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OCTOBER 2008

October 27, 2008

Connect's new phone number

Please note, we have a new phone number, for all enquiries and service please call 1300 81 80 80, we are still reachable on our number +61 3 9347 9348.

October 24, 2008

US Troops using iPods as translators

For the last year, troops in the 10th Mountain have been using 260 iPods modified to run a special application from Vcom 3D known as Vcommunicator Mobile (VCom). VCom is different from the “Phraselator” translator commonly used by troops by being a one way translator. Two way translators, like Phrasealator, are effective in that someone speaks into the device and it comes out in the language of choice.

October 14, 2008

Robert Dziekanski, a 40-year-old Polish citizen who spoke no English, arrived at the Vancouver International Airport on October 14, 2007. Dziekanski, a construction worker, was the only child of Zosia Cisowski. Cisowski, according to news reports, had emigrated to Canada, then worked two jobs for many years in order to send for her only child.

But when Dziekanski made the long journey from Poland to Canada, what was set in motion was the backdrop for an enormous and very public tragedy. After flying from Frankfurt, Germany, on the last leg of his trip, an exhausted and jet-lagged Dziekanski landed at the airport, hoping to see his mother waiting for him. That was not the case.

Although his mother had come to the airport, the two never connected. Instead, Dziekanski found himself imprisoned in the airport's confines, unable to cross through immigration to find her and incapable of communicating with airport officials, police or well-meaning passers-by. Ignored and at the end of his rope, Dziekanski grew frustrated and violent.

Because the incident was obviously escalating and playing out to a captive audience of travelers, one man with a video camera began to film it. Another, using the camera on a cell phone, also recorded it.

The grainy, shaky cell phone video portrays an obviously distraught Dziekanski pacing behind a glassed-in area that separates him from other travelers. At one point he picks up a chair as if he plans to throw it, then puts it down. He also hoists a small table. Although difficult to discern, he apparently also grabbed some computer equipment. Comments from bystanders who were following his movements indicate they realized he spoke no English. Several are heard speculating that he is Russian. One woman suggests that he might be speaking in Hebrew.

What they don't know is that Dziekanski has been in the airport for at least six hours, unable to leave, contact his mother or find anyone who understands him. At this point he has spent close to 24 hours or more on this journey.

A woman approaches Dziekanski in an attempt to communicate with him, but her efforts are in vain. Soon airport security is on the scene. One official is heard on the radio requesting a Russian interpreter. No one shows up, but Dziekanski doesn't speak Russian anyway. Besides, in a few seconds — about the amount of time it takes to punch up a telephone number on a cell phone and hold a brief conversation — Robert Dziekanski will die on the airport floor surrounded by police, in front of dozens of witnesses.

In the video, four officers from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) approach him. They subdue him with force, taking him down and hitting him with an electronic control device (ECD) at least twice. The take-down does not appear unreasonable. The officers who responded could not communicate with Dziekanski, nor he with them. He also could not comply with their orders because he did not understand them, and they could not understand him. Whether ECD should have been used is a subject currently under exploration by Canadian authorities.

Somehow during the scuffle, Zosia Cisowski's son's heart quit beating and his hopeful journey to his new country ended on the floor of the airport, without anyone understanding a word he said.

Later, after viewing a videotape of the incident, Dziekanski's words were translated. He was calling for help and asking for the police.

Cell phone footage of the incident, posted on You Tube (www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CR_k-dTnDU) and an eventually released videotape incensed both the Polish people and Canadian residents. Inquiries into the matter are ongoing and appear to be a vehicle for a change in RCMP's ECD policy.

One thing that could have possibly prevented the tragedy from the very beginning has not attracted the publicity it should have: If someone could have translated for Dziekanski, there is a good chance he would be alive today.

For a FREE Quote or more information simply call 1300 81 80 80.

September 23, 2008

As you may already know or even experienced, our lines were down on September 22nd 2008 and are now working. Connect would like to thank Telstra for its extremely prompt service and apologise to all its customers for any inconvenience that this may have caused you.

We are again contactable on 03 9347 9348.

September 22, 2008 - We apologise for any inconvenience.

Important Notice: We are currently experiencing technical difficulties with our phonelines, we are working extremely hard on fixing this problem with Telstra who have agreed to provide us with a 'rush' service to fix this within 24 to 48 hours.

For all enquiries, bookings and information please call:

03 9347 9348

We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience.

August 15, 2008 - Olympics Interpreter Marathon

The Olympics is a marathon event for language translators, it has been claimed.

Interpreter Bill Weber, who has taken part in 13 consecutive summer and winter Olympic Games, told Reuters the competition are the longest continuing interpreting event in the world, topping any United Nations or European Union session.

He is currently heading a team of 112 interpreters from 18 countries at the event, and expects to be working constantly for five weeks, according to the news provider.

"It's a mistake to think that the Games are easy because it is sports," he added.

"None of us are experts on sports rules so we must prepare ourselves. The Chinese interpreters have to be very careful because they must absolutely, accurately interpret everything exactly as it is said."

