Freelancer Translators vs Translation Agency: What’s the difference?

A freelance translator will be a self-employed individual offering independent translation services working on different parts of the translation process.

A translation agency will incorporate a team of language professionals working together to cover parts of or the entire translation process.

Here are 9 reasons why hiring a translation agency is better for Maltese translations

1. One strong relationship versus many weak ones

A focused Maltese translation agency reduces the concerns of an LSP’s vendor management team in onboarding, negotiating and managing its suppliers. It can focus on one entity in order to obtain a finished product. One strong relationship with one reliable supplier is more effective and efficient than loose relationships with many vendors competing for jobs in a niche language with low demand. Having many suppliers competing for a few Maltese projects per year would get the job done for an LSP – but how can an LSP ever build a strong supplier relationship when it comes to the Maltese language in this way? By building a strong relationship with one focused team, an LSP can be guaranteed that any queries and last-minute issues are resolved in a timely manner. Such a tight-knit relationship is also valuable when a project is urgent, critical, and requires going the extra mile.

2. Greater capacity and availability

Overall, an agency is better equipped to deal with large projects, tight deadlines, and different time zones. An individual will naturally have limited capacity and availability compared to a team – there’s only so much one can do! Consider also that most freelancers do Maltese translations only part-time due to a lower demand when compared to other languages, reducing their availability even further. A committed team would also make ways to handle projects during busy periods, weekends, summer holidays, and bank holidays which is not easy to achieve with many Maltese freelance translators working on a part-time basis.

3. Experience and quality assurance

An agency can guarantee that a client will receive only top-quality translations. Professional translators working in an agency gain experience and expertise that can only come through large volumes, day in day out. High competition for a relatively low-demand niche language such as Maltese negates individual translators especially those working on a part-time basis of such opportunity. An agency processes millions of Maltese words per year for a wide variety of clients and the knowledge that is built over time by the different team members is very strong. Even when a Maltese translation agency gets help from freelancers in periods of peak demand, their deliverable is quality controlled by its team of in-house professionals.

4. Ability to handle all stages to deliver a finished product

A Maltese translation agency can rope in multiple language professionals for a project, which in turn reduces the management burden on the LSP. The agency can provide a completed deliverable, as well as the intermediate deliverables for each step of the process that may include: translation, editing/revision, proofreading, review, LQA, LSO, linguistic check, etc.; a process that an individual cannot complete alone. The LSP can also enjoy full transparency, with the provision of names and CVs of the professionals involved in every deliverable.

5. Better access to expert consultants

At times, highly specialised projects would require technical input from local domain experts who are not language professionals. An agency can invest in this kind of consultancy from an ever-expanding network of domain experts, adding value to the entire team’s skill set for the long-term. A professional translation agency will have domain experts available on demand for specialised translations; no cutting corners or making the wrong assumptions due to lack of time or financial resources. A Maltese translation agency is made up of team members each with his/her own network including the management team, making the available network of experts much wider when compared to the limited network of one individual translator.

6. Knowledge sharing and investment in language resources

An agency can invest non-billable time in producing resources and testing cutting-edge tools that increase the consistency and quality of its professional translation services. It can develop termbases, best practices and guidelines based on years of experience, many different content types and clients. This is key for a niche language like Maltese for which resources are very limited and which lacks basic resources like a high-quality spellchecker. Such investment in knowledge-sharing and language resources ultimately increases the quality and efficiency of the team and the value proposition of an agency towards the client.

7. Native Maltese project managers

An agency can employ native Maltese project managers to support any project when translating into Maltese. The understanding of the Maltese language is crucial for helping an LSP adapting language-generic instructions and guidelines for Maltese. Maltese project managers also add value as they help the client with understanding certain local notions that might not be in the scope of the linguistic task. The advantage of an agency here is in the availability of time and resources to provide this non-billable service. A Maltese project manager also takes care of reaching out to local technical experts when needed, so that the translators can stay focused on their work.

