by Hammed Sonny | Jul 13, 2023 | German
You may be inclined to think the German language is exclusively spoken in Germany. But the truth is there are many variations of the language present in other countries too.
Of course, standard German is the native language of Germany, but two other countries who have adopted their own variation of this language are Switzerland and Austria.
Throughout all the countries it is present in, it is estimated that 100 million people use German as their native tongue, and 80 million as their second.
So, this leaves us wondering how are Swiss, Austrian and standard German different from each other, and what makes them the same?
Standard German
German is mainly prevalent throughout central Europe. It is the official language of Germany and one of the most widely studied languages in the world. The sheer volume of native German speakers spans across a multitude of countries.
According to various sources, the earliest example of written German dates to as early as the 8th century. It has since evolved considerably, using the Latin script writing system.
Austrian German
Austrian German is a variation of German spoken throughout Austria. It is considered the lingua franca of the country.
One difference to note between Austrian and standard, is that there are some word differences. Below are some examples, to enable us to see the differences in action.
German: die Tomate
Austrian: der Paradeiser
English: Tomato
German: die Kartoffel
Austrian: der Erdapfel
English: Potato
A further grammatical difference is that Austrian German omit certain letters from standard German phrases. For example: Ich Bin becomes I Bin (I am).
Even though there are some differences, you may find that some typical German phrases remain the same. Despite the grammatical differences, Standard German and Austrian German remain mutually intelligible, meaning that Germans can understand Austrians and vice versa.
Swiss German
Swiss German is the variation of German that is spoken throughout Switzerland. We should note that unlike Standard and Austrian, Swiss German incorporates various different dialects. They are simply all grouped into the same language category.
Of course, there are many differences between this variation and the others. Swiss German is strongly influenced by English, having borrowed many words from the language. In addition, French is a further language which strongly influences Swiss dialects.
Similar to Austrian German, Swiss German also uses standard German phrases from time to time, meaning that it is not completely different.
Final Thoughts
From everything we have found out about the three dialects, we can see that Standard, Austrian and Swiss are three separate dialects spoken in different countries. Although they are different in many ways, the influence of early German is present throughout all three.
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by Hammed Sonny | Jun 17, 2023 | Africa
Part of the Nilo-Saharan language family, Dinka, also known as Jieng, is a Western Nilotic language spoken primarily by the Dinka people. In total, there are 1.35 million speakers of the Dinka language, primarily in South Sudan. In South Sudan, the official language is English, but Dinka is one of the recognised national languages.
There are also Dinka speakers who live in Kenya, Uganda, the United States, and Australia. Dinka is a macrolanguage, meaning that it comprises many different dialects and subdialects, such as Rek, Agar, Padan, and Bor, which have different degrees of mutual intelligibility.
Dialects of the Dinka Language
There are four major dialects of the Dinka language, known as Rek, Agar, Padan and Bor. The Bor dialect is comprised of several subdialects known as Hol, Nyarweng, Twic East, and Bor South. Geographically, the Bor dialect, also known as Southeastern Dinka, is spoken to the east of the White Nile River, in an area of South Sudan known as Jonglei State. To the north of Jonglei State is the Upper Nile state, which ceded from Sudan to become part of South Sudan in 2011. In this area, the main dialect spoken is the Padan dialect, also known as Northeastern Dinka, which features the subdialects of Ruweng, Rut, Dongjol, Ngok, Ageer and Abiliang.
The Agar dialect, also known as South Central Dinka, comprises the subdialects of Gok, Aliap, Ciec, and Atout. This dialect is spoken in the Lakes State of South Sudan and its capital, Rumbek. Rek, also known as Southwestern Dinka, is spoken to the west of the Bahr el Ghazal River, in the cities of Wau, Aweil, and Abyei. The Rek dialect is makes up several subdialects, namely Malual, Twic, Ngok, and Luac.
