Localizing eLearning offers numerous benefits that enhance both the effectiveness of training programs, and the overall productivity and efficiency, of employees.

Here are some key advantages to localizing your eLearning for your global workforce:

1. Improved engagement and retention

Localizing eLearning modules for local employees allows the content and language to resonate with your workforce.

Content which is culturally and linguistically appropriate, offers improved engagement by using familiar speech patterns, colloquial language, and believable scenarios, which are therefore, more relatable and memorable to your intended audience.

Providing training which is based upon a learner’s native language reduces the chance of misunderstandings, improves comprehension, and makes it easier for learners to understand and retain the information.

Use of images, colours, locations, situations, and so on, that are recognizable and relatable to your workforce will improve engagement and retention.

2. Enhanced performance and productivity

When employees understand the training material thoroughly, and engage with it at every level, they can apply the knowledge and skills more effectively in their roles.

This deeper understanding of training is achieved through localized courses which are tailored to match the expectations of the intended audience.

Localized content ensures that all employees, regardless of their location, receive the same quality of instruction and adhere to the same company standards.

When trained using localized content, employees’ performance and productivity improves because the training is more effective and they are able to utilise this within their roles.

3. Increased employee satisfaction and motivation

By localizing eLearning for your overseas teams, you show your workforce that your organization values and respects cultural diversity.

This boosts employee morale and loyalty.

Through this personalized learning experience, employees feel more included and valued within the organization as a whole.

Therefore, by addressing regional and local cultural aspects within eLearning courses, you’ll increase employee satisfaction and motivation.

4. Cost effective and better ROI for eLearning

As localized eLearning ensures employees feel valued and motivated, they are more likely to remain within the organization for a longer time.

This reduces recruitment and onboarding costs, with the added benefit that internal progression can be optimized through effective and timely training.

High staff turnover rates are often costly and can lead to gaps in skills within the organization or a reduction in performance.

Using localized eLearning within your organization also ensures internal updates are well-managed and consistent at local, national and international levels.

Investing in localized eLearning training becomes cost effective over the long term, giving a good return on investment.

5. Competitive market advantage

Localized training, which incorporates local market trends and preferences, prepares employees for meeting the specific needs and requirements of their audience.

Through investment in localized eLearning training organizations display their commitment to their global workforce and international markets, which boosts brand reputation and gives a competitive edge.

6. Continuous professional development

Localized eLearning training programs offer adaptable, scalable and effective training which is culturally and linguistically suited to the intended participants in order to progress careers, skills and professional development.

A workplace which values its employees invests in effective training and encourages feedback in order for all employees (and the organization) to improve and advance.

Investing in the localization of eLearning for a global workforce is not just about translation.

It involves adapting the content to reflect the cultural, linguistic, and contextual nuances of different regions.

This holistic approach ensures that the training is effective, inclusive, and aligned with the organization’s global objectives.

Contact us now to find out how we can make your organization’s eLearning training more effective through localization.

The post The benefits of localizing eLearning for your global workforce appeared first on Creative Word, Dubai.

Below we examine a few of the ways in which language services can enhance your corporate culture, improving business strategies for employee management, and offering tips on how to best achieve this.

Professional language services enhance clear communication

Within any business environment clear, concise, accurate and understandable communication is vital for business success.

Whether this be with employees, key stake holders or customers, effective communication will ensure there are no misunderstandings and that everyone is working from the same page.

In order to meet the diverse language needs within a global business it is essential to use professional language services.

These should include:

Translation services – ensure all corporate communications, from emails to policy documents, are accurately translated into the languages spoken by employees. This minimizes misunderstandings and can ensure that everyone has access to the same information and knowledge. Use a reliable and trusted language services provider (especially for legal documents which require certified translations) as this will guarantee your firm operates within the law and abides by industry or government regulations.

Interpreting services – use professional interpreters during meetings, conferences, and training sessions to ensure real-time understanding and participation from non-native speakers. For meetings or conferences where there many speakers, consider using professional language services providers who offer specialist equipment and can cope with translating multiple languages at one time.

