All Graduates
All Graduates | 10 Oct 2024

English and Persian play vital roles in connecting people across borders. As one of the key languages in the Middle East and Central Asia, Persian is spoken by millions, making effective communication between English and Persian speakers essential in various sectors.

But who needs English to Persian translation services? Businesses looking to enter Persian-speaking markets, professionals handling international legal or medical documents, and travelers or individuals needing personal documents translated are just a few examples.

This is where All Graduates can help. As a trusted provider of interpreting and translation services, we offer accurate, professional translations tailored to meet your specific needs, ensuring smooth communication between English and Persian speakers.

 

Understanding the Persian Language

Persian, also known as Farsi, has a deep-rooted history as one of the oldest languages still spoken today. Spoken primarily in Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan, Persian connects millions of people, making accurate translations from English to Persian essential for cross-cultural communication.

What sets Persian apart is its rich lexicon and unique script. Persian uses the Arabic script but with distinct pronunciation rules and grammar structures. Translating Persian demands a deep understanding of its complex grammar and syntax, which is why professional services are essential for avoiding errors.

All Graduates NZ - English to Persian - Understanding the Persian Language

An accurate English to Persian translation isn’t just about converting words from one language to another. It’s about understanding the nuances of both languages, including cultural context and idiomatic expressions. A mistranslation can result in miscommunication or even offense, which is why All Graduates takes pride in delivering flawless translations by leveraging the expertise of experienced Persian language translators.

 

English to Persian Translation: Methods and Tools

While there are many tools available to translate from English to Persian, nothing can replace the accuracy and cultural awareness of a human Persian language translator. Professionals are able to understand the subtleties and complexities of the language, ensuring that every message is clear and appropriate for its intended audience. All Graduates employ expert translators who ensure that every translation maintains the intended meaning, tone, and style.

AI-powered tools like translation apps and online dictionaries have certainly improved over the years. They offer convenience, especially for quick translations of simple phrases or words. However, they fall short when dealing with complex sentences, idiomatic expressions, or cultural nuances. Machine translation often produces literal, awkward translations that lack fluency. That’s why it’s crucial to rely on human expertise, like the team at All Graduates, for professional and accurate results.

 

Common Challenges in English to Persian Translation

One of the biggest challenges in translating English to Persian is dealing with the two languages’ vastly different grammar rules. Persian’s verb-subject-object structure contrasts with English’s subject-verb-object format, which can create confusion in translation. Additionally, Persian has no articles (like “the” or “a”), further complicating direct translation.

All Graduates NZ - English to Persian - Common Challenges in English to Persian Translation

Another challenge lies in idiomatic expressions that don’t have direct equivalents between English and Persian. For instance, the English phrase “break the ice” wouldn’t make sense if translated literally into Persian. This is where the skill of a human translator becomes invaluable.

Cultural context is also crucial. English and Persian cultures differ significantly, and an experienced translator must ensure that translations are culturally appropriate and sensitive to local customs and norms. All Graduates ensure this through careful attention to detail and cultural knowledge.

 

Applications of English to Persian Translation

Travel and Tourism. As more English speakers travel to Persian-speaking countries, translation services are vital for everything from navigating airports to understanding local customs. All Graduates provides high-quality translations for brochures, signage, and travel documents.

Education and Academic Research. Researchers and students often need translations of academic papers, books, and educational materials from English to Persian, or vice versa. All Graduates offers reliable services that cater to the educational sector, ensuring clarity and accuracy in academic translations.

Business and Trade. As international trade expands, businesses are looking to enter Persian-speaking markets. Whether translating legal documents, contracts, or marketing materials, All Graduates assists companies in communicating effectively with their Persian-speaking partners and clients.

 

All Graduates ensure this through careful attention to detail and cultural knowledge.

 

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Related Questions

1. What languages does All Graduates support for interpreter services?

All Graduates offers interpretation services for over 100 languages, including Persian, ensuring that your message reaches the right audience with precision

2. Can I get a free interpreter service through All Graduates?

All Graduates provides a variety of affordable options for interpreter services, ensuring accessibility to high-quality translation without compromising on standards.

3. How do I book an interpreter service with All Graduates?

Booking an interpreter with All Graduates is easy. Visit their website and choose the service that best suits your needs, and their team will assist you in organizing the details.

4. What are the different modes of interpreting offered by All Graduates?

All Graduates provides various interpreting services, including face-to-face, over-the-phone, and video remote interpreting, depending on the client’s specific needs.

 

Key Takeaways

Accurate and culturally sensitive translation is crucial when dealing with languages as unique and complex as Persian. All Graduates brings professional expertise, ensuring that every translation from English to Persian maintains the intended meaning and cultural context. Whether you need translation for business, travel, or personal use, All Graduates offers top-tier services to meet your needs.

Take the next step: Visit All Graduates today and experience reliable, professional translation services for your English to Persian needs.

 

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All Graduates
All Graduates | 16 Aug 2024

With Mandarin being the most spoken language globally and English serving as the lingua franca of international business, accurate translation between these languages is essential for seamless cross-cultural interactions.

Whether for multinational corporations, educational institutions, or individual travellers, the ability to effectively translate Mandarin to English opens doors to new opportunities, enhances mutual understanding, and bridges cultural divides, making it an indispensable tool in our increasingly interconnected society.

Our team of skilled professionals is dedicated to providing accurate and reliable translations across a wide range of languages, with a special focus on mandarin to english translation.

 

Understanding Mandarin to English Translation

Mandarin to English translation involves the process of converting written or spoken Mandarin Chinese into its English equivalent, ensuring that the meaning, context, and intent of the original text or speech are accurately conveyed.

All Graduates - Mandarin to English Translations

Mandarin Chinese is deeply rooted in its cultural heritage, with many idioms, proverbs, and references that may not have a direct English equivalent. Translators must be able to grasp the underlying meaning and significance of these cultural elements and find the most appropriate way to express them in English, without losing the essence of the original message.

 

Why Choose All Graduates for Mandarin to English Translation?

With years of expertise in various fields, including business, legal, medical, and technical translations, All Graduates ensures that every project is handled by the most suitable english chinese mandarin translator, guaranteeing precise and contextually appropriate translations.

We leverage advanced technology and state-of-the-art translation tools to enhance efficiency and consistency, while our rigorous quality assurance processes ensure that every translation meets the highest standards. By combining human expertise with cutting-edge technology, All Graduates delivers translations that are not only accurate but also culturally resonant and impactful.

 

Services Offered by All Graduates

Whether it’s translating contracts, medical records, or technical manuals, All Graduates ensures that each document is handled with precision and attention to detail, maintaining the integrity and clarity of the original text.

