From typewriters to machine translation, technology has continuously transformed language services. The future capacity of companies and individuals to win business and influence the industry depends on having a technological advantage. Locations with hubs of impactful and popular language technologies will attract better talent, create more jobs, and enjoy economic development more than others. So, […] 查看全文

This is a story about an LSP who frequently encountered problems in his sales and marketing efforts and found solutions to those problems. Names have been changed for confidentiality and privacy reasons. 3 PM sunlight streamed through Lisa's office window, illuminating a scene of mounting frustration. Another rejection email blinked on her screen – the third in as many weeks – all for the same 10,000-word post-editing project from the coveted MLV client. Despite offering a significantly lower price than usual, she just couldn't understand how another translation company could undercut her on a project considered "low-value" in their industry. The realization was stark: relying on random inquiries and scraps from conference friends wouldn't cut it anymore. Lisa needed a systematic approach to attract high-paying, long-term clients. Social media posting Social media seemed like the logical answer. She'd seen her colleagues posting about grammar tips and translation processes, but their carousels seemed to disappear into the digital void, bringing nothing but crickets in terms of new business. The allure of "Swiss watch" copywriting from LinkedIn experts was tempting, but she knew mastery couldn't be achieved overnight. Then, amidst the sea of advice, something clicked: artificial intelligence. While many feared AI as a job-stealing monster, Lisa recognized its potential to structure her social media content into something truly impactful. Consulting for success That fear abated, a new one emerged: consulting agencies. She'd been eyeing one on LinkedIn for months, their expertise undeniable, but the price tag and the self-doubt whispering "we're too small" held her back. But despair was a powerful motivator. Taking a deep breath, Lisa reached out, ready to shed the outdated notion of "sleazy salesman" tactics and embrace a modern approach to B2B sales. Farming and hunting strategy To Lisa's surprise, the consultants didn't peddle quick-fix magic. Instead, they presented a clear, two-pronged strategy: farming and hunting. Farming, they explained, was about nurturing long-term leads through valuable educational content on social media. This meant understanding her ideal client's pain points and crafting posts that addressed them, offering insights and expertise without the hard sell. Think of it as planting seeds, cultivating trust, and subtly positioning Lisa's LSP as the trusted advisor. Showcasing unique strengths But farming alone wouldn't bring immediate results. Hunting, the consultants explained, was about targeted outreach to specific high-value clients. Utilizing Lisa's existing network and the consultants' data-driven tools, they identified promising leads within MLV's ecosystem. Then, crafting personalized messages showcasing Lisa's LSP's unique strengths and addressing the client's specific needs, they paved the way for direct conversations. Social media metamorphosis Over the next six months, Lisa's social media landscape underwent a metamorphosis. Gone were the dry process descriptions. In their place were engaging infographics, insightful blog posts, and short videos discussing industry trends and challenges relevant to MLV clients. Lisa herself emerged as a thought leader, her genuine passion for languages and client-centric approach shining through. And the results The results were remarkable. Organic engagement on her LSP's social media pages skyrocketed. Leads, not just random inquiries, started trickling in – qualified leads interested in Lisa's expertise and value proposition. And then came the call, the one that sent a thrill through Lisa: MLV, impressed by her online presence and targeted outreach, requested a meeting to discuss their translation needs. This was just the beginning. As Lisa continued nurturing her social media farm and engaging in strategic hunting, the seeds of transformation had been sown. The fear of cold calls and "manipulative" sales tactics faded, replaced by the confidence of a leader guiding her clients towards optimal language solutions. With every new partnership, Lisa's vision of a thriving LSP built on genuine value and a data-driven approach to client acquisition became more tangible. Breaking free from limiting beliefs Lisa's journey is a testament to the power of embracing new ideas and breaking free from limiting beliefs. It's a story of how social media, when wielded strategically, can become a powerful tool for attracting high-quality clients and transforming sales landscapes. And it's a reminder that sometimes, the greatest transformations begin with a single "I can't take it anymore" and a leap of faith into the unknown. So, are you ready to sow the seeds of your own LSP transformation? Here are some key takeaways from Lisa's story: • Farm, don't just sell: Create valuable content that educates and builds trust with your ideal clients. • Hunt strategically: Target specific high-value clients with personalized outreach. • Embrace your expertise: Position yourself as a thought leader in your industry. • Leverage AI: Use technology to your advantage to structure and refine your social media strategy. • Invest in professional help: Don't be afraid to seek guidance from experts who can help you navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape. 查看全文