Professional language services promote inclusivity

For global firms, inclusivity is key, especially for expats, onboarding and employee training.

Professional language services offer an adaptable, flexible method by which all employees are able to engage with materials and improve their knowledge.

The following points can help to improve inclusivity, especially with non-native language employees, expatriates, or other employees with language accessibility difficulties.

Multilingual onboarding – provide onboarding materials and training information in multiple languages. This helps new employees feel welcomed and valued, regardless of their native language, and ensures that knowledge will be comparable across all employees and levels. Ask for feedback from new recruits to check suitability for their language needs and adapt as required.

Diverse communication channels – encourage the use of multiple languages in internal communication platforms, and provide tools for translation and language support. Ensure communications are localized for maximum relevancy and user-friendliness. If this is done in-house, ensure native speaking employees are used for the translations and that their adaptions are accurate.

Professional language services enhance employee engagement

Working with people from diverse cultures, who speak different native languages, is really rewarding, especially when all employees feel empowered to actively engage with colleagues.

In order to ensure that everyone is able to make the most of this opportunity, it can be necessary for employees to overcome any unconscious bias regarding different work-cultures, learn some basic language skills, and develop cultural awareness regarding different cultures and backgrounds.

Aspects which can enhance employee engagement include:

Cultural awareness training – conduct training sessions that educate employees about the cultural backgrounds and communication styles or preferences of their colleagues. This fosters a more inclusive and empathetic workplace in which employees understand each other and are accepting of differences. Offering unconscious bias training will also support employees to realize and challenge their own biases and prejudices. Full employee engagement requires an understanding of other’s views, the ability to listen openly without judgement, and the opportunity to share your opinions.

Language learning opportunities – offering language learning programs as a professional development boost not only helps employees improve their language skills but also shows the company’s investment in their personal growth.

Professional language services strengthen company identity

A company which claims clear brand values around inclusivity, diversity, communication and engagement, must actively strengthen company identity to ensure these values apply at every level of the company and in every region.

A positive corporate culture relies upon these values being accurately communicated in every language, to all employees.

Professional language service providers can help to do this through:

Unified messaging – ensuring the company’s vision, mission, and values are consistently communicated in all languages will help to maintain a cohesive corporate identity and culture across different regions. This will inevitably be passed on from employees to customers.

Brand consistency – use professional translation services for all external communications, ensuring the brand message remains consistent and professional globally.

Implementing professional language services to enhance corporate culture

To effectively implement professional language services, consider the following steps:

Assess language needs – conduct a thorough assessment to understand the languages spoken by your employees and customers.

Choose a reliable provider – partner with a reputable language service provider that offers high-quality translation, interpretation, and localization services in the language(s) you require.

Monitor and adapt – continuously monitor the effectiveness of the language services and be ready to adapt based on feedback from employees and customers.

Integrating professional language services into a global company’s operations can significantly enhance corporate culture.

By promoting clear communication, inclusivity, and collaboration, these services not only improve internal dynamics but also strengthen customer relations and brand identity on an international scale.

At Creative Word, we have worked with global clients for over two decades, helping them to ensure effective communication with their employees, and their clients, no matter which language they speak or where they are based.

We help to promote a positive corporate culture through our extensive range of training courses which emphasize and teach cultural awareness and additional ‘soft skills’ required for collaborative experiences and inclusive workplaces.

To find out more about how we can help you to improve your corporate culture, contact us here.

Alternatively, you can view our services, or check out our range of training courses.

The post Enhancing corporate culture with professional language services appeared first on Creative Word, Dubai.

This figure is staggering and highlights how multicultural teams really benefit organizations through improved creativity, healthy competition and diverse perspectives.

However, while multicultural teams are frequently the norm in today’s diverse workplace, they can also pose hurdles within organizations if not managed correctly.

This is where cross-cultural training comes into play.

Cross-cultural training ensures leaders and teams function well while also helping to avoid cultural stereotyping, prejudice, and ignorance.

