Chinese Translation of Finnegans Wake Becomes Best Seller

A Chinese translation of James Joyce's classic Finnegans Wake has become a best seller in China. The translation, which was nine years in the making, took just over a month to sell out all 8,000 copies of its original print run. James Joyce's original English language book was originally published in 1939 and is renowned for its experimental style and is widely regarded as being one of the most difficult pieces of literature to comprehend in the English language.

Engaging with Customers in a Language They Can Understand – Their Own

Recent research has highlighted the need for businesses to optimise their social media in different languages in order to truly engage with their global customer base. Unless this vitally important line of communication is handled by an expert, then potential damage to your business and brand can be catastrophic.

Westinghouse Partners Chinese Company for Nuclear Power Plant Venture

American electric company Westinghouse and China's State Nuclear Power Automation System Engineering Company (SNPAS) have recently launched a new joint venture to provide instrumentation and control systems (I&C) for China's planned AP1000 nuclear power plants. Westinghouse is now listed as the I&C major subcontractor for all work related to Chinese AP1000 projects.

Nepal Street Sellers Embrace Foreign Languages to Boost Business

Souvenir sellers working on the tourist streets of Kathmandu, Nepal, are increasingly learning foreign languages to help sell their products, according to a report in the Nepalese newspaper Republica. The article centres around Surendra Shahim, who sells colourful artefacts in Durbar Square to tourists by uttering foreign language words to draw in potential customers.

Efforts to preserve Aramaic language spoken by Jesus

British scientists in Cambridge have been undertaking efforts to preserve the Semitic language of Aramaic, believed to have been spoken by Jesus Christ more than 2,000 years ago.

What Makes Latin so Ideal for Twitter?

Following the excitement in the news last week after Pope Benedict XVI tweeted from his new Latin Twitter account for the first time, the Secretary of the Pontifical Academy, Father Roberto Spataro, points out that the social network's 140 character limit makes it perfect for writing in Latin. "Twitter is an instrument that requires rapid communication", said Spataro.

Five Translated Children’s Books Feature in Marsh Award Shortlist

The Marsh Award, which commends high quality translated fiction for young people, has five translated books for children in its shortlist. Each of the selected books were first published in a foreign language and then translated into English. Currently, 97 per cent of books published for children and young adults come from the English speaking world, meaning that only 3 per cent are non-English in origin and eligible for the Marsh Award, which has run since 1996.

Can You Learn a New Language via YouTube? One Direction Think So

British boy band One Direction have been instructed to learn the basics of several foreign languages to avoid embarrassment when embarking on promotional tours abroad. The band, formed on the UK's X-Factor in 2010, have become extremely successful overseas, acquiring large fan bases in America, Europe and Asia.

Roger Allen wins Arabic Literary Translation Award

The Banipal Trust has announced the winner of the annual Saif Ghobash-Banipal Prize for Arabic Literary Translation. The award has been won by Roger Allen for this translation of A Muslim Suicide. The novel was originally written by Bensalem Himmich. Allen's translation of the novel was released this year in May by Syracuse University Press. Literature.

New Language Drive to Boost Scottish Economic Future

Scottish primary school children will be taught three languages in newly announced plans by the Scottish Government. The announcement comes as the Government allegedly recognises that global trade requires workers to speak more than just English. Ministers of the Scottish Parliament heard plans that the Government has set aside £4 million earmarked for a scheme to ensure Scotland's economy does not suffer as a result of poor language skills.