8. Experience in specialised translations

It is virtually impossible to find a Maltese translator who is exclusively focused on one very niche specialisation (e.g. dentistry field or radiotherapy field). The market for Maltese translations is simply not large enough to allow for such specialisations. However, an agency can pool the collective knowledge and experience of its different team members, together with the language resources built over time, and occasional help from external local consultants, to work on specialised content and deliver high-quality translations in various domains. This, along with other factors, allows us to deliver high-quality translations in the medical and pharmaceutical domain.

9. Competitive pricing and great value for money

An agency rate is surprisingly competitive when compared to the rate of a Maltese freelancer. A freelancer must factor in non-billable hours in marketing and administration, hardware costs, license fees and accounting fees. Meanwhile, a focused translation agency can scale some of these overheads over a bigger operation. Moreover, over time, an agency builds a pool of resources and knowledge that helps its team work more efficiently, and in turn, serving clients better and in a more cost-effective way. The minor difference in cost that there might be between a freelancer and a focused Maltese translation agency is certainly offset by a better value proposition as illustrated above.

As a professional translation agency focused on Maltese translations, Pristineworks is at the forefront when it comes to reliability and quality. Here’s a single close relationship that offers friendly support and professionalism for all your Maltese language needs. All this and more is why many LSPs worldwide choose Pristineworks as their Maltese language partner.

The post Translation Agency or Freelance Translator – Who Should You Hire for Maltese Translations & Why? appeared first on Pristineworks.

1. Xemx taqli l-ftajjar

A very common idiom, literally meaning “a sun that fries bread”. You probably guessed it, this is uttered by locals when they want to say that the sun is blazing. You could say that the expression “baking hot” would come very close.

2. Xemx tixwi l-ankri

This common Maltese expression is a variant of the idiom that we have just mentioned above. The literal translation would be “a sun which scorches anchors”. If you happen to hear this expression when you’re out and about, make sure you’ve got your hat and sunscreen handy!

3. Baħar qisu żejt

A nice light breeze sweeps by as you walk along the beach for a light evening stroll. The sea is jet black, and so peaceful and smooth, it almost looks like the gods above have decided to turn the sea water into a luscious sea of black olive oil. Yes, this expression literally translates to “Sea [that looks] like oil”, denoting a very calm sea.

4. Sħana tboss

Pardon our French. Let’s make it clear that it is highly unlikely that you’ll ever find this expression in an official book of Maltese proverbs and idioms. Nonetheless, you are more than likely to hear this when visiting Malta in summer. You’ll likely hear it in the phrase, “Hawn sħana tboss!” If we had to translate “sħana tboss” literally, it would be “heat that farts”, therefore, a wave of heat that is so bad, it permeates just about everything it meets. TMI? Sorry.

5. Kemm hu riħ isfel!

Another thing islanders have had to learn to live with is the stifling humidity that envelopes the islands in the hottest months. “Riħ isfel” usually refers to a southern wind which is generally unpleasant, bringing humid and hot air, sometimes dust-ladened. Bring on the frizz!

6. X’ħedla qabditni f’daqqa waħda!

“Ħedla” literally translates to “lethargy”. You’ll often hear people mentioning ‘ħedla’ in the afternoon, or right after having lunch. The heat and the full belly join forces, and leave you wanting nothing more than a nice nap. This habit is quite common among Mediterranean folk, e viva la siesta!

7. Rewwaħli ftit b’dik l-imrewħa

The “imrewħa” is a life-saver if you are lucky enough to be visiting Malta during one of our frequent power-cuts in summer (blame it on all those ACs trying to keep up with the heat!), and frankly, a must-have given Malta’s weather in summer. The imrewħa is a hand-held fan, no batteries required, just a shake of your wrist! You might also come across a “palju”, which is also a hand-held fan, however, it has a long wooden handle and is traditionally used by men.

8. Kemm smart!

Literally: “You’ve got yourself a nice tan!”. Yes, it’s not easy having to bear the summer heat and the scorching sun in Malta, but there definitely is a positive side to it all… you’ll get a super smokin’ suntan 😀

9. Ħaditni x-xemx!