It is an essential element in a cohesive, productive and happy workforce.

Let’s take a look at why this is the case in more detail…

How does cross-cultural training improve productivity?

It might sound like a bold statement, but it is also a proven fact – cross-cultural training really does improve productivity!

It does this in the following ways:

• Improving Communication – cross-cultural training helps employees understand different communication styles, preferences, and norms prevalent in diverse cultures. By improving communication skills, employees collaborate more effectively, reducing misunderstandings and conflicts that can impede productivity.

• Team cohesion – when employees understand and respect each other’s cultural backgrounds, it fosters a sense of unity and cohesion within teams. Cross-cultural training promotes empathy and appreciation for diverse perspectives, leading to stronger team dynamics and smoother workflow.

• Conflict resolution – cultural differences can sometimes lead to misunderstandings and conflicts in the workplace. Cross-cultural training equips employees with the skills to navigate and resolve conflicts arising from cultural differences constructively. This leads to faster conflict resolution, minimizing disruptions to productivity.

• Enhanced creativity and innovation – exposure to diverse perspectives through cross-cultural training stimulates creativity and innovation within teams. Different cultural viewpoints inspire novel approaches to problem-solving and product development, driving organizational growth and competitiveness.

• Improved customer relations – in a global business environment, understanding and respecting customers’ cultural backgrounds are essential for building strong relationships. Cross-cultural training enables employees to effectively engage with customers from diverse cultural backgrounds, leading to improved customer satisfaction and loyalty.

• Effective global expansion – for organizations expanding into international markets, cross-cultural training is crucial for success. It prepares employees for navigating the cultural nuances of target markets, adapt marketing strategies, and helps to tailor products or services to local preferences, thereby facilitating smoother expansion and maximizing opportunities for growth.

• Employee retention and satisfaction – providing cross-cultural training demonstrates an organization’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, which can boost employee morale and job satisfaction. Employees feel valued and supported when their cultural backgrounds are acknowledged and respected, leading to higher retention rates and increased productivity.

Productivity of an organization is intricately linked to its workforce; if teams are happy, work well together, can unlock their creativity and skills, and build positive relationships, then increased productivity follows as a natural progression.

At Creative Word, we understand the importance diverse and inclusive organizations, and created our cross-cultural training courses to promote education, knowledge, self-awareness and Return on Investment.

We are globally renowned specialists at designing and delivering courses that can be created in close collaboration with you and your organisation.

Our cultural awareness courses assist people working internationally to become more understanding towards the different attitudes and behaviours of people worldwide.

Find out more about the courses we offer here, or contact us now to book a cross-cultural training course.

The post How cross-cultural training improves the productivity of an organization appeared first on Creative Word, Dubai.

However, we’re here to make that task a little easier by exploring why our clients recommend our language services and looking at how our expert team make every project a success.

Read on to find out more…

Why do our clients recommend us?

Here at Creative Word, our clients are at the heart of everything we do – from our dedicated relationship managers to our highly-skilled native speaking translators – our team are focussed on ensuring a quality end product with minimal fuss.

We offer quality translations, completed on time, and accomplished with the proficiency and skill you’d expect from a world-class language services provider.

Therefore, our clients recommend our language services for the following reasons:

Quality – our language services consistently deliver high-quality translations, interpretations, and language solutions for a range of high-profile clients across numerous industries.
Our clients tell us they appreciate the accuracy, fluency, and attention to detail in every project we undertake here at Creative Word.
With ISO9001 accredited processes our excellent project managers and qualified translators ensure quality translations every time.

Reliability – we adhere to clients’ deadlines and commitments, ensuring timely delivery of projects without compromising on quality because we understand that our translations represent your business, and ours.
Clients trust us to meet their linguistic needs efficiently and consistently, and our dedicated teams of project managers and relationships managers ensure our clients’ requirements are fulfilled, taking care of any special requests or deadlines.