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The 2023 ATC UK Language Services Industry Report is the go-to publication on the size and state of the UK market for language services. 查看全文

The Nimdzi 100 ranks the top language service providers (LSPs) on the market by revenue as well analyzing trends in the language industry. 查看全文

Curated by the 2024 Host Committee: Manuel Herranz (Pangeanic), Valeria Vicens (Montero Language Solutions), Ricard Sierra (Kobalt Languages), Xavier Maza Cid (iDisc), Paola Manca (Ampere Translations) Welcome to the GALA 2024 Valencia Starter Kit, your ultimate guide to making the most of your experience at the upcoming GALA conference in Valencia! As we prepare for our time onsite, our hope is to ensure that your time in this vibrant Spanish city is unforgettable. Whether you're a seasoned conference attendee or a first-timer, this blog is packed with essential tips, recommendations, and insider insights to help you navigate everything from travel arrangements to local cuisine, networking opportunities, and must-see attractions. Get ready to immerse yourself in the rich culture of Valencia while connecting with industry peers and gaining invaluable knowledge to advance in your professional ventures. Let's dive in and start planning for an extraordinary GALA 2024 experience in Valencia! Getting There Upon your arrival at Valencia Airport, reaching the city center is convenient via bus, subway, or taxi. The subway journey takes approximately 40 minutes. You'll need to board Line 5 towards Angel Guimerà, making 10 stops before transferring to Line 1 for an additional three stops. Your destination stop, "Beniferri," is a mere 500 meters from the Melià. Opting for a taxi, the trip should last about 15 minutes and will cost approximately €20. You will find all the information at the Spanish Airport Authority official website. If you're arriving in Madrid, your best choice is to proceed to Madrid Puerta de Atocha and board a high-speed train, which will take you to Valencia in just under two hours. For those landing in Barcelona, the preferred route involves catching the Euromed train from Estació de Sants directly to Valencia's Joaquín Sorolla station. This journey takes approximately 3 hours. Weather in Valencia In April, Valencia typically experiences average daytime temperatures ranging from 12°C (53°F) to 20°C (68°F). Nights can still be cool, but the days are generally warm with an increasing amount of sunshine as the month progresses. Rainfall during April is relatively low, but occasional showers can occur, so it's wise to have an umbrella or a light raincoat handy. It’s also wise to bring sunscreen as having a paella in the sun or enjoying a couple of hours on the beach can be really tempting! What to Wear We recommend business casual attire for the conference itself. While a jacket may be nice, a full suit is not necessary. Professional, yet comfortable is the key. Conference venues are notoriously difficult to "get right" in terms of temperature. Between everyone's individual preferences, the flow of bodies, and the space itself, you may find sessions to either be too cold or too warm for your comfort. We highly recommend bringing a sweater or jacket each day. Attendees often like to change outfits between the core conference and social/networking events. The GALA Dinner is often considered the most formal event, but don’t fret, there is no need to break out the tux and ballgowns. Other events may follow the business casual theme, or take a slightly more causal tone. If attending the pre- or post- conference tours, be sure to wear comfortable shoes and again, come prepared with layers! What to Eat Valencian cuisine is a tantalizing blend of Mediterranean flavors, rich history, and diverse influences. Renowned for its fresh ingredients and bold flavors, Valencian cuisine is deeply rooted in its coastal location, with seafood playing a prominent role in many dishes. Valencia's culinary landscape also boasts delectable tapas, succulent oranges, and indulgent sweets, making it a paradise for food enthusiasts. Paella Valenciana: The most iconic dish of Valencia, Paella Valenciana is a must-try. Unlike its seafood counterparts, the original recipe features chicken, rabbit, green beans, broad white beans and occasionally sometimes snails, all cooked in a large, shallow pan over an open flame. It's flavored with saffron and rosemary, giving it a distinctive taste and color. Should you find yourself wondering about the absence of chorizo, it's essential to understand that authentic paella never includes chorizo, ham, beef. This is an indisputable aspect of the dish's traditional recipe. Paella developed as a “hunter’s dish” from the days locals hunted in the southern lake “Albufera” - with no chicken but duck originally. Horchata de Chufa: A refreshing drink perfect for the warm Valencian climate, horchata is made from tigernuts, water, and sugar. It's typically served cold and is often accompanied by “fartons”, long, sweet pastries perfect for dipping into the drink. Agua de Valencia: Despite its name, Agua de Valencia is not locally sourced water, but a cocktail made from a mix of fresh orange juice, cava (Spanish sparkling wine), Cointreau or vodka, and gin or rum depending of house “secret formula”. It's a popular local drink, especially in social gatherings and celebrations and highly advertised in old-fashioned bars and restaurants in the old town (El Carme, etc) Arroz al Horno: Another rice dish that showcases