July 28, 2008 - Phase 4 of 6 for Globe.

Globe, Connect's online booking system has just finished phase 4 of 6 in the new development of the system.

Globe allows clients to book, manage and track their language requirements anywhere, anytime from an easy to use online system.

JUNE 2008

June 27, 2008 - Top 10 Languages Spoken in Victoria

The Victorian Multicultural Commission's release of the Top Ten Languages spoken in Victoria:

June 18, 2008 - All of Us Campaign

"Victoria’s rich cultural diversity contributes to many aspects of our vibrant state and is a valued and appreciated component of society. With residents from more than 200 countries living side by side, it is vital to encourage an understanding of the multitude of backgrounds that we come from. For this reason, the Victorian Government has created an ad campaign to encourage people to accept and embrace the many cultures that make up our society."

For more information visit www.culturaldiversity.vic.gov.au

June 9, 2008 - Queen's Birthday

Australian Public Holiday - Queens Birthday

For a FREE Quote or more information simply call 1300 81 80 80.

May 9 - 12, 2008 - Berlin Culture Carnival

Carnival of the Cultures is a four-day street carnival that celebrates Berlin‘s cultural diversity. Bringing together a mix of both professional and amateur artists, the festival explores new trends and styles in youth and minority culture.

First held in 1996, it has now grown into a huge event celebrating the city’s 440,000 immigrant citizens that represent nearly 200 countries around the world. The highlight of the weekend is the incredible Whitsuntide street parade which sees performers, jugglers, stiltwalkers and dancers accompanying floats carrying DJs and musicians through the city’s streets in the Kreuzberg District - the city’s most international area.

Each year there is also a children’s festival that takes place in Goerlitzer Park with a spectacular range of events aimed specifically at children and their families.

In 2005 nearly 2 million people attended the weekend festival.

APRIL 2008

April 25, 2008 - ANZAC DAY

ANZAC Day – 25 April – is probably Australia's most important national occasion. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.

ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. The soldiers in those forces quickly became known as ANZACs, and the pride they soon took in that name endures to this day.

http://www.awm.gov.au/commemoration/anzac/anzac_tradition.asp

For a FREE Quote or more information simply call 1300 81 80 80.

MARCH 2008

March 17 – 23, 2008 - Cultural Diversity Week in Victoria.

Celebrate our Cultural Diversity Week - Victoria 's largest event for the promotion of cultural, linguistic and religious diversity and community harmony.

The Week, held annually between 17-23 March, provides an opportunity for all Victorians to celebrate our cultural, linguistic and religious diversity.

It also marks the United Nations Day for the Elimination of Racism on 21 March and affirms our belief in the right for all Victorians to live without fear of racial and religious discrimination.

http://www.culturaldiversity.vic.gov.au/

FEBRUARY 2008

February 15, 2008 - New Website

Connect Language Services launches new website to Connect clients, partners and team.

February 7, 2008 - Chinese New Year

Year of the Rat. Chinese New Year's Eve is known as Chúxi Chu literally means "pass" and xi means "Eve".

Celebrated in areas with large populations of ethnic Chinese, Chinese New Year is considered a major holiday for the Chinese and has had a strong influence on the new year celebrations of its geographic neighbours, as well as cultures with whom the Chinese have had extensive interaction. These include Koreans, Mongolians, Nepalese, Bhutanese, Vietnamese, and formerly the Japanese before 1873.

In Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and other countries with significant Chinese populations, Chinese New Year is also celebrated, largely by overseas Chinese, but it is not part of the traditional culture of these countries.

In Canada, although Chinese New Year is not an official holiday, many ethnic Chinese hold large celebrations and Australia Post issues New Year's themed stamps every year.

February 2, 2008 - Phase 1 Globe

Phase 1 of Globe, our online booking system, upgrade is complete.

Globe, our Online Booking System, is going through its first upgrade stage out of a total of 10 upgrades.

The new and improved Globe aligns with one of our mission points, namely, to continuously improve our technology and provide an easier and more efficient system for our clients, partners and contractors.

The launch of the new Globe should be complete by mid-2008, possibly earlier if all upgrades meet their objectives. Keep watching this section of our website for more info.

JANUARY 2008

January 26, 2008 - Australia Day Celebrations

Australia Day, January 26, is the biggest day of celebration in the country and is observed as a public holiday in all states and territories.

On Australia Day we come together as a nation to celebrate what's great about Australia and being Australian. It's the day to reflect on what we have achieved and what we can be proud of in our nation.

It's the day for us to re-commit to making Australia an even better place for the future.

SOURCE: Australia Day Official Website

http://www.australiaday.gov.au/pages/page3.asp

January 23, 2008 - Preffered Provider

Connect, preferred provider of Sydney based Employment agency. Connect Language Services has recently been awarded Preferred Provider of a Sydney based employment agency.

We wish to welcome them to our portfolio of satisfied customers and look forward to servicing their language requirements.

January 1, 2008 - Public Holiday

Public Holiday - We wish you a Happy and prosperous New Year!