6 Global New Year Traditions And Global Translation

The world is home to some fascinating traditions, especially during New Year’s Eve. With the help of global translation, let’s explore six of these amazing traditions and learn more about different cultures in the process.

Brazil: Wearing White Clothes

If you visit Brazil on New Year’s Eve, don’t forget to pack a white outfit. In Brazilian culture, people are expected to wear white clothes to welcome in the New Year with peace and happiness. Almost everyone in Brazil wears white on New Year’s Eve; around two million people dress in white side-by-side on Copacabana beach each year.

Spain’s Grapes And Global Translation

In Spain, the most widespread New Year’s Eve food tradition is eating twelve grapes at the stroke of midnight eating twelve grapes at the stroke of midnight. This famous tradition is called las doce uvas de la suerte, which, with the help of Spanish translation, means “the twelve grapes of luck,”, a symbol of the 12 months ahead. The tradition originated in the 1800s when vine growers in the Alicante area came up with this tradition as a means of selling more grapes toward the end of the year. However, the sweet celebration quickly caught on and became more than just a marketing stunt. Today, Spaniards enjoy eating grapes to wish them good fortune and prosperity in the coming year.

Italy: Wearing Red Underwear

Unlike Brazilians having a tradition of wearing white, Italians have a tradition of wearing red underwear for luck. The color red (or rossa in Italian translation) is associated with fertility in Italian culture. Therefore individuals wear it in the hopes that it will help them conceive in the next year.

Japan’s Ringing Bells And Global Translation

New Year in Japan is usually celebrated with a visit to the local temple to exchange last year’s lucky charms for new ones. Besides, the Buddhist temples ring their bells on New Year’s Eve—107 times on New Year’s Eve and once when the clock strikes midnight. This tradition, known as joyanokane with the help of Japanese translation, is meant to dispel people’s 108 evil desires and cleanse past sins from the previous year.

Denmark’s Famous Leap And Global Translation

Danes physically hoppe ind i det nye år (“jump into the New Year” with the help of translation services) by jumping off a chair or sofa at midnight. It’s considered good luck if you do and bad luck if you don’t, so if you are going to celebrate the new year in Denmark, make sure to take a leap.

USA: A Big Party Night

New Year’s Eve is a major social holiday for many people in the United States. Many hold parties at home or attend special celebrations for the upcoming New Year. In many cities, large-scale public events are held. For example, Times Square in NYC is often crowded with thousands of people. Folks will start the sixty-second countdown to the New Year. Wherever you are, you should be able to find a party to attend or fireworks display to enjoy. Attendees also can join parades, clocks striking midnight, and themed parties in bars, nightclubs, and restaurants.

6 Fun Facts About Arabic Translation

Every year on December 18th, World Arabic Language Day celebrates the Arabic language, one of the few languages widely spoken in both religious and secular environments. Here are some amazing facts about Arabic translation:

Arabic Translation And Its Popularity

There are more than 300 million Arabic speakers worldwide, and it is one of the six official languages of the United Nations. Arabic is an official language in more than 20 countries, including Algeria, Egypt, Israel (along with Hebrew), Lebanon, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, and the UAE, making it the sixth most spoken language in the world.

In Arabic Translation, Words Are Written From Right To Left

Unlike many other widely used languages, the Arabic alphabet consists of 28 letters that are written from right to left. However, Arabic numbers are written from left to right. As a result, translation services for Arabic must be conducted with careful attention to detail.

There Are Around 14 Arabic Words That Describe “Love”

Each word for “love” describes specific stages of falling in love. Here are some examples:

• “hawa” – describes the initial attraction toward someone
• “kalaf” – describes one’s obsession over one another
• “huyum” – the loss of reason that follows
• “ishq” – a blind desire.

Many English Words Origin From Arabic

Arabic has influenced a great number of languages, including most European languages as well as Asian and African languages. Some of the most common English words that originated in Arabic include alcohol, algebra, algorithm, average, candy, caravan, cotton, giraffe, guitar, jar, lemon, lilac, magazine, sugar, and talisman.