the versatility of Valencian rice. It includes ingredients like pork ribs, sausage, tomato, potatoes, and garbanzo beans, baked in a clay pot with rice. It's hearty and deeply flavorful. Fideuà: Similar to paella but with short noodles instead of rice. Fideuà is typically made with seafood and is cooked in a paella pan. It's a savory dish that originated in the coastal regions of Valencia. Esgarraet: A simple yet flavorful appetizer made of roasted red peppers and bacalao (salted cod), marinated in olive oil and garlic. It's often served with fresh bread. Allioli: A garlic and olive oil emulsion that accompanies many Valencian dishes. It's similar to mayonnaise but with a strong garlic flavor, perfect for adding zest to meats, seafood, and vegetables. Exploring Valencia GALA offers several conference tours and excursions that may be added on to your conference registration for a fee and cover many of the most popular sights including the City of Arts and Sciences complex, Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia (Reina Sofia Palace of the Arts), Museo Fallero de València (The Fallas Museum), Old Town Valencia, Estació del Nord (Valencia Nord Station), Palatial Ayuntamiento (City Hall), Mercado Central (Central Market), La Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange), Marqués de Dos Aguas Palace (National Ceramic Museum), L'Albufera/El Palmar, and more. However, if you’re looking to take in even more of the city, here are a few lesser-known stops that you might consider adding to your itinerary. But first, a bit of history about the city... Valencia was founded in year 138 BC and as you can guess by the name, it was “the home of the brave” (the valiants, that is, veteran Roman soldiers who had served the Republic. Ruins by the riverbed prove that Haníbal built a small fort in what is now Valencia before attacking Sagunto (north of Valencia), starting the Punic War and crossing the Alps with his elephants. You can visit the original Roman level, with its “cardus” and “decumanus maximus” (the crossed streets) and parts of the town at L’Almoina. The city underwent Roman, Visigoth and Muslim rule until it was briefly taken by El Cid. King Jaume I reconquered it in 1238 and created a “new, free kingdom”, with settlers coming mostly from the western part of Catalonia, Aragon and other parts of Europe (francés, anglès, alemany are not uncommon surnames in the area). Visit the monumental Torre de Serranos by the riverbed and Torres de Quart (the original gate) from those times. The holes you can see in the Torres de Quart come from Napoleonic troops bombarding the city in the early 1800’s. Vall d’Uixó - Coves de Sant Josep [Caves of San Jose]: Located at about one hour by train from Valencia’s station, Estaciò del Nord, Coves de Sant Josep holds the longest navigable underground river in Europe. Enter the depths of the Sierra de Espadán and discover unique prehistoric paintings and engravings. This underground landscape’s visit lasts around 45 minutes and includes a section by boat of 800 meters and a walk of 250 meters with a constant temperature of 20ºC. Iglesia de San Nicolás de Bari y San Pedro Mártir [Church of San Nicolás]: Perhaps Valencia’s best secret in town is its “Sixtine Chapel.” At least equally impressive as it’s Vatican City counterpart, is certainly worth a visit outside conference hours or in the morning. The interior of the church was completed between 1690-1693, and was decorated by Juan Pérez Castiel in baroque fashion. It has frescoes, depicting the lives of San Nicola and Peter of Verona, along with virtues and allegories, designed by Antonio Palomino and completed by Dionis Vidal. The chapel altarpieces include works by Juan de Juanes, Fernando Yáñez de la Almedina, Jerónimo Jacinto de Espinosa, and José Vergara Gimeno. Palau Alameda – Fly me to the moon - Palau Alameda is a beautiful and vibrant rooftop restaurant and rooftop bar.It may not look too engaging from the outside. However, the inside is breathtaking. Enjoy more than 2,000 square meters of gastronomy, culture and leisure spread over three different spaces: the club Azza, the event space La Sala, and the rooftop “ ÀTIC”. Modern, colorful and blossomy. Immerse yourself in an urban oasis with stunning views over the Alameda and the old riverbed of Túria river. From lunch, dinner to some delicious drinks at DJ party nights, Palau Alameda is one of the hotspots in Valencia. ÀTIC gets started around 4 - 5 PM and stays open well passed midnight at week-ends. Definitely a place to go! Valencia Tourist Card If you're in Valencia for one, two or three days, you may want to get the Valencia Tourist Card. It's a physical card you can use to travel around the city by public transport and get into museums and some monuments for free. It also entitles you to special discounts on numerous attractions, tours, stores and restaurants. What’s included? FREE transport on city buses, underground, tram, commuter trains and intercity buses (MetroBus) in zones AB. It also includes trips to/from the airport on underground lines L3 and L5. FREE admission to municipal museums and monuments such as the Silk Exchange, the Serranos and Quart towers and other landmarks. Special DISCOUNTS on the city's main tourist attractions, including the City of Arts and Sciences, Oceanogràfic, Tourist Bus, Marqués de dos Aguas Palace, and on tourist services, guided tours. 