February 2009

Europa Editions Translates Novels for the American Market

by Richard Brooks February 27, 2009 Publishing

Americans are not known for being avid consumers of foreign literature. In fact, last year, only about 2 or 3% of new titles published in the US were translations of titles by non-English-speaking authors. However, as the New York Times reports, an independent publishing company called Europa Editions has had quite a bit of success [...]

1 comment Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Ireland’s Worst Driver: Translation issues for Irish Police

Ireland’s Worst Driver: Translation issues for Irish Police

by Richard Brooks February 26, 2009 Languages

According to the BBC police in Ireland had an embarrassing month after finally discovering the mystery behind Ireland’s worst driver.

2 comments Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Oldest English Words

Oldest English Words

by Richard Brooks February 26, 2009 In Danger of Extinction

According to the BBC Reading University researchers have identified some of the oldest English words in the languages history.

3 comments Read the full article →

Young Interpreters

by Richard Brooks February 26, 2009 Languages

Today teachers in Britain have to cope with young children who have very little or no grasp of the English language. It is understandably difficult for the children who often misbehave due to the language barriers they face. A school in Devon may have the answer. They have encouraged a small group of their students, [...]

0 comments Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for St. David’s Day

St. David’s Day

by Richard Brooks February 25, 2009 Events

The Welsh are very proud of their heritage. St. David’s Day is a major event across the region. In Cardiff a large parade is held every year.

0 comments Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for UNESCO to Release New Language Atlas

UNESCO to Release New Language Atlas

by Richard Brooks February 23, 2009 In Danger of Extinction

Earlier today, the AP reported on UNESCO’s release of the third edition of its Atlas of the World’s Languages in Danger. The atlas is available online for free, and a print version will be released in May.

2 comments Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day

by Richard Brooks February 18, 2009 Events

St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on the 17th March.

1 comment Read the full article →

Removal of Language Learning Requirements for Teenagers

by Richard Brooks February 16, 2009 Languages

In England, concern has been growing that the country’s students are falling behind when it comes to learning other languages. In 2004, England stopped requiring that students over the age of 14 take classes in a foreign language. Since then, the percentage of students that have chosen to take foreign language classes has continued to [...]

0 comments Read the full article →

Can Computers Help Preserve Indigenous Languages?

by Richard Brooks February 6, 2009 Languages

According to the BBC, nearly half of the world’s 6,500 languages are expected to disappear over the next 100 years. Languages die when people stop speaking them and stop teaching them to their children. This has happened all over the world, with one of many examples being the fate of Native American languages after Europeans [...]

0 comments Read the full article →