Notice the reference to the word “xemx” (sun). It is very similar in meaning to the previous expression, and a literal translation of this would be “the sun took me!”. This is usually used when people have a slight reddish tint to their skin just after spending some time in the sun, which will likely turn into a nice tan in the days that follow.

10. Ħa xemxata

Again, notice the reference to the word “xemx”. “Xemxata” literally translates to “sunstroke”. To avoid that from happening, limit sun exposure, and drink aplenty (water – not alcohol!)

11. Hawn nemusa ddur

One of the joys of humid hot weather! This expression roughly translates to: “There’s a mosquito buzzing in the air”. Make sure to stock up on some insect repellent, and possibly a citronella candle, for a mosquito-free summer experience 😎

The post 11 Expressions You Will Definitely Hear When Visiting Malta in Summer appeared first on Pristineworks.

Fil-blog post tal-lum, se nkunu qed nesponu, niġġudikaw u naqtgħu l-verdett finali tagħna fuq it-traduzzjonijiet li ġejjin. Xi ħaġa interessanti hi, li għad-differenza ta’ dak li wieħed jassumi, ħafna mit-termini li ġejjin ma sibnihomx biss fuq mezzi tal-midja soċjali bħal Facebook, iżda anke fuq siti tat-traduzzjoni u riżorsi lingwistiċi uffiċjali oħrajn. U għalhekk, mingħajr aktar dewmien, ejja nibdew is-smigħ tal-lum.

1. Cart = Karrettun/Karretta

Il-ħmar ħallewh barra miskin.

Sors: Microsoft Terminology, https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/language/Search?&searchTerm=cart&langID=516&Source=true&productid=0

Meta nisimgħu l-kelma karrettun, tiġina f’moħħna dik il-vettura miftuħa b’erba’ roti, aktarx tal-injam, li titmexxa minn ħmar jew xi annimal ieħor. Għalhekk, din il-kelma ma taqdiniex f’kuntest ta’ xiri elettroniku (sakemm mhux beħsiebek tarma ħmar u karrettun, issalpa fuq xi vapur, u tmur tiġbor l-oġġett li ordnajt online bil-karrettun).

Traduzzjoni korretta: Basket

2. Toothpaste = Pasta tas-snien

Mhux aħjar xi pasta tal-krema sieħbi!

Sors: Glosbe – the multilingual online dictionary – https://glosbe.com/mt/en/toothpaste

Meta nirreferu għal dak l-oġġett li nużaw biex naħslu s-snien, dejjem nirreferu għalih bħala “toothpaste”, u għalhekk dak hu t-terminu li għandna nużaw anke fil-kitba bil-Malti.

NOTA: Meta konna qed inqallbu fil-ġawhar ta’ għerf li ssib online, ilmaħna wkoll “krema tas-snien”!

Traduzzjoni korretta: Toothpaste

3. Toothbrush = Xkupilja tas-snien

Din bellhitni… Ħallietni bla snien (ridt ngħid kliem).

Sors: Linguee, English-Maltese Dictionary – https://www.linguee.com/english-maltese/search?source=auto&query=toothbrush

Xkupilja hawnhekk ma tagħmilx sens minn żewġ aspetti: id-daqs tagħha u l-għan li normalment tintuża għalih. Meta nitkellmu fuq xkupilja, inkunu qed nirreferu għal għodda ta’ daqs medju, li jkollha mwaħħal magħha l-lanżit u li tintuża għat-tindif ta’ xi oġġetti. Minħabba li toothbrush għandha skop ta’ tindif li huwa speċifiku għal parti tal-ġisem (is-snien), u minħabba d-daqs żgħir tagħha, u anke l-għamla partikolari tagħha, it-traduzzjoni “xkupilja” mhijiex adattata.

Traduzzjoni korretta: Toothbrush

4. Wireless = Mingħajr fili

Il-fili fil-ħajt qegħdin… għal ġol-ħajt insomma!