Language and industry skill – our team consists of highly knowledgeable linguists, translators, and interpreters who are experts in various languages and specialized fields.
Clients value our expertise in industry-specific terminology, especially in highly-technical industries such as, legal, financial, IT, oil and gas, and media and TV.
Our clients are assured of a professional, accurate and culturally appropriate translation.

Customization – we tailor our language services to meet the unique requirements of each client, whether it’s adapting to specific dialects or accommodating formatting preferences, we prioritize customization to ensure genuine client satisfaction.
With access to over 1000 professional, native linguists, we are certain we can meet every client’s language requirement.

Customer service – we maintain clear and open communication channels with clients throughout the project lifecycle via our relationship managers.
By keeping clients informed and addressing their concerns promptly, we build trust and foster positive relationships.
Our clients are everything to us and we make sure you always receive a five-star service.
Our aim is to always “strive for excellence” and “be passionate about our services”.

Cost-effectiveness – our language services offer competitive pricing without compromising on quality and our clients recognize the value we provide in terms of both affordability and excellence.
We aim to always work to budget, letting clients know in advance if there are any issues.
Communication is key in this area so our relationship managers keep clients up-dated regularly.

Clients recommend our language services because we consistently deliver exceptional results, prioritize client satisfaction, and maintain transparency and professionalism throughout the whole process.

What do our clients say about us?

Our clients often tell us they have enjoyed the process of working with us and that our teams are professional, courteous, diligent, and approachable.

Don’t just take our word for it though, here is what a few of our clients have to say about us…

Custard Communication – “Everything went very well!! We’ve had experiences with “uppity” translators in the past and that wasn’t the case with the team on site. They were lovely!! The client seemed happy and we have a full debrief planned for this week so thank you for now and please extend our thanks to the team too.”

Fly Dubai – “It has been a pleasure and we really appreciate all the effort you have put in to helping us out with our last-minute requests”

Proctor & Gamble – “…this is amazing news. Thank you for your great collaboration, as always.”

Baxter – “Thanks so much for your excellent services”

Al Tamimi – “Many thanks for your quick assistance. We know how busy you are!”

To find out more about partnering with Creative Word on your next translation project, contact us now.

Alternatively, you might like to find out more about some the language services we offer by clicking the links below.
Translation 
Localization 
Design
Interpreting 
Training 

The post Here’s why our clients recommend our language services appeared first on Creative Word, Dubai.

However, translation and localization services aren’t just about meeting a legal obligation, they also ensure effective communication with regional audiences, giving firms a dependable brand presence and a recognizable ‘local’ identity.

Language services give global firms a direct and meaningful connection to their target audience.

Professional language services providers (LSPs) work with a variety of industries on a daily basis to create and foster this ‘connection’ but here at Creative Word, we tend to work with a few specific industries more frequently than others.

Below you’ll find the top 3 industries that use our language services and which benefit from our translation and localization services on a regular basis.

1. Legal industry

As mentioned in the introduction above, many industries require translation and localization services for legal reasons, including everything from employment contracts to MOUs (memorandum of understanding).

Virtually every type of industry, operating outside of their domestic market, will require translations of a legal nature due to ensuring compliance with local legal regulations and guidelines.

These usually tend to be certified translations and carry a legal obligation to be formally translated and ‘certified’ by a qualified LSP or translator.

The same is also true for individuals requiring legal translations such as official documents (marriage certificates, visas, immigration documents, and so on).

However, here at Creative Word, we don’t only work with individuals, and industry-wide legal translations.

Our partnerships with many legal firms in Dubai led us to open our regional office there in 2010 and enables us to better serve our legal clients in the region, offering a comprehensive range of language services to legal professionals.

We also work the Dubai Legal Affairs Department, so our clients can expect their translations to be accurate and reliable.

We offer the following legal services:
Legal Translations
Certified Translations
Contract Translations
Ministry of Justice (MOJ) certified translations
Court Interpreters
Transcriptions – court and arbitration hearings
CLPD Training
Cultural Awareness Training

2. Financial industry

The finance industry is extraordinarily complex and its language requirements are also intricate, including aspects such as, industry-specific terminology, precise practices, and regional variations (including legal variances).

