Chinese is a fascinating language. Originating 3,000 year ago in the Shang Dynasty, Chinese stands as one of the oldest languages in the world. It is also one of the most complex. As a result, Chinese translation can be incredibly difficult and must be handled by a skilled language service provider.
Here are 6 incredible facts about the Chinese language.
1. Chinese Is A VERY Popular Language
More than 1.3 billion people speak Chinese, and there are 955 million native speakers globally. This means that one in six people speak the language and that 15% of the world’s population use it as their mother tongue. In fact, there are more native Mandarin speakers worldwide than speakers of any other language. Chinese is also becoming a well-recognized language in the U.S., with 3 million speakers, and its popularity is growing. Most Chinese speakers in the U.S. live in San Francisco and New York City.
2. Chinese Translation Is Difficult To Learn
Different factors combine to make Chinese one of the most difficult languages for native English speakers to learn. For instance, the two languages separate writing system, syntax, and even pronunciation style and sound. People who wish to study Chinese must put in years of work to reach fluency (including linguists from professional translation services). Even native speakers take years to learn different characters. For example, a person must know 3,000 characters to be fluent enough to read the morning newspaper.
3. The Chinese Language Is More Than Just Mandarin
Accounting for 70% of Chinese speakers, Mandarin, also called “Putonghua,” is more widely spoken than any other form of Chinese. It is also the official language of China. However, other forms of Chinese, such as Cantonese, Hunanese, Wu dialect, Hakka, Gan, and more, are also used in China.
4. Chinese Is An Official UN Language
UN Chinese Language Day is observed annually on April 20th. The United Nations celebrates six “Language Days” each year, dedicated to the six official languages of the United Nations: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.
5. Chinese Characters Are Not Exclusive to China
Japan adopted Chinese in their writing system because they needed a written language, and similar systems made their way to other bordering countries like pre-colonial Vietnam and historical Korea.
6. Chinese Borrows Words from English
You might be surprised at how many words you can pick up quickly when traveling around China. Many words in Chinese have been borrowed from English due to increased exposure to Western culture. Some examples include: kafei /kaa-fay/ = coffee, shafa /shaa-faa/ = sofa, and qiaokeli /chyaow-ker-lee/ = chocolate.
Chinese Translation Services at Language Connections
Are you looking for language translation or interpreting services? The Chinese translation team at Language Connections consists of trained linguists who provide exemplary professional language services. We translate and interpret both from and into Chinese. Our Chinese specialists come from diverse backgrounds and are experts in their subject areas so that we can complete projects perfectly in most industries. If you have any questions about Chinese medical translation, technical translation, legal translation, or any other language needs, please reach out.
About Language Connections:
Language Connections is one of the top language service companies in the US. Over the last 30 years, we’ve focused on providing the best business translation services, interpreting services, as well as interpreter training and customized language training programs. In addition to top-tier corporate language training, we offer certified corporate interpreters and professional business translation services in 200+ languages. Our network includes linguists with backgrounds in all major industries. They’re ready to meet your needs, whether they’re for technical translation services, legal translation, government translation services, international development translation services, education translation services, life sciences translation, or something else. Reach out to us today for a free quote on our cost-efficient and timely translation services, interpreters, or other linguistic services.
Language Connections Inc.
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Boston, MA 02135
Phone: +1-617-731-3510
Email: service@languageconnections.com