Discover two hilarious real-life translation fails from the fashion world – and what they reveal about the strengths and pitfalls of human vs. machine translation.

Machine Translation can't differentiate the two different meanings of the word "sage" - "sage green" vs "a saintly person"! While working...

Curious about the difference between Cantonese and Mandarin? Discover key distinctions in tones, vocabulary, grammar, and writing—plus which one to learn first.

Discover how small formatting tweaks can transform translated certificates. Cleaner layout, clearer emphasis, and a more professional finish—here’s why it matters.

I wrote a poem, inspired by a recent project I worked on, translating a collection of personal documents for a Chinese family... In the...

What is "diploma" in Chinese? A certified translator explains Diploma 在中国叫什么？是学位证还是毕业证？ “Diploma” 在中国叫什么？到底是学位证还是毕业证？ Understanding What...

A certified translator shares surprising terms from Chinese medical transcripts – and what they reveal about China’s unique education system.

Professional translator and CIOL member Ka Yee Meck returns to Channing School to inspire the next generation of linguists

While working on product descriptions for a leading luxury fashion brand (sorry, NDA – but trust me, it’s one everyone  knows), I...

Discover key insights from the CIOL Translators Day and learn how to future-proof your career by embracing AI, adding value, and positioning

Discover how AI is transforming translation and what it means for businesses. Learn the opportunities, risks, and best practices for using A

It's a well-known fact that language can shape how we think, categorise, and navigate the world. The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis suggests that...

Translation and Interpreting Are Two Very Different Skills! Whenever I mention that I’m a translator , nine times out of ten, the...

If you’ve ever worked in translation, you’ve probably had that moment – the one where you think you’ve nailed it, only to realise (often...

Are you excited about your upcoming trip to the United Kingdom? Whether you’re eager to wander through the historical neighbourhoods of...

" Certified translation " is a term that confuses a lot of people, and for good reason. Depending on the country, it can mean very...

Having worked as a translator since 2010, translation is my bread and butter – and a profession I truly love. But recently, while...

“Discover 10 invaluable lessons from translating over 1,000 documents! Tips on accuracy, professionalism, and handling tricky translations f

ChatGPT claimed 計算機 means “computer” in Hong Kong—but it doesn’t! Learn how AI errors highlight the need for fact-checking and the value of

Table of Contents I. What is the Difference Between Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese? II. What’s the Difference Between Traditional Chinese (Hong Kong) and Traditional Chinese (Taiwan)? III. Are Simplified Chinese and Mandarin the Same Thing? IV. Are Traditional Chinese and Cantonese the Same Thing? V. Can Cantonese Be Written?! Conclusion: It’s Complicated (In a Good Way)! Since I began working as a translator in 2010, the number one question  I get asked again and