The Language barrier is a big problem when US and UK based companies attempt to form a partnerships outside their countries. They have presumed that if they were to outsource to other countries like India, the language barrier would cause a problem. India has 29 states and over 17 dialects--most similar to Hindi or Sanskrit. The workforce consists of locales in which English is only a second language. India is the leading outsourcing country worldwide. Most of the companies that outsourced in this country are US based but many have come from the UK.
In outsourcing call center jobs, language plays a major role. Such requires clear understanding of the language, proper enunciation/accent and fluent speaking in formal language.
Many companies have reversed their decisions to outsource "off shore" following the "backlash" from their customers. The question is whether these same companies - having identified that language and culture is as important (if not more so) than cost reduction - will reach out to non-English speakers based in the UK from their "new" UK based call centres. By offering a solution to language difficulties in the UK, new revenue and customer service opportunities will present themselves.
LangCommLive can help companies overcome the language barrier through their on demand telephone interpreting service. Please visit our website http://www.langcommlive.com/ or contact us at enquiries@langcommliev.com
Friday, June 20, 2008
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
What does London 2012 mean in terms of languages?
With less than 70 days until the Beijing Olympics all eyes will be turning to London 2012 within the UK very soon. How will we cope in Great Britain in terms of handling the millions of tourists and competitors coming to The Games, many of whom will not speak English? How will we manage the numerous projects being undertaken now and in the future in readiness for 2012, many of which will be delivered using workers from a vast number of nationalities?
Some facts for you:
- During the 60 days of the London 2012 Games over 17,000 athletes and millions of people will gather in the Olympic Park to enjoy the sporting and cultural action
- 205 nations are competing at the London 2012 Games
- 7.7 million tickets are available for the London 2012 Olympic Games
- 4,200 Paralympic athletes and officials
- on the busiest days 800,000 people will ride on public transport in London
Clearly The Games will be a fantastic occasion and a great opportunity not only for the competitors but also for Londoners generally. With increased numbers of visitors to the UK, so may of whom do not have English as their first language, the need for translation services and interpreting services will continue to grow. The pressure on public services, hotels, rail and coach operators and a whole host of other services will be exaccerbated by the potential language barriers that exist.
Overcome the language barriers and bridge the cultural divide. Improve your communications with LangCommLive' s Telephone Interpreting service. Telephone interpreting is the cost effective and immediate solution to resolve the language difficulties before, during and after the Olympics. Visit http://www.langcommlive.com/ or contact enquiries@langcommlive.com
Monday, June 16, 2008
LangCommLive joins forces with American Express
LangCommLive has teamed up with American Express to feature on their Small Business Savings Network programme. LangCommLive provides a cost effective solution to help bridge the language gap by providing its "on demand" telephone interpreting service to public and private sector organisations, large and small.
The Small Business Savings Network is a scheme designed to reward Amex card holders with discounts or offers from a select group of companies which provide services commonly of use to a small business. Companies such as Hertz, HP, Holiday Inn, DHL, Crowne Plaza, Nationwide Autocentres, AT&T and now LangCommLive.
Use the link to find LangCommLive on the American Express website: http://ukbo.savvislive.com/savingsnetwork/offers/LangCommLive.html
Overcome the language barrier. Improve your communication. Enhance your customer service levels. Open up new revenue streams. Contact LangCommLive on 0845 055 9756 or visit http://www.langcommlive.com
The Small Business Savings Network is a scheme designed to reward Amex card holders with discounts or offers from a select group of companies which provide services commonly of use to a small business. Companies such as Hertz, HP, Holiday Inn, DHL, Crowne Plaza, Nationwide Autocentres, AT&T and now LangCommLive.
Use the link to find LangCommLive on the American Express website: http://ukbo.savvislive.com/savingsnetwork/offers/LangCommLive.html
Overcome the language barrier. Improve your communication. Enhance your customer service levels. Open up new revenue streams. Contact LangCommLive on 0845 055 9756 or visit http://www.langcommlive.com
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Not a robbery, just a 'language barrier'
Here's an interesting story from the US for which there was a reasonably "happy ending". However, it is clear that banks on both sides of the Atlantic have difficulties with customer service when the customer does not have an understanding of English:
A language barrier resulted in a bank robbery scare Friday morning.
