November 2009

Avatar

November 20, 2009

While reading PoPCo, by Scarlett Thomas, I learnt that the word “avatar”, which refers to an Internet user’s alter ego in online forums and other communities, comes from a Sanskrit word meaning “descent of a deity to the Earth in...

Interpreting: how to react when stuck

November 13, 2009

However thoroughly you prepare for an interpreting assignment, there will always be surprises. I’m not talking about having to hop on a tractor so the client can see it in action, although my client was very grateful that I didn’t...

Of mice and fairies

November 5, 2009

“Look! I have a wobbly tooth!” says my niece Jasmine, who is six. “Brilliant! Will you put it under your pillow so the little mouse comes to get it?” “A MOUSE??! In my BED??!” Cross-cultural confusion alert! Backtrack or the...