2 tapas and 2 FREE drinks. Other Spanish Attractions We know many of you are visiting Valencia by way of other major Spanish cities. Making your way through Madrid or Barcelona? Here are a few bits information for both. On your way to (or from) Valencia… Madrid! If you have a stopover in Madrid on your way to the conference or flying back home, don’t miss this opportunity to visit the capital of Spain. Madrid pulsates with life, captivating visitors with its majestic architecture, world-class art, and fiery passion for life. Here, every corner tells a story, from the grandeur of the Royal Palace to the bustling markets of El Rastro, echoing centuries of Spanish heritage and innovation. The high-speed trains to and from Valencia (AVE) arrive and depart from Atocha Railway Station, which is located at walking distance from three of Madrid’s most important museums: El Prado, Reina Sofía and Thyssen-Bornemisza. Lower-priced alternatives started operating between the capital and Valencia some years ago. In Madrid's Atocha area, there are several notable attractions and points of interest worth exploring during your stopover. Begin your journey at the iconic Puerta de Atocha [Atocha Railway Station] - Atocha Station is known for its stunning architecture and bustling atmosphere. Inside the station, don't miss the tropical garden conservatory, a serene oasis filled with lush greenery, ponds, and even turtles, providing a tranquil escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía [Reina Sofía Museum] - One of Madrid's premier contemporary art museums lies adjacent to Atocha Station. Housing an impressive collection of 20th-century Spanish art, including masterpieces by Salvador Dalí and Pablo Picasso, the museum offers a captivating journey through Spain's artistic evolution. Be sure to spend some time admiring Picasso's famous painting, Guernica, a powerful depiction of the Spanish Civil War. Parque del Retiro [Retiro Park] - For a dose of nature and relaxation, head to one of Madrid's largest and most beautiful green spaces. Here, you can wander through landscaped gardens, row a boat on the lake, or simply relax under the shade of a tree. With its numerous fountains, sculptures, and picturesque pathways, Retiro Park offers the perfect escape from the urban hustle, allowing you to recharge and rejuvenate before continuing your exploration of Madrid's Atocha area. For a taste of Madrid's culinary scene, venture into the lively neighborhood surrounding Atocha. Here, you'll find an array of traditional taverns, trendy cafes, and local eateries serving up authentic cuisine from all of Spain’s regions. Whether you're craving classic tapas, savory paella, or innovative fusion dishes, you're sure to find something to satisfy your palate in this vibrant culinary hub. Another option is visiting the picturesque neighborhoods of Tirso de Molina and Lavapiés, known for their eclectic atmosphere and diverse cultural scene. Wander through narrow streets adorned with colorful street art, and discover hidden gems such as quirky art galleries, cozy cafes, and vibrant markets (don’t miss “El Rastro” on Sunday mornings!). Stop to sample some traditional Spanish tapas at one of the local taverns or indulge in international cuisine at one of the many multicultural eateries in the area. ¡Bienvenidos a Madrid! Barcelona If you were thinking of visiting Barcelona before or after the conference, these are some of our suggestions for you to fully enjoy the jewel of the Mediterranean. La Sagrada Familia - Gaudi’s monumental masterpiece is finally in its latest stages before completion with a projected completion date around 2030. The Sagrada Família is a one-of-a-kind temple, for its origins, foundation and purpose. Fruit of the work of genius architect Antoni Gaudí, the project was promoted by the people for the people. Five generations now have watched the Temple progress in Barcelona. Today, more than 140 years after the laying of the cornerstone, construction continues on the Basilica. Tip: Ensure you reserve your tickets well in advance to explore the interior of the basilica, where you'll be captivated by the breathtaking play of natural light and colors. Allow 1-2 hours to visit it. Casa Batlló [The House of Bones] - In the heart of the Passeig de Gràcia, one of the most beautiful streets in the world, and right across Casa Milà, or as people from Barcelona call it, La Pedrera, lies the Casa Batlló, a magical house and another Gaudí masterpiece. Tip: Get your tickets in advance to visit this UNESCO World Heritage site. Duration of the visit: 1h 30 mins. Bonus tip: From April 21 to 23 the whole building will be dressed in roses to celebrate Sant Jordi Barri Gòtic [Gothic Quarter] - The Gothic Quarter is the historic centre of the old city of Barcelona. It stretches from Las Ramblas to Via Laietana, and from the Mediterranean seafront to the Ronda de Sant Pere. The quarter encompasses the oldest parts of the city of Barcelona, and includes the remains of the city's Roman wall and several notable medieval landmarks. Take a stroll through the narrow streets and discover small plazas with quaint bars and restaurants. Don’t forget to visit the Cathedral, the Ajuntament (Town Hall) and the Palau de la Generalitat (The Autonomic Government Building) are opposite each other at the Plaça Sant Jaume, take a walk to Plaça Reial or Plaça del Pi and enjoy the old Barcelona from medieval times. Tip: Don’t be just like any other tourist and avoid Las Ramblas to have lunch or even a drink. Those are tourist traps. Go and explore the little streets and find a spot you like. There are so many! Casa Milà (La Pedrera) - Popularly known as La Pedrera ("the stone quarry") in reference to its unconventional rough-hewn appearance, is a Modernista building and the last