How professional translation keeps languages alive

Businesses use professional translation services every day to ensure the smooth running of their operations, the expansion of their customer base and their compliance with legal obligations around the world. However, did you know that by using professional translation services, your company is directly contributing to keeping languages alive?

Professional translation as a career choice

The existence of professional translation as a career choice is a key factor in many students’ decision to pursue languages at university. The academic pursuit of linguistic qualifications – along with young people feeling inspired to engage with language learning – is essential to keeping languages alive. 

Translating rarely used languages

Professional translation companies such as Tomedes are often asked to translate documents to and from languages that are sometimes used very little in the world. By translating works created in those languages, the translation industry is supporting their continued use and development. 

Professional translation also serves to keep much more commonly used languages alive by encouraging individuals to be creative in their own language. Internationally best-selling authors such as Elena Ferranti often inspire interest in their native country and language, through their works being translated and shared around the world

Language use in business discussions

Professional business translation helps to keep languages alive by ensuring that companies can communicate in multiple languages, without the need for all those concerned to use just one language for their discussions. Linguistic diversity is no barrier to international business communications, thanks to the widespread availability of professional translation services. 

Technology’s role in keeping languages alive

Technological developments are also instrumental in keeping languages alive. In Australia, for example, the indigenous Kayardild language was under threat, but an app designer and a linguist are working with the community to use old recordings – some dating as far back as the 1960s – to give new life to the Kayardild language, building its words and grammar into an app. Those behind the project believe that a similar process could be used to preserve other Australian indigenous languages – as well as other languages that are under threat around the world. 

The importance of language preservation

Languages are an essential part of our global heritage. They help to define us and are an intrinsic part of our cultural development. Yet UNESCO projects that half of the world’s languages will have disappeared by the end of this century. In the face of this terrible loss, the role of professional translation in preserving language has never been more important.