Arabic Has Unique Sounds

Arabic also has a few sounds that don’t exist in different languages, such as ”ح”, which is a ”h” sound as in ”hubb” (love). Imagine breathing on a window pane to create a mist to get an idea of how this is pronounced.

Arabic Can Be Dated Back To 1500 Years Ago

Classic Arabic originated in the sixth century. But earlier versions of the language existed, including the Safaitic dialect, an old Arabic dialect used by the pre-Islamic nomadic inhabitants of the Syro-Arabian desert dating back to the 1st century.

Arabic Translation Services At Language Connections

Are you looking for language translation or interpreting services? The Arabic translation team at Language Connections consists of trained linguists who provide exemplary professional language services. We translate and interpret both from and into Arabic. Our Arabic specialists come from diverse backgrounds and are experts in their subject areas, so we can complete projects perfectly in most industries. If you have questions about Arabic medical translation, technical translation, legal translation, or others, do not hesitate to contact us!

5 Fun Facts That Show Why Spanish Translation Is Vital

Spanish is a fascinating and widely-spoken language. According to many linguists, it is one of easiest languages to learn. Due to the language’s popularity, Spanish translation is provided by language service providers from around the world.

Here are six amazing facts about Spanish:

1. Spanish Translation Is In High-Demand

Spanish is spoken by more than 559 million people globally. With about 474 million native speakers, Spanish is the world’s second-most-spoken language (Mandarin holds the top title). Spanish is expected to become most popular by 2050. As a result, there are a high demand for professional Spanish translation services. In the U.S., Spanish stands as the second most spoken language; over 41 million people (13% of the U.S. population) speak Spanish at home.

2. Spanish Is The Official Language In 21 Countries

Spanish enjoys official language status in 21 countries across Europe, Africa, Central, South, and North America, making it an essential global language. Additionally, Spanish is also one of the official languages of the U.N. The U.N. Spanish Language Day is observed annually on 23 April (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).

3. Spanish Translation Into English Doesn’t Always Work

There are some words in Spanish that cannot be easily translated into English. Here are three examples:

• Sobremesa — This word describes the moment after eating a meal when the conversation is still flowing at the table despite the table being cleared.
• Estrenar — This word mean to wear or use something for the first time.
• Antier — This word is a one-word way of saying the day before yesterday.

4. Many English Words Are From Spanish

While you might be surprised that many English come from Spanish, English has also been borrowing from Spanish for a long time! Here are some examples:

• California — a mythical island from the 1510 Spanish novel Las sergas de Esplandián by Garci Rodríguez de Montalvo.
• Colorado — “red-colored” (referring to the color of the river that is the state’s namesake).
• Montana — from montaña (“mountain”)
• Nevada — “snowy”
• Texas — The Spanish adopted the word Tejas from the language of the indigenous Cado people. It means “friends” or “allies.”

5. Spanish Has Two Names: Castellano and Español

Spanish speakers often refer to their language as español and/or Castellano, which is the Spanish word for “Castilian.” The term used varies by area and can even reflect political and social differences. Individual dialects of Spanish spoken in northern and central Spain are referred to as “Castilian Spanish” in English. The word is also used more loosely to refer to Spanish spoken in Spain rather than Latin American Spanish.

Spanish Translation Services at Language Connections

Are you looking for language translation or interpreting services? The Spanish translation team at Language Connections consists of trained linguists who provide exemplary professional language services. We translate and interpret both from and into Spanish. Our Spanish specialists come from diverse backgrounds and are experts in their subject areas so that we can complete projects from most industries. If you have any questions about Spanish medical translation, technical translation, legal translation, or others. Do not hesitate to contact us!

5 Global Fall Celebrations That Might Need Translation Services

Thanksgiving is a special day. On that day, people usually give thanks for the harvest and the preceding year’s blessing. It is celebrated widely in the U.S., but several other cultures around the globe also have their unique harvest celebrations. Language Connections would like to introduce some of the traditions for you. However, some of the names might require translation services.

