As part of a team of language translation experts, communication is at the very heart of what we do.
Whether we’re working with global organisations, one-man bands, charities, governments or SMEs, our focus is on finding the best way to communicate our clients’ messages to new markets and audiences.
Our work has always made us particularly aware of how important clear and considerate communication is in order to get things done. No man is an island and yet, with the social distancing regulations in place around the COVID-19 pandemic and our means of communication restricted, we know many people have been left feeling a little lost.
Conversations that were once a quick face-to-face with a colleague have become scheduled video conferences. Team meetings to provide direction and support have transformed into PDFs sent out in a mass email.
It all feels a bit odd, yet this is the way that many successful global businesses work even in a ‘normal’ situation. Members of your central office in the UK can’t always be there in person to train the new team in India, France or Israel. Instead they might send out a video or some form of written communication, such as a training manual. It’s then down to your language translation team to make sure your communications are translated carefully so that your message transcends language and distance barriers to reach your overseas colleagues.
This is what we do day in, day out. And yet we’ve never seen the human angle of it quite so clearly before. The importance of being heard and understood is a basic human sentiment and we need to factor it in to our professional lives as much as we do our personal lives. Doing so shows consideration, thought and respect for the people you’re communicating with.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought tremendous loss and heartache. But it’s also reminded us just how important human connection and communication are to each and every one of us.
To all of our clients and colleagues, we hope you stay safe and well in these difficult times. The pandemic and the associated ‘social distancing’ won’t last forever, and we will be face to face with our friends, colleagues and loved ones again.