private residence designed by architect Antoni Gaudí and was built between 1906 and 1912. In 1984, it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. At the time, it was controversial because of its undulating stone facade, twisting wrought iron balconies, and design by Josep Maria Jujol. Several structural innovations include a self-supporting stone façade, a free-plan floor, an underground garage and the spectacular terrace on the roof. El Born - The lower section of the La Ribera district, just below Carrer de la Princesa, and leading to Barceloneta is referred to as El Born after the 19th century market on carrer del Comerç that dominates the area. This is one of the trendiest and most touristic districts in the old city. It is a popular place for tourists and contains many art boutiques, bars and cafés. Many of the buildings date from late Medieval times. It was a well-to-do quarter during 13th–15th centuries, when it really was by the sea shore, and the area that today is named Barceloneta was still an island. Notable buildings are the Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar, which was financed and built by the people of Barcelona, and the palaces along Carrer de Montcada. The former market hall Mercat del Born covers archaeological ruins which were part of the La Ribera district that was demolished after the Siege of Barcelona (1713–14) and the defeat of Catalonia in the War of Succession. Another place of interest is the Fossar de les Moreres, the site of a mass grave of Catalan soldiers fallen during the siege of 1714. Tip: Take a walk through its narrow streets and discover the trendy shops, bars and restaurants that make this quarter one of the coolest places in Barcelona. Pro tip: According to The World’s 50 Best, Barcelona boasts the best bar in the world and the second-best restaurant in the world (first in Europe). Just saying! 查看全文

Consulte las publicaciones de Lionbridge más destacadas de 2019 en materia de videojuegos y obtenga información clave sobre el estado de la industria del videojuego,… 查看全文

2019년 Lionbridge 게임 블로그에서 가장 인기 있었던 게시물을 통해 게임 산업의 현황을 파악하고, 이러한 세계적 현상이 미치는 영향에 대해 자세히 알아보세요. 查看全文

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ULUS: Legends of the Nomads - Using a game to protect a…

Since 2012, the Endangered Alphabets Project has been experimenting with, among other enterprises, language games. Wait—endangered alphabets? Is that, you ask, a thing? Yes, it is. Every culture has its own spoken language, and in many cases its own written language, too—a writing system it has developed to express its own beliefs, its own experiences, its understanding of the world. What the members of that culture have collectively written in that script is the record of their cultural identity: spiritual texts, historical documents, deeds, letters between family members, poems. Yet as many as 90% of the world’s scripts are threatened, marginalized, even actively suppressed. Denying members of a minority culture the right to read, write and speak in their mother tongue defines them as inferior and unimportant, and leaves them vulnerable, marginalized, and open to abuse. The extent and quality of education go down, while levels of homelessness and incarceration, and even suicide go up. It’s a slow catastrophe. Our mission at the Endangered Alphabets is to support minority and indigenous cultures with traditional writing systems that are being abandoned or forced out of existence. And one of our strategies is games. If you’re going to revitalize a culture’s language—whether spoken or written—you need to catch the interest of its children, and to catch a child’s interest, you need games. Those of us in majority cultures have all kinds of games that teach us to recognize letters and even groups of letters almost instantly, and to imagine and manipulate those groupings in our mind’s eye, a crucial skill for swift reading and comprehension. Scrabble, Boggle, Yahtzee, crosswords, words search puzzles—we grew up with a steady supply of readily-available, affordable, fun ways to develop spectacular proficiency in written language. Indigenous and minority peoples often have no such training aids; many, in fact, have no readily-available published materials in their script at all. So I first created alphabet decks of cards in a variety of minority scripts—Glagolitic, Mro, Chakma, Abenaki, Cree, Baybayin, Cherokee—with instructions for simple games. (This, by the way, was much more challenging than it seemed. Should tone marks and accents be included? If so, the decks would be enormous. And how do you handle a script whose vowels don’t automatically follow consonants, but may be placed above or even before them? The Latin alphabet is easier to play with because it is so inexact: a single letter or letter-combination may be used in two, three, even half-a-dozen ways, so a single card or tile can have many values.) The newest Endangered Alphabets game is by far the most complex, and the most ambitious in terms of the problem it tries to tackle. Let me set the stage. Roughly 800 years ago, the Mongols established the largest contiguous land empire the world has ever known. This highpoint in their history is profoundly identified with Chinggis Khan, who is regarded as the founder of Mongolia; the horse and the bow, which were handled so skillfully by the Mongols that they swept all before them; and the unique, vertical classical Mongolian script. Since then, the vast Mongol Empire has dwindled. Most of those who identify ethnically and culturally as Mongols live in three countries: Russia, Mongolia, and