Thanksgiving – USA

Thanksgiving is one of the most vital holidays in the U.S. It has been officially celebrated in the U.S. since 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln declared the final Thursday of November a public holiday. However, it dates to an earlier celebration in 1621 called the ‘Commonwealth of Virginia’ when English settlers gave thanks to God for their first harvest in the New World. Turkey is the most common food on a U.S. dinner table. According to a recent study, 86% of Americans have a turkey as their main dish. Cranberries, corn, and root vegetables are also popular side dishes.

Erntedankfest In Germany And Translation Services

Erntedankfest, which means ‘harvest festival’ in German thanks to German translation services is a harvest celebration to thank God for the harvest. It’s held annually on the first Sunday of October, but festivities happen throughout the month. It’s not quite as family-oriented as Thanksgiving in North America. The festival features bustling parades, alluring alters decorated with locally sourced produces, and plenty of music and dancing. Additionally, people tend to eat out instead of having a sit-down meal at home.

Chung Ch’ui Festival In China And Translation Services

‘Chung Ch’ui,’ which translates to ‘the middle of autumn’ with the help of Chinese translation services, is a three-day harvest festival celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese calendar. This year, the Chung Ch’ui Festival is celebrated on September 10th. Chinese people celebrate this day when the moon is usually at its fullest and brightest of the year. Thus, Chung Ch’ui is a day for family or dear ones to be together. Traditionally on this day, Chinese people welcome the harvest moon with moon cakes and oolong tea under the bright moonlight.

Ladainha – India

In India, especially in Goa, Thanksgiving is known as ‘Ladainha’ or ‘Ladin’, which means the ‘Litany of the Virgin Mary,’ This sacred day is celebrated by Christians at the end of November and serves as a way to give thanks to God. Preparations begin with purchasing grams of Branco wine, candles, and colored tinsel paper from the local market. An altar is constructed and decorated with flowers and greenery while believers sing and pray together, expressing appreciation for God.

Thanksgiving – Canada

The first Canadian Thanksgiving holiday was celebrated in 1578 when explorer Martin Frobisher gave thanks for a safe journey to Newfoundland and Labrador. Thanksgiving in Canada is now held on the second Monday in October, a month and a half earlier than in the U.S. (Canada, being farther north, has an earlier harvest season). Canadian Thanksgiving feasts are similar to those served in the United States, as are many accompanying traditions. However, Canadian Thanksgiving is not as big of a tradition as it Thanksgiving is in the U.S. For instance, many of the Black Friday traditions observed in the U.S. are not present in Canada.

Tell us about some of your Thanksgiving traditions in the comments. Happy Thanksgiving!

6 Fun Facts Show Why German Translation is Essential

While German is both fascinating and widely-spoken, it has a reputation for being one of the world’s most complex languages. As a result, German translation can be incredibly difficult and must be handled by a skilled language service provider.

Here are six amazing facts about the German language:

1. German Translation In The EU

German is the official language of Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Belgium, making German a great language to learn if you ever plan on visiting Europe.

With more than 100 million native speakers, German is the most common native language spoken in the EU. There’s even a push to make German one of the working languages of the EU, a major opportunity for translation services.

2. Nouns Are Capitalized For German Translation

One of the most unique aspects about the German language is that all nouns are capitalized. For new German learners, this makes it easy to recognize the nouns in a sentence. For example, in the German phrase, Äpfel sind auf dem Baum (“Apples are on the Tree”.), the two nouns, “Äpfel” and “Baum”, are both capitalized.

3. German Translation And False Cognates

Due to their close relationship, German and English share 60% of their vocabulary. For comparison, English and French share just 27% of their vocabulary. This greatly benefits native English speakers learners when learning German. However, it can create awkward social situations if you accidentally stumble on a false cognate. For example, in German, ‘Gift’ doesn’t mean a present; it means poison.

4. German Has Three Genders

In many Romance languages, nouns are either masculine or feminine, making them relatively difficult for native English speakers to get used to. German is even more complicated, as it has a third gender known as the neuter. For example, “Das Mädchen” (the girl) is a neuter, even though it refers to a female person.

