Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Twilight - the bar, not the movie

My friend Judd Hall is making Twilight down by the Market *the* place for cocktails and great music.

I'm going to mention his Friday and Saturday lineup since KUBE just happens to be the most listened to English-language radio station in our market by Latinos.

KUBE Fridays
5 PM - 2 AM ($10 cover after 9 pm)
Happy Hour until 10 PM. Listen for our radio spots on KUBE all day long, then come on down to Twilight and enjoy KUBE's Vinnie the Pooh as he mixes his favorite tunes!

KUBE Saturdays
9 PM - 2 AM ($10 cover) Another KUBE evening - with DJ Jeff opening for KUBE's Super Sam, as they play danceable music all night long!

Twilight Martini Lounge
2125 Western Ave
Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 443-1212

This is not a paid advertisement! I don't do those.

New Language Acess Requirements

This important info comes from Debi Kadis and our friends at Syntes Language Group:

Hot off the press!

The federal government just sent a significant message about the pivotal role of language access in economic recovery as federal agencies get ready to distribute funds under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) issued an important reminder that all recipients of federal money, including private companies, must comply with Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which includes providing "language access for limited English proficient persons."

So, what does this mean for you and your organization? Here is some information to consider.

How do you determine what needs to be translated? The documents that should take priority and are considered vital are those that are required by law or are critical to obtaining services/products and benefits. Such documents include: applications, consent & complaint forms, and notices of rights and disciplinary action.

What about translation of website content? Website content also needs to be translated if it meets these same criteria. However, even if the content is on the web, the translated print material still needs to be made available as well.

How does this apply to interpreting? The obligation to provide meaningful opportunities to individuals with limited English proficiency is not restricted to written translations. Oral communication is often an essential component in imparting vital information to recipients. Foreign language interpreting may be required for such communication as proceedings, meetings, and consultations that involve the exchange of legal or other critical information.

What about enforcement and public pressure? Given this intensified focus on language access, increased media attention, public pressure, and legal enforcement will likely follow. What are the broader implications here? In addition to language access being tied to funding and legal issues, the broader underlying message is that language is a path to global competiveness, which extends to a greater recognition of domestic linguistic minorities.

Indeed, current research indicates that the US Hispanic market remains underserved by more than 40 percent. In addition, in a slow economy, many of the stronger US firms look abroad for opportunites and often get more of their revenue from outside of the United States. How can you get more information? To read more about language access as it relates to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, visit http://www.usdoj.gov/recovery. For more general information, visit LEP.gov, a government website designed to promote “a positive and cooperative understanding of the importance of language access.”

Sunday, March 29, 2009

¡Zumba!

While I'm visiting with my sister and her family in Northern California I "get" to join her for gym workouts. Yesterday's was a Zumba class.

Do you know anything about Zumba? It's not new, really, although the experience was new to me. It's based on Latin beats, but what I didn't know is that it's all about modern Latin beats, like bachata and reggaeton. No regional Mexican here, folks!

Clearly the instructor, although very inspiring in many ways, is not a Spanish speaker. Whenever the lyrics told us to "move your hips," we ... weren't. But that aside, the workout was great although I was always several steps behind the rest of the class. I recommend it for a fun and energizing way to get the blood pumping!

¿Quién es Ratón Pérez?


This is my five-year-old nephew, Aaron, who just lost two teeth--one before this pic, and then another right after! Why is this important to you?

Because say you're a dentist, or in any business at all, and you want to use the concept of "the tooth fairy" in your marketing to Latinos. In many countries, such as Venezuela, Bolivia and Spain, that isn't translated at all, but it's Ratón Pérez (Perez Mouse!) who brings kids money when they lose their baby teeth. He's not a fairy at all!

This is an example of when Internet translations/non-language professionals/non-native Spanish speakers can fail miserably.

Understand your target. To whom is your message directed? If it's to folks in Colombia, a direct translation in this particular case may work. But if it's to the general U.S. Hispanic population, you might try another tactic since different concepts are used in different Latin American countries and Spain.

In any case, as a multicultural/multilanguage marketer you must either be familiar with the dialect and culture of the people you're looking to embrace, or consult with someone who is.

Aaron now has two bucks in his piggy bank. Not bad!

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Resort Offer Taken, Folks!

Just an update that the resort stay I was offering yesterday was snatched up by one lucky lady and her family. Thanks, all, for your interest!

Now - off to Yakima for focus group work!

Monday, March 23, 2009

A FREE offer for one lucky Blog Reader!

Hi, All - OK here's your chance for a FREE stay at a beautiful resort in Mazatlán, México.

I was planning to join my sister and her family for a week at this resort, but with the U.S. government travel advisories she doesn't think it's a good place for young kids. So, instead we're just reuniting at their El Dorado Hills home.

In the meantime...there is a empty master suite (that sleeps 6) looking for occupants 3/30 - 4/6. If you're interested, see their site for more and email me at lauri@conexion-marketing if you'd like to confirm so we can change the name on the reservations!

Buena suerte!

Casa Latina has a new casa

CASA Latina has a new home - the social services agency previously located in Belltown for..ever is now in its new digs at 317 17th Avenue South in Seattle.

This organization has long been providing educational and employment services for our Latino immigrant community. See site for more on what they are doing for the community!