Providing translation and localization services for the finance industry means working in partnership with banks, insurance companies, fintech providers, investment houses, and so on.

Customized language services are essential; accuracy, security, reliability and time-sensitivity are also paramount.

Global players within the finance industry need to attract customers from multiple countries around the world which means adapting everything from localized customer services and chat bots to marketing materials and in-store documents.

At Creative Word, we work closely with our finance partners such as, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) offering the following language services:

Translation – financial statements, annual reports, RFP’s proposals, presentations, websites, contracts, editorial etc.
Interpreters – business meetings, negotiations, conferences
Training – business etiquette, cultural awareness, language
Localization – websites, e-commerce, digital media

3. Tourism industry

The tourism industry relies heavily on language services to attract overseas customers through marketing materials.
For many countries, tourism is also the backbone of economy, and attracting as many tourists as possible is essential to the well-being of the majority of the population.

For instance, in Macau (a city and special administrative region of the People’s Republic of China) over 50% of the GDP is generated by direct travel and tourism, and in the Maldives, a third of GDP is due to tourism.

As a language services provider based in Dubai, with offices in the UK, Europe and the Middle East, we have a superior understanding of the requirements of the travel industry.

This led to being the preferred choice of LSP for FlyDubai, for whom we have completed numerous translation projects in 15 language pairs, alongside interpreting and website translation.

We worked directly with the internal content management system (CMS), press releases, marketing & advertising, manuals and legal documents.

We support our travel and tourism clients with the following services:

Translation – websites, press releases, brochures, marketing materials, apps
Interpreters – concierge services, business meetings, conferences
Training – etiquette, protocol, customer service, cultural awareness, language
Localization – social media, software, digital media

Whatever industry your firm operates within, and whichever language(s) you require for your translation project, the Creative Word team are ready to help you achieve your objective.

Contact us now to find out more.

The post 3 industries that benefit from our translation and localization services appeared first on Creative Word, Dubai.

For international business professionals, successfully conducting business in the Arab world means understanding a culture, protocols, and a language which are very different to the UK and Europe.

This is daunting, especially if it is the first time you’ve visited the Arab world, or you’ve previously had limited interaction with Arab stakeholders.

But, as with most things, preparation is key to successful international negotiations.

At Creative Word, we’re experts in the Arabic culture and language, so we’ve gathered together the key language phrases and business culture tips you’ll need for doing business in the Arab world, so you’ll be more prepared.

Key Arabic Business Phrases

Understanding your clients, investors, or suppliers background, language and culture has never been more important in business than it is now.

Below you’ll find the most frequently used Arabic business phrases to assist you in meetings and negotiations with your Arabic counterparts.

This will show you’ve tried to learn some of their language and have an appreciation of their culture.

1. السلام عليكم (Assalaam alaykum) – Peace be upon you (Greeting)

Reply: وعليكم السلام (Wa alaykum assalaam) – and upon you be peace.

2. أهلاً وسهلاً (Ahlan wa sahlan) – Welcome

Reply: أهلاً فيك (Ahlan feek (masc.)/feekee (fem.)

3. فرصة سعيدة (Fursa sa’eeda) – Nice to meet you

4. مع السلامة (Ma’ assalaama) – Goodbye

5. تفضل (Tafadal) – A useful word meaning “there you go”, or “go ahead”. Could be used to gesture for someone to enter or to sit.

6. أين المكتب؟ (Ayn al-maktab?) – Where’s the office?