Sors: IATE, EU’s terminology database – https://iate.europa.eu/search/standard/result/1591880682650/1

Ejja nibdew billi ngħidu li din mhijiex traduzzjoni litterali, għaliex kieku kienet tkun “mingħajr wajer”. Hawnhekk, hu evidenti li t-traduzzjoni Maltija hi influwenzata mit-Taljan (“senza fili”). Filwaqt li xi kultant tajjeb li nħarsu lejn it-traduzzjonijiet li saru f’lingwi oħrajn, f’dan il-każ, il-Malti mhuwiex identifiku għat-Taljan, bħal kif donnhom jaħsbu ħafna tradutturi Maltin. Fil-Malti, meta nitkellmu fuq “fil”, nistgħu nkunu qed nirreferu għal: ħajta, ħsieb, jew dak l-ispazju li jinsab bejn ġebla u oħra f’ħajt.

Traduzzjoni korretta: Wireless/bla wajer(s)

N.B f’każ ta’ hardware, bħal ngħidu aħna maws jew keyboard, nistgħu ngħidu li huma “bla wajer”, u l-kunċett ‘wireless’ ikun ċar. Però, f’każ ta’ terminu bħal “wireless internet”, it-traduzzjoni “internet bla wajers” tinstema’ stramba. Għalhekk, għal dawn it-termini, aħna nissuġġerixxu li tintuża l-kelma “wireless”, għax tinftiehem ħafna aktar.

5. Horsepower = Potenza ta’ żwiemel

Il-mistoqsija ċentrali hawnhekk hi din: Kemm hu potenti ż-żiemel tiegħek? Għidilna.

Sors: IATE, EU’s terminology database – https://iate.europa.eu/search/standard/result/1591880756234/1

Mur staqsi lil xi ħadd fil-kwart ta’ mil ta’ Ħal Far kemm għandha potenza taż-żwiemel il-karozza tiegħu, u ara x’jgħidlek! Horsepower hi unità ta’ kejl (hp), u għalhekk, f’każ bħal dan nistgħu nsegwu l-mudell ta’ unitajiet ta’ kejl oħra bħal “watt”, u allura nħallu t-terminu kif inhu bl-Ingliż.

Traduzzjoni korretta:  Horsepower

6. Broadband = Banda wiesgħa

Il-banda mhux aħjar inħalluha bi kwieta fil-marċ?

Sors: IATE, EU’s terminology database – https://iate.europa.eu/search/standard/result/1591880962108/1

Naħseb li qed tindunaw x’hemm komuni f’dawn l-eżempji. Hawnhekk kellha titħalla bħala “broadband”.

Traduzzjoni korretta: Broadband

7. Keyword = Kelma Muftieħ/Kjav

Il-muftieħ f’idejn San Pietru postu u mhux fl-istrixxa tat-tiftix tal-Microsoft! 

Sors: Microsoft Terminology – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/language/Search?&searchTerm=keyword&langID=516&Source=true&productid=0

It-traduzzjoni li saret hawnhekk hi litterali żżejjed, u fil-Malti ma tagħmilx sens. F’dan il-każ, il-kelma “keyword” m’hemmx għalfejn tibqa’ bl-Ingliż, għaliex it-traduzzjoni “kelma ewlenija” taqdina mingħajr problemi.

Traduzzjoni korretta:  Kelma ewlenija

8. Brainwashed = Ħasil tal-Moħħ

Ejja nħarsu lejn il-pożittiv… għall-inqas jinħasel! 🤭

Sors: Facebook, grupp ta’ Kelmet il-Malti – https://www.facebook.com/groups/246657308743181

Naħseb tant ilna nisimgħu bil-ħasil tal-flus, u dan l-aħħar bil-ħasil tal-idejn, li issa kull ħaġa li għandha “ħasil” fiha ġiet moda.

Traduzzjoni korretta:  ġie kkondizzjonat

9. Inbox = Posta Rċivuta

Kif qed insemmi l-irċevuti, taf x’naf? Li ili mill-2010 nibgħat l-irċevuti lil tal-VAT biex nirbaħ il-Lotterija… kompli oħlom.

