February 2007

Proofreading machine translation

February 22, 2007

I have just received an email starting like this: Dear translator, We are looking for translators with experience in UE and official institutions texts for an EU tender. This job consists on the proofreading of UE text generated by machine...

Guest blogger: Right of reply to Xavier

February 15, 2007

By Jim Tyson "Why can't the English teach their children how to speak?" (Henry Sweet) Jim: The French never care what they do, actually, as long as they pronounce it properly. ibid Xavier: What's my problem? […T]he Brits are, more...

Guest blogger: The americanisation of British English

February 6, 2007

By Xavier Kreiss "Why can't the English teach their children how to speak?" I used to think that professor Higgins' desperation was funny. That was a long time ago. Today, I'm not sure. What's my problem? Not the evolution of...

Chandeleur, Shrove Tuesday, etc.

February 2, 2007

Today is Chandeleur in France and Groundhog Day in the USA and Canada. Why aren't we celebrating anything in the UK on this day? Shrove Tuesday is similar to Chandeleur in the sense that the tradition is to eat pancakes...