7. أنا مدير(ة) الشركة (Ana mudeer (masc.)/ mudeera (fem.) ash-sharika) – I am the manager of the company

8. أنا موظف(ة) (Ana muwathaf (masc.)/ muwathafa (fem.)) – I am an employee

9.رحلة عمل (Rehlat ‘amal) – Business trip

10. هذه المرة الأولى لي في دبي (Hathahi al-mara al-oola lee fee Dubai) – This is my first time in Dubai

11. اسمي… )Esmi…) – My name is…

12. سأتصل بك (saa’tasilu bek) – I’ll call you

13. هذه بطاقتي (hathehi bitaqati) – Here is my business card

14. شكراً (shukran) – Thank you

15. إن شاء الله (inshallah) – if God wills

Arab people tend to be very proud of their heritage and language so showing you have spent valuable time learning about their language and culture, will be appreciated and respected.

You will find that trying to use the Arabic language will go a long way and will certainly help in building a rapport.

Arabic Business Culture Tips

The Arab world is governed by the religion of Islam which impacts everything from daily life to the business world.

Understanding some of the cultural characteristics within the Arab world will help ensure you are considered polite, respectful, and courteous by your hosts or your business counterparts.

The following points are only a guideline but will help you avoid making an innocent faux pas or causing offence.

Business Meetings

• Dress formally and conservatively (women should cover shoulders, upper arms and legs)

• Punctuality is expected

• Small talk is likely as it helps to build good relationships which are central to all business negotiations in the Arab world

• Address counterparts by their titles unless requested to do otherwise

• Meetings are often more fluid than in the West, meaning that people may come and go, or make and receive phone calls

• Arab bosses tend to be fairly paternalistic, so conversation tends to be more personal because of this familiarity

• High pressure tactics are not favoured in the Arab world and can have a negative impact on negotiations

• The working week has changed recently to Monday to Friday, more in line with Western norms. However, some firms may still operate on the old system where Sunday is the start of the week

• Typical working hours may vary too with some firms operating a 9am-5pm, or 7.30am to 3pm, while others may have a long break during the day but remain open until late in the evening. Religious events such as Ramadan may result in shorter working hours throughout their duration

• Contrary to some popular Western beliefs, women hold many positions of power within business, society, and government

At Creative Word, it is our business to help you do business better in today’s ever evolving corporate world.

Contact us now to see how we can help you obtain your objective.

The post Arabic Language Phrases for Business Professionals appeared first on Creative Word, Dubai.

While the Middle East in general has traditionally been seen as a region where men dominate the business world, in Dubai, where there is a more liberal attitude, women are now well-established within the business arena and can find excellent opportunities for career progression.

However, Western women face certain cultural adjustments when moving to a Muslim country such as Dubai, and while adapting to any new city can be a little daunting, the more you know about the traditions, laws, and customs, the easier is it to fit comfortably into your new setting.

Understanding Dubai

Dubai (the city and the Emirate) has been made famous over the last few decades for its opulence, nightlife, and futuristic architecture so today it is a successful, modern Emirate operating as a base for many global and high-tech industries.

However, it is also a Muslim country, steeped in Islamic tradition and rooted in trade.

This trade has encouraged people from many nations to settle and work here, so much so that the population of Dubai is made up of around 85% expats and 15% native Arabs.

As you can imagine given these figures, it is relatively easy for Westerners to find a local network of supportive expats who have already “been there and done that!”

The high number of expats have also encouraged a more liberal stance from the government and new legislation has been passed to reflect this.

Gender equality has been a priority for the Emirate and laws passed last year to support the growing number of women and Westerners in Dubai have now made life a little easier and less restrictive.

These new laws allow for greater freedom for unmarried women, protect women’s rights in general, and permit a more flexible tolerance regarding alcohol and lifestyles for non-Muslim expats and tourists.

However, an understanding of Dubai’s laws and culture is essential for Western women choosing to live and work here and helps form an awareness and respect for Muslim traditions as although the Emirate is generally liberal in many of its views there are still some behaviours which are not acceptable and most of these are linked to Islam.

Below you’ll find a list of Dos and Don’ts which covers the basics of appropriate behaviour for Western women living and working in Dubai but a deeper understanding can be gained via cultural awareness training and can be invaluable for

Working Women in Dubai

Many Arab women now work in sectors such as nursing and education, but they can also be found in positions of power within both the government and business.

