Given that our culturally diverse country has eleven official languages, it’s no surprise that translation services hold as much value as they do. Having access to proper translation services is essential to the functioning of our country, especially for our schools, businesses, and online content. These services allow South Africans of all backgrounds to contribute to society through the connection of communities and the exchange of ideas and knowledge.
In this brief read, we’ll be outlining the many reasons why translation services are so valuable in our country and what makes them so essential to many communities across South Africa. If these topics pique your interest, we encourage you to read on and find out more.
How Do Translation Services Work?
Understanding what translation services are and how they work is essential to gaining insight into the value they offer. These services involve the process of translating a document, script, letter, essay, or any other form of written word into another language. When done professionally, a translator will assess the information provided by the client and reinterpret the document so that it retains the context, authenticity, and nuance of the original document. A skilled translator will also consider factors like localisation, slang, accents (in the case of interpreters), and plenty of other crucial details pertaining to effective translation.
After all, it’s not enough to simply rely on direct translation to carry your message across those pesky language barriers; you’ll need to adjust your content to appeal to speakers of the target language. This is why professional translators (and translation services) prove far more reliable than simple translation applications, software, and AI. As it stands currently, a human trained in the art of translation is far more capable of picking up on nuances, metaphors, phrases, and slang than an artificial intelligence.
Plenty of people seek out translation services for different reasons, and they can come in many forms, covering everything from financial and legal documents to educational and technical material. When it comes to translating different documents, you’re going to want to invest in a translation company with experience in the specific industry related to your documents.
For example, if you are in need of legal translation, a sworn translator with experience and qualifications is a must, as any inaccuracies in your translated text could have dire consequences for you or your business. Luckily, ILC has the answer with our professional language and translation services. We source and employ only the best-of-the-best translators to handle our clients’ documents, so you can be sure that we will do our best to match you up with a trained, experienced, and professional translator to suit your needs.
At International Language Consultancy (ILC), we provide translation services that encapsulate the essence of the source materials, allowing for seamless comprehension and understanding. Whether you require translation services for your marketing and advertising material or need to make internal documentation more accessible for your company, enlisting our services is as easy as dropping us an email or giving us a call.
Once you have let us know what you’re looking for, our translators can get to work on your documents, ensuring a high-quality, accurate, and detailed finished product that you can be proud of. No matter the language, ILC is sure to have the right translation service for you; we offer translation for all eleven official South African languages, as well as plenty of African and international languages too.
Then vs Now: Language Diversity In South Africa
Boasting eleven official languages and several other locally spoken dialects, South Africa is culturally and ethnically rich. Following the abolishment of apartheid and the birth of democracy in 1994, the official recognition of our country’s many indigenous languages ushered in a new era of communal collaboration, language equality, and cultural diversity. Coined now as the “rainbow nation”, South Africa is home to over 30 locally spoken languages, including African, European, and Asian languages.
While an overwhelming majority of the country has continued to speak the indigenous languages of South Africa, these languages are not always officially acknowledged. Before the South African constitution recognised these languages in 1996, most, if not all, of the indigenous languages spoken in our nation, were disregarded by the colonial leadership in power, as they were deemed inferior to European languages, namely English and Dutch.
The apartheid regime further enforced this cultural and linguistic divide with the 1953 Bantu Education Act. This act made it mandatory for black students to be taught in English or Afrikaans, usually at the expense of the education they were receiving. Unlike white students, black students were not given the same access to learning material or educational opportunities. Instead, these students received a subpar education that would only enable them access to low-income jobs, which further benefitted the agenda of the ruling party at the time.
Additionally, black students were also required to attend English and Afrikaans classes, as native languages were not afforded the acknowledgement they deserved. Today, the official recognition and acceptance of our country’s indigenous languages in a post-apartheid setting has helped South Africans freely embrace their culture and sense of identity. Considering the immense cultural and linguistic diversity of our nation, accessibility to translation services is more crucial than ever across many facets of life.