All Graduates excel in English to Simplified Chinese translation and English to Traditional Chinese character translation. This dual focus allows them to cater to a broad audience, whether clients are looking to reach mainland Chinese markets or engage with Chinese-speaking communities worldwide.

 

Key Challenges in Mandarin to English Translation

Mandarin to English translation presents several unique challenges, including the accurate translation of idiomatic expressions and cultural references. Idiomatic expressions in Mandarin often have no direct English equivalent, requiring a deep understanding of both languages to convey the intended meaning accurately.

All Graduates tackle these challenges through a combination of expertise and advanced technology. Our team of professional translators possesses extensive knowledge of both Mandarin and English, as well as the cultural contexts in which they are used. This allows them to interpret idiomatic expressions and cultural references accurately, ensuring the translated content resonates with the target audience.

 

We employ state-of-art translation tools that assist in maintaining consistency and accuracy throughout the translation process.

 

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By integrating human expertise with technological advancements, All Graduates ensures that even the most challenging aspects of Mandarin to English translation are addressed effectively, delivering high-quality translations that preserve the original intent and meaning.

Benefits of Professional Translation Services

Professional translation services play a crucial role for both businesses and individuals seeking to communicate effectively across language barriers. Accurate translation enhances communication, ensuring that messages are conveyed clearly and culturally appropriately, which is essential for building trust and credibility with diverse audiences.

For businesses, this can translate into increased opportunities for growth and expansion into global markets. By utilising professional translators who are skilled in specific industries, companies can avoid costly misunderstandings and ensure compliance with regulatory standards, thereby safeguarding their reputation.

All Graduates stands out in providing top-notch translation services, specialising in various document types, including legal, medical, and technical materials. Their expertise in English to Simplified Chinese and English to Traditional Chinese translations allows them to cater to a wide range of clients, ensuring that every translation is not only accurate but also resonates with the target audience.

By prioritizing quality and cultural sensitivity, All Graduates helps clients enhance their communication strategies and seize new business opportunities in an increasingly interconnected world.

 

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Related Questions

1. How can All Graduates ensure cultural accuracy in my translations?

All Graduates ensure cultural accuracy by employing experienced translators who are not only fluent in both languages but also deeply knowledgeable about the cultural contexts, allowing them to convey the true meaning and intent of the original text.

2. What tools do All Graduates use for translating Mandarin texts to English?

All Graduates use advanced translation tools, including state-of-the-art software and CAT (Computer-Assisted Translation) tools, to enhance efficiency, consistency, and accuracy in translating Mandarin texts to English.

3. How do dialects like Cantonese affect translation quality at All Graduates?

At All Graduates, we account for dialectal differences by assigning translators who are proficient in specific dialects, such as Cantonese, to ensure that translations maintain their accuracy and cultural relevance.

4. What are the latest trends in Mandarin to English translation according to All Graduates?

According to All Graduates, the latest trends in Mandarin to English translation include the increased use of AI and machine learning to support human translators, as well as a growing emphasis on cultural localization to ensure translations resonate with diverse audiences.

 

Key Takeaways

Accurate translation from Mandarin to English is essential in today’s globalised world, where effective communication can significantly impact business success and interpersonal relationships. Professional translation services ensure that nuances, cultural references, and context are preserved, allowing messages to resonate with the intended audience. This precision not only fosters trust but also opens doors to new opportunities, enabling businesses to expand their reach and engage meaningfully with diverse markets.

For those seeking high-quality translation services, All Graduates offers a reliable solution. Their team of skilled translators is dedicated to delivering accurate and culturally sensitive translations that meet the specific needs of clients across various sectors.

Visit All Graduates today to explore how their professional translation services can elevate your communication and enhance your business prospects.

 

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All Graduates
All Graduates | 17 Feb 2024

Given the growing cultural and economic ties between New Zealand and Japan—especially in trade, tourism, and educational exchanges—the importance of translating Japanese to English cannot be overstated. How to translate Japanese to English and what its importance is are crucial questions, as effective translation fosters better communication and collaboration between the two nations in today’s interconnected world. With many Japanese businesses operating in New Zealand and a rising interest in Japanese culture, effective communication is essential as it facilitates smoother business transactions, enriches cultural exchanges, and enhances educational opportunities.

Japan is one of New Zealand’s largest trading partners, importing a variety of goods such as dairy products, meat, and kiwifruit.On the other hand, New Zealand benefits from Japan’s advanced technology and automobiles.

Culturally, the influence of Japanese art, cuisine, and traditions is increasingly visible in New Zealand, with events like the annual Japan Day celebrating the rich heritage and fostering mutual appreciation. Educational programs and sister city relationships further solidify these connections, making Japanese to English translation services crucial in facilitating these dynamic exchanges.

All Graduates NZ - Translate Japanese to English - Japanese Art

All Graduates stands out as a premier translation service provider in New Zealand, renowned for its exceptional expertise and commitment to quality. With a team of highly skilled translators who are proficient in both languages and deeply familiar with cultural nuances, All Graduates ensures accurate and contextually appropriate translations.

 

Why Translate Japanese to English?

In the business world, accurate translation of documents like reports, websites, and marketing materials is essential for companies to expand into Japanese markets and collaborate with Japanese partners. For travellers visiting Japan, translation helps navigate menus, signs, and conversations, enabling a richer cultural experience.

In education, translating Japanese research, textbooks, and academic papers into English makes this knowledge accessible to a global audience. On a personal level, translating communications with Japanese friends, family, or colleagues fosters deeper connections and mutual understanding. Ensuring these translations are clear, natural, and capture the intended meaning is key.

Services like All Graduates in New Zealand provide professional Japanese to English translation to help businesses, travelers, students, and individuals communicate effectively across the language barrier.

 

Challenges of Japanese to English Translation

Due to the differences in grammar, vocabulary, and cultural context, the complexity of the Japanese language, with its three writing systems—kanji, hiragana, and katakana—adds another layer of difficulty.

All Graduates excels in overcoming these challenges, leveraging their expertise and extensive experience to deliver precise translations. Their skilled translators are adept at navigating the intricacies of Japanese language writing and cultural subtleties, making them an invaluable resource for anyone needing high-quality Japanese to English translations in New Zealand.

 

Why Learn to Translate Japanese to English?

As the world’s third largest economy, Japan is a key trading partner for New Zealand across many industries.

In the tourism sector, Japanese to English translation skills enable New Zealand businesses to cater to the large number of Japanese visitors, enhancing their experience and satisfaction. In education, translating Japanese research, textbooks, and academic papers into English makes this knowledge accessible to students and researchers in New Zealand.

