Translator Newsletter: Language Evolution, The Youngest Polyglot, and More!

Lingua
Hello, GV'ers!

Welcome to this week's edition of the Translator Newsletter! Today we're talking about…

English Evolution

Screenshot taken from http://www.npr.org/

Screenshot taken from http://www.npr.org/

It's a well-known fact that language change over time. But if the meanings of words and how we use them continue to change, do we end up with an entirely new language? This is the question that Columbia University linguist John McWorther tackles in his book, Words on the Move: Why English Won't — And Can't — Sit Still (Like Literally). McWorther spoke with NPR earlier this month about his book and how the English language has evolved over time. Read and listen to his interview here!

The Youngest Polyglot

Screenshot taken from http://ideas.ted.com/

Screenshot taken from http://ideas.ted.com/

Timothy Doner started his language journey at the age of 13 and can now speak 20 different languages. How did this love of words and understanding arise? Is there more to language than being able to order food at a restaurant? (I think we can all say a big, resounding YES to that one.) Learn more about Timothy's story in this wonderful post that he wrote for TED entitled, “Why I taught myself 20 languages — and what I learned about myself in the process.”

Language Translation Software Market Report

Screenshot taken from https://www.whatech.com

Screenshot taken from https://www.whatech.com

If you're a professional freelance translator, like many of us in the GV community, you may be interested in reading the 2016 Global Language Translation Software Market report. According to Whatech.com, “The report provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure.” It focuses mainly on the translation industry United States, Europe, Japan and China.

The Most Translated Short Story Ever

Screenshot taken from http://qz.com/

Screenshot taken from http://qz.com/

Ever wonder what the most translated short story ever was? It turns out its an African fable by Ngugi wa Thiong'o called “The Upright Revolution: Or Why Humans Walk Upright”. So far it has been translated into 54 languages! Read all about it here.

Meme of the Week

Screenshot taken from sommee cards and Facebook.

Screenshot taken from someecards and Facebook.

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As always, thank you all for your hard work and dedication to GV! If you have any questions, comments, or ideas, feel free to email me at marianna@globalvoices.org.

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