"There was a lack of communication, but after investigating we determined nothing criminal occurred," Chief Dan Martin said.
Around 8 a.m. an Asian woman came into Harris Bank, 360 W. Maple St., and handed the teller a note with a denomination written on it. The teller asked if she was being robbed and the woman nodded.
Witnesses said it appears the woman did not speak or understand English.
After receiving some money, the woman left and police were notified.
"Like every robbery report, this was taken very seriously," Martin said. "She was stopped and taken into custody."
The woman was brought to the station and interviewed by detectives with help from her family and a translator.
"It turns out (at the bank) there was just miscommunication ... a language barrier," Martin said.
As of Friday afternoon, the incident was still under investigation, but police were not planning to file charges against the woman.
Harris Bank referred comment on the incident to its corporate office.
LangCommLive can help overcome the language barrier with their telephone interpreting service. Visit LangCommLive and see how your organisation can enhance its customer service through good communication across languages.
A language barrier resulted in a bank robbery scare Friday morning.
"There was a lack of communication, but after investigating we determined nothing criminal occurred," Chief Dan Martin said.
Around 8 a.m. an Asian woman came into Harris Bank, 360 W. Maple St., and handed the teller a note with a denomination written on it. The teller asked if she was being robbed and the woman nodded.
Witnesses said it appears the woman did not speak or understand English.
After receiving some money, the woman left and police were notified.
"Like every robbery report, this was taken very seriously," Martin said. "She was stopped and taken into custody."
The woman was brought to the station and interviewed by detectives with help from her family and a translator.
"It turns out (at the bank) there was just miscommunication ... a language barrier," Martin said.
As of Friday afternoon, the incident was still under investigation, but police were not planning to file charges against the woman.
Harris Bank referred comment on the incident to its corporate office.
LangCommLive can help overcome the language barrier with their telephone interpreting service. Visit LangCommLive and see how your organisation can enhance its customer service through good communication across languages.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Polish jet almost crashed after pilot failed to understand English instructions
A Polish jet weaved across the skies above the outskirts of London because its pilot's spoken English was not good enough to communicate with air traffic control.
The Air Accident Investigations Branch said a Boeing 737 with 95 passengers and crew on board meandered helplessly after the pilot first entered the wrong co-ordinates and was later unable to understand the instructions which he was given by controllers.
At one point the 55-year-old pilot came dangerously close to colliding with another aircraft, investigators said.
The incident took place in June last year when the Lot aircraft set off for Warsaw from Heathrow.
According to the report, the difficulties began when the pilot told air traffic control he was flying east of the Greenwich Meridian, rather than west.
Shortly after take off, the pilot reported that he had encountered 'navigational problems' and was told to turn sharp right.
Within minutes it became clear that the pilot had failed to act on the instruction he had been given by flight controllers.
The exchanges between the control tower and pilot - before the flight was eventually brought back to Heathrow - revealed that there were occasions when neither could understand each other.
According to the investigators' report the situation was worsened as the pilot became more stressed by the situation.
The report noted: "A number of exchanges were misunderstood probably because of language difficulties."
It added: "The commander had difficulty comprehending and communicating with air traffic control."
The incident took place nine months before new international rules came into force making it compulsory for pilots and to speak reasonable English for the first time in aviation history, in a bid to improve safety standards.
Despite being the language used throughout the industry for decades, until now no minimum standards have been set. This was changed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation in March.
It is believed that hundreds of lives have been lost in crashes caused by communication problems, such as when 349 passengers died following a mid-air collision between a Saudi Arabian Airlines Boeing 747 and an Air Kazakhstan Ilyushin, because they could not understand each other.
It was agreed by ICAO and the industry trade body, the International Air Transport Association, that English would be the standard language at all major airports.
This is considered essential not only to enable pilots to communicate with controllers, but also as they approach airports so they can understand what other pilots are saying in the area.
According to the AAIB report, Poland has yet to confirm a date when all its pilots will meet the maximum level of proficiency required by ICAO
Everyday we read news items which highlight the potential problems associated with language or cultural barriers.
http://www.langcommlive.com/
The Air Accident Investigations Branch said a Boeing 737 with 95 passengers and crew on board meandered helplessly after the pilot first entered the wrong co-ordinates and was later unable to understand the instructions which he was given by controllers.
