The Importance of High Quality Spanish Translations

Accurate Spanish translations are becoming increasingly important in today’s global business environment. This selection of articles provides an outlook on the Spanish language and Spanish language translation to provide a concise and essential understanding of the dynamics involved in successful Spanish business communication. A careful attempt will be made here to provide details on translation techniques and processes and how effective communication can be achieved with the help of professional Spanish language translation.

When dealing with languages it is also important to understand rules of etiquette and business practices in the culture in question, therefore special emphasis also has been provided to give a better understanding and knowledge about Spanish culture, etiquette and business practices.

Translation and translation services are the ultimate jobs for people who love language. However, there are a lot of misunderstandings about this field. Both translation and translation services require superior language ability in at least two languages, in this case both Spanish and English.

Translation and translation related services require the ability to accurately express information in the target language. The best translation is one that you don't realize is a translation, because it sounds just like it would if it had been written in that language to begin with. In addition, any professional translator must be a true subject matter expert in his or her chosen field of specialization.

And finally, translators and interpreters need to understand the cultures of both the source and target languages, in order to be able to adapt the language to the appropriate culture. When dealing with languages it is also important to understand rules of etiquette and business practices in the culture in question, therefore special emphasis has been given here to provide a better understanding and knowledge about French culture, etiquette and business practices.

Even though translation and translation services require people with high competence in at least two languages to work in this field, there are in fact many working translators whose language skills are not up to the task. Using unqualified translators will leave you with poor-quality translations with mistakes ranging from poor grammar and awkward phrasing to nonsensical or inaccurate information.

In short, the simple fact of speaking two or more languages does not necessarily make a good translator or interpreter - there's a lot more to it. Professional translation services are an important investment in the context of international business.

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This post was created by Textronics Communications Ltd. (www.textronics.com), a leading language and translation services provider since 1991. Our service offering includes translation, interpretation, proofreading, narration, transcription as well multi-lingual desktop publishing and web design services in all languages and subject matters. Our growing client base includes corporate, public and non-profit sector clients in Canada, the United States and Europe. Our language specialists are highly trained, tested and have many years of experience in their chosen subject matter and we consistently strive to offer high-quality language services at affordable prices. New clients can take advantage of a free test translation to try out our services first hand at no cost.
www.textronics.com – Communicate with the World

Textronics Communications Ltd. also publishes www.travelandtransitions.com, a popular web portal for unconventional travel and cross-cultural connections. Award-winning travel writer Susanne Pacher chronicles her personal journeys to places such as Havana, Mexico City, New York City, Chicago, Toronto, Montreal, Sicily, and various other places in Europe and North America and writes about the people behind the destinations. Compilations of these articles are now available as electronic books at the following link: http://www.travelandtransitions.com/ebooks.html. In addition, the website offers interviews with fascinating personalities and tourism experts as well as practical travel advice and regional travel information.
www.travelandtransitions.com – Life is a Journey – Explore New Horizons

Spanish Language: History and Geographical Distribution

The Spanish language is a Romance language that originated in the northern area of Spain and later spread throughout the Kingdom of Castile. Today’s official Spanish language, as spoken in Spain, is still referred to as Castilian Spanish. Throughout Spain’s colonial history, the Spanish language was also exported to Spain’s overseas territories which include all countries of Latin America with the exception of Brazil. Spanish has a rich literary tradition, both in Spain and Latin America.

Spanish is the official language of 21 countries. Argentina, Bolivia (co-official with Quechua and Aymara), Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea (co-official French), Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay (co-official Guaraní), Peru (co-official with Quechua and Aymara), Puerto Rico (co-official with English), Spain (co-official in some regions with Catalan, Galician and Basque), Uruguay, and Venezuela.

In addition, Spanish is one of the official languages of the United Nations, the Organization of American States, the South American Community of Nations, and the European Union.

Mexico has the largest number of Spanish speakers of any country: more than 100 million Mexicans boast Spanish as their native language. The importance of the Spanish language in Brazil, whose official language is Portuguese, has grown as well due to Brazil’s proximity and increasing trade relationships with the surrounding Spanish-speaking nations. Since 2005 Brazil now makes Spanish available as a foreign language in the country’s secondary schools.

