Discover what accessibility means in the field of translation You may have heard the word “accessibility” before, but without fully understanding what it means, particularly in the context of translation. If you are curious and want to gain a better understanding of this concept, read on! What accessibility means: a brief definition To fully understand what we mean by “accessibility” it is important to distinguish between the word and the concept. According to the Cambridge Dictionary online, accessibility simply means “the quality of being easy to understand or enjoy”. However, as a concept, accessibility is defined as “the quality of being able to be entered or used by everyone, including people who have a disability”. The key word here is “disability”. Making a place, product or piece of information accessible means that everyone can access it, regardless of any disabilities they may have. Concrete examples If, after reading this first definition, you still don’t fully understand the concept of accessibility, don’t worry! Here are some examples of existing accessibility services: Audio description for the blind and visually impaired. A voice describes everything happening on the screen, enabling people to enjoy the action. This service also exists in certain museums to describe works of art. Subtitles for the Deaf and hard of hearing and/or closed captions. All sounds and dialogues are transcribed into subtitles. This service is also available in theatres and for some live events on television, where it is called live subtitling, ensuring real-time accessibility. Sign Language to help deaf people communicate in their everyday lives. It is also used for events on television, such as the news or short political addresses. Easy Languages for...
Ethnic diversity and multilingualism in Russia Multilingualism in Russia has been a cornerstone of Russia’s cultural and political development throughout history. Much like the matryoshka doll, a worldwide symbol of Russian identity, the country comprises many interlocking languages and ethnic groups. This linguistic diversity offers a wealth of cultures and languages. However, it also presents challenges. Want to learn more? Keep reading! The historic roots of multilingualism in Russia From the Tsardom of Russia to the Russian Federation via Imperial Russia and the Soviet Union, multilingualism has always played a part in Russia’s history. Its vast territory brought together diverse peoples ranging from Eastern Europe to Northern Asia, resulting in a complex linguistic landscape that persists to this day. This legacy extended beyond Russia’s borders, especially into regions such as Moldova, shaped by centuries of Russian and Soviet influence. Following the annexation of Bessarabia (modern-day Moldova) by the Russian Empire and its subsequent integration into the Soviet Union, Russian became a dominant language in administration, education, and public life. Consequently, Moldova developed into a multilingual society. Nowadays, only Moldovan/Romanian is the official language; therefore, the majority of people speak it. However, Russian, Gagauz, Ukrainian and Bulgarian are also still spoken alongside Moldovan/Romanian. Russian remains influential, particularly in regions such as Gagauzia and Transnistria, reflecting the enduring impact of Russia’s multilingual and imperial past. Multilingualism in today’s Russia As the largest country in the world, Russia is home to multiple ethnic groups with their own languages and cultures. Around 190 ethnic groups speak between 100 and 150 different languages. Below is a non-exhaustive list of some of them: Armenian, Bashkir, Chuvash,...
What exactly is localization? “What exactly is localization and why is it so important today?” is a question worth asking in a globalized world where the internet and social media are bringing us all closer together. It is not only important that your product is available in several languages. It should also be correctly adapted to the target culture. The following article aims to provide information on the concept of localization and the benefits of localizing a product. The industry is relatively young. According to seasoned localization experts O’Hagan and Mangiron, the term was first used by software developers during the late 1980s. This was a time when companies found out that taking their product overseas was advantageous overall. The term “localization” refers to the process of adding and adapting cultural and linguistic elements that are foreign to the original product so that it is received positively in a foreign market. The term is commonly abbreviated to “l10n”. What is the difference between localization and translation? At first glance, you might think that localization is just another way of saying translation. However, this misconception is on the same level as thinking that translation is a simple language conversion, rather than a complex process that often involves technical terminology and attention to detail. In this sense, while translation involves the conversion of a text and its terms from one language to another, localization focuses more on the target culture of the product and its linguistic particularities. Ultimately, the main aim is to reach a wider market overall. For example, if you want your product to resonate with someone in the...
