Category: Migration Translators

Nature and technology may seem polar opposites but actually a lot of technology has been inspired by nature, in fact there’s even a word to describe technology which has been created based on observations of the natural world “biomimicry”. These days, technology is increasingly being used to protect nature. One of the most spectacular examples of this in action is the recent satellite mapping of the Great Barrier Reef, carried out by a team mainly made up of Australian and German scientists. The reef has been mapped before but only using data from ships and aircraft, which gave much less accurate and detailed information. The satellites covered the reef to a depth of 100 feet and have produced a spectacular 3D model of the whole reef in all its intricate natural glory. Scientists hope that studying the reef’s physical appearance in detail will help them to understand and protect it better. For example if they understand how currents flow through the reef, they will be better able to understand how threats affect it too – and how to combat them. Translating this underwater marvel into a 3D image is a job for scientists, translating the immigration documents of those who wish to see it is a job best left to a professional NAATI translator.

Australia’s famous beach culture is one of the features many people find most appealing about the country and pictures of people of all ages on surf boards are naturally associated with the country. While the benefits of exercise in general have been known for decades, along with the importance of the social aspect of sports and outdoor activities, research from the UK suggests that the popularity of surfing in Australia might be more beneficial than people have realized.

Backed by the government, a UK-based charity has been researching the use of surfing as a way to combat mental illness and depression in children and young adults. In essence they see that the physical and mental challenge of learning how to control a surf board, even more than other forms of sport, gives young people a sense of achievement and empowerment, which transfers to other areas of their lives.

While it’s still early days for the scheme in the UK, it is being monitored with interest and while the aim of the scheme is to encourage self-development rather than to produce champion surfers, it’s possible that in future years some of these young surfers will join the ranks of the international surf community and head to Australia to hit the waves there. While people from the UK can generally adapt easily to Australian English, many people from other countries benefit from the services of a professional NAATI translator.

The Pride of Australia awards will take place at the end of this week and the full line-up has recently been announced. The stories of heroism, outstanding bravery, courage, leadership, environmental commitment, community spirit, inspiration and care and compassion are sure to impress and motivate, while the Child of Courage award recognizes the achievements of Australia’s children. There is also an award which is very typically Australian – the “Fair Go” Award. While most countries value the idea of fairness, however that is interpreted, in Australia, huge emphasis is placed on it. The expression “fair dinkum” is quintessentially Australian and the idea of fairness permeates life throughout Australia. Unlike some countries which still have noticeable, if not rigid, class structures, Australia has a strong emphasis on equality, which is why the wrath of the Australian public can be even stronger than it is in other countries if prominent figures are perceived to be abusing their position. Similarly, while Australians respect and value the talents of people who have developed expertise in a particular field, they have less respect for formal titles than some other countries. In Australia, it’s what you do that matters, not what you call yourself. If you’re interested in visiting Australia for business or pleasure, find out what an experienced NAATI translator can do for you!

Halloween seems to be a festival that came relatively late to Australia, but over recent years it’s become more popular, although as yet there’s still a fairly large element of “for the kids”. The young and young at heart generally enjoy an excuse for dressing up and there’s plenty of options for Halloween disguises both shop bought and home made. Younger Australians also often enjoy the opportunity to stock up on free sweets, although more health-conscious Australian adults may give out healthier treats such as fruit, small toys and money instead.

For those who are a bit older, Halloween is a great excuse to watch some classic Australian horror films, which encompass everything from roughly true-life stories, such as Rogue and Van Diemens Land, to quirky comedies like Undead which show the Australian sense of humour at its best and are fairly safe viewing for older children. True horror aficionados might make time for the original short film Saw, which secured the funding for what has become a renowned franchise. Australian cinema has been attracting increasing global attention over recent years with major directors and stars calling it home. Those interested in seeing the country themselves will find a professional NAATI translator will help them to avoid a frightful experience with their paperwork.

In Japan maroon cars are reserved for the Royal family, in New York the yellow cab is seen as often on the streets as it is on film and in London the black cab is a reassuring sight for both tourists and locals as it guarantees a driver who knows his or her way around a fast-paced and ever-changing city. Now London’s black cabs are moving to Australia and on the way, they’re changing from black to white.

Although it’s early days, the move has already drawn positive reactions and it will be interesting to see whether or not the white taxis end up as highly decorated as some of their black London counterparts.

