With the right words, we can share ideas with depth and precision. People are much more likely to understand and empathize with us if we use the appropriate words. The ability to choose our words well can affect our personal relationships and professional success. It can even make the difference between increasing our client base or declining client loyalty.

Here at Monterey Language Services, we know how important words can be. Ideas are great, but words are what make them really come to life. This is especially true when it comes to translation and interpretation. Professional translators and interpreters always make sure that they are using the proper words that will communicate clients’ ideas exactly as they are communicated in the original language.

Many people don’t realize the level of thought that a translator puts into selecting the perfect word, or the research that an interpreter does to create a personal well of words that they can draw from at a moment’s notice. We work with translators and interpreters who are passionate about finding the perfect word that will best express the ideas of the client. For example, Monterey Language Services specializes in medical translation and interpretation; we recently worked on a translation project going from English into Spanish, Simplified Chinese, and Punjabi. It was intended to help pregnant women manage their prenatal health. This translation included the term “dull pressure,” which is a tricky term to define in English, let alone another language. Our translators had to discuss with each other in order to bring out the true meaning of this term using words that expectant mothers can understand completely.

In a broader sense, translators and interpreters use words to facilitate interactions and bring different groups together. It is important for all people to be able to listen and be heard, whether it is during a doctor appointment, a loved one’s graduation, or a public meeting. This is why language services like translation and interpretation are crucial when it comes to helping non-native speakers, low-English proficiency (LEP) and hearing- or vision-impaired communities. Facilitating communication is one way that language service providers bring people, communities, and worlds together.

Eloquence in multiple languages is a key characteristic of translators and interpreters. As a language company, we also strive for eloquence. We must demonstrate to our clients that we appreciate the impact that words can have. When a client came to us with some concerns, we communicated with her in a way that was clear and professional but also understanding, and she ended up being excited and pleased to work with us. We enjoy it very much when everyone is communicating at the same eloquence level, and this attitude encourages our clients and our translators and interpreters to continue working with us. We think about the importance of words in all aspects of our work and communication; it keeps us going every day and we are doing great!

As another year passes behind us and a new one begins, may nature’s beauty surround you and may your life be filled with all the blessings the universe has to offer.

The universe is filled with wonders big and small, from a single grain of sand to the sun in the sky. Nature’s beauty is all around us – the endless blue horizon, an ancient rock, palm trees rising from the sand.

Other miracles of life are invisible: do we see the wind, or just feel its warm breeze? The clouds in the sky are too high to touch, but we feel their rain. Everything is connected and part of the same wonder, even us.

If at first you don’t see life’s blessings, don’t be discouraged: remember that like the wind they are all around, and you feel their cool breeze! Yes, it’s important to be at peace with our environment and the people we are with. Let’s be patient, communicative, considerate, and think of others – because everything is part of the same harmony.

As interpreters, it’s our mission to bridge the gap of different ideas, backgrounds, languages, and cultures. Being an interpreter is a noble calling, we are blessed by those we have served!

In the same spirit, let’s all once again remind ourselves: to be communicative to bring people closer together and let them see that we were never that far apart to begin with.

From the team of Monterey Language Services, happy holidays and may 2017 bring you peace and prosperity.