Found in Translation: How Language Shapes Our Lives and Transforms the World

Translation. It's everywhere we look, but seldom seen — until now. Found in Translation reveals the surprising and complex ways that translation shapes the world. Covering everything from holy books to hurricane warnings and poetry to peace treaties, Nataly Kelly and Jost Zetzsche offer language lovers and pop culture fans alike an insider's view of the ways in which translation spreads culture, fuels the global economy, prevents wars, and stops the outbreak of disease. Examples include how translation plays a key role at Google, Facebook, NASA, the United Nations, the Olympics, and more.

"In the introduction to this sympathetic appreciation of translators and their work, Kelly and Zetzsche boldly state that: 'Translation affects every aspect of your life.' 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. Though translators may not be the unsung heroes that the authors (translators themselves) frequently make them out to be, 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. The authors demonstrate the importance of understanding a culture as well as language in their accounts of simultaneous translation and attempts to preserve meaning when translations are themselves translated. Though serious in their objective, Kelly and Zetsche approach their topic with a wit that particularly comes through in accounts of translators' gaffes. Agent: Scott Mendel, Mendel Media Group. (Oct.)" Publishers Weekly Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

"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

"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

"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

"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

Nataly Kelly is the chief research officer at Common Sense Advisory, a research and consulting firm specializing in global business and language services, as well as a certified court interpreter.

Jost Zetzsche is a working translator and a widely published author in language industry publications, including the American Translators Association Chronicle, MultiLingual, and Translation Journal.