Discover Ramadan, the holy month of Islam Ramadan, the holy month of Islam and the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is celebrated worldwide. This year’s Ramadan began on Friday, February 28, 2025 and lasts until Saturday, March 29, 2025. But what do you know about this holiday? If you want to know more, read on! What is Ramadan, the holy month of Islam? Ramadan is considered the holy month of Islam because it is believed that the Quran was revealed during this time. Indeed, God revealed the holy book of Islam in Arabic to the Prophet Muhammad as a guide. To celebrate and commemorate this meaningful event, Muslims all over the world fast from dawn to sunset for a month. However, for Muslims, the holy month of Ramadan is not just about fasting: it’s about a spiritual reset! The rules of Ramadan, the holy month of Islam Muslims around the world celebrate the holy month of Ramadan according to the following rules: Fasting and not drinking from dawn to sunset, which is one of the five pillars of Islam. Praying the five usual mandatory prayers as well as nightly prayers known as Taraweeh. Strengthening one’s connection to God, especially by reading the Quran. Being charitable and generous to others. In fact, giving – known as Zakat – is mandatory and another of the five pillars of Islam. Showing forgiveness and mercy to everyone. Being patient, self-disciplined and humble. Spending time with fellow Muslims by praying and eating together. Celebrating Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. A global holiday More than 1.8...
The importance of English to French translation in Canada English to French translation in Canada isn’t just a skill—it’s a crucial bridge connecting communities, businesses, and individuals across linguistic boundaries. With approximately 7.5 million French speakers primarily concentrated in Quebec, New Brunswick, Ontario, and Manitoba, translation is more than an extra option—it’s a cultural necessity. For businesses, providing materials in both English and French is a clear demonstration of respect for linguistic diversity. It enhances brand reputation, strengthens customer relationships, and ensures that French-speaking clients feel valued. Beyond the corporate world, translation plays a critical role in education, healthcare, and community services. Schools in bilingual regions must accommodate both languages to provide equal opportunities for students. At the same time, healthcare providers and social organizations rely on accurate translation to offer essential services without language barriers. English-to-French translation is not just a professional courtesy—it is a crucial aspect of fostering connection and ensuring equitable access to information and services within the Canadian community. The legal landscape of bilingual communication Canada’s bilingualism policy, established in the Official Languages Act (1969) and reinforced by the Constitution, mandates that federal institutions provide services in both English and French. This ensures: Government services are accessible in both languages. Public announcements are communicated bilingually. Educational institutions accommodate both linguistic groups. At the provincial level, policies vary. Quebec’s Charter of the French Language prioritizes French in public life, business, and education, requiring people to adapt to regional legal and cultural contexts. Beyond compliance, Canada’s bilingualism policy promotes language learning and cultural exchange. Translators play a key role in supporting these efforts by ensuring clear, accessible...
The perception of video captioning on social media If you’re scrolling through your phone and watching reels without sound, you can still follow along because most creators include captions. Audio is rarely essential for audiovisual content. Nowadays, every video on Instagram, TikTok, or even on YouTube reels has captions incorporated. Captions can be translated using the same automatic transcription and translation that we see on YouTube videos. But translations or transcriptions are not always accurate! This can happen if the video lacks clear audio. Even when the audio quality is good, the transcription may struggle to match the sentence structure, so humour may be lost in the literal translation. However, users can make small manual adjustments if needed. Cross-cultural communication at hand Captions can help bridge language barriers, allowing non-native speakers to understand sociological discussions and research findings. A great expert on media communication, Richard Grusin affirmed that media technologies construct and mediate experiences, leading to a new reconfiguration of how we understand certain concepts. Read The Future of Translation: Bridging Tradition and Innovation to learn how technology is leading to changes in the translation industry. Many applications offer the possibility of adding captions to videos (CAPCUT or iMovie for iOS) instantly, even in real time while the speaker is speaking. The creator will spend more time thinking about what to say rather than editing the video because these applications simplify many of the processes. This is a more efficient way of working because you only need to fine-tune the video script that has already been translated. Adding captions to reels as a means of accessibility and awareness Why add...