Linguistic Features of the Dinka Language
The Dinka alphabet uses a Latin writing system and consists of 27 letters. Of those 27 letters, there are six vowels, “â, ë, ï, ö, ɛ̈, ɔ̈”, which are also known as “kit yäu”. A lot of words in the Dinka language are monosyllabic, meaning that they consist of only one syllable. For example, this can be observed in the sentence “yɛn acȯl waa” (“I call my father”). Most dialects in the Dinka language use a subject-verb-object (SVO) word order, except for the Agar dialect, in which adjectives and numbers are placed after the noun.
The plural forms of words in the Dinka language vary to a great extent. To give an example, some words feature double letters to indicate the plural, such as the word “pal” (“knife”), which becomes “paal” (“knives”). However, some words feature double letters to indicate the singular, and are shortened to indicate the plural. The Dinka word for “hand”, “ciin”, becomes “cin” (meaning “hands”).
Vowels in the Dinka language are often emphasised, as they are marked by an umlaut (¨). This marking of the vowel is also known as diaeresis, which means that a marking, such as an umlaut is used to indicate how a vowel should be pronounced. In the Dinka language, the word “wä”, the Dinka word for “father”, is pronounced as “w-aah”. The word “wä” is marked by an umlaut, as part of diaeresis, to indicate an elongated pronunciation. In addition to this, long vowels in the Dinka language are represented by the doubling of letters. For instance, the word for house in Dinka is “baai”. The double “aa” highlights the elongation of the vowels, meaning that the word is pronounced in a similar way to the English word “bye”.
Key Dinka phrases
- “Muȯth” – Greetings
- “Cï yï ruȯn” – Good morning
- “Looi ëdë?” – How are you?
- “Yïn ka” – Excuse me
- “Yedï” – How much?
- “Yïn ca leec arëëtic” – Thank you very much
In Conclusion
Dinka is an important language in South Sudan, spoken by the Dinka people throughout the country and in many different cities and towns. The Dinka language is truly a diverse language, especially considering the numerous dialects and sub-dialects of the language that are spoken in South Sudan.
If you should require translation or interpretation of the Dinka language, or any language or dialect, you may be interested in the excellent services provided by Crystal Clear Translation. At CCT, we employ many efficient and reliable translators able to navigate the intricacies of many different languages and cultures. Click here for a quote if you should need interpretation or translation services in a multitude of different languages.
by Hammed Sonny | Jun 5, 2023 | Anglophone World
In Africa, around 237 million people are English speakers. The spread of the English language in Africa as a second language was the result of the colonisation and incorporation of many African countries into the British Empire. The language was taught in missionary schools but was mostly taught to the upper classes who had access to higher levels of education in the colonised African countries. After African states gained independence in the late twentieth century, English continued to be taught within the education system and spread more widely within the rest of the population as opposed to just a small elite. English is the main language used in class in primary and secondary school in many African countries. In fact, nearly every sub-Saharan African country uses a colonial language as the language of instruction in its education system, except for Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Tanzania.
Anglophone countries in Africa
English is an official language and language most widely used in business in at least 23 different countries in the African continent, and these countries are referred to as Anglophone countries. In West Africa (Gambia, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon) there are six countries which are regarded as being Anglophone countries, eight in the South (South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Swaziland) and six in the East of Africa (Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Sudan and South Sudan), one in Central Africa (Rwanda), one in North Africa (Eritrea) as well as the islands of the Seychelles and Mauritius.
The largest number of English speakers in Africa are located in Nigeria, where it is estimated that 111 million people speak the language. Other countries in Africa with a significant number of English speakers are Uganda (29 million), South Africa (16 million) and Cameroon (9.8 million). Politically, in Africa, the English language is seen as being very important in the context of the global stage, as it is the official working language of many international political and economic gatherings, being called “the global language of business” by the Harvard Business Review. In addition to use in business and commerce, English is also a significant language in the anglophone countries, as it is also used in the print and broadcast media, national parliaments, as well as being the language used in courts and the administration sector.