All Graduates NZ - Translate Japanese to English - Japan Nature

For New Zealanders looking to build a career or deepen their understanding of Japan, acquiring Japanese to English translation skills is a highly valuable asset.

 

Professional Translation Services in New Zealand

The benefits of using professional translation services are manifold, including precise and culturally appropriate translations that maintain the integrity of the original message.

All Graduates’ team of translators possesses extensive expertise in the Japanese language and its characters, ensuring that every nuance is captured. This proficiency guarantees that clients receive translations that are not only accurate but also resonate with the intended audience.

 

Go-to-choice for high-quality Japanese to English translation services in New Zealand

 

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1. How to Improve Japanese to English Translation Skills

Enrolling in Japanese language courses is a foundational step, as it provides essential grammar, vocabulary, and cultural context. Immersing yourself in the language through conversation, media, and literature further enhances comprehension and fluency.

Additionally, practicing translation across various materials—such as news articles, novels, and websites—exposes you to different writing styles and terminologies, helping to develop versatility and adaptability in your translations.

While machine translation tools can be useful for quick references and initial drafts, it’s important not to rely on them entirely, as they often miss nuances and cultural subtleties. To ensure accuracy and improve your skills, seek feedback from native Japanese speakers who can proofread your translations. This collaborative approach not only helps identify errors but also provides insights into idiomatic expressions and cultural references that are vital for effective communication.

 

By combining structured learning, diverse practice, and constructive feedback, you can significantly enhance your Japanese to English translation abilities.

 

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Related Questions

1. How much do experienced Japanese to English translators charge in New Zealand through All Graduates?

The rates for experienced Japanese to English translators at All Graduates vary based on the complexity and length of the document, so it’s best to request a personalised quote for accurate pricing.

2. What qualifications should I look for in a Japanese to English translator from All Graduates?

Look for qualifications such as native proficiency in both languages, professional translation certifications, and experience in the specific industry relevant to your translation needs.

3. Are there any specialised translators for legal or medical documents in Japanese to English at All Graduates?

Yes, All Graduates has specialised translators with expertise in legal and medical documents to ensure precise and accurate translations for these sensitive and technical fields.

4. How can I ensure the accuracy of a Japanese to English translation with All Graduates?

All Graduates ensures accuracy through a rigorous quality assurance process, which includes thorough proofreading and cross-checking by experienced translators and subject matter experts.

 

Key Takeaways

Accurate translation from Japanese to English is important for effective communication, especially given the significant economic and cultural ties between New Zealand and Japan. Professional translation services ensure precision, cultural relevance, and a deep understanding of linguistic nuances, which are essential for successful interactions in business, education, and personal exchanges.

By choosing All Graduates, you can rely on their expertise and experience to bridge language barriers seamlessly.

All Graduates
All Graduates | 17 Feb 2024

Effective communication that resonates with non-English speaking audiences is essential for businesses and organizations seeking to expand their reach and engage diverse communities. One of the most transformative aspects of modern communication tools is the advent of the Internet and digital communication platforms. In addition to digital communication, traditional forms of communication, such as radio, television, and print media, continue to play a role in disseminating information and shaping public discourse.

For non-English speaking clients, navigating language barriers can present unique challenges. However, with the assistance of skilled translators and interpreters, communication barriers can be overcome. Read on to learn 7 effective communication techniques that translators and interpreters utilize to facilitate meaningful interactions for non-English speaking clients.

The 7 Cs of Communication

The 7 Cs of Communication are principles that can enhance communication effectiveness regardless of language proficiency. These principles are particularly useful for non-English speaking individuals:

All Graduates NZ - Communication Effectiveness And Language Proficiency

  1. Clarity: Ensure that your message is clear and easy to understand. Use simple language, avoid jargon, and provide context to help non-English speakers grasp the meaning of your communication.

  2. Conciseness: Keep your message concise and to the point. Non-English speakers may have limited language proficiency, so it’s important to convey your message straightforwardly without unnecessary complexity or verbosity.

  3. Coherence: Organize your communication logically and coherently. Present information in a structured format with clear transitions between ideas to help non-English speakers follow the flow of your message.

  4. Consistency: Maintain consistency in your communication style, tone, and messaging. Consistent communication helps non-English speakers feel more comfortable and confident in understanding and responding to your message.

  5. Cultural Sensitivity: Be mindful of cultural differences and sensitivities when communicating with non-English speakers. Respect cultural norms, customs, and traditions to avoid misunderstandings or offense.

  6. Courtesy: Show respect and courtesy in your communication with non-English speakers. Use polite language, express appreciation, and acknowledge their efforts to engage in communication, even if there are language barriers.

  7. Confirmation: Seek feedback and confirmation to ensure mutual understanding. Encourage non-English speakers to ask questions, seek clarification, and provide feedback on their understanding of your message to confirm comprehension and address any misunderstandings promptly.

Bridging Language Gaps

Good communication skills enable individuals to express their thoughts, ideas, and intentions clearly and effectively. Whether speaking, writing, or presenting, the ability to articulate thoughts coherently and compellingly enhances understanding and facilitates meaningful dialogue.

All Graduates NZ - Bridging Language Gaps

Translators and interpreters play a crucial role in facilitating communication for non-English speaking clients in various contexts. Their primary responsibilities include:

  1. Language Bridge: Translators and interpreters serve as language bridges between non-English speaking clients and English-speaking individuals or entities. They facilitate communication by accurately translating spoken or written content from one language to another, ensuring that the intended message is conveyed accurately and effectively.

  2. Access to Information: Translators and interpreters enable non-English speaking clients to access important information, resources, and services that may otherwise be inaccessible due to language barriers. They translate documents, forms, contracts, websites, and other materials into the client’s native language, ensuring that information is comprehensible and actionable.

  3. Effective Communication: Translators and interpreters help non-English speaking clients effectively communicate their needs, preferences, and concerns in interactions with English-speaking individuals or organizations. They interpret verbal communication in real time during meetings, appointments, interviews, and other interactions, ensuring clear and accurate communication between parties.

  4. Empowerment and Advocacy: Translators and interpreters empower non-English speaking clients to advocate for themselves, make informed decisions, and exercise their rights. By providing language support and ensuring that clients understand their options and rights, translators and interpreters help level the playing field and promote equity and inclusion.

  5. Cultural Mediation: Translators and interpreters serve as cultural mediators, helping to bridge cultural differences and misunderstandings that may arise in cross-cultural communication. They provide context, clarify cultural nuances, and navigate cultural sensitivities to facilitate effective communication and mutual understanding between parties.

  6. Confidentiality and Professionalism: Translators and interpreters adhere to strict standards of confidentiality and professionalism to protect the privacy and dignity of non-English speaking clients. They maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive information shared during interactions and uphold ethical standards to ensure the integrity of the communication process.