Almost 30% of governmental positions are filled by women and over 65% of all public sector roles, so there are few limits on how far you can progress as a woman in Dubai.

And, while the business world is still largely dominated by men, many senior level positions are now filled by women.

There are also many women-only business networks, especially on social media platforms, which encourage local support for women in business and can be really helpful when first finding your feet in Dubai.

The Dubai government are committed to gender equality and have formed the Dubai Women Establishment with the aim of highlighting “the importance of increasing Emirati women’s active participation in economic, social and political spheres, and enhancing their representation in leadership and decision-making roles in both the public and private sectors to utilize their capabilities as key partners in the development process.”

On the website you can access forums and publications or find support through initiatives such as “Qudwa” (meaning role model) where women share their knowledge, skills, and experiences.

Tips for Western Women in Dubai

• Women living in a Muslim country are expected to act and dress modestly both at work and socially

• If you are in doubt about the dress code for a particular function always err on the side of respectability and modesty; cover your shoulders and wear a skirt, or trousers, which cover your knees

• In tourist areas (beaches and hotel pools) swimwear is acceptable, but full nudity is a definite no-no

• Western (non-Muslim) women are permitted to drink without needing a special licence

• English is often used in business settings and many people understand and speak it, but Arabic is the official language

• Arabs tend to be very friendly, tactile people who enjoy hosting events and entertaining guests, so it is consider impolite to turn down an invitation without good reason

• The region is very safe for women – there are many women-only areas in parks, clubs, and spas, and public transport offers women-only sections. There are even “pink taxis” driven by women, for women

• During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims will refrain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset, so be prepared for some late-night work and meals

• Some Muslim men will refrain from touching a member of the opposite sex so don’t be surprised if they don’t offer you a handshake. If they do offer their hand, only use your right hand to reciprocate

• It is common to see two men hold hands or link arms and is a sign of close friendship – it should not be mistaken with homosexuality which is forbidden

• Public displays of affection are taboo – holding hands is acceptable but kissing or intimate cuddling is forbidden

• Punctuality is expected, as is respectfulness to elders or superiors

• The working week changed on January 1st 2022 to be more in line with Western nations. It used to run from Sunday to Thursday, but it is now common for firms to work Monday to Thursday with a half day on Friday (Friday is traditionally a religious day for Islamic nations)

Whether you are moving to Dubai for work or pleasure, it is important to understand the culture and people if you wish to settle in comfortably and easily.

Cultural awareness training is a good option for ensuring you’re culturally competent and ready to work within a predominantly Muslim setting.

The team here at Creative Word have years of experience helping firms ensure their employees are ready for successful business dealings with their Middle Eastern colleagues and contemporaries.

Contact us now to see how we can support you and your team.

The post Tips for Western Women Living and Working in Dubai appeared first on Creative Word, Dubai.

To make sure our clients fully understand the terminology and services available to them we have designed this 2-part guide.

Part 1 gives an overview of language and translation with an easy-to-follow description of classifications linked to translators, the languages they speak and translation services available.

Part 2 is an in-depth glossary, in an A-Z format, linked to translation terminology and technology. It is helpful for those who are looking to use translation services or those who would like to know more about a particular service.

Language, Translation and Culture

Translation isn’t just about language – it is also about culture.

Languages are shaped over thousands of years by the culture within which they formed, and are an ever-changing entity which grows, adapts and alters based upon external influences such as, technology, the movement of people, nature, and historical factors.

The link between culture and language is well-proven and should not be downplayed – both of these factors shape us into communities, regions and nations. They help to give us a sense of identity and belonging.

For translators, this link can pose a problem.

In order to adapt an idea, concept or message from one language to another, you must not only understand the words (or language) but also the context (or culture).

A translator or linguist who is not up-to-date with the predominant culture linked to a specific language, would, most likely, not provide a totally accurate translation.

Factors such as, humour, colloquial phrases, idioms, and so on, are all linked to our language and our culture.