English proficiency in the Anglophone countries
According to the EF English Proficiency Index, South Africa, with an EF EPI score of 607, was ranked 12th of 100 countries in the world as a country with a “very high proficiency of the English language. Other highly ranked countries in the African Anglophone countries were Kenya (ranked 22nd, with a “high” proficiency) and Nigeria (ranked 34th, with a “moderate” proficiency). The higher ranked countries are also three of the largest economies in the African continent. In a historical context, the countries with the highest English proficiency are those that were former colonies of the British Empire, so as a result have retained the English language as an official language since their independence from the British Empire, compared to lower ranked countries such as Algeria and Egypt where Arabic is the official language, or the Ivory Coast, which is a Francophone country. However, the lowest ranked Anglophone countries were Cameroon (ranked 89th, with an EF EPI score of 419) and Sudan (ranked 85th, with an EF EPI score of 434).
Despite the high levels of proficiency in South Africa and Nigeria, both countries are required to take the IELTS exam, an English proficiency exam taken by those wanting to study in an English-speaking environment or university. According to the UK Government, nationals from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the USA, as well as countries from the Caribbean Islands (such as Jamaica, Belize, Trinidad, and Tobago) are exempt from taking the IELTS exams. However, some universities in the UK accept the WASSCE (West African Senior School Certificate), a Higher National Diploma, KCSE (Kenyan Certificate of Secondary Education), GSSSC (Ghanian Senior Secondary School Certificate), or the NSC (South African National Senior Certificate) in place of the IELTS exams as proof of proficiency in the English Language. Students from North African countries, such as Egypt or Sudan, are required to take the IELTS Academic exam as the qualifications from their home countries are not accepted as proof of skill in the English language.
In conclusion
While there are many different languages across the African continent, it is important to recognise that a significant number of people speak the English language in Africa, as well as the fact that many people live in Anglophone countries in Africa. English plays a large role in the business and commerce, media as well as the education in many of the Anglophone countries and gives international students the opportunity to access higher education in a different country. If you require translation or interpreting services from English to any of the many different languages in the African continent (Arabic, Swahili, Yoruba), or any other language, you can get a quote here from Crystal Clear Translation.
by Hammed Sonny | Jun 5, 2023 | Multilingualism, Uncategorised
London is an incredibly diverse and populous city with a total population of 9 million people. It should therefore come as no surprise that within such a large city an amazing plethora of different languages are spoken. Overall, the most widely spoken foreign languages in London are Polish, Bengali, and Gujurati, with these languages also being amongst the most widely spoken in the country.
But specifically, within the London boroughs, which foreign languages are the most widely spoken? According to the 2011 Census – the most recent and accurate data for languages in London and the UK – Polish, Turkish, Bengali, and Lithuanian to name a few, comprise the many different languages spoken within the London boroughs.
Polish
The Polish language is the most widely spoken foreign language in 7 different London boroughs. These include Barnet, Bromley, Ealing, Lewisham, Merton, Richmond, and Wandsworth. Polish is a Slavic language that is part of the Indo-European language family, and is spoken by an estimated total of 147,816 speakers in London. It is also the second most widely spoken foreign language in the UK and is spoken by 40 million people around the world.
Turkish
Turkish is the most widely spoken foreign language in 4 of the London Boroughs. The boroughs within which Turkish is most popular are Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, and Islington. In London as a whole, the Turkish language is spoken by 71,242 people, with this number accounting for 4.1 % of the non-English speaking population of the capital. Turkish is the most widely spoken Turkic language, spoken by approximately 79 million people globally.
Bengali
Bengali, also known as Bangla, is a member of the Indo-Aryan language family. It is spoken most prominently in three London Boroughs. These boroughs are Camden, Newham, and Tower Hamlets. The Bengali language is spoken by 114,267 people in the capital, and, in fact, out of the three London Boroughs where the language is spoken, Tower Hamlets has the highest number of Bengali speakers in the entire country.
French
French, a Romance language from the Indo-European language family, is a popular foreign spoken in a total of three of the London Boroughs. These include City of London, Hammersmith & Fulham, and Kensington & Chelsea. There are 84,191 French speakers in total in London, and as of 2014, there were an estimated 300,000 French citizens living in the capital.