Overall, translators and interpreters play a vital role in empowering non-English speaking clients, facilitating effective communication, and promoting access to information and services. Their expertise and professionalism are essential for breaking down language barriers, fostering inclusion, and ensuring that all individuals can fully participate in society and access the resources they need to thrive.

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All Graduates
All Graduates | 2 Dec 2023

CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse)

CALD stands for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities. This term is used to refer to groups of people within a society who come from various cultural, ethnic, linguistic, and religious backgrounds. CALD communities encompass individuals and families with diverse heritage, languages, traditions, and customs.

The CALD community in New Zealand includes people from Maori and Pacific Islander backgrounds, as well as immigrants and refugees from countries such as China, India, the Philippines, Korea, South Africa, the Middle East, and many others. These communities bring diverse languages, traditions, religions, and cultural practices to the country.

Discover how advancements in technology are not only breaking down language barriers but also fostering inclusion and empowerment within CALD communities.

Language Diversity in New Zealand

New Zealand boasts remarkable linguistic diversity, encompassing over 160 distinct languages spoken across the nation. Auckland, in particular, stands out as one of the globe’s most culturally diverse cities, witnessing the daily use of over 150 languages among its populace, representing a mosaic of more than 100 ethnicities. This rich tapestry of languages is the product of immigration from various European, Asian, and Pacific Island nations, each contributing a multitude of linguistic traditions.

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All Graduates NZ Articles - Language Diversity in New Zealand

As per the 2018 census, New Zealand counted 946,275 multilingual individuals, constituting 20.6% of respondents proficient in at least one language. The Auckland region stood at the forefront with 30.9%, closely followed by Wellington at 21.2%. While English and Te Reo Māori remain the most prevalent languages, Samoan, Hindi, Mandarin Chinese, French, and Cantonese boast significant speaker communities.

This diverse linguistic landscape mirrors New Zealand’s multicultural essence, offering opportunities for cultural exchange while simultaneously presenting the nation with unique challenges to embrace and support this varied linguistic tapestry.

LIME Multilingual Messaging System by All Graduates

The LIME Multilingual Messaging System by All Graduates serves as a pivotal tool in supporting Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities, addressing the critical need for effective communication across languages and cultural barriers.

Accessibility to essential services is crucial for CALD individuals, and the LIME system plays a significant role in ensuring that they can readily access information and engage with service providers in their preferred languages. By offering real-time multilingual communication capabilities, LIME enables seamless interactions between service providers, institutions, and CALD communities, regardless of language differences.

All Graduates NZ Articles - LIME Multilingual Messaging

This innovative system facilitates clear and accurate communication in various sectors, including healthcare, emergency services, government agencies, education, and more. CALD individuals can benefit from immediate access to interpreters, translated materials, and support services through the LIME platform, ensuring that they receive accurate information and assistance tailored to their cultural and linguistic needs.

Moreover, LIME enhances efficiency by streamlining communication processes, reducing potential misunderstandings, and enabling faster responses to inquiries or emergencies within CALD communities. Its user-friendly interface and versatile features empower service providers to deliver culturally sensitive and inclusive support, fostering trust and collaboration with CALD individuals.

Ultimately, the LIME Multilingual Messaging System stands as a bridge that narrows communication gaps, promotes inclusivity, and empowers CALD communities by ensuring equitable access to vital services and information in their preferred languages. All Graduates’ commitment to facilitating effective multilingual communication contributes significantly to building stronger and more connected communities.

Revolutionizing Language Services: The Power of Technology

Advancements in technology play an indispensable role in elevating language services, fostering seamless communication, and breaking linguistic barriers. The modern landscape of language services technology has evolved significantly to meet the demands of a globalized world, amplifying the presence and impact of businesses across diverse cultural settings.

Technology plays a crucial role in assisting Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities in various ways:

1. Language Accessibility

Technology enables the development of translation apps, multilingual websites, and software that facilitate communication in diverse languages. These tools bridge the language gap, allowing CALD individuals to access information, services, and resources in their preferred language.

2. Telehealth and Telecommunications

Telehealth services and video conferencing platforms equipped with language interpretation features allow CALD individuals to communicate with healthcare providers, counselors, or government agencies in their native languages. This ensures better access to healthcare and essential services.

3. Education and E-Learning

Technology facilitates e-learning platforms with multilingual support, aiding CALD students in accessing educational resources and courses in their native languages. This promotes inclusive learning environments and equal educational opportunities.

4. Community Engagement

Social media and online forums create spaces for CALD communities to connect, share experiences, and access support networks. These platforms foster community engagement and enable the exchange of cultural knowledge and information.

5. Digital Access to Information

Online information repositories, government websites, and mobile applications offer multilingual interfaces and information, ensuring that CALD individuals have equitable access to important resources and services.

6. Employment Opportunities

Technology enables remote work, freelancing, and online job platforms, opening up employment opportunities for CALD individuals who might face language barriers in traditional workplace settings.

7. Cultural Preservation

Digital platforms aid in preserving and sharing cultural heritage, languages, and traditions of CALD communities, ensuring that these legacies are not lost over time.

This evolution witnesses a harmonious blend of human expertise and automated translation software, resulting in swift and accurate translations. This fusion has empowered companies with more precise interpretations delivered within shorter timeframes. Moreover, technology facilitates the consistent and precise translation of an array of materials—technical documents, software applications, eLearning courses, and product websites—in over 100 languages, catering to the requirements of prominent tech enterprises.

Language technology solutions encompass a wide array of tools such as computer-assisted translation (CAT), translation memory (TM) software, content management systems, translation project management systems, machine translation, and localization tools. Collectively, these tools significantly streamline the translation, localization, and management of foreign language content, enhancing efficiency and cost-effectiveness for businesses navigating global markets.

In essence, technology serves as a powerful tool to empower CALD communities by breaking down language barriers, improving access to essential services, fostering inclusivity, and facilitating cultural exchange in an increasingly interconnected world.

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References:
Culturally & Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Health
Responding to language diversity in Auckland
Languages in Aotearoa New Zealand
Literacy and numeracy in New Zealand: findings from the Adult Literacy and Life Skills Survey
Languages spoken in New Zealand
The Evolution Of Language Services Technology
Language Technology Solutions
Develop, Launch, and Scale Your Technology Innovations Globally with the Best Technical Translation Services

 

All Graduates
All Graduates | 22 Jun 2024

New Zealand is a multicultural society with a rich diversity of languages and cultures. This diversity brings both opportunities and challenges in terms of literacy, as non-native English speakers may face language barriers and varying levels of literacy.

