Lowering language barrier
Posted: February 16, 2013 Contents: Resources | Tags: travel journalism, travel language, travel technology, travel writing Leave a comment »The Resources lists gadgets and apps every travel journalist should carry. David Miller of the Matador Network recently wrote about revolutionary technology for the travel journalist. Technology that will completely lower the language barrier between strangers from different cultures. Here’s a bit from Miller’s article,
This technology is still in its nascent form, but as more languages are added and the technology is refined, everyone from business travelers to anthropologists will be able to interact with locals in ways that were previously inaccessible or which necessitated having a 3rd person there.
Step by step to bliss
Posted: November 19, 2012 Contents: Chapter 4 | Tags: andrea ross, conde nast travler, fixers, perrin's people, translator, travel journalism, travel journalist, travel language, travel research, travel specialist, travel writer, travel writing, wendy perrin Leave a comment »Chapter 4’s “Finding ‘Fixers’ for Translation, Logistics” introduced Andrea Ross, a travel specialist who’s arranged translators and guides for me across Southeast Asia. Ross is one of Wendy Perrin’s “Perrin’s People,” some 150 travel specialists Perrin regards as the best in the business. Perrin has been supplying this list to Conde Nast Traveler for the last 13 years. Ross returned this year as one of two travel specialists focused on Burma, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam. Ross also is the subject of a step-by-step guide to using travel specialists written by Janet Nezhad Band. Though intended for travelers, the advice is relevant to travel journalists.
Lose the translator
Posted: October 20, 2012 Contents: Chapter 4 | Tags: budget travel, budgettravel.com, melody warnick, translator, travel journalism, travel language, travel technology, travel writing Leave a comment »Chapter 4 advises travelers on how to seek inexpensive but yet effective translators in foreign locations. What if the traveler gets separated or can no longer afford that translator? Not to worry Budget Travel.com’s Melody Warnick offers a few steps of advice that should be able to get the writer through the day.
A few are: Listen to Pronunciation Before you go. And learn key phrases like, “where’s the bathroom and how much does that cost.”
Trying to become fluent in a language for a week of traveling is illogical and not necessary. Learn a few key phrases, download some apps, and ask your concierge or clerk at the hotel for key phrases and pronunciations then go experience.
