Many people have lost their jobs and businesses have closed amid the coronavirus outbreak. Despite these closures, there are a few bright spots on the horizons. One is adaptation of businesses to allow and encourage working from home.

Another is the increasing use of new tools and services for digital commerce and online marketing. We’ll focus on the fast-growing niche of language tools and services – specifically localization, translation and interpretation – which promise growth for businesses and employment for citizens.

Localization, Translation and Interpretation – How Do These Fields Differ?

The terms localization, translation and interpretation are often used interchangeably. All are concerned with the conversion of content from one place or language to another. Localization is the broadest term, covering all the changes required to adapt content from one location to others. Sometimes but always this involves language changes, but not always. Sometimes but not always there are changes of date and number formatting, currency and measurement units. Often cultural nuances must be taken into account and adapted to reflect local preferences.

Translation is the most substantial component of localization. Translation services involve the conversion of text from one language to another. Sometimes it is not a language but rather a dialect or version of a language that needs to be converted, such as American English to British English. There may be different reasons that translations services are needed, especially when conducting business. Translation, strictly, refers to conversions of written texts whereas interpretation refers to adaptations of the spoken word. The distinctions among these terms become important in the context of business opportunities, especially in the wake of the COVID crisis.

Localization, Translation, and Interpretation as Business Opportunities Now

Driving the increasing importance of these service sectors since the pandemic are the following factors, including the need to:

1. Open international markets to compensate for closed domestic markets
   Localization is key to marketing, sales and support for businesses. As borders shut down and the opening of air transport slowed, companies are resorting to digital commerce. For example, Iranian businesses seeking to sell abroad must translate their products and services into foreign language since few foreigners speak Persian.

2. Replace face to face meetings and services with remote, digital services Conferences and business meetings are few and far between. In their stead have arisen video conferences and virtual conferences. This in turn has given rise to the need for online interpreters to bridge the language gap between participants. If participants cannot speak a common language, then interpreters are being hired to bridge the gap.

3. Provide rapid on-demand services for healthcare and public health needs
   With the increase in infectious disease and the length of hospital stays, face-to-face interpretation is increasingly difficult to provide. Instead, international translation companies are providing Video Remote Interpretation (VRI) services on demand. In poorer communities, there is the option of Over the Phone Interpretation, although studies have shown the older people and children have difficulties understanding interpretation over the phone. For example in the case of Iran, there is a need to provide Farsi interpretation services in foreign cities boasting Iranian migrants and expatriates.

Challenges and Prospects the Iranian Translation Industry

Unfortunately, the domestic translation industry remains relatively undeveloped compared to Western societies. Although translation has been practiced in Iran since prehistoric times, an academic study by three Iranian linguists, published in 2018, highlights the difficulties in the domestic translation sector. Among the key challenges cited by the authors are the local absence of:

According to almost all the interviewees in this study, the main challenge for the development of the translation profession in Iran is the lack of a representative translation guild. Similarly, Sook (2015) claims that there are currently no professional translation bodies in Korea and Malaysia. Also, Setton and Liangliang (2011) found that in Taiwan, very few professional translators are member of any local or national translator

THE TRANSLATOR

• a representative translation guild or professional association
• an agreed-upon translation and interpretation code of ethics
• local translator and interpreter training or certification programs
• low pay and low social status for local translators and interpreters

Local shortcomings can be compensated for by access to international associations and marketplaces. According to Internet World Stats, Iran at the end of 2017 had 56.7 million Internet users, some 69.1% of the population. While this percentage is generally understood to include most younger smartphone-armed Iranians, and especially those with college education, access restrictions keep many sites off-limits, including social media for interpretation and translation services.

Practical Suggestions for Using Translation and Interpretation Services

Businesses that seek to localize the marketing of their products and services have several paths from which to choose to access translation and interpretation:

Professional translation and localization companies

Typically translation companies can be contacted easily via the internet. Simply search using “translation” or “localization” including Farsi in your query. Translation agencies will usually respond within 24 hours with a free price quotation or request for additional information. Prices for translating text documents are typically measured by price by word, with the range being from $0.01 to $0.30/word depending on language and urgency. Interpretation is typically measured as a price per minute or hour. Transcription of recorded material or subtitling is typically measured by the length of the media to be transcribed. Localization services, such as translating a website from Farsi to one or more foreign languages, are usually fixed-price projects agreed in advance.