5. German Has A Unique Letter

The Latin alphabet is used in German. It does, however, have an extra consonant: the ß, which is called “Eszett.” The letter is never at the beginning of a word and always takes the shape of a double-s after a long vowel or diphthong.

6. The Longest German Word

German is known for endlessly long words. One of the longest words is “Grundstücksverkehrsgenehmigungszuständigkeitsübertragungsverordnung”

It means “regulation on the delegation of authority concerning land conveyance permissions.” This neologism is derived from officialese. But you don’t need to worry; such long words can almost always be broken down into more understandable parts.

German Translation Services at Language Connections

Are you looking for language translation or interpreting services? The German translation team at Language Connections consists of trained linguists who provide exemplary professional language services.

We translate and interpret both from and into German. Our German specialists come from diverse backgrounds and are experts in their subject areas, so we can complete projects perfectly in most industries. If you have any questions about German medical translation, technical translation, legal translation, or other language needs, please reach out.

6 Interesting Facts About Chinese Translation

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.

5 Surprising Facts That Show Why French Translation Is Essential

French is one of the most critical languages in the world. As a result, French translation services are in high demand. CBC News reported recently that St. John’s International Airport in Canada decided it needed better French translation after being fined for mistranslated French messages and signs. French is also essential for international businesses. In 2011, a Bloomberg Rankings report named French as the 2nd most powerful foreign language for businesses (not including English). Here are five facts that show why:

French Translation Fact #1: 300 Million Speakers

Currently, there are over 300 million French speakers in the world. People fluent in French are commonly referred to as “Francophones.” Approximately 40% of francophones live in Europe. Additionally, 20% of EU citizens report knowing how to speak French, making it the third-most-understood language in the continent.

French Translation Fact #2: French Is Official

In 29 countries, French is recognized as an official language. Many of them are former French colonies. For example, in addition to France, French is an official language in the countries of Belgium, Canada, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Congo, Mali, and Senegal.

French Translation Fact #3: It’s Spoken In The U.S.

It’s interesting to know that some states in the U.S. have native speakers of a French dialect. Francophones can be found in Louisiana, Vermont, Michigan, Maine, North Dakota, Missouri, and Massachusetts. French is also spoken in New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.

#4. French Was Not The Original Language In France

Before French became the official language of France, the nation spoke Latin. Most locals did not speak French until after the French Revolution ended in 1799. This is surprising considering that the French Academy, the council that governs the use of the French language, was founded in the 1600s, long before the government decreed that French be the country’s official language.

#5. French Language Day

UN French Language Day is observed annually on 20 March. 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.

French Translation Services at Language Connections

Are you looking for language translation services? The French translation team at Language Connections consists of trained linguists who provide exemplary professional translation and interpreting services. We translate and interpret both from and into French. Our French specialists come from diverse backgrounds and are experts in their subject areas so that we can complete the projects perfectly in most industries. If you have any questions about French medical translation, technical translation, legal translation, or others, please reach out.

4 Traditions Similar To Halloween From Around The World

Halloween’s origins date back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. The Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago, mainly in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern France, celebrated their new year on November 1. Nowadays, it is prevalent in the United States, where more than 60% of the population decorate their homes and offices for Halloween. It is incredible to know that 25% of all the candy sold annually in the U.S. is purchased for Halloween. While customs vary from country to country, from honoring one’s ancestors to trick or treating in scary costumes, the theme is centered around spirits and ghosts of the dead. Let’s look at some fascinating Halloween traditions from around the world; we might need the help of global translation services to fully understand the traditions and their names.

“El Día de los Muertos” in Mexico

The Day of the Dead (Spanish translation: “El Día de los Muertos”)is a Mexican holiday where families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives for a brief reunion that includes food, flowers, and celebration. If you’ve seen the Pixar movie “Coco,” then you know what this celebration is about. According to tradition, the gates of heaven are opened at midnight on October 31, and the spirits of children can rejoin their families for 24 hours. The spirits of adults can do the same on November 2.

