A day at our work as a translation and interpretation company can be compared to creating a piece of music. We often manage our work in a way that cultivates a rhythm and flow that feels like a melody.

Creating a good flow or melody every day at work can really enhance our work experience and help us remain motivated. We’ve all worked on projects where we were “in the groove.” It feels great, almost like the stars aligned to make that project perfect. Imagine if all of your projects were like that!

A good flow means that you have a sense of moving forward and making progress. Being able to understand the essence of your task and differentiate what is the key to complete the task is essential. For example, when scheduling interpreters, we make sure that the information on the date, time, and location for each assignment is precisely passed to the interpreter assigned. More importantly, when assigning an interpreter, we make sure to match subject expertise, qualifications, and whether it is for simultaneous interpretation or consecutive interpretation.

Paying attention to little things is a necessary part of maintaining an unbroken flow at work. For example, if you need to scan many documents for a translation project, be sure to check that you’ve scanned everything you need to. Adding this check as part of your natural workflow will greatly reduce the possibility of making a mistake, and lead to successful completion of translation under a deadline.

Be sure to keep our mind clear and with intention when we work, so that we can do everything right the first time. Mistakes and errors can usually be fixed, but the time spent on fixing them will cause the flow to be broken and the melody interrupted.

Every day at work will be a different rhythm. Some days, there will be urgent projects that need to be addressed immediately. For instance, perhaps there will be late-minute additions to projects you’ve been working on. Be sure to conclude it on the same day, so to keep up a productive flow. Putting things off surely decreases work momentum or makes you feel like doing the same thing over and over. So let’s avoid that.

Responding quickly to clients and bringing them along with you in your flow can really create a good rapport and that can help you feeling great! Also ask yourself: how you deal with issues, how you approach problems, how you contribute to work environment, how you move things forward and support your co-workers, or how you manage balance and variety at work. These answers and activities compose your music every day! Every day should a great time at work!

Language services such as translation and interpretation can be compared to the work of angels. Angels are described as always present and caring beings that watch over you and help you make the right choices. Translators and interpreters do the same by working with you to help you communicate with those around you. A “language angel” sits on your shoulder bridging the world’s different languages for you. Like angels, interpreters come in all shapes and sizes. They speak multiple languages, ready to interpret any question or concern you may have.
When you need help, your language angel will be there no matter the situation. When an Oaxacan man was lying in an American hospital bed, he was in dire need of a language angel. He had come by himself to the United States from the mountains of Mexico, and could not communicate with the American medical staff. He needed an interpreter for his native language, a rare indigenous language of Mexico. It was critical that he was able to fully understand his doctor; his illness was severe, and they needed to discuss his wishes regarding whether or not to resuscitate him if he took a turn for the worse. They reached out to Monterey Language Services, and we were able to find him an interpreter in four hours. We knew how important it was to this man to communicate once again in his own language before his passing.
This case reminded us that we as language service providers are not the only angels out there. Our clients are angels too. They inspire us to do everything we can to connect people in need to our own network of language angels. Seeing the impact that we can make in people’s lives encourages us to continue striving for peace and harmony through communication. We greatly appreciate our client angels because they motivate us to help anyone at any time in any way we can.
In today’s world, translators and interpreters continue to grow their reach through the use of modern technologies. They can now help a client thousands of miles away communicate with another client in a completely different region. These language angels know no bounds; the world is their client.

The translation and interpretation industry is a typical example of how technology has been moving us towards tomorrow’s world. Monterey Language Services recently posed a question about automation in the workplace to people who are interested in working with us in the office. We found that the answers are interesting and representative, and therefore we did a further analysis; here is the report we would like to share.

A total of 63 people responded to our question, and these 63 responses amount to a total of 4,708 words. Of these 4,708 words, 192 relate to machine/technology/automation/social media/internet, while only 133 relate to humans/people/individuals^[1]. Two thirds (42) were in favor of technology. No one was against technology or had a completely negative outlook on the effects of technological automation^[2].

Some concerns or reservations with technology and automation had to do with humans losing jobs to machines and losing face-to-face interaction. However, 48 respondents (76%) mentioned humans having a role in the automated workplace. Of these 48 respondents, 7 elaborated that automation may replace jobs involving repetitive tasks, but will free up humans to do more important work: customer follow-ups, creative and critical thinking, and research and innovation. On the other hand, nine respondents did not mention humans/people/individuals in their responses, whereas all respondents mentioned technology or automation in one form or another. Moreover, only 19 respondents (30%) mentioned a need for human-to-human interaction.

