In recent years, stink bugs (Kamemushi, カメ虫), which come in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes, have been appearing in alarming numbers in Japan. These insects are notorious for feeding by poking their mouths into fruits and plants and sucking the juice from them, which often leads to the rotting of fruits and other …
From Interpreter to Caretaker: A Tale of Workplace Boundaries
An interpreter was hired by a Korean branch of a well-known Japanese cosmetics company to assist with language barriers. However, her life took an unexpected turn when the CEO contacted her urgently in May of the previous year. She was informed that his wife had fallen ill and required emergency surgery. Without hesitation, the interpreter …
Regional Disparities in Translation Rates: A Global Perspective
In the ever-expanding universe of translation services, one aspect that often captivates industry insiders and clients alike is the intriguing disparity in translation rates across different regions of the world. This captivating phenomenon sheds light on the intricate interplay of economic, cultural, and linguistic factors that shape the pricing of translation services on a global …
The Translator’s Toolbox: Skills, Expertise, and Communication
In the multifaceted realm of translation, the pursuit of excellence demands an intricate interplay of skills, qualifications, and ethical conduct. To comprehend the essence of professionalism in translation, we embark on a journey through four distinct pillars that underpin the very essence of this dynamic industry. From domain-specific expertise and native language proficiency to transparent …
When Booking a Dream Vacation Turns Into a Nightmare
A young man and his friends were left feeling cheated and furious after booking what they believed to be a luxurious hotel on a popular travel reservation website, only to arrive and discover they had been scammed. Despite the website’s promise of spacious living areas, beautiful bedrooms, generous terraces for barbecues, and even a bathtub, …