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    Santa Claus is looking for a destination on a globe.

    The Most Unusual Christmas Traditions Around the World + Quiz

    Robert Faber

    Why do Swedes think a giant straw goat is a symbol of Christmas?

    Why are roads open only for roller skaters a week before Christmas Day in Venezuela?

    What are people hiding in Norway as a holiday tradition to keep safe from evil spirits?

    In today’s article, we’ll be giving you the answers to these and many other questions you might have about weirdest Christmas traditions around the world.

    And if you’re interested in checking what you know about the Christmas holiday season, be sure to take our quiz. You can count on some sweet little Christmas gift if you give at least 7 correct answers!

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    Busy Fall at Vasco Electronics: GITEX show, Japan IT Week and Good Design Award

    Robert Faber

    This year has been a very busy for all of Vasco Electronics. We’ve been to many trade shows, but it wasn’t until this fall that we had many events at once. Right after the Berlin show, our team prepared to participate in GITEX show and Japan IT Week.

    Luckily, this busy time was sweetened by the fact that our Vasco Translator V4 received another prestigious award.

    Check with us what award this was, and what happened at the tech shows!

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    What are false friends in linguistics?

    Watch Out for False Friends… When Learning a Foreign Language!

    Robert Faber

    This is not another article about how to recognize and deal with fake friends in your life. Here, we’ll talk about a different kind of struggle. Anyone who learns a foreign language needs to watch out for so-called false friends. No, they are not people who try to sabotage your effort by giving harmful advice. Let’s just say for now that they cannot be treated lightly and can cause very serious problems in communication.  In this article, we’ll get into some details about this phenomenon and find false friends in various languages.

    Having read this article, you’ll know:

    • The Definition of the term “false friends”.
    • When it first appeared in linguistics.
    • How false friends are created.
    • Some popular examples of false friends.

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    When and where will we reach 8 Billion people on Earth?

    Robert Faber

    Actually, any day now. Although it is impossible to know precisely the total number of people on the planet at any given time, and who or where will be the 8th million baby being born or their language or nationality, the United Nations has declared the 15th of November 2022 to be the official estimated date it happens. This sets an unprecedented milestone in human development and world population growth which is both celebrated and shunned by both popular opinion and the science communities around the world.

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    Vasco Electronics helps Quinnipiac University

    Vasco Electronics helps Quinnipiac University

    Robert Faber

    Since the very beginning, Vasco Electronics was driven by one goal – to make communication among people easier. We stayed true to this objective until this day, and we are happy to say that we took part in another initiative that fulfills our mission. Last year, we started cooperation with Quinnipiac University (Hamden, USA). At the time, they launched a Student Consulting Project, which aimed at making communication between students (and their families) and academic organizations easier. Finally, we decided to take our cooperation to the next level and test Vasco M3 translators in schools.

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    Author: Ollie Upton / HBO. All rights reserved. HBO® and all related programs are the property of Home Box Office, Inc.

    Languages of Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon — High Valyrian, Dothraki and more

    Robert Faber

    To say that Game of Thrones was a popular TV series is to say nothing about it. It was adapted from the bestselling “Ice & Fire” saga by American author, George R.R. Martin, and aired on HBO in 2010-2019 through 8 seasons.

    The show’s presence in the media was a worldwide phenomenon, influencing almost all sectors of the current pop culture.

    At its peak, the show was broadcasted in 207 countries and averaged almost 44 million viewers for its final season (Forbes, 2019 & Hollywood Reporter, 2022).

    Even though the ending of the show left most fans disappointed, the prequel show House of the Dragon has attracted the audience of 20 million for its first aired episode on August 23rd, 2022. Needless to say, it bodes well for the franchise’s future.

    As dive deep in the plot lines of Westeros, we once again encounter its fictional languages, like High Valyrian. Hearing it might sound weirdly familiar for some – and not just because it was already present in Game of Thrones.

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    There's always time to learn a new language

    How to learn a new language fast + QUIZ

    Robert Faber

    Language learning is surely an interesting direction in one’s self development. However, it may also be quite challenging. Memorizing new words, studying grammar rules, and practicing correct pronunciation can be really tough. Not to mention acquiring conversational fluency in the language of your choice.

    Fortunately, there are lots of helpful tools that will make language learning easier and more enjoyable.

    In this article, we’ll explain how to learn a new language fast, along with presenting the methods of studying that can provide the best results.

    Nevertheless, you may also be the person who finds language learning too difficult. Not a problem at all! We will present an alternative to language learning which is extremely helpful.

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    v4 release

    Vasco Translator V4: a new translator device

    Robert Faber

    After months of continuous work and much effort, we can finally say it: Vasco Translator V4 is here! What’s more, we are proud to share that our AI translator received 2 design awards even before its release:

    • Red Dot Award: the best design in Communication Technology category
    • NY Product Design Award: in the category of Conceptual — Digital, Electronic Devices & Accessories.

    But what is it that makes V4’s design so prize-worthy? Check now what you can do with Vasco Translator V4!  

