Some disastrous automatic translation, VRI as an emerging trend, and a Covid vaccine

The truth is that in this "information era" knowing the difference between "more knowledge" and "better knowledge" has become even more important.

The principle can be applied in the area of language and technological services, and it makes content curation a challenge which AP | PORTUGAL takes on with the same enthusiasm that we have had since our foundation, incorporating elements of the future into the present.

First up,

The race for a Covid vaccine is reaching a crucial stage, with the glimmer of a possibility that one of the leading contenders will be approved by Christmas.

In an interview with the Guardian, Kate Bingham, who heads the UK’s vaccine taskforce, said the UK was in “a very good place”. But there are still hurdles to clear in the coming weeks.

The Guardian’s health editor, Sarah Boseley, explains the challenges ahead.

COVID-19 is influencing video remote interpretation?

The new home-based working arrangements have brought with them a rapid increase in the use of video calling. From internal meetings to customer service provision, video is being used for all manner of business tasks instead of face-to-face communication in order to reduce the spread of the virus.

VRI has been an emerging trend over the past few years. It allows people to interpret from anywhere, making the cost of interpretation services lower in many cases.

More recently, though, interpreting companies are seeing increased use of video interpreting services, as people look for ways to reduce direct contact. Remote interpreting has meant increased safety for interpreters during the COVID-19 pandemic. Medical interpreters especially are often at the forefront of risk, often having to translate for both medical professionals who are constantly risking infection and possibly patients who have tested positive. VRI allows interpreters to keep doing what they do but in a safe environment.

VRI service for telehealth consultations

Australia’s non-English-speaking (NES) population has been growing exponentially compared to its native English speakers.

The latest census figures show that the number of people who speak a language other than English at home has been growing 12 times faster than those who speak English only. Government officials and various experts say this NES population has become particularly vulnerable during the pandemic.

Responding to the growing demand from the country’s NES patients due to Covid-19, the country’s Translating and Interpreting Services (a.k.a. TIS National) launched a video remote interpreting (VRI) service for telehealth consultations.

What is copywriting? 6 traits of good copywriting

Copywriting is one of the most critical elements of any and all forms of marketing and advertising. Copywriting consists of the words, either written or spoken, marketers use to try to get people to take an action after reading or hearing them.

Copywriting is like a call-to-action, but on a bigger scale: Copywriters are trying to get people to feel, think, or respond -- or, ideally, to Google the slogan or brand to learn more about the campaign. And where a blog post like this one has the luxury of hundreds of words with which to make a case, copywriters only have a few words to make their case.

But short and sweet isn't the only characteristic of good copywriting. Keep reading to learn more characteristics of the truly memorable copy.

Russian infantry figurines were translated as “Russian toddlers”

Amazon’s launch of a Swedish retail site, its first in the Nordics, has caused embarrassment at the e-commerce company after a series of errors led to confusing, nonsensical, and occasionally vulgar product listings scattered across the catalog.

To start with, Amazon chose the wrong flag: the Argentine flag appeared where the Swedish flag should have been placed on the country picker. Other problems were more understandable, thanks to some disastrous automatic translation from listings on other European branches of the retailer. Nintendo Switch games were listed as suitable for the Nintendo Circuit Breaker, and a collection of second world war-era Russian infantry figurines was translated as “Russian toddlers”.

Spotify, podcast, and Kim Kardashian

Spotify shares are soaring as the company continues to ink buzzy deals. The music streaming and media services company signed Kardashian West for an exclusive podcast deal, the Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday, citing sources familiar with the matter.

Then, Spotify announced a new partnership with DC and Warner Bros. to exclusively produce and distribute an original slate of narrative scripted podcasts.

The Kardashian West podcast will focus on criminal justice, according to the report, and will be co-produced and co-hosted by television producer Lori Rothschild Ansaldi. The show will follow Rothschild Ansaldi as she investigates the case of Kevin Keith, who was convicted of three murders in 1994 but maintains that he was not the shooter, according to The Journal.

Last but not least

An article recommended by Mário Júnior, CEO of AP | PORTUGAL Tech Language Solutions. Seeking ways to teach safely during the pandemic, schools across the United States have embraced the idea of classes in the open air, as Americans did during disease outbreaks a century ago.

The efforts to throw tents over playgrounds and arrange desks in parks and parking lots have brought new life to an outdoor education movement, inspired in part by Scandinavian “forest schools” where children bundle up against frigid temperatures for long romps in the snow.

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.

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AP | PORTUGAL Tech Language Solutions is a Portuguese translation company certified by the ISO 17100 International Quality Standard. The company offers a wide range of language services, which include translation (TEP), post-editing machine translation (PEMT), transcription, desktop publishing and subtitling, voice talent, software and website localization technology, SEO, and consulting. It invests enthusiastically in the development of partnerships and cooperation anywhere in the world where your organization may need a partner for the African, Brazilian and European Portuguese language.