Sors: Microsoft Terminology, https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/language/Search?&searchTerm=inbox&langID=516&Source=true&productid=0

Traduzzjoni oħra mnebbħa mit-Taljan (“posta in arrivo”). Fil-Malti l-kelma “inbox” integrat sew fil-lingwa tagħna, u għalhekk, għandna nużaw lilha fil-kitba tagħna wkoll.

Traduzzjoni korretta:  Inbox

10. Email account = kont tal-posta elettronika

Capisci l’italiano? Sì? Faqqa’ subgħajk.

Sors: Microsoft Terminology, https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/language/Search?&searchTerm=email%20account&langID=516&Source=true&productid=0

Hawnhekk qed niddiskutu t-terminu “email” bħala nom, u mhux il-verb “to email”. U iva, din imnebbħa mit-Taljan ukoll (le… ma blajniex recorder). Kif spjegajna f’eżempji preċedenti, diversi termini li jappartjenu għall-qasam tat-teknoloġija, laħqu integraw sew fil-lingwa tagħna. “Email” hi waħda minnhom.

Traduzzjoni korretta:  kont tal-email

Lesti!

Nisperaw li ħadtu pjaċir u li dħaktu xi ftit b’din il-lista ta’ kliem tradott li ppreżentajna llum. Għalkemm fl-introduzzjoni konna qed niċċajtaw, inħossu li spiss it-traduzzjonijiet għall-Malti ma jkunux prattiċi għall-utenti. Il-bilanċ hu essenzjali f’kollox, u mhux wisq b’inqas fil-każ tat-traduzzjoni. Meta traduttur jipprova jaqleb kull kelma għall-Malti mingħajr ma jaċċetta li aħjar jibqgħu bl-Ingliż, dan jista’ jwassal f’biċċa xogħol li ma tinstemax naturali f’widnejn il-qarrejja, u b’konsegwenza t’hekk, tista’ tissaħħaħ il-perċezzjoni li l-Malti hu tqil wisq biex taqrah. Huwa dan li jwassal lin-nies biex iduru għall-verżjoni Ingliża ta’ test, anke jekk ikun hemm il-verżjoni bil-Malti disponibbli. F’każ ta’ kliem Ingliż li jkollu traduzzjoni stabbilita bil-Malti, m’hemm l-ebda dubju li hemmhekk għandna nużaw lilu, u mhux nabbużaw u nużaw l-Ingliż. Imma f’każ li l-kelma l-ġdida ma jkollhiex traduzzjoni ekwivalenti bil-Malti, m’għandniex nisfurzaw lilna nfusna biex noħolqu kelma li tkun morfoloġikament Maltija, jew li tinstema’ “aktar Maltija”, speċjalment jekk il-kelma Ingliża laħqet inxterdet sew fil-komunità. Ovvjament, ċertu esperimenti jistgħu jirnexxu, bħalma ġara bil-kelma “stessu” għal “selfie”. Il-kreattività hi sabiħa, però dejjem irid jintlaħaq bilanċ bejn il-kreattività u l-prattiċità.

The post Traduzzjonijiet fi Klassi Għalihom appeared first on Pristineworks.

1. Facebook groups

In an age of quick fixes, when a prompt reply to a query is often preferred to conducting research, the Facebook group Kelmet il-Malti has grown very popular. In this group, peers will reply within minutes to any Maltese language-related questions, from spelling to grammar. On the other hand, to improve on or learn Maltese in a fun way, gradually and consistently, check out the Facebook pages of Kelma Kelma and Pristineworks.

2. Pay attention

Anyone can improve their Maltese considerably by listening to the language carefully and reading it out loud. Watch Maltese television to listen to the language come alive in its most raw and dynamic form. And read a book in Maltese (with a dictionary at hand) to visually grasp all the intricacies of Maltese spelling and grammar. Courses in Maltese are also a great learning facility; these are ideal for foreigners but locals can benefit from them too!