Historically Spanish was also very influential in the Philippines where it was the country’s official language for more than 300 years. Although Spanish lost its official status in 1987, many Philippine languages still feature numerous Spanish loanwords.

Spanish is also spoken in Africa, including the Canary Islands (an autonomous community of Spain), the Spanish exclaves of Ceuta and Melilla and in Equatorial Guinea where it shares its official status with French.

It is estimated that the combined total of native and non-native Spanish speakers is 400–480 million, probably making it the third most spoken language by total number of speakers.

In the United States, 42.7 Million people are Hispanics according to the 2005 census. Some 32 million people (12% of the whole population) aged 5 years or older speak Spanish at home. In total, the U.S. contains the world's fifth-largest Spanish speaking population. About 2 million French residents are also Spanish speakers. It is estimated that around 245,000 people in Canada are of Hispanic origin.

Spanish is also one of six official working languages of the United Nations and one of the most used global languages. It is spoken most extensively in the Americas, Spain and to a small extent in Africa and Asia Pacific. It is also the second most widely spoken language in the United States.

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This post was created by Textronics Communications Ltd. (www.textronics.com), a leading language and translation services provider since 1991. Our service offering includes translation, interpretation, proofreading, narration, transcription as well multi-lingual desktop publishing and web design services in all languages and subject matters. Our growing client base includes corporate, public and non-profit sector clients in Canada, the United States and Europe. Our language specialists are highly trained, tested and have many years of experience in their chosen subject matter and we consistently strive to offer high-quality language services at affordable prices. New clients can take advantage of a free test translation to try out our services first hand at no cost.
www.textronics.com – Communicate with the World

Textronics Communications Ltd. also publishes www.travelandtransitions.com, a popular web portal for unconventional travel and cross-cultural connections. Award-winning travel writer Susanne Pacher chronicles her personal journeys to places such as Havana, Mexico City, New York City, Chicago, Toronto, Montreal, Sicily, and various other places in Europe and North America and writes about the people behind the destinations. Compilations of these articles are now available as electronic books at the following link: http://www.travelandtransitions.com/ebooks.html. In addition, the website offers interviews with fascinating personalities and tourism experts as well as practical travel advice and regional travel information.
www.travelandtransitions.com – Life is a Journey – Explore New Horizons

Spanish Culture - Key Concepts and Values

Spanish (Hispanic) culture / etiquette / business practices

Present-day Spanish culture, deeply rooted in tradition, has been carved by the many outside influences the country has endured throughout its long history. Spain's diverse and unique regions are not only geographically and climatically different, but form an eclectic blend of personalities and identities. Appropriate and effective business etiquette in Spain can only be successfully applied through an understanding of this well-developed and highly elaborate culture.

Spanish culture – Key concepts and values

Face - Spanish culture places a large emphasis on personal pride. Therefore, causing loss of face through criticism or embarrassment should be avoided at all costs. During business meetings, for example, it is essential that your presentations are comprehensible in order to avoid any embarrassment that may occur from possible misunderstandings.

Individualism – In terms of personal attributes, individualism is highly valued in Spain, along with an emphasis on character and social status. When doing business in Spain, you will find that individualism is particularly predominant in management, where Spanish managers are less inclined to favour group decision making and team orientation.

Uncertainty Avoidance – This is a vital element of Spanish culture that refers to the cautious approach the Spanish take towards new ideas. In Spain, individuals tend to avoid ambiguity, but often accept a familiar risk situation.