At one point the 55-year-old pilot came dangerously close to colliding with another aircraft, investigators said.
The incident took place in June last year when the Lot aircraft set off for Warsaw from Heathrow.
According to the report, the difficulties began when the pilot told air traffic control he was flying east of the Greenwich Meridian, rather than west.
Shortly after take off, the pilot reported that he had encountered 'navigational problems' and was told to turn sharp right.
Within minutes it became clear that the pilot had failed to act on the instruction he had been given by flight controllers.
The exchanges between the control tower and pilot - before the flight was eventually brought back to Heathrow - revealed that there were occasions when neither could understand each other.
According to the investigators' report the situation was worsened as the pilot became more stressed by the situation.
The report noted: "A number of exchanges were misunderstood probably because of language difficulties."
It added: "The commander had difficulty comprehending and communicating with air traffic control."
The incident took place nine months before new international rules came into force making it compulsory for pilots and to speak reasonable English for the first time in aviation history, in a bid to improve safety standards.
Despite being the language used throughout the industry for decades, until now no minimum standards have been set. This was changed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation in March.
It is believed that hundreds of lives have been lost in crashes caused by communication problems, such as when 349 passengers died following a mid-air collision between a Saudi Arabian Airlines Boeing 747 and an Air Kazakhstan Ilyushin, because they could not understand each other.
It was agreed by ICAO and the industry trade body, the International Air Transport Association, that English would be the standard language at all major airports.
This is considered essential not only to enable pilots to communicate with controllers, but also as they approach airports so they can understand what other pilots are saying in the area.
According to the AAIB report, Poland has yet to confirm a date when all its pilots will meet the maximum level of proficiency required by ICAO
Everyday we read news items which highlight the potential problems associated with language or cultural barriers.
http://www.langcommlive.com/
Monday, June 9, 2008
LangCommLive at the ACPO-APA2008 show in Liverpool
See LangCommLive at the ACPO show on Stand R17
The show is the biggest and most influential event for policing in the UK
At the show you will find new suppliers, products and services
See the latest products for Security, IT & Communications, Special Operations, Forensics, Drug Detection, Vehicles, Surveillance, Uniforms, Mobile Data Management and much more. Find out about career development and training opportunities
Expert advice on the use, implementation and management of equipment and technologies
Learn about the key functions and objectives of lead policing organisations
Network and discuss best practice, face to face with your peers
Free to all Police Officers, Staff Associates and Colleagues.
http://www.acpo-apa.co.uk/
http://www.langcommlive.com/
The show is the biggest and most influential event for policing in the UK
At the show you will find new suppliers, products and services
See the latest products for Security, IT & Communications, Special Operations, Forensics, Drug Detection, Vehicles, Surveillance, Uniforms, Mobile Data Management and much more. Find out about career development and training opportunities
Expert advice on the use, implementation and management of equipment and technologies
Learn about the key functions and objectives of lead policing organisations
Network and discuss best practice, face to face with your peers
Free to all Police Officers, Staff Associates and Colleagues.
http://www.acpo-apa.co.uk/
http://www.langcommlive.com/
Web conferencing with telephone interpreting services - a sustainable alternative to international travel
Fact for the day: Did you know that driving 230 miles a week, 12,000 miles a year, YOU produce 4.2 tonnes of C02 a year?
LangCommLive and DigitalMeeting have recently agreed to work together to provide a service which allows companies across the world to hold meetings without the need for travel - whichever parties are involved and where ever in the world they are based. DigitalMeeting provide the solution which allows businesses to hold their meetings "on line" whilst LangCommLive can provide the Telephone Interpreting capabilities via their network of interpreters. Why travel to Beijing, India or Honk Kong anymore?
If you really want to maximise your time and the time of your employees whilst making a profound but positive effect on the environment, then take a look at what these combined services can do for your business.
