“Nataly Kelly and Jost Zetzsche have assembled a treasure trove of interesting and entertaining stories to show how translation and interpreting affect all aspects of life. Anyone with an interest in languages – both spoken and signed – will enjoy this book.”

--Marlee Matlin, Academy Award-winning actress

“A fascinating book about language and the importance of translation. Kelly and Zetzsche demonstrate how technology and translation help build communities and expand the quest for knowledge on virtually every subject.”

--Anthony Salcito, Vice President of Education, Microsoft

 

“Found in Translation is a meditation, an exposé, and practical guidebook to humanity's continued, painstaking ascent of our monumental tower of Babel. Without language diversity, we would be intellectually impoverished, and with it we are enriched. But without translators to interpret and bridge that diversity, we would remain ignorant and isolated, locked each of us in our own native tongue's limited worldview.”

--K. David Harrison, PhD, Swarthmore College and National Geographic Society

“This is by far the most meaningful book on the subject of translation that I have ever seen. The authors have managed to entertain, inform, and show how translation impacts all aspects of our life, from health to business to entertainment and technology, all supported with real-life examples.”

--Ghassan Haddad, Director of Internationalization, Facebook

 

 

“Nataly Kelly and Jost Zetzsche have done essential work in capturing the stories behind translation, and how we all experience its value every day. As they observe, ‘Right this very minute, translation is saving lives, perhaps even yours.’”

--Laura I. Gomez, Localization Manager, Twitter

“During times of war, weapons make the difference. During times of peace, battles are won in conference rooms -- and those who can most clearly communicate their messages win. Found in Translation demonstrates to us all that translation and interpretation are the most intelligent weapons for triumphing in commercial, financial, or diplomatic settings.”
 

--Olga Cosmidou, Director General for Interpretation and Conferences, European Parliament

“Nataly Kelly and Jost Zetzsche focus in on what is the core issue for diplomats, entrepreneurs, non-governmental organizations and everyday working people alike: language. With information now flowing both globally and instantaneously, translators and interpreters have already ascended into the ranks of the indispensable.”​

--Sunder Ramaswamy, President and Frederick C. Dirks Professor of International Economics, Monterey Institute of International Studies

 

“Through anecdotes grouped into seven chapters, they demonstrate the crucial role that translation plays in health care, politics, business, religion, sports, technology, and even affairs of the heart [...] the stories collected here show how important their services are in a wide variety of applications--from care of non-English-speaking patients in American hospitals to the accumulation of epidemiologic data from parochial communities across the globe, the translating of poetry ("like trying to play a piano sonata on a trombone"), and the correct interpretation of world leaders' statements that can have huge ramifications. [...] Though serious in their objective, Kelly and Zetzsche approach their topic with a wit that particularly comes through in accounts of translators' gaffes.”

--Publisher's Weekly

 

"In superbly written, rigorously researched, and perfectly-sized segments, the authors have
encapsulated the passion that all of us have for our work and its place in the world. [...] Found in Translation starts from a beautifully simple premise -- translation is everywhere -- and weaves a rich story of the ways in which languages truly do shape the world."

-- Corinne McKay, American Translators Association Chronicle

"The book is cleverly structured in such a way that you can read a chapter or even a story at a time. To give you an idea of how diverse and well researched this book is, here’s a short overview of some of my favourite stories: a chill-inducing story about a telephone interpreter (Nataly) in an emergency situation, which opens the book; a highly talented sign language interpreter for the world’s most famous Deaf person; Harley-Davidson’s language-based success in Japan; a story set in China involving a German surgeon, an interpreter (Jost) and a tourist in search of Chinese healing methods; why Saint Jerome was universally unpopular; cringe-inducing product-name translations; why EUR 2.30 a day per citizen is a great deal for interpreting services at the European Union; how an interpreter became the most important success factor for a Chinese basketball player; how translation fits into the world of, yes, adult entertainment; the impact of interpreters in wars, and much, much more."

-- Judy Jenner, ITI Bulletin

"Kelly and Zetzsche could not have done a better job traveling the world through interviews and research to take the reader into the field of translation. [...] I cannot say strongly enough, go get a copy!"

 

--Elizabeth Colón, Multilingual Magazine

 

"Using examples from different languages, different regions and different spheres of life, Found in Translation reveals ‘the biggest industry that you never knew existed’. [...] The book covers medicine, law, policing, literature, emergency relief, human rights, diplomacy, journalism, support for endangered languages and cultures, politics, religion, cuisine, fashion, opera, security, finance, broadcasting, business, assessing and countering terrorist threats, travel, advertising, sport, space exploration… The list is endless."

-- Jonathan Marks, The Linguist Magazine

 

Copyright 2012 Nataly Kelly and Jost Zetzsche