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    People of different ethnicity are gathered around the globe, smiling.

    What is the most spoken language in the world?

    Robert Faber

    There are many spoken languages in the world, although this number is dropping every year.

    In the era of globalization, less spoken languages tend to get dominated by the most spoken languages in the world and the rarest ones are known by just a few native speakers.

    Let’s take a look at what is the most spoken language in the world today, used both by native and taught users.

    We will also try to determine if this trend might change in the future, so stay with us for more insight!

     

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    Europe by night - Planet Earth - City lights as seen from space.

    Top countries in Europe for working abroad

    Robert Faber

    Are you searching for abroad jobs in Europe?

    Going overseas might be a great idea to find both work opportunities and get to know the world’s cultural heritage better.

    Not sure which one is the best choice when working abroad in European Union?

    Don’t worry, you have come to the right place. Today, we’ll take a look at which country offers the best jobs if you want to start working abroad.

    We’ll consider the following:

    • minimum wage
    • state of job market
    • work residence requirements
    • social security
    • facilitation for non EU citizens

    Let’s go and find out which is the best country to work abroad!

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    A toy vintage car styled to look like a travel vehicle.

    5 Reasons Why You Should Travel More in 2022

    Robert Faber

    Traveling is such a beautiful activity. From discovering interesting places to getting to know yourself way better, it will definitely have a huge impact on your life. So stop doubting and plan your trip to Greece, your very own Turkey adventure or a magical trip to Croatia. However, if you still have any reservations, we will dive deeper into why you should definitely travel more, adding some interesting travel destinations to the mix.

    Before you start planning your trip to Greece, however, it is worth saying that traveling is actually way easier than people think. One of the frequent worries that they express is the inability to communicate with the locals, because of language barriers. Being in a distant, foreign country may be a tough experience, but speaking a local language definitely makes it better.

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    translating texts app

    An Overview of the Best Free Translator Apps

    Robert Faber

    As business and communication stretch further and further beyond borders, there is an increasing need for high-quality translation. While traditionally experienced translators were hired to produce content in foreign languages, using a translator app can offer a quicker and cheaper experience for private users and businesses alike.  

    But with so many apps available, which one is the best free translator app to use? In today’s article, we’d like to introduce you to some useful free tools for translating that will help you communicate with people coming from foreign cultures, while also giving you the ability to learn as you go.

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    Minion

    What language do Minions speak?

    Robert Faber

    Minion Language

    Ever since 2010, when Despicable Me came into theaters, Minions have been settling in our hearts for good. These cute yellow creatures started by being just sidekicks in the first movie, but now they are main protagonists of their own sequels.  The newest one, Minions: Rise of Gru, haWhat are the origins of the words and phrases used by Minions?s premiered on June 16th around the world and is already acclaimed by fans and critics alike. However, the more we love these heartwarming creatures, the more we want to know what they are talking about. Do Minions speak a real language? And if so, what are the words and phrases that they use in the movies? Let’s take a look at what language do minions speak.

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    A photo showing Vasco Electronics booth at CES with the company representatives

    Vasco Electronics at CES 2022

    Robert Faber

    CES is one of the biggest technology fairs in the world. However, some said that the 2022 edition would be a huge disappointment, because many significant companies (for instance, Google) switched to virtual presence. Well, it wasn’t a disappointment. Between BMW showing its color-changing car, and Sony sharing details about their new PS VR2 headset for PS5, there were we, showcasing our revolutionary pocket translator devices, which enable you to freely speak and understand over 70 languages. CES 2022 definitely delivered, and Vasco Electronics contributed to this.

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    A graphic representing the “Healthy Brain and Memory Day” logo

    Vasco Electronics at the “Healthy brain and memory day” conference

    Robert Faber

    Jiri Maikusiak, our Marketing Specialist for Czech Republic, has participated in an online science conference called “Healthy Brain and Memory Day”. The online meeting was a part of the Brain Awareness Week held by Dana Foundation, a private philanthropic organization from New York, whose goal is to advance understanding of the brain in health through numerous research grants and public outreach.

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    A banner informing about Vasco Electronics’ participation in the 2022 edition of the CES fairs.

    We’re going to CES 2022 — the biggest tech fair in the world!

    Robert Faber

    2022 is going to start with a bang. And we don’t mean the usual New Year’s Eve parties happening around the world. We mean the most influential tech show in the world — CES 2022 (which formerly would be known as Consumer Electronics Show 2022). This year’s edition of the event will start on January 5th, hosting some of the biggest technology companies in the world. It will also welcome smaller, but equally promising business organizations. What’s also important is that the CES 2022 will be the first in-person edition of the fairs in two years. Some companies, however, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, have chosen to participate online.

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    A photo of basque people dressed in traditional clothes and dancing on a city square.