The Value Of Translation Services In South Africa
When you factor in South Africa’s storied history regarding cultural, racial, and linguistic differences, creating avenues in education, business, finance, and other sectors in different languages is critical for development. Not only does it allow us all to participate equally in society, but it also fosters a sense of community and belonging among South Africans.
There are many reasons as to why translation services are essential to South African society, such as:
Bridging Divides
In addition to the 11 official languages recognised by the constitution, South Africa is home to many international citizens hailing from nations all over the world that further add to our linguistic diversity, especially from other African countries. While many South Africans today are bilingual or polylingual, the sheer number of languages spoken across the country can leave many citizens in the dark when it comes to access to translation services.
The work of professional translators makes it possible for everyone to interpret and understand each other, creating avenues for cultural exchange, community building, and improved business practices and functioning. With translation services, students, colleagues, business owners, and customers can expand their reach and accessibility tenfold.
Translating Complex Information
When it comes to specialised data, such as medical, financial, or legal data, translation services are imperative. While automated translation tools may provide a rough idea of the information they’re receiving, the final product is often filled with grammatical errors, inaccuracies, and a lack of nuance and context within the translation.
This is especially true for specialised documents that use industry-specific terminology and lingo. What makes translation services, like ours at ILC, more valuable is that they use a network of professional translators. Whether you need to translate your medical documents or official business contracts, translation services guarantee accuracy, even when it comes to particular industry jargon. As the vast majority of South Africans speak multiple languages, it’s no surprise that translation services are so highly regarded and utilised.
Providing Localisation
One of the key reasons why translation services are so valuable in our country is that they provide individuals with more than a simple one-to-one translation. At ILC, we offer localisation as a part of our services, which takes translation to another level. This means that whatever language you are requesting your source material to be translated into, our professional translators are more than capable of creating a final translated product that resonates and appeals to the target audience in unique ways – in line with regional slang and other often overlooked elements of effective translation.
Each language has its own unique phrases, lingo, and linguistic characteristics, which is often misinterpreted when translated directly. With the help of our translation services, you’ll be able to capture the nuance and cultural significance of the target market you are addressing through the power of efficient localisation.
Ensuring Accuracy & Quality
Translation services, especially those offered through us, go above and beyond directly translating documentation. You can rest assured that the content you’ll be receiving will be of premium quality. We utilise top-of-the-line technology to ensure that the services we provide are 100% accurate and mistake-free. Additionally, we also implement a system of proofreading, localisation, and translation to make sure that you’re receiving nuanced, and linguistically and culturally accurate and appropriate.
Those who work within the field of translation are committed to providing clients with the best, most accurate data tailored to you and your needs. Whether you need to translate your business proposal or academic reading into Sesotho, IsiZulu, Setswana, or the plethora of other languages we can cater for, translation services provide South Africans with the tools they need to participate socially and economically.
Improving Business Relations
Using translation services is a great way to expand your business opportunities, especially when it comes to growing your customer base across different parts of the nation or internationally. The business world is most well-known for regularly and effectively implementing translation services to extend their reach and grow their customer base. Access to accurately translated content not only makes your business look more professional but also facilitates expansion across languages, cultures, and countries.
Many South African companies offer translated versions of the content they put out in at least two or three of our official languages, allowing more people to discover and interact with your company. This not only encourages inclusion but will likely result in the business increasing revenue or sales. Whether you’re conducting multilingual meetings for networking opportunities or advertising your business’s services, translation services can make a significant difference.
About International Language Consultancy
Now that you know a little more about why these services are so crucial, why not consider investing in our highly regarded translation services? ILC strives to bridge linguistic divides through thorough, detailed, and accurate translation services. With so many diverse and vibrant cultures across South Africa, Africa, and the globe, translation services are a surefire way to secure connections between businesses, clients, customers, and communities.
Alongside our expert translators and skilled editors, we also offer the assistance of highly qualified interpreters to help you cover all your bases. Don’t hesitate to reach out today and let us know exactly what you’re looking for, and one of our friendly team members will help you secure the perfect service package that suits your needs. Communication doesn’t have to stop at language barriers, so let ILC lead the way; advance your reach, forge connections, and expand your business today!