3. Google Translate

It must be said that Google Translate is far from accurate when it comes to translating to and from Maltese. You should not rely solely on it, especially if you’re determined to start learning Maltese seriously. But while there is a lot of room for improvement in the app’s ability to properly translate Maltese, it may provide a reasonably good starting point. Particularly useful is that if you point your camera at a block of text, the mobile app will translate it in real-time!

4. Online Maltese Dictionary

Those willing to go the extra mile can use this online Maltese dictionary by the Maltese Language Resource Server project. Although this dictionary is rather basic and may lack some technical terms, it is useful for anyone who doesn’t have a physical Maltese dictionary at hand. Learn how to use the online Maltese dictionary to fully exploit this resource and make it one of your easy-to-access online tools! See also other Maltese language tools and resources by the MLRS coordinated by the University of Malta, as a collaboration between the Institute of Linguistics & Language Technology and the Department of Artificial Intelligence.

5. Il-Ġabra – A Lexicon for Maltese

To check spelling and the proper conjugation of verbs, use Il-Ġabra, a free, open lexicon for Maltese. Il-Ġabra includes translations into English and you can search using words, phrases or the morphological root. You also have the option to search by the English translation. This 2013 project by John J. Camilleri collects various lexical resources into a single database that is hosted and supported by the University of Malta. This resource emerged as part of the M.Sc. Thesis ‘A Computational Grammar and Lexicon for Maltese’ at Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden.

6. National Council of the Maltese Language

When the correct spelling and grammar of Maltese is an essential requisite, for publications for example, refer to the website of the National Council of the Maltese Language. This website is a truly useful resource for anyone wishing to learn Maltese or master the language. The National Council of the Maltese Language is responsible for establishing the orthography of the Maltese Language, including the spelling of words and phrases derived from English (see Deċiżjonijiet 1 & 2). It also provides other useful resources and interesting information, from historical facts about the Maltese language to a FAQ on spelling and more.

7. Physical resources

If you want to learn Maltese or refine your command of the language, keep a good old-fashioned paper dictionary handy. The best acclaimed is Joseph Aquilina’s ‘Concise Maltese-English, English-Maltese Dictionary’. This comes in a portable version as well as an extended version that includes several volumes. Charles Briffa’s ‘The English-Maltese Dictionary for the 21st Century’ is also good, however, it may contain some inaccuracies due to it being published prior to the aforementioned Deċiżjonijiet 2.

It is never too late to learn Maltese; the more fun and varied your resources, the better your chance of success!

The post 7 useful resources that will help you with your Maltese appeared first on Pristineworks.

How do experts provide top-quality medical and pharmaceutical translations?

1. Qualified native translators

It’s a well-known fact that native speakers of the target language possess a more versatile command of the language than non-native speakers. They know the terms to use which may be entirely different from those expressed in the original language. Add to that the qualifications required by the ISO 17100, such as degrees in translations or equivalent years of experience, and only then can you be reassured of a top-quality translation.

2. Knowledge of specialised terminology

Enter the big world of life sciences and welcome to a vast ocean of specialised technical terminology. Medical jargon consists of specialised words or terms pertaining to the profession that are difficult for ‘ordinary people’ to understand. In fact, even an excellent translator may have no knowledge of such terms at all. It is therefore essential to seek the expertise of professionals who are more than familiar with the terms used in the domain of medicine and pharma.

3. Use of standard terms and consistency

Medical and pharmaceutical translation experts will not only know the specific words and terms related to the cardiovascular, neurological, orthopaedic and dental fields, for example, but will also use rich termbases and glossaries for consistency and top-notch quality. They will also have experience with the typical wording used in different kinds of documents such as SmPCs (summary of product characteristics), PILs (patient information leaflets), IFUs (instructions for use), labelling and medical device manuals and the typical terms that are suitable for the different target users.

