Swet Columns
October 7, 2019
Word Wise: Typically Troublesome
By Richard Medhurst
What is the ultimate bugbear translation term? If there was a vote, 代表的 might well be in the running. Both it and synonymous variations of を代表する are scattered across Japanese texts at a rate that can vex translators who want to keep their writing fresh.
The way 代表的 covers a broad range of meaning from neutral description through to... more
November 3, 2019
Editors Canada: Second International Editing Conference: SWET Members Invited at Discount Rate
EC Invitation!
SWET members interested in attending the Editors Canada Second International Editing Conference to be held June 19 to 21, 2020 in Montreal, Quebec, will get the Editors Canada member rate. That means you can save up to $200 on registration for this weekend of learning, networking and fun.
Early-bird discount Early-bird pricing for the conference is in effect, but... more
July 26, 2019
Word Wise: According to Habit
By Richard Medhurst
While it is handy to have default translations for terms, a little variety can refresh both writer and reader. The phrase によると is common in Japanese and commonly rendered by translators as “according to” in English.
With a company or public figure, it may be possible to use “stated” or “announced,” when the context is clear or easily checked,... more
June 27, 2019
EVENT REPORT: Brainstorming for SWET’s 40th Anniversary
On the evening of Wednesday, June 19, six SWET members gathered in Jinbōchō, Tokyo, for a brainstorming session about plans for celebrating SWET’s upcoming 40th anniversary. To start off with, we discussed the proposed date: SWET’s inaugural meeting was held on November 15, 1980, and in 2020, the 15th falls on Sunday. We agreed that mid-November 2020 sounded optimal,... more
May 5, 2019
EVENT REPORT: Press Trips and Language Tips for Travel Media
By Rob Goss
On March 20, 2019, twelve people, including five first-timers, attended the latest SWET Travel Writing Meetup in Tokyo at Book House Cafe, Jinbocho, for a presentation by photographer Phil Ono about the handling of style issues in place-name signage used around the country and a presentation by travel writer Rob Goss about press trips for travel writers and... more
May 2, 2019
Word Wise: Second Appeal
By Richard Medhurst
I hear you soon find out who your true friends are when you appeal to them for help. Meanwhile, アピールする is one of the katakana false friends that I seem to meet on a regular basis. It is connected to the English verb “appeal” in that it is seeking positive action or judgment from others, but direct replacement... more