Literacy is a fundamental skill that enables individuals to fully participate in society and access opportunities for personal and professional growth. However, many non-English speakers in New Zealand face significant challenges when it comes to achieving proficient literacy levels. 

According to the 2014-2015 Survey of Adult Skills, approximately one in five New Zealand adults, or 20%, demonstrated low literacy skills. While New Zealand has a generally well-educated population, there are still significant literacy challenges. Approximately one in five New Zealanders is operating at a highly effective level of literacy, while the majority of Māori, Pacific Islands people, and other ethnic minority groups are functioning below the required level of competence.

In New Zealand, literacy is understood as more than just the ability to read and write. It encompasses a broad set of skills including reading, writing, speaking, listening, and critical thinking. The scope of literacy in New Zealand is aligned with the needs of a modern, diverse, and multicultural society.

All Graduates - Scope of Literacy in New Zealand
In this article, we will explore the far-reaching consequences of poor literacy on individuals from non-English speaking backgrounds in New Zealand, shedding light on the challenges they face and the initiatives in place to address this issue.

Importance of Literacy for Non-English Speaking Backgrounds in New Zealand

Literacy holds a vital role for immigrants in New Zealand, as it does for all members of society. The significance of literacy for immigrants in New Zealand becomes evident through various compelling factors:

Importance of Literacy for Non-English Speaking Backgrounds in New Zealand

High Proficiency Among Foreign-Language Immigrants

Immigrants who speak languages other than English tend to excel in literacy and numeracy, surpassing the proficiency levels of native-born New Zealanders. This group stands out as one of the most highly proficient immigrant populations across OECD countries.

Importance of English Proficiency

The Office of Ethnic Affairs underlined the importance of migrants acquiring English proficiency, even if they require interpreters to access services, emphasizing the role of language as a tool for integration.

Established Immigrants’ Proficiency

Established immigrants in New Zealand tend to possess higher literacy and numeracy skills than recent immigrants. Moreover, they constitute a larger segment of the highly skilled population, showcasing their valuable contribution to the country.

Access to Education and Employment

Literacy is a cornerstone for immigrants to access education, secure employment, and utilize various services in New Zealand. It is essential for achieving integration into society and realizing personal goals.

Economic and Career Prospects

Literacy rates significantly influence the economic and career prospects of young individuals leaving school. Fundamental skills such as literacy and numeracy are pivotal for entering the productive economy, and a lack of these skills can pose considerable challenges in career development.

The Challenges Faced by Non-English Speakers

Non-English speakers in New Zealand face a range of specific literacy challenges that impact their ability to fully participate in society. These challenges include:

Language Barriers

Non-English speakers often struggle with understanding and using English, which is the primary language of instruction and communication in New Zealand. This affects their ability to comprehend educational materials, engage in classroom activities, and access essential services.

All Graduates - Case Study - Syrian Family - Language Barrier

Limited Access to Bilingual Resources

There is often a lack of educational resources available in languages other than English, making it difficult for non-English speakers to learn in their native language while acquiring English skills.

Cultural Differences in Educational Practices

Different cultural backgrounds can lead to variations in educational expectations and practices. For example, non-English speaking students may come from educational systems with different teaching methods, classroom behaviours, and parental involvement norms, which can affect their adaptation to New Zealand’s educational environment.

Socioeconomic Disadvantages

Non-English speaking immigrants and refugees often face economic hardships, which can limit access to educational opportunities, quality schooling, and learning resources. Economic pressures may also require children and adults to prioritise work over education.

All Graduates - Case Study - Chinese International Student - Language Barrier

Lack of Support Services

Insufficient language support services, such as English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, tutoring, and translation services, hinder the ability of non-English speakers to improve their literacy skills.

Cultural, Educational, and Social Barriers to Improving Literacy

Cultural Barriers

Cultural differences can create misunderstandings and miscommunications in educational settings. Non-English speaking students may have different learning styles and may not participate actively in class discussions, which can be misinterpreted as a lack of interest or ability.

Additionally, cultural norms regarding the role of education and family involvement can affect how literacy development is supported at home.

Educational Barriers

The New Zealand education system may not always provide adequate support for non-English speakers. There can be a shortage of trained ESL teachers, culturally responsive teaching practices, and inclusive curricula that acknowledge and incorporate students’ diverse backgrounds.

Standardised testing in English can further disadvantage non-English speakers, who may have the knowledge but lack the language skills to demonstrate it.

Social Barriers

Social integration is a significant challenge for non-English speakers, who may face discrimination, isolation, and a lack of community support. These social barriers can affect motivation and mental health, which in turn impact educational outcomes. Access to community programs and support networks is essential but often limited.

All Graduates - Impacts of Low Literacy Levels

Current Initiatives and Programs

In New Zealand, various government and non-profit initiatives are dedicated to improving literacy across different demographic groups. Key initiatives include:

Government Initiatives

Reading Together: A Ministry of Education program designed to help parents support their children’s reading at home. It focuses on building positive reading habits and providing practical strategies for parents.

This community-based program involves parents, teachers, and librarians working together to support children’s reading at home. By providing workshops and resources, Reading Together helps parents develop effective reading practices with their children, leading to improved reading skills and parent-child bonding.

Ka Hikitia – Accelerating Success: This strategy aims to enhance educational outcomes for Māori students, including improving literacy through culturally responsive teaching and increased engagement with whānau (families).

Programs like Ka Hikitia and the Pasifika Education Plan have shown success in raising awareness and improving educational outcomes for Māori and Pasifika students. Literacy Aotearoa has also made significant strides in adult literacy through its accessible and tailored programs.

Pasifika Education Plan: This initiative focuses on improving educational outcomes for Pasifika students, emphasising literacy through community engagement, parental involvement, and culturally relevant teaching practices.

Non-Profit Initiatives

The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC): TEC supports a range of adult literacy and numeracy initiatives, including workplace literacy programs and community-based education.

Literacy Aotearoa: A nationwide organization offering free literacy and numeracy services to adults. Their programs include one-on-one tutoring, group classes, and workplace training.

Storytime Foundation: Focuses on early childhood literacy by distributing free books to families with young children and providing guidance on fostering a love for reading from an early age.

Strategies for Enhancing Literacy

To enhance literacy rates in New Zealand, several policy changes and new initiatives can be considered:

Early Intervention Programs

Implement nationwide early intervention literacy programs in preschools and kindergartens. Focusing on early childhood education can help address literacy issues before children enter formal schooling.

Increased Funding for Literacy Programs

Allocate more government funding to literacy programs, particularly in low-decile schools and underserved communities. This funding should support resources, training, and additional staff for literacy support.

Bilingual Education Support

Expand and support bilingual education programs to help non-English speaking students maintain their native language while acquiring English. This approach can improve overall literacy and cognitive skills.

