Letter to Pammachius | Carta a Pamáquio
You probably have heard about a letter written around 396 AD by St. Jerome to Roman senator Pammachius, on the “best method of translation?” It went down in history as the Magna Carta of translators. But there is more to the story than you may know. Here’s a video –in Portuguese with closed captions in […]
The Accidental Protagonist: Book Review
Endearing, controversial, genuine or stereotypically mean, a relatable character is key to any book plot. It helps if the protagonist’s life is eventful and glamorous, or if her job is somehow awe-inspiring or tinged with a hint of mystery. Add a drop of mischief and intrigue, some eavesdropping and world-changing encounters, and the magical spell is cast. Perhaps partially for that reason, […]
KUDO on Interpreting: A Reassuring Message
Cloud-based interpreting (a.k.a. RSI) is the biggest technological innovation in interpreting since the Nuremberg Trials. Granted, audio quality, microphone design and headset ergonomics have all improved markedly since World War II. But despite the modern technology, a microphone is still a microphone. And the headsets used in Nuremberg don’t look drastically different from the ones […]
Nice Trumps Nasty
Most of us have learned to see politeness as wimpy and meek. We contemplate meanness as a shield worth wearing, despite the long-lasting harm it does to others and ourselves once the excitement of immediate gains fades away.