4. Professional know-how

Being well-versed in the guidelines and knowing where to look are important qualities of a professional medical and pharmaceutical translator. This ultra-specific translations niche demands being well-acquainted with specialised dictionaries, official templates, guidelines and other references. This includes the QRD templates for SmPCs, PILs and other regulatory documents, as well as MedDRA and EDQM terminology, Orphan Medicinal Products designations, Excipients Guides, Appendices, Annexes and other style guides established by the EMA (European Medicines Agency).

5. Access to professional guidance

Familiarity with templates and guidelines, and knowledge of medical terminology are essential, no doubt. Yet, a real expert will be humble enough to resort to the advice of physicians and medical consultants when faced with highly technical and specialised material. Having access to a pool of medical professionals, who can offer further clarification and guidance to ensure the correctness of a translation, places a medical and pharmaceutical translations company a notch above the rest.

6. Experience in the process

An expert medical translations company will not only have expertise in doing the actual translations but also in the business of providing language services. Having little to no experience will make it more difficult to know when to take into account template text and secondary reference documents such as the excipients guide. It is also experience that enables perfect effort and budget estimations based on hundreds of similar translations. Such experience allows a company that has a high level of expertise in medical translations to manage the expectations of a Language Services Provider. In turn, this will allow Language Services Providers to provide a better service for their own end-clients. Having years of experience in the rigorous processes involved in medical translations also translates into the ability to deal with feedback from the local Medicines Authority in the most efficient way.

7. Precision and reliability

It is easy to understand the importance of precision and reliability when it comes to medical translations. Medical and pharmaceutical texts are not only some of the hardest texts to translate. A simple mistake, like an omission or addition of a number, could result in the administration of a wrong dosage or other effects that could prove lethal. Medicine product descriptions, dosage instructions and surgical equipment manuals require meticulous precision. In addition, the same scrupulous attention must be given to submission deadlines, as they are often non-negotiable with potentially high financial repercussions.

8. Top quality assurance

In a few words, it is essential to work with medical and pharmaceutical translation experts who are serious about providing top-quality services you can trust. When carelessness in any part of the process may have serious consequences, expert translators will not only apply their valuable resources and experience, but will further ensure quality by the use of multiple professional reviews, automatic QA tools, medical professional expert assistance and frequent quality spot checks.

Pristineworks: your expert in Maltese medical and pharmaceutical translations

Medical translations in any of the EU official languages demand such expertise as has been outlined. Ticking all the boxes, Pristineworks is a definitive expert in the field of Maltese medical translations and the global leader in Maltese pharmaceutical translations overseen by the EMA (European Medicines Agency). Indeed, Pristineworks is fast establishing a worldwide authority in handling official Maltese translations, from and into this little known EU language. Now you know why Pristineworks has garnered a reputation as an expert in medical and pharmaceutical translations and why you can trust us to provide top-quality Maltese translation services.

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Here’s an introduction to some of the complexities of simple Maltese phrases. This provides an insight into their meaning, which depends on various inflections in different contexts. It takes practice to master the use of these Maltese phrases appropriately, but it’s fun to try and certainly useful to grasp!

1. Mela (me-la)

‘Mela’ is the most versatile and most commonly used word in the Maltese language. Any foreigner will quickly pick up the frequent ‘mela’ amid all the strange sounds uttered from locals’ mouths. What it means and how to use it is less easy to grasp, however. The use of ‘mela’ ranges from, ‘So …’ when you’re about to begin speaking or tackle something new, to ‘Agreed,’ ‘Of course’  or ‘Obviously’ indicating an absolute ‘Yes,’ to ‘No way!’ (meeela) which is the complete opposite!

2. Uwejja (uu-wey-ya)

Another very versatile word, ‘uwejja’ literally means ‘Oh come on!’ It can also mean ‘please’ when you need to insist, ‘hurry up’ when you’re running out of patience, and ‘you’ve got to be kidding me!’ when you’ve heard something that conjures a sense of disbelief. Like ‘mela’, it’s the intonation, facial expressions and gesticulations that accompany the expression that convey the right meaning in the right context.