Taking a taxi in Australia is a much simpler process than in some countries; however it’s important to note that in Australian taxi etiquette a single passenger would be expected to sit in the front seat beside the driver. Sitting in the back seat can be seen as pretentious. Of course, this is different if two friends are together. Unlike their British counterparts, Australian taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped unless they have provided an exceptional level of service.

For those who appreciate quality service, making use of a professional NAATI translator can be a good investment.

In a city which is famously flat, an international design contest has generated some innovative ideas for being able to view it from new heights, literally. With the Royal Adelaide hospital moving to a new home, ideas were needed for its old site and they showed no shortage of imagination.

Possibly the most innovative was a proposal by a Slovakian team, who suggested the creation of an artificial mountain, built using the waste from the old site. One of the key features of this suggestion was that it would require minimal maintenance and would provide a pleasant outdoor location for locals and visitors as well as being high enough to give excellent views over the city.

Meanwhile a South African team went even further by suggesting a 280m observatory tower, to give absolutely unimpeded views for miles around. This would make it an ideal location for getting an overview (literally) of the whole city.

Other suggestions have included revolving restaurants and outdoor film-screening areas and the judges are certainly going to have their work cut out picking the winner. Those who’d like to see the choice, whatever it is, or who’d like to visit Australia for any other reason can give themselves less work by enlisting the help of an experienced NAATI translator.

While Lassie may be a creature of Hollywood legend (and always played by a male dog), Australia has its own true life canine hero immortalized in the film Red Dog. The real-life Red Dog also has three books about him, all referring to him by that name, although during his lifetime he was known by as variety of names as he travelled across the country.

In the film and the novel by Louis de Bernières, Red Dog was looking for his dead master, in reality its unclear why the dog kept travelling. The books Red Dog by Nancy Gillespie and Red Dog: The Pilbara Wanderer by Beverly Duckett are both more accurate reflections of the life of the real Red Dog, as seen by those who knew him.

The story of Red Dog has been brought into the limelight again recently after reported sightings of a possible modern-day counterpart called Fudge, who has been potentially spotted crossing Western Australia. His master is very much alive and well and actively looking for him so its hoped the pair will be reunited soon.

For those interested in travelling Australia, or bringing their pets to Australia, life can be much easier with the help of an experienced NAATI translator.

Australians on their overseas experiences have a reputation for being hard workers who can turn their hand to anything. Maybe it’s because Australia is a country built on the determination and creativity of people who had no choice but to make a success of living there. More recently Australia has been making a name for itself as a country of high-tech entrepreneurs with many of the most exciting new businesses harnessing the power of the internet, often led by people in their twenties and thirties. Some of these businesses are now international success stories, such as Freelancer, now one of the world’s biggest virtual job markets, where employers and employees literally around the globe can connect with each other. Its founder Matt Barrie has only recently turned 40. Although best known for his business success, Barrie also holds over 20 U.S. Patent applications and is well-known as a teacher and writer.

At the same time as creating its own young entrepreneurs, many of whom have international experience (Barrie lived in Indonesia as a child and has studied in the U.S.), Australia is also an attractive destination for global business people, who appreciate its mix of business and pleasure. Those who are interested in heading for the sun to start their own business or practice their profession, will find the process much easier with the help of an experienced NAATI translator.

For years, Sydney and Melbourne have done battle for the title of Australia’s first city. They had to call it a draw with regards to capital status, which is why Canberra was created, but otherwise, they continually attempt to attract inhabitants and visitors and generally out-do each other.

Melbourne has always prided itself on its elegance and sophistication. While Sydney has its amazing opera house, Melbourne itself is simply one huge arts and culture venue, with creativity everywhere from the bars with their live music to the streets themselves, full of open-air installations.

While Melbourne regularly features in lists of the world’s best places to live, it owes much of its current status to the miners from many countries who crowded into the city after gold was found in its home state of Victoria in 1851. For a while the port city of Melbourne was the richest in the world as it served the huge mining trade which lasted for some 40 years. It was during this, literally golden, era that many of the city’s most famous buildings were built.

Of course, like all booms, the gold rush finally came to an end but after a short period of hibernation, Melbourne began to redevelop itself into the international city it is today. Those interested in visiting it or even making it their home can enlist the help of a professional NAATI translator to deal with the paperwork.