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This post was created by Textronics Communications Ltd. (www.textronics.com), a leading language and translation services provider since 1991. Our service offering includes translation, interpretation, proofreading, narration, transcription as well multi-lingual desktop publishing and web design services in all languages and subject matters. Our growing client base includes corporate, public and non-profit sector clients in Canada, the United States and Europe. Our language specialists are highly trained, tested and have many years of experience in their chosen subject matter and we consistently strive to offer high-quality language services at affordable prices. New clients can take advantage of a free test translation to try out our services first hand at no cost.
www.textronics.com – Communicate with the World

Textronics Communications Ltd. also publishes www.travelandtransitions.com, a popular web portal for unconventional travel and cross-cultural connections. Award-winning travel writer Susanne Pacher chronicles her personal journeys to places such as Havana, Mexico City, New York City, Chicago, Toronto, Montreal, Sicily, and various other places in Europe and North America and writes about the people behind the destinations. Compilations of these articles are now available as electronic books at the following link: http://www.travelandtransitions.com/ebooks.html. In addition, the website offers interviews with fascinating personalities and tourism experts as well as practical travel advice and regional travel information.
www.travelandtransitions.com – Life is a Journey – Explore New Horizons

Spanish Business Culture - Etiquette Do's and Don'ts

Spanish business culture

• Working practices

o Working hours can vary across Spain. Generally speaking, offices open at approximately 09.00 and close mid-evening, with a two-hour break around 14.00.

o Business appointments should always be made well in advance in Spain and confirmation via a letter or fax beforehand is advised.

o Punctuality is expected of foreign visitors; however, you may sometimes find your Spanish counterparts arrive up to 30 minutes late.

• Structure and hierarchy
• Hierarchy and position are extremely significant in Spanish business culture.
• The distinct hierarchical structure of Spanish businesses means the authority to make decisions rests with the individual with the highest authority.
• Subordinates are respectful of authority and are generally far removed from their superiors.

• Working relationships
• An essential part of conducting business in Spain is establishing personal contacts.
• Establishing solid business relationships and building rapport with colleagues is a vital concept in Spanish business culture.
• The Spanish close sense of personal space and animated means of expression and communication can be seen as part of this emotionally expressive culture.

• Business practices

o The decision-making process in Spain is usually unhurried and can be a gradual, detailed procedure that involves consideration from various levels within the company. In this respect, maintaining good relationships with your Spanish counterparts from all positions is vital for success.

o When arriving at an appointment it is advised to present your business card to the receptionist. Wherever possible, business cards should be printed in English on one side and in Spanish on the other.

o An initial introduction at both business and social meetings generally includes a formal handshake while making direct eye contact and is extended to everyone present, male and female.

Business etiquette (Do's and Don'ts)

Ö DO remain patient in all dealings with your Spanish counterparts.

Ö DO try to maintain a friendly and personal atmosphere during negotiations.

Ö DO use basic titles of courtesy, Mr, Mrs, or Miss, followed by the surname, and professional titles, such as Dr, where known.

× DON'T expect to enter into business discussions at the start of a meeting. Your Spanish colleagues will want to establish a familiar environment on which to build new business relationships.

× DON'T presume that business can be explicitly discussed over meals, it is generally considered a sociable activity and therefore you should wait until your Spanish colleagues initiate such conversation.

× DON'T display signs of over-assertiveness or superiority. Your Spanish counterparts will appreciate a more modest approach to business negotiations.

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This post was created by Textronics Communications Ltd. (www.textronics.com), a leading language and translation services provider since 1991. Our service offering includes translation, interpretation, proofreading, narration, transcription as well multi-lingual desktop publishing and web design services in all languages and subject matters. Our growing client base includes corporate, public and non-profit sector clients in Canada, the United States and Europe. Our language specialists are highly trained, tested and have many years of experience in their chosen subject matter and we consistently strive to offer high-quality language services at affordable prices. New clients can take advantage of a free test translation to try out our services first hand at no cost.
www.textronics.com – Communicate with the World

Textronics Communications Ltd. also publishes www.travelandtransitions.com, a popular web portal for unconventional travel and cross-cultural connections. Award-winning travel writer Susanne Pacher chronicles her personal journeys to places such as Havana, Mexico City, New York City, Chicago, Toronto, Montreal, Sicily, and various other places in Europe and North America and writes about the people behind the destinations. Compilations of these articles are now available as electronic books at the following link: http://www.travelandtransitions.com/ebooks.html. In addition, the website offers interviews with fascinating personalities and tourism experts as well as practical travel advice and regional travel information.
www.travelandtransitions.com – Life is a Journey – Explore New Horizons