Punjabi
The Punjabi language, part of the Indo-Aryan language family, is spoken the most in three London Boroughs, namely Bexley, Hillingdon, and Hounslow. 68,525 people in total speak Punjabi in London and the language is spoken by 273,000 people in the UK, making it the second most widely spoken foreign language in the country.
Tamil
Tamil, one of the Dravidian languages, is the most widely spoken foreign language in three London Boroughs, including Croydon, Kingston, and Sutton. 70,565 people speak Tamil in the capital, and globally the language is spoken by an estimated 75 million people.
Gujurati
Gujurati, one of the Indo-Aryan languages, is the second most popular foreign language spoken in Brent and Harrow. This language is spoken by 101,676 people in total in the capital, and by 213,094 people across Britain. While most of the Gujurati speakers in London and the rest of the UK speak Standard Gujurati, some also speak a dialect of the language known as Kutchi.
Lithuanian
Lithuanian is spoken most notably in Barking and Havering. In total, the Lithuanian language is spoken by an estimated 35,341 people in London. Lithuanian is a Baltic language and is part of the Balto-Slavic group of languages within the Indo-European language family. It is the official language of Lithuania and is also one of the official languages of the European Union.
Urdu
The Urdu language is the most widely spoken foreign language in the London boroughs of Redbridge and Waltham Forest. In total, Urdu is spoken by 78,667 people in London and is also the fourth most widely spoken foreign language in the UK, spoken by an estimated 269,000 people. Urdu is a member of the Indo-Aryan language family and is spoken globally by 170 million speakers.
Foreign Languages Spoken Most Prominently in One London Borough
The following languages are listed as the second most spoken languages (the primary language spoken being English) in only one London borough. In Westminster, Arabic is listed as the second most language. Additionally, in Greenwich, Nepalese is the most widely spoken foreign language. In the London Borough of Lambeth, Portuguese is in fact the most widely spoken foreign language, and in Southwark, Spanish is also the most widely spoken foreign language.
In Conclusion
A wide array of foreign languages are spoken throughout the 32 different London boroughs, from across the spectrum of different language families from around the world. It is surely no coincidence that London is one of the most linguistically diverse cities in the world. If you should require translation of any of the most common foreign languages spoken in the London boroughs, such as Polish, Bengali, Gujarati, Lithuanian, Urdu, Punjabi, or any other language, you would benefit from the help of a Crystal Clear Translation interpreter or translator. At Crystal Clear Translation, you will find many efficient and reliable translators able to navigate the intricacies of many different languages – click here for a quote.
by Hammed Sonny | May 30, 2023 | Interpreting
Having a command of any foreign language is a huge asset when it comes to career prospects. Many of these career prospects involve some form of translation work and the type of job that can lead to a multitude of diverse opportunities and experiences. Interpreting is one type of translation work, with an increase in demand for interpreters owing to the progressively more dynamic world in which we live, where communication is more important than ever. So, just what is interpreting, and what does it entail? Hopefully, we can tell you.
What is interpreting?
In simple terms, interpreting is the oral version of translation (as opposed to the written form) that involves translating spoken word in real time from one language to the next. Just as with written translation, there are different forms of interpretation, with these different forms suitable for specific situations. Although there are some small variants of individual methods, there are four main ‘styles’ of interpreting.
Simultaneous interpreting
Simultaneous interpreting is when the interpreter must translate a sentence into the target language while listening to the speaker of the source language at the same time. This type of interpretation takes a great amount of skill and practice, as it involves not only memorising what the speaker has said within a few seconds ago, but also reformulating their words into another language as quickly and accurately as possible, while also listening out for the next sentence to translate. Simultaneous interpretation is often the go-to method for large-scale meetings and conferences, hence why it is often called ‘conference interpreting’. Government institutions – such as the European Commission and the UN – normally use simultaneous interpretation, with many people speaking many different languages back and forth. The interpreters themselves are often sat in booths listening to the speaker(s) through headphones and speaking into a microphone that is connected to the earpiece of whoever the translation is provided for. Because of the intense and high-pressure nature of the process, there is often more than one interpreter working at the same time in each booth, taking breaks every 20 minutes or so.
