English – Alison Trujillo Translations

The Arabic Roots of Spanish

When Arabic-speaking Muslims from North Africa invaded the Iberian Peninsula in 711, they introduced unique architecture, philosophy, and social norms to the territory. The Arabic language deeply influenced the local vernacular Latin dialect, which eventually became Spanish. In the 15th century, this territory was now the Spanish kingdom and was presided over by King FerdinandContinue reading “The Arabic Roots of Spanish”

Spanish/English Fire Safety Vocabulary

Here in the Western United States, this time of year brings a flurry of communications about wildfire prevention and safety. Organizations are preparing resource lists and social media posts in advance of any wildfire event, and of course it’s important to get these written communications out in different languages. In case you or your organizationContinue reading “Spanish/English Fire Safety Vocabulary”

Tocayo

Last year I wrote about one of my favorite Spanish words, estrenar. Another favorite is tocayo: Tocayo: Namesake I don’t feel that the English translation of this word really does justice to the Spanish meaning or sentiment. In Spanish-speaking countries, and especially in Mexico, tocayo is a heartfelt word to refer to someone who sharesContinue reading “Tocayo”

Gender Neutrality in Translation

Gender is a big topic these days and the use of gender-neutral language is a much-debated subject right now in the translation industry. Translators and the people who work with them have long been debating how and when to use gender-neutral language. If conference topics and online articles are any indication, the overall global conversationContinue reading “Gender Neutrality in Translation”

Living on Borrowed Words

If someone told you to no longer use the word “burrito” to describe beans, rice, lettuce and cheese wrapped up in a tortilla, what would you do? It is commonly thought that the word “burrito” comes from the fact that, like a little donkey that can carry many items on its back, a burrito carriesContinue reading “Living on Borrowed Words”

Adventures in Translation

“Translators are the shadow heroes of literature, the often forgotten instruments that make it possible for different cultures to talk to one another, who have enabled us to understand that we all, from every part of the world, live in one world.” —Paul Auster, American writer Ha, ha! Finding the perfect word can seriously beContinue reading “Adventures in Translation”