Thanksgiving is synonymous with getting together, being grateful and understanding and celebrating all the good things the year just passed brought. Times like these help us to reflect on some of the most important values in life. Sharing, communicating, and exchanging with one another makes us feel good. It helps people to better understand each other. Not only does it give context to actions but it also makes us more tolerant and respectful. It breaks boundaries, bridges gaps and unites people across borders. The more we understand each other, the more tolerant, peaceful and unified our world will be. This is why cultural and linguistic diversity is our world’s true wealth.
Differences bring us closer
The translation industry exists because of cultural and linguistic differences. They are at the heart of everything we do. It is because we know about these differences and how important respecting them is that we can facilitate successful international communication. We are constantly reminded of the importance of using the services of professional and qualified translators in order to avoid ridicule or damaging misunderstandings. From poorly translated subtitles (e.g. Squid Games) to embarrassing and dangerous mistranslations made by international corporations or governments, the examples abound.
With countless cultures and subcultures in the world, understanding differences, ours and those of others, is crucial. It brings us closer. Cultural and linguistic diversity brings open-mindedness and comprehension. It gives meaning to actions and words, it makes us unique, which makes sharing so much more rewarding. Learning about different traditions, foods, music, dances, colours, dialects and accents adds to the importance and the wealth of cross-cultural diversity.
Cultural and Linguistic Diversity for a More Peaceful World
“A world of peace and solidarity can only be accomplished by acknowledging and celebrating our diversity.”
Ban Ki-Moon, Former Secretary-General of the United Nations
Back in 2011, Ban Ki-Moon urged people to take steps in their own lives to strengthen the connections they have to each other. This still applies today, at a time when tolerance is wearing thin.
The following 10 steps were part of a special campaign launched for World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. The aim was to encourage people to integrate diversity and inclusion into their daily lives by taking small steps:
- Visit an exhibition or a museum showcasing other cultures.
- Invite a family member or a neighbour for a meal and exchange different points of view on life.
- Watch a movie or get stuck into a book featuring another country or a religion different from your own.
- Invite members of another community and share some of your cultural traditions with them.
- Read up about famous thinkers from other cultures (for example Confucius, Socrates, Avicenna, Ibn Khaldun, Aristotle, Ganesha or Rumi).
- Take advantage of a weekend to go and visit a place of worship for another religion.
- Play the “stereotype game“. Stick a post-it note on your forehead (without looking at it) with the name of a country written on it. Ask the other participants to tell you what the preconceived ideas associated with this country are. You win if you guess the country correctly!
- Find out more information about traditional celebrations in other cultures such as Hanukkah, Ramadan, or the Qingming festival in China.
- Raise awareness about your own culture on your Facebook page and discover other cultures.
- Listen to music from other cultures.
Global Harmony Does Not Mean Loss of Identity
Global harmony doesn’t mean that we all become alike. Our uniqueness is what makes our world so rich. Global harmony simply means knowing more about each other to better understand each other. The more we know about something, the less fearful we are of it. This in turn enriches our lives and provides a multi-faceted perspective of the world.
New technologies make it so easy to access information and learn more about each other. With so much information available, and with so many social tools and networks, it can be easy to think that’s enough. But this isn’t the only way. As Irina Bokova, former Director-General of UNESCO, once said, “we still have to learn how to make the most of the diversity of our societies, by using all means at our disposal, from education to the arts, […] especially for young people, driving change today.”
“On this day, and throughout our lives, let us take steps – small and large, with families and friends, old and new – that will strengthen bonds, deepen our understanding of the value of cultural diversity and help us to live together better.”
Ban Ki-Moon, Former Secretary-General of the United Nations.
How LingoStar can help you
If you want to successfully expand your business internationally, you need to understand the country’s linguistic variations and adapt your business to the local culture. By working with a trusted translation agency familiar with the details of the country’s language fabric, you can ensure your business not only fits in, but appeals to your target demographic.
We provide language services ranging from translation, voice-overs, and interpreting to website translation and localization. Don’t forget to check out our ebook series on multilingual website translation!
For more information, contact us by calling 604-629-8420 or emailing info@lingo-star.com to discuss your next language-related project. You can also submit a free quote request via our website. We’re here to help!
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