3. Bis-serjetà? (biss-ser-ye-ta)

When ‘uwejja’ is used in disbelief, it will often be followed by the question, ‘Bis-serjetà?’ It literally translates as, ‘Seriously?’ and is often used by itself to mean, ‘Really?’ There’s often a hint of sarcasm in the undertone.

4. Jew (yeww)

When the reaction of disbelief or contempt is high, you’ll often find an additional ‘jew?’ at the end of a sentence. Literally translated as ‘or’, it tends to indicate an invitation to prove the opposite is true, as in “Uwejja, bis-serjetà, jew?” or “Int miġnun, jew? (Are you crazy, or…?)” It can also indicate impatience, as in “Inti ġej, jew?” meaning, “Are you coming, or… (should I leave without you)?”

5. Ta! (tà)

Quite the opposite and in good response to ‘Jew?’ we have ‘Ta!’ There’s simply no arguing with ‘Ta!’ Probably derived from the word ‘Taf’ meaning ‘You know,’ place ‘Ta!’ at the end of a sentence to indicate it is an absolute not to be questioned or discussed. For example, “Issa nwasslek jien, ta!” meaning, “I’ll give you a lift, no discussion!” That’s the kinder version of its use. Another example is, “Ħallini, ta!” meaning “Leave me alone, and don’t even try ignoring this warning!”

6. Mhux hekk? (muush-ekk)

Literally meaning, ‘Isn’t it so?’, ‘Mhux hekk?’ also finds various uses from genuine affirmation (not a question) to pure sarcasm (Whatever/WTF) depending on the context and inflection, as well as mannerisms. It is sometimes simply stated as ‘Hux?’ The cutest thing is that Gozo has its very own version of this which is ‘Ma tafx?’ (pronounced ‘Ma tofx?’ or ma-tofsh) which translates as, ‘Don’t you know?’

7. Ħeqq (he-qq)

Strange filler word this one, because it means nothing at all. It’s more of a gutteral sound used to indicate resignation, to acknowledge someone when stating the obvious, or possibly to semi-incriminate them when they say or do something that’s unwelcome but not bad enough to make you mad.

8. Ajma (aay-ma)

Quite fitting for all the scenarios described above for ‘Ħeqq’, ‘Ajma’ has the additional possibility of relieving anxiety when you state it in a long loud sigh, particularly when you are fed up or bored. ‘Ajma’ actually means ‘Ouch!’ when one is in pain … just that the Maltese take it into the realm of psychological and emotional pain not just the physical kind! ‘U ajma,’ on the other hand, means, ‘Don’t make a fuss!’ or ‘How ridiculous!’

9. Marelli (mar-el-lee)

Interestingly, this expression derives from Malta’s deeply ingrained Catholic faith. This versatile phrase is a non-blasphemous modification of the Holy Mother’s name and is used whenever one might feel scared, sad or even angry! Indeed, both this and the original ‘Madonna’ are widely used in moments of overwhelm or frustration, almost as if calling for divine intervention! Other interesting religious derivatives include ‘Illallu’ and ‘Illistra’, both of which are more commonly used to express surprise or wonder.

10. Bomba! (bom-ba)

Anything we consider cool, that excites us or that fits right into our plans is rejoiced with a ‘Bomba!’ It actually means ‘bomb’ and you can just picture the explosive sensation that is conveyed with the word.

11. Ħi (hee)

‘Ħi’ probably stems from ‘Ħija’ meaning ‘brother’ and can be used in different scenarios. It will often be used in the absence of knowing one’s name. Or as a term of endearment. Or even in condescension! Again, the opposing variations will depend a lot on the tone of voice, the context and the relationship in question. Got it, ħi?

To wrap it up

You may be surprised to discover that these Maltese phrases are just enough for the locals to have a complete conversation. The following statements could typically arise in a scenario when something has been announced that creates concern in one but excitement in another.

“Uwejja, bis-serjetà, jew?”
“Mela, ħi! Mhux hekk?”
“Ħeqq! Marelli!”
“U ajma! Bomba, ta!”

Isn’t it marvellous?

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