Five respondents expressed their concerns with automating translation and interpretation services. Four of these five respondents believed that humans should still have a role in providing these services. For example, people will still need to correct the mistakes made by machine translation. Specialized translations and reviews of culturally-related work will require human intervention due to the complexity of human language, thought, and emotion. The overall sentiment was that translators and interpreters will not be replaced by technology, but by translators and interpreters who utilize technology to the best of its capabilities. One of the five respondents expressed concern that pay rates for human translators may decrease, since speed and ease of review may increase significantly through the use of technology.

Overall, more than three fourths of respondents mentioned humans having a role in automated workplaces, including in the translation and interpretation industry. In general, respondents had a positive outlook on the effects of technological automation^[3].

Monterey Language Services is committed to bridging the world’s languages by providing quality, professional and efficient translation & interpretation services in over 175 languages. Please feel free to request a quote from us.

^[1] These statistics were determined through word searches for human*/people/person/individual, and for machine/technolog*/automat*/social media/internet and related words.

^[2] These statistics were determined by categorizing whether a response was generally in favor of technology, and whether it had a positive or negative outlook on the effects of technological automation.

^[3] All other statistics were derived from statements made in the responses.

It was an exciting day at the MIIS Career Fair, an important annual fair for graduate students of translation and interpretation.  A wide range of students came to our booth to learn more about our company and services. The energy in the young professionals was infectious.

The majority of students told us that they shared our values for bridging the language gap between diverse communities and industries. Indeed, the team at Monterey Language Services feels very grateful to have the opportunity to serve people and society by providing translation and interpretation services every day at work.

Students’ professional experience consisted of internships and volunteer work ranging from medical interpretation in hospitals to technical translation on important topics such as oncology, nuclear energy, manufacturing, and IT.

Students had all sorts of questions about internships and the possibilities for work at regional and international levels that Monterey Language Services offers. Many of them had diligently done research and knew about our upcoming project management and interpretation vacancies. They were impressed by the numerous opportunities offered by our company and admired our community involvement. After a very concentrated exchange of ideas, they left our booth feeling very hopeful in the future of the translation industry and our company’s role in it.

Monterey Language Services is committed to bridging the world’s languages by providing quality, professional and efficient translation & interpretation services in over 175 languages. Please feel free to request a quote from us.

As 2019 begins, Monterey Language Services is entering into a year of new developments. Moving towards the future, we are looking for energetic and passionate individuals who can support existing operations and new projects in the making.

We are looking for an Office & Project Assistant to work in our Monterey location to support the operations of a dynamic Translation & Interpretation Service Provider. The position would involve general office administrative tasks, helping support our team members in other locations, and would evolve towards a marketing direction focused on web-, app-, and social media-based platforms.

The ideal candidate will be someone: forward-thinking, in tune with today’s trends, who enjoys explaining things; energetic, motivated, and passionate, with an interest in social media and mobile apps; capable of working independently, and with team members working from other locations; organized, detail-oriented, and possessing excellent English written and oral communication skills. Native speakers of English are preferred.

Pay begins at $15/hr and up, commensurate with experience; Full- and part-time applicants are welcome. This position provides golden opportunities to gain a general understanding of a translation business, and the effects of current trends, techniques, and activities in a real-world business environment.

If you are interested, please kindly respond to Mei-Ling at mei-ling@montereylanguages.com with a cover letter and resume.

Monterey Language Services is committed to bridging the world’s languages by providing quality, professional and efficient translation & interpretation services in over 175 languages. Please feel free to request a quote from us.

Around this time of year, colleagues at Monterey Language Services are excited to create our own holiday greeting, taking photos of the environment around us, developing a new theme fitting for the year ahead — all of it to bring our most heartfelt wishes to the people we care about.

On the beautiful beach, with the blue sky, white clouds, green mountains, grey sand, and blue ocean — they all come together to create a rich harmony and balance. We hope that 2019 will bring the same richness and harmony to you in all your endeavors!

Happy holidays from the Monterey Language Services team, we send you our warmest wishes for a wonderful 2019!

As we reflect on the profile of our team members – whether employees, freelance translators and interpreters, or contractors – we are proud to say that our team is positive and grateful to serve our clients. Each of our exceptional team members speaks highly of Monterey Language Services wherever they go and appreciates the chance to represent our company; this positive attitude has made them successful and popular both at work and in life.

One important part of maintaining a positive mental attitude for yourself and the whole team is taking responsibility and being accountable for your actions and inaction. Realizing that you are responsible allows you to ask yourself what you can do to improve or change and do better in the future. Overall, a good and positive attitude creates a respectful and dynamic team atmosphere focused on serving the customers rather than on who is to blame.