Visit DigitalMeeting at http://www.digitalmeeting.co.uk/
Vist LangCommLive at http://www.langcommlive.com/
LangCommLive and DigitalMeeting have recently agreed to work together to provide a service which allows companies across the world to hold meetings without the need for travel - whichever parties are involved and where ever in the world they are based. DigitalMeeting provide the solution which allows businesses to hold their meetings "on line" whilst LangCommLive can provide the Telephone Interpreting capabilities via their network of interpreters. Why travel to Beijing, India or Honk Kong anymore?
If you really want to maximise your time and the time of your employees whilst making a profound but positive effect on the environment, then take a look at what these combined services can do for your business.
Visit DigitalMeeting at http://www.digitalmeeting.co.uk/
Vist LangCommLive at http://www.langcommlive.com/
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Talking Could Make or Break Businesses
Don't just take our word for it. Please see a commentary from Sue Clarke who owns her own language centre in Warwickshire called PromoLingua:
Talking Could Make or Break Businesses
Birmingham, United Kingdom, June 04, 2008 --(PR.com)-- On-the-ball companies need to take advantage of a fair wind to avoid missing a ‘staggering’ export opportunity, according to a West Midlands business linguistics business.The weak Sterling against the Euro has made British prices competitive: but more businesses need to use the bridge of language to make the most of these opportunities, warns Sue Clarke, of PromoLingua, a Warwick-based language consultancy.One in five Midlands exporting businesses admit they have lost business contracts abroad because of difficulties with language, according to figures recently released by the National Centre for Languages.But small and medium-sized firms are waking up to the value of using linguists to give them better prices, deliveries and profits.She said: “It is worrying that 20 per cent of companies in the Midlands have lost orders because of export contracts not using the right language skills.“Solving this problem could make the difference to companies’ survival. It’s clear that there are financial benefits and sales opportunities that can be created abroad, so companies are screaming out for language skills.”Sue worked for years using her language skills to benefit businesses, including the national Richard Austin (Alloys) at their Coventry base, before launching her language consultancy.Tim Kelly, director at Richard Austin (Alloys) said: “Use of language skills cut the chains holding back our business, by freeing up our position on suppliers.“Locating different suppliers meant we enjoyed better costs and a wider availability of materials, which lifted and improved our business.”Sue said: “I helped to build relationships so that we had four suppliers rather than one, bring better prices and deliveries."People in business are also encouraging schools to promote the learning of languages. Using these skills in business is increasingly a benefit.”A recent British Chambers of Commerce survey found that 80 per cent of English exporters could not competently conduct business dealings overseas in even one foreign language.The National Centre for Languages recently ranked Britain 27th out of 28 European countries in foreign language skills, and chambers of commerce here have welcomed moves to provide more language study in primary schools, break down cultural barriers, and develop vocational business language courses.
End
If you want to learn more about how Telephone Interpreting can overcome the language barrier then take a look at http://www.langcommlive.co.uk/ or email us at enquiries@langcommlive.com
Talking Could Make or Break Businesses
Birmingham, United Kingdom, June 04, 2008 --(PR.com)-- On-the-ball companies need to take advantage of a fair wind to avoid missing a ‘staggering’ export opportunity, according to a West Midlands business linguistics business.The weak Sterling against the Euro has made British prices competitive: but more businesses need to use the bridge of language to make the most of these opportunities, warns Sue Clarke, of PromoLingua, a Warwick-based language consultancy.One in five Midlands exporting businesses admit they have lost business contracts abroad because of difficulties with language, according to figures recently released by the National Centre for Languages.But small and medium-sized firms are waking up to the value of using linguists to give them better prices, deliveries and profits.She said: “It is worrying that 20 per cent of companies in the Midlands have lost orders because of export contracts not using the right language skills.“Solving this problem could make the difference to companies’ survival. It’s clear that there are financial benefits and sales opportunities that can be created abroad, so companies are screaming out for language skills.”Sue worked for years using her language skills to benefit businesses, including the national Richard Austin (Alloys) at their Coventry base, before launching her language consultancy.Tim Kelly, director at Richard Austin (Alloys) said: “Use of language skills cut the chains holding back our business, by freeing up our position on suppliers.“Locating different suppliers meant we enjoyed better costs and a wider availability of materials, which lifted and improved our business.”Sue said: “I helped to build relationships so that we had four suppliers rather than one, bring better prices and deliveries."People in business are also encouraging schools to promote the learning of languages. Using these skills in business is increasingly a benefit.”A recent British Chambers of Commerce survey found that 80 per cent of English exporters could not competently conduct business dealings overseas in even one foreign language.The National Centre for Languages recently ranked Britain 27th out of 28 European countries in foreign language skills, and chambers of commerce here have welcomed moves to provide more language study in primary schools, break down cultural barriers, and develop vocational business language courses.
