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...
Building Your Foundation to Start a Translation Business Are you passionate about languages and eager to turn your skills into a thriving enterprise? Learning how to start a translation business can be an exciting and rewarding venture. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to starting and growing a profitable translation business, even if you’re new to the world of entrepreneurship or translation. How to Start a Translation Business: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Success and Profitability Educational background for your translation business While formal education isn’t always mandatory, a strong educational background can give you a significant advantage when starting a translation business. Consider the following: Bachelor’s degree in linguistics, foreign languages, or translation studies Master’s degree in translation or interpreting Certification from professional translation organizations Remember, continuous learning is key in this ever-evolving field. Stay abreast of language trends and industry developments to maintain your competitive edge as you start and grow your translation business. Developing business acumen To run a successful translation business, you’ll need more than just language skills. Here’s how you can build your business skills: Take online courses in business management and entrepreneurship Attend marketing and finance workshops for small businesses Join local business networking groups to learn from experienced entrepreneurs Invest time in an internship with a translation company. Therefore, these skills will be crucial as you start a translation business and work towards profitability. Launching your translation business If you want to stand out in a crowded market when starting a translation business, consider specializing in a specific area: Identifying your niche To stand out in the crowded market when...
The USA: A place for everyone | Discover the languages spoken in the USA The USA has always been known for its diversity. Many languages are spoken in the USA. More than three billion people call the United States of America home. Due to its diverse population before British colonization and several waves of immigration, you can find almost every language and cultural background in the US population. The USA has been multilingual since the very beginning. Many languages were spoken in the USA, even before the first settlers set foot on its soil. Tribes, such as the Navajos, Sioux and Keresan spoke over a thousand known languages before first contact with Europeans. Evolution of the English language in the USA When considering why and how a language develops, there are several factors to consider. One of the most important is culture. It is said that the influence of foreign languages spoken in the USA is much more immediate and recent than in any other country. The English language has developed a lot in the USA. For example, some terms have been taken from the languages of the native tribes, such as the word “raccoon”, which was taken from the Powhatan term aroughcun, meaning “animal that scratches with its hands”. You can easily find examples of words being coined from many other languages! Other well-known examples are avocado and canyon from Spanish, and chowder and prairie from French. How many languages are spoken in the USA? With so many cultures co-existing, you may be wondering: How many languages do I need to learn to get around the country? Just...
Multilingualism of India Let’s talk about India and the languages in India. India is a country largely known for its cultural and linguistic diversity. It boasts over 700 languages. At the same time, it is home to the world’s most linguistically diverse population, showcasing India’s unique tapestry reflecting its rich heritage and history. Therefore, for a business aiming to tap into this diverse market, effective communication is key. As a leading language translation company, LingoStar translators recognize the crucial importance of embracing linguistic diversity in building meaningful connections and fostering growth. The major languages in India Hindi is the official language of India, as declared by the Indian government. It is spoken by nearly 44% of the population and it acts as a lingua franca in many parts of the country. Alongside Hindi, English is one of the languages in India that holds a significant place as an associate official language. Other major languages in India include Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, and Urdu, each with millions of speakers and a deep literary tradition. Why do languages matter in India? Effective communication between the languages of India goes beyond mere translation; it also involves the localization of its cultures. Each state often has its own official language, such as Bengali in West Bengal, Tamil in Tamil Nadu, Telugu in Andhra Pradesh, and Marathi in Maharashtra. Therefore, if you do business in India, this means tailoring your message to align with local sensibilities and cultural nuances. As a result, consumers are more likely to engage with content that acknowledges and respects their linguistic and cultural identities. The importance of translating languages...
