Here is a very well written article by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) dealing with the current situation in Mozambique in preparation for the national elections in October 2014. It summarises succinctly the relations between FRELIMO and RENAMO and the changes made to the composition and operations of the National Electoral Commission (NEC), amongst others.
Full article: http://www.issafrica.org/iss-today/mozambican-elections-what-to-make-of-dhlakamas-intention-to-run-for-president
Hello Everybody
It has been a while. Much too long!
I had a fantastic 2013. Very busy. I was blessed with many projects, worked in many exotic places in Africa, met interesting people, and realised quite a few personal goals. I am immensely grateful.
I managed to read a few books in between (very important) and just finished reading Robin Sharma’s “The Greatness Guide”. What a good book. It inspired me to do a “clean sweep” so that I can be more efficient in my work and get more out of my days (including a few minutes to write in my website); it made me think about and realign some of my goals; it made me add to my “Bucket List” (or 101 things to do before I die) at 4am; it made me want to be a better human being.
Here are some snippets:
“Your days define your life. Your days are your life in miniature” + “Make time to think”
Isn’t it true that sometimes we are so busy that we don’t even take the time to think about why it is so and why we are doing what we do? Do we really use our days the best way possible?
“To be more productive, relax and have more fun” + “Get goofy at work”
I have been trying to live by this for the last 14 years and it works. I find that if you look after yourself by having a balanced life and taking time to enjoy moments and people, and laugh at things, life gets easier to tackle and the moments of creativity appear more often. I am well known for my quirky ways…
“The earth is small”
Oh boy! Have I felt this countless times! Stephen Hawking (another inspiring human being. His book “A Briefer History of Time”, which I got for Christmas, is awesome) writes that we are on a minor planet of a very average star in the outer suburb of one of a hundred billion galaxies. It puts a new perspective on things, doesn’t it?
“Who inspires you?”
I like to surround myself with inspiring people. Be it someone who is bravely battling through cancer; someone who is always joyful; someone who is very good at what they do; someone who teaches you new things; or someone who just makes you feel happy. Have you noticed that it takes days to recover from contact with negative people? Best to be avoided!
“How to live forever”
I am still working (hard) on this one : ) And I am planning to continue doing so until the last day!
Best wishes for happy days in 2014!
Everyone is talking about Bill Clinton’s speech at the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday. Really good stuff! Here is the full speech: http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/dnc-2012-bill-clintons-speech-at-the-democratic-national-convention-excerpt/2012/09/05/f208865e-f7a4-11e1-8253-3f495ae70650_story.html
The following day (well done!), Sam Harrison (author, speaker and workshop leader) published an analysis of Clinton’s three main techniques, all very useful: http://www.fastcompany.com/3001087/3-techniques-bill-clinton-uses-wow-audience?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+fastcompany%2Fheadlines+%28Fast+Company%29
Interpreters enable cross-cultural communication by converting one language into another. However, they do more than simply translate words; they relay concepts and ideas between languages, being sensitive to the cultures associated with the languages of expertise.
Being an interpreter is enriching and stimulating but can also be challenging and stressful at times. We always appreciate the moment when, at the end of a conference, the host and speakers acknowledge and thank the interpreters for their contribution : )
Here are some quotes from famous, and not so famous, people about interpreters:
“Ironically, the one person essential to have in the room may not be an official advisor at all, but your interpreter.” (Madeleine Albright)
“Wherefore let him that speaketh in a tongue pray that he may interpret.” (Corinthians 14:13)
“Interpreters are linguistic acrobats constantly walking on a tightrope.” (Jean Delisle)
“Translation is not a matter of words only: it is a matter of making intelligible a whole culture.” (Anthony Burgess)
“If I render word for word, the result will sound uncouth (strange), and if compelled by necessity I alter anything in the order or wording, I shall seem to have departed from the function of a translator.” (Marcus Tullius Cicero)
“What I very much admire in interpreters is their unending curiosity, their boundless thirst for knowledge and their almost painful precision of their work. But without a doubt all interpreters love talking. That certainly seems to be linked with the profession.” (David Bernet)
“Translators live off the differences between languages, all the while working toward eliminating them.” (Edmond Cary)
“Simultaneous interpretation is like driving a car that has a steering wheel but no brakes and no reverse.” (Preter Pyotr Avaliani)
This site tells you about translation and interpreting services, amongst others, offered by Virginia Resende de Klerk and Multitask Languages.
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This site will feature regular news round ups and postings about events related to translating and interpreting, or any other interesting happenings that catch my eye. Enjoy!