China. Those in Russia tend to speak Russian and write in Cyrillic. Those in Mongolia speak Mongolian but, because of historic pressure from the Soviet Union, write it in Cyrillic, a script that imperfectly fits the Mongolian language and is a reminder of their recent subjugation rather than their earlier and more glorious history. The traditional Mongolian vertical bichig script has until now been kept alive in what the Chinese call the Autonomous Province of Inner Mongolia, which some Mongols call Southern Mongolia. This region is also the home of the graceful, dynamic Mongolian calligraphy, identified by UNESCO in 2013 as an intangible cultural heritage in urgent need of safeguarding. This oasis of traditional Mongol culture was rudely shaken in August 2020, when the Chinese government announced that, starting that autumn, certain key classes in schools in Inner Mongolia would be taught not in Mongolian but in Chinese. The Mongols recognized this as the thin end of a wedge that would be driven between them and their language, their script, and thus their culture. (Meanwhile, Chinese intentions toward Mongol culture were being made clear in France, where an exhibition about Chinggis Khan was suspended after the Chinese Bureau of Cultural Heritage demanded editing authority over exhibition brochures, legends and maps, and insisted any reference to Chinggis Khan himself, or the words “Mongol” and “empire” be removed. The historical fact that the Mongols overran the Chinese was to be erased.) To me, this situation clearly called for help from the Endangered Alphabets—but how could a tiny non-profit support a culture threatened by arguably the most powerful government in the world? The idea of creating a game came from Olgierd Uziemblo of Warsaw University who, as a Pole, knew at first hand something about surviving an authoritarian government. He argued the strategy should be not to anger the Chinese but to find apparently harmless ways to keep one’s identity and culture intact and in memory until the threat passed. And as a sinologist whose father served as a diplomat in Mongolia, he also insisted the climax of the game should be at the annual summer festival of Naadam, one of the oldest in the world, which combines traditional Mongol sports (archery, wrestling, horse riding) with trading, commerce, and traditional storytelling. At the heart of the game was a supposedly historical incident. When Chinggis Khan had established the largest contiguous land empire the world has known, a debate sprang up among him and his sons: Now what? What do we want to do with this ulus, this land? What kind of people do we want to be? Should we be warriors? Should we go back to our traditional lives as nomads and herders? Should we try to be city-dwellers, like the cultures we have encountered in the West? In a way, it was a debate about a people’s soul, and that ancient/modern, rural/urban dilemma is still felt by many Mongols today. Hence the name of the game: ULUS, Legends of the Nomads. I decided to frame this as a contest among the Mongol gods, each of which has their ulus, or vision for the future of the Mongol lands. I also decided to borrow from Greek mythology the notion that the gods carry out their quarrels on the human chessboard, so each god is represented in the game by a human champion, drawn from Mongol history and mythology. Sorghaghtani Beki, for example, the mother of Kublai Khan and arguably the most powerful woman in history. Khutulun, the noblewoman who challenged her suitors to wrestle her for her hand in marriage, and defeated them all. Zanabazar, a Buddhist sage, sculptor, poet, and creator of an alphabet. Each champion has to gather the kinds of asset that will enable their god to establish and maintain their ulus, the assets being represented by cards—but each asset card is at a sacred site, guarded by a monster from Mongol mythology, and the champions have to defeat monsters in order to gain assets. The movement of the game follows the rhythms of nomadic life, with the group of champions moving season by season around the Mongol lands, ending at Naadam. And the champions’ fortunes are dictated by rolling shagai—sheep’s anklebones used across Asia for divination, and in children’s games—on a mat made of felt, the traditional fabric used by Mongols to make clothing, shoes, and ger, or yurts. We were very lucky to partner with several Mongolian experts. Gunbilegt Enkhbold was able to source shagai, both authentic bone shagai and resin shagai, manufactured for children’s games. Dash Nyamsuren, an editor, translator, lexicographer and calligraphy teacher, wrote us the names of the seasons a special “folded” script, a form of classical Mongolian especially used to enclose a word within a circle, and for other design and display purposes. Bajuna Batjargal, a fabric designer specializing in the traditional Mongolian felt fabrics, designed game mats and stenciled them with Mongolian script. Bee and Soy coordinated a small cottage industry around their ger to hand-sew the traditional Mongolian game mats. We debated long and hard about whether learning the Mongolian language and/or script would be part of the game and decided it was just asking too much of the players. They get to see the script, and in the rule book there is a brief primer on how the writing works, and on the game site we’ve given links to excellent Mongolian learning sites, but we decided the best thing would be to open the door to the culture in general, and anyone interested in the language would have clear paths forward. One of our team, Hilko Drude, is also designing a card game that teaching the Mongolian script as a follow-up. Even as the components for the game arrive and are assembled for shipping, I’m all too aware of Chinggis Khan’s question Now what? I’ve committed to publishing a children’s picture book dictionary in the traditional scripts of the Philippines, and to a vast research project to identify all the world’s current scripts and assess their degree of health or endangerment. And how do I fund this work, given that the world’s script crisis is not yet on people’s radar? Good question. I’d better roll my shagai…. 查看全文