End
If you want to learn more about how Telephone Interpreting can overcome the language barrier then take a look at http://www.langcommlive.co.uk/ or email us at enquiries@langcommlive.com
Monday, June 2, 2008
See LangCommLive on stand R17 at the ACPO-APA Exhibition - the exhibition for the UK Police
LangCommLive is pleased to be exhibiting at the ACPO-APA 2008 Exhibition - the Exhibition for the Police forces across the UK. Interpreting and Translation services are becoming more and more of a necessity due to the high levels of immigration in the UK. On average, every minute of the day an immigrant enters the UK. Many of these immigrants do not have English as their first language, indeed many do not speak English at all. This situation is putting huge strain on the resources and budgets of many public sector services, particularly the Police.
ACPO-APA 2008 will be held at the Liverpool Arena and Convention Centre (ACC). The exhibition will take place from 25-26 June with the ACPO-APA Summer Conference taking place alongside it from 24-26 June at the same venue. The ACPO-APA Summer Conference (24-26 June) is a paid closed session for members of the Association of Chief Police Officers and the Association of Police Authorities.
The International Policing Exhibition (25-26 June) is FREE to all Police Officers, Staff, Associates and Colleagues
What’s in it for you?
Find new suppliers and products
See the latest products for Security, IT & Communications, Special Operations, Forensics, Drug Detection, Vehicles, Surveillance, Uniforms, Mobile Data Management and much more
Find out about career development and training opportunities
Learn about the key functions and objectives of lead policing organizations
Network and discuss best practice, face to face with your peers
Product areas include services for command and control, state of the art surveillance, forensics, intelligence analysis, data protection, fraud investigation, crime prevention and detection, uniforms, protective clothing, IT security, telecommunications, mobile data solutions, vehicles, fleet management and policing organisations.
There will also be a complimentary knowledge-building programme open to all visitors and delegates. These presentations will be from leading policing organisations and provide an opportunity to learn from case studies by suppliers working on current projects with police forces and authorities.
Register FREE now or call 0844 557 2330
Come and visit LangCommLive on stand R17 and find out more about "on demand" Telephone Interpreting and how this service will help you to overcome the language barrier
Tel +44 (0)845 055 9756, email enquiries@langcommlive.com or visit www.langcommlive.com
ACPO-APA 2008 will be held at the Liverpool Arena and Convention Centre (ACC). The exhibition will take place from 25-26 June with the ACPO-APA Summer Conference taking place alongside it from 24-26 June at the same venue. The ACPO-APA Summer Conference (24-26 June) is a paid closed session for members of the Association of Chief Police Officers and the Association of Police Authorities.
The International Policing Exhibition (25-26 June) is FREE to all Police Officers, Staff, Associates and Colleagues
What’s in it for you?
Find new suppliers and products
See the latest products for Security, IT & Communications, Special Operations, Forensics, Drug Detection, Vehicles, Surveillance, Uniforms, Mobile Data Management and much more
Find out about career development and training opportunities
Learn about the key functions and objectives of lead policing organizations
Network and discuss best practice, face to face with your peers
Product areas include services for command and control, state of the art surveillance, forensics, intelligence analysis, data protection, fraud investigation, crime prevention and detection, uniforms, protective clothing, IT security, telecommunications, mobile data solutions, vehicles, fleet management and policing organisations.
There will also be a complimentary knowledge-building programme open to all visitors and delegates. These presentations will be from leading policing organisations and provide an opportunity to learn from case studies by suppliers working on current projects with police forces and authorities.
Register FREE now or call 0844 557 2330
Come and visit LangCommLive on stand R17 and find out more about "on demand" Telephone Interpreting and how this service will help you to overcome the language barrier
Tel +44 (0)845 055 9756, email enquiries@langcommlive.com or visit www.langcommlive.com
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