“Martinstag” In Germany

Although Halloween is not a traditional German holiday, nearly every German teenager is aware of it today. While trick or treating is rare, Halloween parties are very trendy, and decorating with pumpkins is common. Additionally, parts of Germany observe Martinstag on November 11. Children make paper lanterns and parade through the streets at night, culminating in a bonfire.

“Radonista” In Russia And Global Translation

Day of Rejoicing (Russian translation: “Radonitsa”) is a festival from the Russian Orthodox Church, inherited from the Catholics and celebrated on the second Tuesday of Easter. On this day, families visit the cemetery to pay tribute to their ancestors and even eat a whole meal with them. Cemeteries throughout Russia are filled with people to celebrate the dead and the life they are left behind. This event is also viral in Ukraine, receiving the name Provody.

“Dzień Zaduszny” In Poland And Global Translation

“Dzień Zaduszny” (All Souls Day) is one of Poland’s most important days of family holidays. People all over the country gather to visit the graves of their loved ones on November 1.

However, Polish people start preparing for this festival one week prior. Graveyards filled with flowers, wreaths, gifts, and lanterns create a magical landscape when night comes. As in other celebrations, lanterns on All Souls Day are used to guide the spirits home. Some of the names given to these traditions include Halloween, The Day of the Dead, the Day of Rejoicing, and All Souls Day. They all have one thing in common: they celebrate life and pay tribute to those who have gone before us.

We hope you learned something new about how Halloween differs in different cultures worldwide and how these traditions connect us all! We also provide international development translation and interpreting services to help you better understand the world!

International Translation: 16 Homonyms In Different Languages

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, homonyms refer to “two or more words having the same spelling or pronunciation but different meanings and origins”. Because many languages have similar alphabets, many languages share words that have entirely different meanings. For example, English has 26 letters in the alphabet, Hebrews has 22, French has 26, and Spanish has 28. Let’s dive into this interesting topic in the world of international translation services.

The Importance of International Translation

Investing in translation and interpreting services is a serious matter. English speakers who love to travel may feel confused when they see a word that means something completely different from what they know. For companies with global businesses, a word error can cost them new customers or even their international reputation. Hiring a professional translation agency will help you reduce these risks.

16 Homonyms And International Translation

Here are 16 English words that mean different things in other languages.

1. “Aloud” means saying something in a way that can be clearly heard. In Dutch, “aloud” means “ancient.”
2. “Angel” means a supernatural spiritual being who serves God; it means “fishing rod” in German and “sting” in Dutch.
3. “Any” means something not specific in English. But in Catalan, it is equivalent to “year.”
4. “Awesome” in German is “hammer.”
5. A “bank” could be an institution where people deposit their money or the sloping land close to a body of water. In Dutch, “bank” means “cough.”
6. “Beer” means a “bear” in Dutch.
7. The Dutch use the term “big” to refer to a “baby pig.”
8. “Car” in French means “because.”
9. “Donkey” is an animal. In Spanish, it means “burro,” whereas, for Italian, it means “butter.”
10. The English word “gift” means “married” in Swedish.
11. “Home” means “mold” in Finnish and “man” in Catalan.
12. “Panna” is cream in English and Italian, but it means “put” in Finnish. In Polish, the term indicates “a single woman.”
13. “Sugar” is something sweet, and it’s a sweet term used by Romanians for a “baby aged 0-12 months”. But the speakers of Basque use the term to mean “flame.”
14. “Tuna” is a large saltwater fish that is good for making sashimi. The term means “cactus” in Spanish or a “ton” in Czech.
15. “But” is a conjunction in English, whereas the Polish use the term to indicate “shoe.”
16. “Glass” is something shiny, hard, and brittle in English, but it turns to soft, cold, sweet, and gooey “ice cream” when you’re in Sweden.

How Translation Can Help Your Organization

Translation and localization services are needed to reach out to global audiences. Travelers need global translation services when they visit different countries. NGOs need international development translation services to reach out to the communities they serve. Patients need real-time interpreting services when they cannot understand an English-speaking doctor. If businesses want to win more market share from another culture, translation and localization services can help.

Language Connections is a professional translation agency willing to solve most of the language problems in your life.

International Translation Day: A Tribute to Language Professionals