Freelance Translation and Interpretation Services

There are professional marketplaces like Upwork and Freelancer.com where you can find translators and interpreters fluent with Farsi and a foreign language. These resources can be evaluated and hired directly, usually at a fraction of the cost of translation agencies. The disadvantage is that working with freelancers involves more risk and demands more personal time. Bilingual Iranians may be able to find work here as well. Professional agencies often tap these marketplaces looking for linguists to staff their teams.

Machine Translation as a Free or Lower Cost Option

Online translation software like Google Translate and Microsoft Translator are increasingly capable and therefore increasingly used to translate to and from “Persian”. However, unlike many other languages, voice output is not yet supported. It’s advisable, however, to use such services with caution, as the software has been known to make embarrassing errors in translation and interpretation.

South Korea has become an increasingly popular tourist destination in recent years. International visitor numbers were up 14% in 2019, reaching a record high of just over 17.5 million.

So, what exactly is the reason for South Korea’s booming tourist industry? One reason may be the nation’s generous visa-waiver policy, get more information about South Korean visas, but there can be no denying the East Asian nation has much to offer tourists.

The booming K-pop industry may have helped to put South Korea on many people’s radar but it’s South Korea’s rich culture and stunning natural landscapes that have the greatest impact on overseas visitors.

Here are just some of the reasons why South Korea is a worthwhile tourist destination.

One of the Best Places in the World to See Cherry Blossom

Every spring South Korea turns pink with the blooming of the cherry blossoms. The blossom marks the end of a harsh winter in South Korea and welcomes warmer temperatures.

Tourists in South Korea from late March to early April are treated to one of the finest cherry blossom shows to be found anywhere in the world. This is a unique experience and deserving of a place on any traveler’s bucket list.

Whilst cherry blossom trees can be spotted throughout South Korea, some places are known for being particularly impressive including areas of Seoul, Jeju Island, and Gyeongju.

Fora truly unforgettable experience, tourists can attend one of the annual festivals dedicated to the flower: Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival is just one example where lucky visitors may even catch a glimpse of the king cherry tree which has the largest petals of all.

Of course, timing is crucial as the blossom only lasts for up to 14 days so it’s important to check the cherry blossom forecast and make all travel arrangements in time.

South Korea’s Dynamic Capital City, Seoul

Seoul is the first port of call for many overseas arrivals. Incheon International Airport is the largest airport in the country and is itself impressive boasting a traditional Korean cultural center and mini classical concerts.

Once in the center of Seoul, visitors are wowed by futuristic structures that stand in contrast to the historic buildings. From ancient royal palaces to the N Seoul Tower, the city showcases the best of opposing architectural styles.

Of the many historical sites worth visiting in Seoul, one of the highlights is Gyeongbokgung Palace, built in the late 14th century and home to the kings of the Joseon dynasty. Other cultural gems in the city center include Changdeokgung and Bukchon Hanok Village.

Seoul is a shopper’s paradise. People flock to the city for the latest Korean fashion trends and innovative, high-quality skincare products.

Vibrant  and Delicious Korean Cuisine

Korean eateries may be popping up around the globe, but there is still no better place to try the local specialties than in South Korea itself. With typical dishes largely based around rice, vegetable, and meat, South Korean cuisine is both delicious and healthy.

Kimchi, a fermented vegetable side dish, is perhaps the best-known South Korean delicacy, but there are many more foods to try such as:

• Bibimbap: a mixture of rice, vegetables, and meat topped with an egg
• Mul Naengmyeon: an ice-cold broth with noodles, zucchini, sesame, and egg
• Ssiat Hotteok: a traditional dessert, this rice flour bun is filled with nuts, seed, sugar, and cinnamon

At a Korean barbecue, diners prepare their own meat, often at grills built into the table itself. A fun and sociable way to eat out.

Seek out the restaurants and bars crammed with locals for the most authentic experience. South Korea’s cuisine is reason itself to go to the country and sampling typical food is a fantastic way to get an insight into the culture and lifestyle.

Jeju Island, sandy beaches and mountain climbing

Jeju Island is South Korea’s top vacation destination and it’s easy to see why. The paradisiacal island offers unrivaled natural beauty with stunning beaches, waterfalls, and lush greenery.

South Korea’s highest mountain, Hallasan, is a dormant volcano at the center of Jeju Island. Hallasan towers 1,950 meters above sea level and attracts keen hikers from the mainland and further afield. There are several hiking routes leading to the peak to choose from. Those who make it to the top are rewarded with spectacular views across the island.

The mountain has great spiritual importance for the many local people who believe that spirits live within it.

Jeju Island is also the place to go to enjoy some of the freshest seafood around. Female divers called haenyeo collect shellfish and sea urchins without breathing equipment to be served at seafront restaurants.