82% of consumers more likely to buy in their own language!

We've reported before on research from Common Sense Advisory which found that 72% of consumers globally are more likely to buy a product if they have information in their own language. Now research from the European Commission found that 82% of consumers were less likely to buy goods online if the site was not in their native language.

We sometimes hear the argument that "they all speak English anyway" i.e. we don't need to translate our web site because overseas clients don't need it. Well - an article about this research from the BBC explains how even in Sweden - where many people do speak English - over 80% of consumers have a preference for buying in their own language.

Even consumers who are fluent in English - or more commonly have a working knowledge of English - will only make a serious purchasing decision with confidence if they are reading their own language.

P.S. Please see previous post "No - they don't all speak English" from November 2009 - we feel strongly that more UK companies in particular need to recognise this issue!

Alexika office decorated for Addingham Gala

The Alexika office was beautifully decorated for the Addingham Gala (annual summer festival) at the weekend - in accordance with theme of 'Through the Ages.' Sabine used her creative skills to great effect and the office was admired as the procession came down the Main Street past the office front door.

Our subject was the development of the English language throught the ages. A wide range of historical characters made an appearance - including a monk. He was explaining that Roman missionaries brought Christianity to Britain - bringing new words to the language from Latin.

 Visitors were able to see influences on English through the ages:
- little was left from the Roman occupation apart from some place names (a local town Ilkley was Olicana.)
- Anglo Saxons were busy with everyday life and their influence on the language reflects this: 'Loaf', 'Woman', House'
- Roman missionaries left Latin-influenced words such as 'Bishop' and 'Martyr.'
- The ferocious Vikings left behind suitably ferocious words: 'Ransack', 'Die'
- The Renaissance and the development of science and arts brought new demands to the language: 'Gravity'
- The Industrial Revolution was another major linguistic upheaval
....and we came up to date with the electronic revolution and current influences on the English language. Textspeak anyone?

Thanks again to Sabine for a lot of work for the Gala - and for all her work in the local community.

Alexika sponsors Addingham Beer Festival

The first FAPS (Friends of Addingham Primary School) Beer festival takes place on September 9th and 10th 2011. FAPS Chair Richard Hunter-Rowe explains:

"The beer festival has the potential to be a hugely successful event and something the whole community can enjoy. Its aim is to raise funds for Addingham Primary School and our children. At a time when funding for schools is being greatly reduced and schools are trying hard to make improvements to their facilities and the opportunities they can offer our children, the fund raising efforts of parents and school communities are becoming increasingly important and in our case will enable our school to continue to follow its school improvement plan and provide our children with up to date equipment and learning tools they need and deserve."

Alexika is proud to sponsor the event.

Alexika sponsors Addingham Cricket Club

Alexika Cricket Club is at the heart of our local community, with 120 junior cricket - aged 6-17 - and 2 senior cricket teams. It is a wonderful sight to see the cricket field full of children or older cricketers enjoying the traditional game.

Alexika Ltd is proud to be a sponsor.

Schengen and the Euro

Reading German news site Tageschau today, Denmark is to bring back formal passport controls on its borders with Germany and Sweden - this despite being a signatory to the Schengen agreement. The reason given is concern over cross-border crime. The beginning of the end for Schengen and free movement around Europe?

Reading the UK's BBC web site, there is a lucid presentation asking "Is the Euro crumbling?" This is an explanation of how budget deficits within a currency zone lead to increased sovereign debt, which leads to lower confidence which leads to higher interest rates..so governments ask for emergency loans....If one country leaves the Euro (Greece?), will others be forced to follows? The beginning of the end of European monetary integration?

These are difficult times for Europe, for Europhiles, for everyone. European politicians need to show courage and leadership now. European history tells us how important it is that we all work together.

Quality vs. Quantity in Translation

When I explain to non-linguists that I work in a translation company, the first question is often something like: So how many languages do you speak then?

Now, I am impressed with people who speak many languages. When I heard that Denis Healey, former UK Chancellor of the Exchequer who hails from a village near the Alexika office, speaks 7 languages, he certainly rose in my estimation. But for professional translators, one 'source' language and one mother tongue is often quite sufficient.

What I want to know about potential translators for Alexika is that they have mastery of their mother tongue, an extremely high level of professional proficiency in the language that they translate from and also, critically, current knowledge of their chosen field so that they keep up to date with terminology. Then there are other factors such a professionalism, knowledge of translation tools etc etc...but the number of languages spoken is not part of that conversation. We have other colleagues who cover other language combinations.

But we are based in the UK. Is it just that British people are often impressed with any foreign language ability? Which brings me back to my regular theme of how important it is that children learn a second language in school up to and ideally beyond the age 16...

Alexika featured in Yorkshire Post newspaper

As part of its reporting on the 2011 Yorkshire Business Market, Alexika is featured in an article in the Yorkshire Post newspaper today.

We were exhibiting at the very well attended exhibition for the third time, looking to promote our translation and interpreting service to local exporters. Yorkshire is home to many exporting companies, and the economy of Yorkshire is larger than that of Scotland.

Many thanks to the Harrogate Chamber of Commerce for the excellent organisation of the event.