Parental Involvement Initiatives

Develop initiatives that encourage and support parental involvement in children’s literacy development. Programs like workshops, family literacy nights, and take-home resources can empower parents to contribute to their children’s learning.

Regular Literacy Assessments

Implement regular, formative assessments to monitor students’ literacy progress and identify those needing additional support. These assessments should be used to inform instruction and provide targeted interventions.

Professional Development for Educators

Mandate ongoing professional development for teachers in literacy instruction, focusing on evidence-based practices, culturally responsive teaching, and strategies for supporting bilingual and ESL students.

All Graduates - Strategies for Literacy Development

The Role of Language in Literacy Development

Supporting native language literacy alongside English literacy is crucial for several reasons:

Cognitive Development: Research shows that strong literacy skills in a child’s first language (L1) can enhance cognitive development and facilitate the acquisition of a second language (L2), such as English. When students build a solid foundation in their native language, they develop critical thinking and linguistic skills that transfer to learning a new language.

Cultural Identity and Self-Esteem: Maintaining and developing literacy in one’s native language helps preserve cultural identity and fosters a sense of pride and self-esteem. Students who feel valued and respected for their linguistic background are more likely to be motivated and engaged in their learning.

Family and Community Engagement: Supporting native language literacy encourages communication and bonding within families and communities where English may not be the primary language. This engagement enhances the overall learning environment and provides a support system for students.

Academic Achievement: Students who are literate in their native language often perform better academically. Literacy in L1 supports overall academic success, as students can use their language skills to understand and engage with complex concepts and texts in English.

Multilingual Advantage: In a globalised world, multilingualism is an asset. Students who develop literacy in multiple languages are better prepared for the demands of the international job market and have greater opportunities for cross-cultural communication and understanding.

Bilingual education programs offer numerous benefits that support literacy development and overall academic and personal growth:

Enhanced Cognitive Skills: Bilingual education has been linked to improved cognitive functions, such as problem-solving, multitasking, and memory. Learning in two languages stimulates brain development and enhances cognitive flexibility.

Better Academic Performance: Students in bilingual education programs often outperform their monolingual peers in various academic areas. Bilingual students tend to have stronger literacy skills, better reading comprehension, and higher levels of metalinguistic awareness.

Improved Language Proficiency: Bilingual programs help students achieve high levels of proficiency in both their native language and English. This balanced bilingualism is advantageous for academic success and future career opportunities.

Cultural Awareness and Competence: Bilingual education fosters cultural awareness and competence by integrating cultural content and perspectives into the curriculum. Students learn to appreciate and respect cultural diversity, which is essential in a multicultural society like New Zealand.

Long-Term Economic Benefits: Bilingual individuals have a competitive edge in the job market. Proficiency in multiple languages is highly valued in many professions, including international business, diplomacy, translation, and education. Bilingual education programs, therefore, contribute to long-term economic benefits for individuals and society.

Increased Engagement and Retention: Bilingual education can increase student engagement and reduce dropout rates. When students see their language and culture reflected in the curriculum, they feel more connected to their education, leading to higher retention and graduation rates.

Family and Community Support: Bilingual education programs often involve family and community members, creating a supportive learning environment. This involvement strengthens the home-school connection and encourages a collaborative approach to education.

Call to Action - Literacy in New Zealand

Current levels of literacy in New Zealand

The Analysis of New Zealand Data from the International Adult Literacy survey reveals that 45% of adult New Zealanders are at Levels 1 and 2 for prose literacy, 50% for document literacy, and 49% for quantitative literacy.

New Zealand’s adults outperform the OECD average in literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving in technology-rich environments.From 1996 to 2014-15, New Zealand has seen a significant increase of 14 score points in the average literacy proficiency of its adults. New Zealand stands out in the sense that the 35-44 year age group exhibits the highest literacy proficiency, and older New Zealanders (55-65 year-olds) surpass the OECD average for their age group in literacy proficiency.

Addressing the Literacy Crisis

The challenge of low literacy levels among non-English speakers in New Zealand is a matter of considerable concern, and multiple initiatives are in place to tackle this issue. Here are some of the approaches New Zealand is employing to address low literacy levels in non-English speakers.

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Addressing the Literacy Crisis

The Ministry of Education has commissioned research aimed at examining the demographic factors that predict or correlate with low literacy proficiency.

In 2022, The Education Hub published a research report revealing that 35.4% of teenagers face difficulties in reading and writing by the age of 15. This report underscores the importance of enhancing literacy rates to equip young individuals leaving school with the foundational skills required to participate effectively in the workforce.

The National Party has introduced a “back to basics” plan to combat New Zealand’s literacy challenge. This plan entails primary and intermediate students dedicating at least an hour each day to learning reading, writing, and mathematics, along with undergoing “standardized, robust assessment” in these subjects every six months.

It’s important to note that the problem of low literacy among non-English speakers in New Zealand is often attributed to ineffective instruction rather than developmental disabilities. Criticism has been directed at universities and the education system for their reliance on a whole language, ‘multiple cue’ model of reading instruction, which has proven unsuccessful for many New Zealand children, particularly those who struggle with reading.

The Office of Ethnic Affairs produced a report in 2013, emphasizing the significance of migrants acquiring English proficiency, even if it necessitates the use of interpreters to access services.

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Key Takeaways

Understanding Literacy in New Zealand: We defined literacy in the New Zealand context, considering not only the ability to read and write but also to effectively communicate and engage in society. We examined current literacy rates and noted variations across different communities.

Challenges Faced by Non-English Speakers: We explored the specific literacy challenges encountered by non-English speakers, including language barriers, cultural differences, and social obstacles. Case studies illustrated the personal impacts of these challenges.

Impacts of Low Literacy Levels: We discussed the wide-ranging effects of low literacy, including economic impacts on employment and productivity, social implications for community inclusion and healthcare access, and educational challenges for children of non-English speakers.

Current Initiatives and Programs: We reviewed government and non-profit initiatives aimed at improving literacy, analysed their effectiveness, and highlighted successful community-based literacy programs.

Strategies for Enhancing Literacy: We provided recommendations for policy changes, strategies for educators and community organisations, and emphasised the role of technology in supporting literacy development.

The Role of Language in Literacy Development: We discussed the importance of supporting native language literacy alongside English literacy and the benefits of bilingual education programs.