For example, an Arabic-speaking individual, who has never travelled to the UK, is not likely to fully grasp the meaning of the typically English phrase “it’s raining cats and dogs” so a translator would need to understand the meaning behind the words in order to give an adequate and relatable translation.

Language Classification

The ability to interpret one language, then translate it into another with a high degree of accuracy, is a skill which takes time, training, and patience. Most translators choose just two or three languages to specialise in, as becoming an expert translator can take many years.

When a translator, or interpreter, is ‘fluent’ in a language they are able to think, speak, and interact with a language, and the culture, at speed, and with a high degree of accuracy. This is called an ‘active’ language.

Those languages which the interpreter can understand, but not speak so fluently, are classed as a ‘passive’ language.

For instance, an interpreter who can speak fluent Arabic and English would list those as their ‘active’ languages, but may also have French and Spanish as ‘passive’ languages.

For interpreters, who need to be able to translate at high speed, often in tense, formal situations such as, a conference, the ability to offer precise, simultaneous interpretations depends upon their linguistic skill and knowledge.

An interpreter’s working languages are classified into three categories:

• A – Language ‘A’ is the interpreter’s native language, or their ‘mother tongue’. It is the language they are most familiar with, that they speak the best, and the language in which they are able to convey even highly complex ideas with ease. This is usually the language of choice for simultaneous translations as they must be highly accurate, and fast.

• B – Language ‘B’ is a language in which an interpreter is completely fluent, but is not their native language. An interpreter may have numerous ‘active’ languages which they are able to work with during interpretations. This is the language(s) that they work into from either their native language, or another ‘active’ language. Interpreters will often use their ‘B’ language for consecutive interpretations as speed is not so vital. When an interpreter is performing a simultaneous interpretation they are most likely to listen to a ‘B’ language, and then speak their ‘A’ language.

• C – Language ‘C’ is a language which an interpreter fully understands, but in which they aren’t fluent, and therefore, don’t work. They are able to interpret from this ‘passive’ language into one of their ‘active languages. A translator would tend to work from a ‘C’ language and translate into either one of their ‘A’ or ‘B’ languages.

Understanding these classifications will assist you in selecting the right translation provider, interpreter, or language specialist for your task, and will ensure your translation is accurate, effective and professional.

Language Services

Professional Language Service Providers (LSPs) offer a wide range of language services, with some also offering associated services such as design, copywriting, and so on.

Many people using language services for the first time are surprised by the range of services available and don’t understand the differences.

Below you’ll find a brief outline of the main language services offered here at Creative Word, so you can make a more informed choice regarding the type of language service that best suits your needs.

• Translation – is the process of adapting written text from one language to another so that the meaning of the message remains the same and it can be understood by a foreign-language speaking audience. Our translation service is best used for technical, legal, religious or general company translations.

• Localization – this is similar to translation but is more in-depth and adapts content including, images, currency, humour, weights and measures, fonts, colours, taglines and logos so that they fit with the audience’s expectations. Localization is ideal for multilingual websites, marketing material, apps, and so on, which require a more cohesive link between language, culture and the new audience.

• Interpreting – this is translation of the spoken word. There are different types of interpreting suited to different settings and understanding each type will help you make the right choice for your requirements.

• Training – At Creative Word, we embrace diversity and inclusion and have created top-class training courses to encourage and teach cultural awareness and cultural intelligence. Ideal for those embarking on overseas postings, multinational firms, or to promote inclusion within the workplace, our courses are available via eLearning so can be accessed anywhere, at any time.

• Design – multilingual design is essential when marketing or selling to international consumers or clients. Creative flair combined with cultural and linguistic excellence, ensures our design team will give you the competitive edge in international markets. Our design service is best used for multilingual websites, apps, packaging, brochures, and more.

Part 2 of our Translation and Language Services Terminology Guide gives an in-depth glossary of terms linked to the translation and interpretation industry, enabling you to stay informed, and knowledgeable.

If you’d like more information on any language service, or wish to discuss your requirements, please contact us.

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