Author Archives: Daniel Echevarria
Recent Blog Posts
Videos: Steven Pinker On Language, Thought, and Human Nature
February 8, 2012
A while back, we compiled five of the best TED talks on language that were available through TED’s website. Among the presentations was one by the popular linguist, Steven Pinker. Here’s the description we wrote about that talk: “Steven Pinker gives viewers a crash course in simple grammar and then […]
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Top 10 Languages Tested in 2011
January 25, 2012
Beyond Words Language Blog readers might know ALTA primarily as a translation company, but we are also national leaders in the Language Testing sector. Our leadership in medical, government, and corporate language testing keeps us busy with interesting projects for clients and partners. In the last year alone, we worked […]
Read MoreALTA Language Sevices: ISO Certified Translation Quality Management System
December 27, 2011
After providing translation services for more than three decades, ALTA Language Services has developed a rigorous approach to ensuring translation quality. In 2011, we took our commitment to quality to the next level and applied for ISO 9001:2008 certification for our translation quality management system. ALTA passed the compliance audit […]
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Maximus Burn: 5 Latin Insults for the Enjoyment of the Graduating Class
May 5, 2011
Unless you’re a translator, lawyer, scientist, or priest, you probably don’t speak or hear Latin very often. It’s not that the language has lost its significance for contemporary society — it would be very difficult, perhaps even foolish, to make such an argument. During the past decades, though, Latin has […]
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Exploring the Mystery of Speech and Language
April 27, 2011
In 2009, the BBC released an excellent one-hour special on the topic of language. The program, called Why Do We Talk?, was produced for the BBC’s Horizon series which explores scientific issues and their effects for the future. Below, you’ll find the complete program, featuring the likes of scientist Deb […]
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American English Pronunciation Lesson: U.S. States and Cities
March 30, 2011
The following recordings will guide you through American English pronunciations of U.S. states and cities. You can listen to the phrases directly on our website or download them for later playback on any standard MP3 compatible device. Listen, repeat, and practice! Alabama | AL Alabama is a southern U.S. […]
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The Year in Language News: An Undefinitive Smattering from 2010
December 30, 2010
As the end of a year approaches, you can always count on two seasonal mainstays: gross amounts of food and gross amounts of lists. The prior usually come in differing shapes, flavors, and textures, while the latter mostly always resemble each other thematically. You’ve probably read at least one ‘Best […]
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Celebrating Language and Education: World Languages Day and International Students’ Day
November 17, 2010
The University of Wisconsin-Madison has annually hosted its World Languages Day since 2002. Now in it’s 10th year, World Languages Day continues to serve as a celebration of multiculturalism and language learning for students of all ages. UW-Madison officials expect upwards of 6000 Wisconsin high school students and teachers to […]
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Spinning Languages: Foreign Language Albums, November 2010
November 12, 2010
Spinning Languages is a monthly feature by Beyond Words that highlights albums from around the world. This month we're showcasing three great albums from Nicaragua, Turkey, and Brazil. This month, Nicaragua’s Perrozompopo is offering his Grammy-nominated album as a free download! And, as usual, you can order the rest of […]
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Now Playing: 20 Best Foreign Language Horror Films
October 28, 2010
Around this time every year, a significant proportion of the American public (and perhaps even the international community) undertakes the admirable task of scaring its pants off. From haunted houses, to ghost tours, and horror films, the Halloween season is teeming with intimidating entertainments. Now Playing usually highlights some of […]
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