References:
Skill Matter: Further Results From The Survey of Adult Skills
Adult Literacy in New Zealand: Results from the International Adult Literacy Survey
Language, Ethnicity, and Belonging for the Children of Migrants in New Zealand
Literacy and numeracy in New Zealand: findings from the Adult Literacy and Life Skills Survey
The Front Page revisited: How New Zealand’s low literacy rate impacts the economy
Adult Literacy in New Zealand: Results from the International Adult Literacy Survey
Analysis of New Zealand Data from the International Adult Literacy Survey
Addressing the literacy crisis in Aotearoa New Zealand
Balanced literacy and New Zealand’s opportunity to re-write reading instruction history
Adult Literacy in New Zealand: Results from the International Adult Literacy Survey

 

When we think of communication problems in the education sector...

Ismail Akinci
Ismail Akinci | 23 Oct 2019

When we think of communication problems in the education sector, we often think of teachers and educators having trouble connecting with their students. What we don’t always think about, is the challenges they face when trying to connect with parents.

 

Understanding the audience

Four years ago, senior staff at Brighton Grammar School received some surprising internal feedback from recently conducted parent-teacher interviews. Maggie Lynch OAM, the school’s International Parents’ Support Group Coordinator, noted a communication gap with families from non-English speaking backgrounds. As a leading independent school with high levels of academic success with a pro-active international marketing effort, Brighton Grammar School is a popular choice among new Australian families seeking excellent educational outcomes for their children, as well as an immersion in Australian culture. However, some of these new community members were not able to fully engage with the school’s practices and highly valuable parent-teacher interactions as non-English speakers.


A lack of awareness of the benefits of using interpreters meant that non-English speaking families were missing out on valuable feedback from parent-teacher and parent-school interactions. The school reached out to All Graduates to find a possible solution to the communication problem.

Enabling communication

All Graduates quickly began working with the school to introduce a pilot program, testing the viability of interpreters for parent-teacher interviews. Brighton Grammar School Director of Advancement, John Phillips said the pilot quickly delivered significant positive outcomes for the school and parents. With John and Maggie’s valuable insights, we were able to spearhead the introduction of regular language services

“All Graduates has provided interpreter services for our parent-teacher interviews over the past four years. The feedback from our international parents regarding this service has been incredibly positive and affirms our decision to keep offering language services in the future.”

John Phillips
Director of Advancement at Brighton Grammar School

 

Meliora Sequamur

In keeping with the school’s motto, Meliora Seuamur (Let us keep pursuing better things), earlier this year we furthered our relationship with the school to expand multilingual communications to students and families. Recognising not every situation requires an interpreter, All Graduates began working with International Student Liaisons on an awareness and engagement program using LiME, our new multilingual audio messaging system.

“When discussing LiME with All Graduates, I was very interested in how we could apply this to enhance student wellbeing. We are now developing a series of messages to engage with both students and parents around the school’s counselling services.”

 

Maggie Lynch OAM,
International Parents’ Support Group Coordinator at Brighton Grammar School

 

How we used LiME

This is something we’re very excited about. Our latest offering, LiME, is a tailored cloud-based audio solutions package. With it, we can create and manage audio content for a huge range of platforms in more than 100 languages, with specific accents and dialects, spoken by native speakers. Brighton Grammar School is keen utilise LiME across WeChat, SMS, email, and various mobile apps as selected by the school. This process means staff won’t need to develop new documents but could instead repurpose existing communications by creating custom audio content.

 

 

Whether the issue is as minor as an accent or as major as a wholly foreign dialect...

Ellias Appel
Ellias Appel | 8 Aug 2019

Ten year ago we were servicing about 70 languages. That number has swollen to around 150! Whether the issue is as minor as an accent or as major as a wholly foreign dialect, we know that more of you are bumping up against language barriers in your workplace.


So here are our Top Ten Tips to help you break through barriers and emerge, like the phoenix, reborn! (or maybe you’ll just learn how to communicate better with a diverse range of people)

 

1. Use Plain Language

This seems stupid simple, but guarantee you are as guilty of it as I am. Whether you’re interacting with someone who speaks English as their secondary (or tertiary) language, or trying to convey one of those problems that drip with jargony terms to your non-technical workmates, we should all get in the habit of using plain English language whenever possible. Yes, using large, mul-ti-syll-a-bic words makes you sound smart, but you’re going to feel pretty silly if you need to repeat those words 3 times, and then explain their meaning. Keep your conversations like unbuttered toast: plain and simple.

 

2. Consider Easy English

There is a growing trend amongst groups engaging with diverse cultural groups, and those with low literacy, to produce versions of documents in Easy English. This is a style of writing which uses everyday words, simple sentences and images to support the messages. It is different to plain language and incorporates the layout of information on a page (large font, lots of white space). We are seeing more clients who are pursuing this style of writing as a supplement to their more traditional T&Cs and legalese laden documents.

 

3. Speak slowly and clearly

Like my Nana used to say to me “You’re speaking too fast!”, and you probably are too. Slow it down and annunciate. You may be communicating with someone who speaks English fluently, but that doesn’t mean they can clearly understand your excitedly blurted words. 

Take a page from Audrey Hepburn, and speak your words clearly.

 

 

 

4. Professional Development (PD)

If your industry sector is highly technical, filled with jargon, acronyms and abbreviations, you may consider PD something inward facing. Often, capacity building and staff skilling-up are focussed on your internal processes, and not your customer interactions. Creating a culturally responsive workplace means educating not just your customer facing staff members, but also those who interact with culturally diverse workers. Lessons should include awareness of culturally sensitive issues (such as gender relations), as well as language and literacy deficits which may contribute to confusion when discussing certain topics (such as Family Violence, or financial literacy).

 

5. Use graphics effectively

Like the saying goes, ‘A picture paints a thousand words’. It may seem counter-intuitive for a language services company to advocate for images rather than text, but if you are going to effectively communicate some concepts, you can’t beat imagery. It is especially important when you are translating documents that they are correctly reformatted so that graphics are correctly aligned with your text.

 

6. Repetition

Scientifically, people need to learn something more than once to build a solid recall. For this reason it’s important that repetition of key concepts is a core element of your communication framework. While the jury may be out as to whether it’s best to repeat verbatim, or to alter messages slightly in each repetition, from a customer engagement perspective each has their place. Your core messages should be repeated verbatim (for example “If pain persists, please see a doctor”), but your core concepts may be altered to avoid boredom and disengagement by your audience (for example we use two different phrases in our content “Language and literacy are no longer barriers” and “Language and literacy are no longer a barrier to communication”).

 

7. Repetition

See Step 6 above.

 

8. Be patient and respectful

 

The person you are communicating with is having the same difficulties as you, just from the other side. Try not to get frustrated. If the tables were turned, you’d want to be shown patience and compassion. So, do unto others.

Speak carefully and naturally, clearer not louder.

 

 

 

9. Engage a translator

It may be shocking to learn that even amongst highly educated industries such as healthcare and law, there still exists a portion of practitioners that resort to bilingual staff or family members, rather than suitably trained, independent professionals.

