Avid readers of Jost Zetzsche’s Tool Box Journal already know that Zetzsche is gifted with great technical insight and the skills to write about trends and developments in the language industry in an accessible way. A selection of his publications is bundled in Translation Matters. now, a book well worth reading.
The last weeks of December usually bring moments of reflection, and entail making plans for the new year. This last xl8 review project of the year ends in the same fashion, with a review of five useful planners to give your translation business a boost in 2018.
People learning to speak and write Dutch have a hard time in mastering their second or new native language. They not only find it difficult to learn specific Dutch expressions or to get to know Dutch habits, but the weak and strong verbs, in particular, are hard to master. Dutch publishing house Van Dale has introduced a step-by-step approach to grammar for learners of Dutch to help them.
ELSPEET, THE NETHERLANDS, AUGUST 10th 2017 – Pieter Beens, freelance translator and owner of Dutch translation company Vertaalt.nu, introduces xl8 review. This new review project focuses on products that will bring health and productivity improvements for translators. The project initially starts with a monthly review, but inventors and manufacturers are already eager to participate.
Languages, including their histories, developments and mutual relationships, are often admired only by a handful of people. Although youngsters at school often show interest in unknown or exotic languages, they mostly do not love the ins and outs of spelling and grammar in their native language. However, all those detailed and advanced ‘rules of the game’ for languages, as well as lots of other linguistic tricks and trends, deserve attention. That is why the new Atlas van de Nederlandse Taal (‘Atlas of the Dutch Language’) is a welcome addition to the existing literature about the Dutch language.
For translators and other language professionals, having a massive vocabulary is a necessity. Indeed, without an enormous lexis it is difficult to be creative in translations and avoid iterations. Possibly of less importance but still as useful is having knowledge of the origin of words. That is where etymology comes in. Despite its difficult name, the origin of words is not only useful but also interesting and sometimes utter fun.