In conclusion, at Monterey Language Services we feel privileged to be able to work with such excellent team members, all of whom share a positive attitude in work and life. Our employees, freelancers, and contractors embrace human interaction, feeling grateful to serve our communities and make contributions to global communication.

Monterey Language Services is committed to bridging the world’s languages by providing quality, professional and efficient translation & interpretation services in over 175 languages. Please feel free to request a quote from us.

As a provider of medical translation and interpretation services, Monterey Language Services is always interested in learning about new developments and useful information in the world of health and happiness.

We’d like to share an interesting video lecture we’ve found. Taking care of our bodies is an important part of living a happy, healthy life, but are there other keys to being our best future selves?
VIDEO – Robert Waldinger: What Makes a Good Life? Lessons from the Longest Study on Happiness

Here are some of highlights of the video:

Since 1938, the Harvard Study of Adult Development has tracked the lives of 724 men in an effort to learn what makes people happy. Their simple conclusion: social connection is really good for us, and good relationships lead to longer, healthier, and happier lives. Participants of the study who had more and better relationships with friends, family, and community were physically healthier, happier, and lived longer than participants who were more isolated, or had bad relationships.

At Monterey Language Services we are fortunate, because our work involves frequent interaction with communities; whether locally, nationally, or around the world, we are connected. The uniqueness of our profession as a translation and interpretation provider has brought us a great sense of fulfillment and happiness, and we hope we can convey that same feeling to people we work with. Our work is no longer limited to the mechanical and technical – it’s about human interaction, having something to contribute, and connecting with the world.

Monterey Language Services is committed to bridging the world’s languages by providing quality, professional and efficient translation & interpretation services in over 175 languages. Please feel free to request a quote from us.

As a translation and interpretation service provider for hospitals, health centers, and clinics, Monterey Language Services is always interested in learning about new developments and useful information in the world of health.

We would like to share a video that we found. The science of health is always developing and changing, and the video below is only one example out of many.

As a commitment to raise awareness of health and wellness, we encourage everyone to continue your own search for a healthy living style that suits you, and we wish everyone good health and happiness.

Here are some of the video’s key points:

From 1935-2005, people believed that the major source of nutrients should be meat, eggs, and other animal products, but this idea has changed. People have begun to realize that plant-based foods contain thousands of the most important nutrients, so fresh fruit, vegetables, berries, nuts, and seeds should actually be the main part of a healthy diet, not animal products.

Science now teaches us that the best way to live longer, function better, and protect ourselves from disease is to make low-calorie, nutrient-rich foods the basis of our daily diet, such as green vegetables, broccoli, kale, tomatoes, sprouts, lentils, sunflower seeds, almonds, fruits and many more!

Monterey Language Services is committed to bridging the world’s languages by providing quality, professional and efficient translation & interpretation services in over 175 languages. Please feel free to request a quote from us.

Translation and interpretation activities are a vibrant part of our daily lives. In addition to diplomatic encounters and international business & conferences, everyday people in our own community need them all the time.

What moves Monterey Language Services forward every day is exactly this: providing translation and interpretation services to serve local, national, and global communities.

Community interpreting in a very basic sense already involves a lot of different settings, including public hearings, community workshops, doctors’ visits, parent school meetings, legal communications between lawyers, the court, and witnesses, and so on. Monterey Language Services serves Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Benito Counties and beyond.

Monterey Languages Services also covers all of California, including major cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, San Jose, and San Diego. We also often provide services in smaller communities, like West Goshen, Alpaugh, Allensworth, Le Grand, El Centro, and many others.

Our service areas continue across the country as well, to Idaho, Texas, Michigan, Washington, D.C., New York and more. When we receive translation and interpretation requests from around the globe, for example from Italy, Japan, Korea, Latin and South America, it’s a real thrill and creates a great sense of contributing to global communication! Our role and mission in this profession have been completely fulfilled.

At Monterey Language Services, translation and interpretation services are offered in all languages, so we can always help make sure communication happens between people who need it. When we serve communities, we believe it’s our responsibility to send the best interpreters possible, based on their skill, experience, credentials, professionalism, and passion to serve.

It’s human nature that people are community-minded, and we all want to cooperate and serve to work towards a better world. That’s why we treasure each and every opportunity to serve communities, and it’s an honor to do what we are doing as a service provider of translation and interpretation!

Monterey Language Services is committed to bridging the world’s languages by providing quality, professional and efficient translation & interpretation services in over 175 languages. Please feel free to request a quote from us.