Every document that you deem important to your customers should be translated by a qualified team. In some cases it is even appropriate to perform Independent Checking to safeguard against errors in the translation.

 

10. Enlist interpreters

Even reasonably proficient ESL speakers may experience anxiety when speaking English. Do not hesitate to engage with interpreters when it is appropriate for the customer’s experience, and to ensure a positive outcome for your interaction.

 

11. Upgrade your content

 

Video didn’t kill the radio star! Audio still has pride of place as a useful tool to enhance the effectiveness of your documents and improve understanding for low-literacy cohorts. In fact research points out that multilingual audio actually encourages better outcomes for ESL customers.

We developed our LiME Multilingual Messaging to specifically fill this gap in language services by repurposing existing written documents, and creating pre-recorded audio for customer engagements.

 

Hopefully you’ve picked up a trick or two, and can navigate your next cross-language engagement with confidence and capability.

 

 

Language is the link between behaviour and outcome

Ellias Appel
Ellias Appel | 25 Jun 2019

Strategic Justification

A few months ago, the Daniel Andrew led Victorian Labor Government committed to find “$1.8 billion in savings, which amounts to 4 per cent of its [public service] resources [spending]“. This is an interesting amount, because 4% seems like such a pithy number… and then you realise that we’re talking in the billions and you need to adjust the scale of your perspective.

One of the fascinating elements in finding these savings is that there is often a metric of change which blows that 4% out of the water. For example, we recently tendered for a project aimed at changing patient behaviour for after-hours medical treatments. In a study performed by Deloitte in 2016, they identified that:

“The lowest cost pathways for patients seeking after hours primary care are extended and ‘after hours only’ clinics ($93) … Emergency departments [are] the most expensive [pathway] at $1,351 if arriving by ambulance (or treated and not transported) and $368 if self-presenting.”

To put this in perspective, the inappropriate use of Emergency Departments (i.e. non-critical presentations) significantly impacts the capacity of the healthcare system, as well as incurring costs of 4-14 times their primary health care equivalent. These behaviours are often a consequence of a complex series of factors, but in the case of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse patient groups, there is often an underlying health literacy deficit, specifically regarding awareness of health services.

Census data suggest a strong likelihood of underlying poor literacy and poor English language abilities in the CALD community, and this may additionally be stymieing the effectiveness of traditional campaigns and resources to effect change in the consumer decision making process for these groups. Consequently, creating engaging content and positively impacting on the customer experience is not as simple as translating written materials.

As shown in a research study we recently posted, audio can be the ‘missing link’ in effective engagement for groups with poor English language ability. Additionally, because of varying cultural trends in navigating power-dynamics, it is also important to ensure that your content is assessed for cultural appropriateness and translated by an appropriately qualified professional.

We encourage organisations that are seeking to engage with CALD groups, whether on a large scale (geographically or in population terms) or in highly targeted niche interactions, to explore data rich engagement options, such as online audio delivery, trackable links, IP geolocation and other related options.

Customer engagement is crucial to improving health literacy outcomes, but the same is true for other preferred behavioural outcomes you are trying to instil in your audience. Language informs effective communication within both marketing and resource development, and this is ultimately the linkage between your messages, and the customer outcomes you are pursuing.

 

All Graduates
All Graduates | 8 Apr 2019

Australia’s population is booming, with migrants of all types coming to our shores from all corners of the globe. Whilst this makes for a vibrant and diverse society (not to mention an expansive list of takeaway food options), it has also introduced complexities in the operations of public and private sectors. A growing CALD population (possibly struggling with low literacy in their native language), regulatory, ethical and cultural obligations – all of these have made the simple, much less so.

One of the areas in which we are regularly called to engage with our clients is that of operational efficiency. We produce a copious number of reports and analyses for government departments and companies, describing the interface between organisations and non-English speaking clients. We are often the catalyst for the introduction of technologies to enhance this interface, and also to improve the underlying systems with which an organisation may facilitate that interface.


The LiME Multilingual Messaging system evolved from the need to decrease communication barriers, and improve operational efficiencies for businesses and organisations. It has been designed as a sophisticated but easy-to-use tool to facilitate engagement with non-English speaking customers and those with literacy challenges.

 

“From the moment a non-English speaking client walks into your office, the challenge you face is the balance between meeting their needs with the inherent cost and complexity of doing so.”

 

A few years back we were introduced to a multilingual telephone message line (IVR) thanks to a looming Australian Electoral Commission tender. This inelegant proposal planted the seed which we grew into a platform-agnostic messaging system. While the phrasing may be unfamiliar, in practice this is what you do every day – you send your messages on whichever communication platform is available, appropriate or convenient. Whether you are using the web, social media, chat apps or calling an information line, the platform is irrelevant. The ​message ​is the crucial component.

Through a continuous and innovative development process, and ongoing input from our clients (and a Melbourne appropriate volume of coffee consumption), LiME was developed to offer holistic solutions to organisations engaging with CALD groups without sacrificing operational efficiencies.

 

LiME multilingual messaging system
– it ain’t just a member of the citrus family

Extensive research has shown that language barriers cause anxiety and create obstacles for non-English speakers to both engage with society at large, and access services in general. We very often see that our increasingly information-driven economy results in increased workloads and reduced efficiencies when interpreters are utilised in one-way communications. Additionally language translation services, while fundamental to ensuring the proliferation of an equitable society, are not only impacted by low literacy rates among non-English speakers, but also among the general Australian population. In spite of this knowledge, it never occurred to us until we started engaging with our clients just how transformational our LiME system had the potential to be.

 

Technology offers many benefits to language services

We understand the importance of message parity. Whilst AI technologies such as Google translate and Siri are handy day-to-day tools, they are not adequate for use in business and government communications. We recently had this exact issue raised with us by one of our private school clients, as well as the Project Manager of a pilot DHS program. LiME addresses this issue by drastically reducing the risk of miscommunication while improving access to information. We are currently working with multiple organisations that are using this system to reduce the burden on language service teams when communicating repetitive messages, while simultaneously improving access to appropriate language communications for their increasingly diverse clients.

We consider LiME as an adjunct to interpreter services, offering improved efficiencies in one-way message delivery, prior to hand-off to an interpreter if it becomes necessary. We know anecdotally and through our own internal reviews that there are often issues in communication parity when involving interpreters for “real-time translation” of complicated language documents (medical, legal or statutory). Our clients consistently point towards LiME offering immense potential in resolving these issues.

 

“LiME utilises multi-platform technology to create meaninful, comprehensive communications where and when you need them. Discover how it can work for you.”

 

NON J QUERY