Consecutive interpreting (liaison)
Consecutive interpreting is when the two (or sometimes more) parties speak in turns. First, the speaker (in the source language) will speak for a specific length of time (usually a few minutes) whilst the interpreter takes notes. Once the speaker has finished, the interpreter will interpret what has been said to the audience or sole client. Often, consecutive interpreting is ‘bi-directional’ (or liaison) meaning that the interpreter has to interpret two ways – what the speaker is saying to the receiver and then what the receiver replies to the original speaker. Owing to the nature of this style of interpretation, it is often used in smaller-scale business meetings or in court cases. The main skill required for this method is undoubtedly note-taking and the ability to pinpoint the most relevant information to translate. Although slightly less intense than simultaneous interpretation, the consecutive method still requires a level of speed, as often proceedings will rely on the rapidity and the success of an interpretation, particularly where legal matters are concerned.
Chuchotage (whispered interpreting)
Sometimes more commonly known as whispered interpreting, Chuchotage is a form of interpreting which requires the interpreter to whisper a translated passage in the client’s target language back to them. Chuchotage is classified as a type of simultaneous interpreting due to the fact it takes place as the speaker is also talking. The actual interpreting process can take place in a few ways, one of which requires the Chucoter to be in very close proximity to their client to deliver a clear translation. Or on the other hand, it can take place via a headset. Typically, the process is best suited to smaller client bases, as it is considered such an intimate process. The most common places for Chuchotage to take place include small, guided tours or small meetings.
Pros:
- Having the interpreter in the room present when the speaker is talking means that the client can see the interpreter talking and performing gestures- this offers a good opportunity for the listener to appreciate and take not of facial expressions and body language.
- The fact that Chuchotage is a form of simultaneous interpretation means it is efficient and smooth in its running- meaning it won’t hinder the client in many ways.
- Chuchotage is advantageous in many settings thanks to its low-key set up. It requires little to no equipment or materials, which adds to its efficiency.
Cons:
- The process of delivering the interpreted speech can often be distracting to other people in the meeting.
- Due to the fact that the process is very intimate and requires a high level of presence from the professional, Chuchotage is often one of the most expensive linguistic services you can call upon.
Telephone interpreting
Telephone interpreting is pretty simple in the sense that it is exactly the same as face-to-face interpreting, but the sole difference is it does not require the client and interpreter to be in the same place at the same time. The idea is that the interpreter will relay information in a specific target language to clients over the phone- by doing so the client gains an understanding of what is happening in a certain setting. Some common places for this method to be used includes doctors’ appointments, police stations and sometimes legal settings (lawyer appointments). It can be carried out in two ways; a two way phone call or three or more way phone call.
Two-way phone call- Each individual client will get spoken to separately by the interpreter. This often requires all clients to be together in the same setting.
Three-way (or more) phone call- Every client involved will participate in the same call at the same time. The interpreter acts as a bridge between all parties present.
Pros:
- Face to face interpreting requires the interpreter to travel which can add additional costs to the service, whereas telephone services can be offered remotely.
- It is particularly useful in the current climate with the pandemic- meaning minimal disruption to services.
- It is accessible to a wide range of clients.
Cons:
- Technical errors can make the service inaccessible at certain times.
- The client is unable to see the interpreter meaning they do not get a grasp on body language or facial gestures.
How does one become an interpreter?
Being a language interpreter is a highly skilled occupation, with many rewarding aspects. A love for language is vital if your intention is a pursue a career in the field. Speaking more than one language natively or fluently is often a great place to start. Most of the time, a suitable degree in linguistics and communication is required to enter the field as a professional interpreter, however some speciality fields such as conference interpreting will almost always require a master’s degree.
Final thoughts
There is a vast array of interpretation methods available in the linguistic field. Each technique has its own set of pros and cons, meaning that one size does not fit all. It is a good idea to shop around for a service that best suits your needs. Consider your needs as a client and which method would be most effective based upon your requirements.
Should you be interested in an interpreting service from Crystal Clear Translation, visit our website for a quote.
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