    Fun facts about languages — the Basque (or Vasco) language

    Robert Faber

    We have so many languages in our voice translators. Over 70 as a matter of fact. It means that using Vasco devices allows you to understand or be understood by about 90% of the world population. From English, German and French to languages you’ve probably never heard of, like Basque language or Malayalam, Vasco language translators are designed to provide complete multilingual experience in all of them. Whether you want to use them all and speak like a local anywhere in the world or just start memorizing vocabulary with the Vasco language learning app, it’s always worth knowing something more about what we offer. In this story, we will focus on the Basque language. So grab your favourite cup with a warm beverage, sit comfortably and learn some interesting facts about one of the most interesting languages in the world.

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    A graphic promoting Vasco Electronics’ win at the NY Product Design Awards that includes the device, the statuette and the awards’ logo.

    Vasco Electronics with the NY Product Design Awards statuette!

    Robert Faber

    We are proud to announce that Vasco Electronics was honored with the New York Product Design Awards statuette. Vasco Translator M3 won in the “Communication Technology” category, proving once again that this device is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. This is, however, not the only accolade for the best voice translation out there — earlier this year, Vasco Translator M3 won the Red Dot Design Award, which is widely recognized as the “Oscar of the design.” But that’s a digression — let’s get back to the New York Product Design Awards.

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    Vasco Electronics’s booth at GITEX with the company’s representatives in the foreground

    Vasco Electronics at GITEX 2021 — highlights and new opportunities

    Robert Faber

    Not so long ago we published an article about our presence at GITEX — an international fair focusing on bringing together the creators of new technologies and business professionals. Now that the event is over and the organizers are looking at the 2022 iteration of the fairs, it’s time to share our experiences after the event, see how the participants reacted to our cutting-edge translation devices and examine some new opportunities.

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    Gitex Vasco

    We’re set to visit GITEX, Dubai

    Robert Faber

    The summer is already gone, but it’s going to get even warmer in mid-October anyway. Why? GITEX, an annual trade show focused on electronics and modern technology, will commence on October 17 at Dubai World Trade Center in the United Arab Emirates, hosting a great deal of innovative companies in addition to celebrating many technological breakthroughs. We are set to visit the fair in order to present our flagship and cutting-edge electronic translators — with the latest Vasco Translator M3 included. The trade show will last up until October 21.

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    How many languages are there

    How many languages are there in the world?

    Robert Faber

    Have you ever wondered how many languages are spoken in the world? If you had to guess, you might say…100? 200? This would be most people’s estimate. In fact, when people are asked to list how many language there are to their knowledge, the average is only around 10. That’s because most people are psychologically predisposed to be aware of only the most commonly used or learned languages around them. And the number of written languages of the world is yet another question altogether.

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    How many people speak more than one language?

    Robert Faber

    How many people speak more than one language? That’s a curious question asked by many people, with no clear answer. Since there is no world census, one can only guess. What is the term for the use of more than one language, you may ask? Most people refer to this as bilingualism for the ability to speak two languages, or multilingualism for the skill to speak 3 or more languages.

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    Vasco Translator M3 is a “Design Oscar” Red Dot winner!

    Robert Faber

    One of the most prestigious awards in the field of industrial design – the Red Dot Design Award has just been awarded to us. The innovative pocket translator Vasco Translator M3 was honored in the “Product Design 2021” category. The award is a great honor for us, which means that our product proves itself to not only be highly functional, but also stylish and modern by top-class design.

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    Pocket sized voice translator Vasco Translator M3 now available at b8ta

    Robert Faber

    2021 has started positively for us at Vasco Electronics. 

    Our new, long-awaited device: Vasco Translator M3 which had its premiere at the end of 2020, turned out to be the bull’s eye. Vasco Translator M3 is appreciated not only by our team (we really have put a lot of work into it, to create the best possible voice translators on the market) and our direct customers, but also by the chain called B8ta, which is a concept of showrooms and stores presenting various technological innovations across the USA.

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    Global Sources Mobile Electronics Show 18 – 21 April 2019

    Robert Faber
    It is the world’s largest electronics trade fair that takes place twice a year in Hong Kong. The event is very popular among visitors from around the world. The previous edition was visited by over 30,000 people from over 130 countries. The fair brings together 3,600 exhibitors with mobile devices, electronics, accessories and gadgets that are based on the latest technologies and trends. Read More

    Why buy the Vasco Translator?

    Robert Faber

    True story. Ukraine. I’m trying to decipher the hieroglyphics in a local restaurant’s menu. I’ve learnt the cyrillic script right before my journey but it takes such amount of time to read it that my friends give up on me. One of them starts to wave his arms showing the waitress he wants a chicken. Then, he shows his leg precising he wants a chicken leg. She understands. I am embarrassed. How easier would it have been if I had Vasco Translator with me. I would have just scanned the text quickly and got everything translated into English. Maybe a little less fun though…

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    Looking for a translator

    Robert Faber

    I’ve been recently looking for a good, electronic translator to buy. Why? Well… I’ve been learning some foreign languages, but the results are mediocre. And I need to because I travel a lot. Both for fun and for business. Even though most of my business partners speak English, we do have situations in which we simply cannot get across. If you’ve ever tried to speak to a Chinese – you’ll know what I mean.

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