, increasing numbers of people are turning to virtual reality to relieve pent-up demand for travel.

Escapism from the sofa through a growing range of VR travel experiences is whetting appetites for post-pandemic holidays and could be a watershed moment for the technology in tourism, say analysts.

“As long as the pandemic increases and we are spending more time indoors, we should see adoption keep on growing,” said Ralph Hollister, a tourism analyst at Global Data and the author of a recent report on VR in tourism.

What is Clubhouse?

Part talkback radio, part conference call, part Houseparty, Clubhouse is a social networking app based on audio-chat. Users can listen in to conversations, interviews and discussions between interesting people on various topics – it is just like tuning in to a podcast but live and with an added layer of exclusivity.

Clubhouse is invite only. You can’t just download it off the app store and create an account. Much like a real-life country or yacht club, you have to be invited to join by an existing member. Real world elitism, but make it virtual.

Last but not least

An article recommended by Mário Júnior, CEO of AP | PORTUGAL Tech Language Solutions >> Jogging has been a life-saver for me. I’ve had depression since I was a teenager, and I’ve jogged since then too. I’d hate to think what my head would feel like without running. Now the whole country has gone run-crazy. And it makes perfect sense. Far better run-crazy than stir-crazy.

This text was not written by a native English speaker, but by a language lover. However, all our language services are always provided by native speakers.