Sign up for our newsletter on globalization and localization matters. I am quite sure you've received at least one email from a translation service provider regarding translation services you don’t need, never asked for, or even you yourself provide. Not customer oriented at all. On top of that, the email was probably full of spelling and grammatical errors. Obviously, no research was done. And no email content quality check was carried out to showcase authority and credibility already through the email to highly error-sensitive recipients. For sure, a lot can be learned from such emails. But let’s focus on what you can do better to reach clients who need reliable translation service providers. Email marketing is not dead In addition, such an email may have even reinforced your limiting belief that email marketing is dead and you may have deleted it right away. However, the figures presented by MailerLite show the opposite. Surprisingly enough, as many as 37.65 % of recipients opened a sales email in 2022. Here is a bit more of their statistics for 2022: Email marketing benchmark across industries 0.30% 0.24% 8.93% 3.36% 37.65% Bounce rate Unsubscribe rate Click-through rate Click rate Open rate Source: MailerLite Since sales emails seem to be alive and kicking, let’s see how you can write successful emails specifically for your translation services. Success here equals converting recipients into clients once they need translation services. Don't sell, request an appointment Before we dig into email writing, please note that sales emails should not push anyone to buy your translation services. In principle, their function is to remind potential clients that you can help them achieve their goals or solve their problems with your language solutions once the need arises. Instead, focus on building a relationship with your prospective clients. Politely ask for an appointment to discuss their needs and challenges further. Frame the appointment as an opportunity to explore potential solutions together, rather than a pushy sales attempt. This approach shows that you are genuinely interested in understanding their unique requirements and are eager to provide tailor-made solutions. No success without a strategy and thorough preparation Success requires strategy and thorough preparation because your message needs to be communicated effectively for ideal clients to even want to open your email. And that they are motivated to further research who you are and how you can make their lives easier. For this purpose, I will use the PDCA approach (Plan-Do-Check-Act) here to make your life easier. You'll find out how you can: excel in the planning and preparation phase (plan) test the waters with a smaller audience (do) analyze the testing data (check) apply the findings to the larger audience (act) Planning and preparation phase Strategically consider the points listed below first. Goals and purpose: Your overarching business goal and how the email campaign fits into the big picture Purpose of the email: informing or nurturing Measurable goals of this email campaign and results you’ll be happy with Audience: Target audience you can serve impeccably right now Unique value proposition that fully resonates with your ideal clients Three benefits that address the pain points of your ideal clients Communication style and tone of voice Clear, compelling and descriptive call-to-action The ideal email length that should be less than 200 words Technology and legislation: Platforms to find the right contact in desired segments such as country business registers or business intelligence solutions such as Dun and Bradstreet Email marketing tools like MailerLite or Mailchimp Compliance with email marketing regulations such as GDPR (EU), CCPA (US), CASL (CA) Know your target audience Before hitting "Send," you may take the time to understand your target audience thoroughly. Who are they? What industries do they belong to? What are their pain points and challenges? For example, if you want to work with IT startups, you might think about approaching people who oversee strategy development or make strategic expansion decisions. It can be CEO or marketing department or someone you would have never expected. Research is the backbone of any successful sales email. Understand their current and future needs While some potential clients may not require translation services immediately, they might in the future. Translation service providers should be aware of this and position themselves as reliable and trustworthy partners who can support their language needs whenever they arise. Create an attractive subject line and pre-header message You can make the first impression only once, especially when it comes to email communication. People receive countless emails daily, and if the subject line and pre-header (the short summary text that follows the subject line) fail to capture their attention, the chances are high that your message will go unnoticed. Make the subject line appealing, concise, and relevant to the recipient's interests. It can even be a thought-provoking question such as: How have language solutions helped you expand internationally? However, you can find inspiration here for different types of email subjects. In the pre-header, address their pain points directly, showing them that this email is not just another generic sales pitch, but a tailored solution to their specific needs. For IT startups, it can be something along the lines: Dear Mr./Ms. XXXX, Selling your software solutions XXXX abroad can be very challenging. Especially if your message doesn’t resonate well with potential users in their native language. Because we fully understand you, we took the liberty of contacting you. Utilize the power of three benefits In the body of the email, focus on presenting three key benefits of your translation services. The reason for this is simple: people tend to remember and process information better in threes. It keeps the message clear and memorable. Client’s language is the key ALWAYS use the language of your ideal clients and never insist on words used for specific translation services such as localization, post-editing and the like because many people don’t know what they mean. So, if you are writing to a marketing person, use the words such as “part of your marketing strategy”, “go-to-market challenges”, “addressing customer segments properly”, and “success in different markets”. If you are talking to IT professionals then use phrases “it is like big data”, “analytical approach”, “to stay agile”, “to improve marketing automation”, etc. In this way, you also show your empathy. But don’t forget to also show your authority to help them based on your experience with similar companies, specific know-how, and modern technology that will also help them save some money. Empathy and authority together make up the most needed customer orientation. Showcase translation as a growth enabler Position translation services as more than just a transactional service; emphasize that it serves as a growth-enabling resource for the client's business. By demonstrating the transformative impact of translation, you showcase your services as an investment rather than an expense. So you may go on like this: We're here basically to help you effectively and efficiently reach international markets with our language solutions. Based on our working experience with similar IT companies over the past two years, we believe our language solutions can bring you: • Quick access to numerous users in desired markets • A solid foundation for long-term relationships with users • A stronger overall global presence But that's just what we think now, without knowing exactly how you're dealing with your go-to-market challenges. Therefore, we would like to discuss the challenges with you so that we can find tailor-made solutions if you agree. And of course, if you are looking for a linguistic growth enabler in the near future. To see how our experienced professionals and modern translation technology can contribute to your international success in desired geographies and save you money, you may visit our website at XXXXX. There you will also find the testimonials of our clients with a business model like yours. You can reply directly to this email or use other means of contact that are most convenient for you. We wish you all the best and remarkable success with your solutions in all the markets you want to conquer. Best regards, John Doe Client Success Manager Cellphone / WhatsApp / Calendly LanguageSolutions.xxx Testing the waters with a smaller audience Now that our email is ready, it's time for the Do phase of the Plan-Do-Check-Act approach to writing successful sales emails for translation services. In this phase, you may want to test how your email resonates with a smaller audience before going big. Technically, this is your pilot project. To be on the safe side, you should first send the email to yourself or to your colleagues with different email accounts (Gmail, Outlook, Apple Mail, etc.) to get the look and feel in the different email clients. The example from this blog looks like this: Then you can select eight to ten contacts and maybe test two different subject lines to see which one has a higher open rate. That's technically called an A/B split campaign, and you can read more about it here. For this purpose, you can also use email marketing tools like MailerLite or Mailchimp, because they give you access to statistics about emails opened and links clicked in them, as well as some other useful numbers. Analyze your data OK, now we are in the Check phase of the Plan-Do-Check-Act approach. Now that you have more information from your pilot and know your target audience better, it's time to analyze what went well and what can be transferred to a larger group or recipients. Review the effectiveness of your subject line and content, starting with the headline, the body of the email and the call-to-action. Make the necessary corrections and you're ready for the big show. Apply the findings to the larger audience At this stage, you are ready to go to the big group. But that doesn't mean this is the end of the email campaign. Everything you do here you can apply in the next iteration as you will have more insights again. It's important that you enjoy the game and play it fairly and safely. All’s well that ends well In summary, creating successful sales emails for translation services requires a thorough preparation, execution and persistence. Good luck growing your translation business! 查看全文

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