Being a user, how long do you stay on a webpage before leaving? It’s a very obvious question, yet the answer has always been the same: Not very long. On average, a page visit lasts even less than a minute. Since users and readers are always in a rush, you cannot attract their attention unless you present something extraordinary! Another important factor is that website visitors are 4 times more likely to take interest in a service or make a purchase from a website in their own language. According to research, 72% of internet users are non-English speakers. Over 1 billion people access the internet in a language other than English. According to Ethnologue, Chinese is the most widely spoken language in the world, followed by Spanish, then English, Arabic, Hindi, and more. While English remains a popular language, a large number of other languages are spoken and written day-to-day. So how can you make the most out of the languages that surround you? Go for Website Localization! Make your services available in more and more languages. This doesn’t mean you should simply translate your site into the world’s top languages. Instead, figure out who your target market is and what languages they speak, and act accordingly. Localization is key to reaching your audience. Ensure your translated website is easily accessible and the content is high quality. This not only increases traffic but also makes your customers feel more connected and valued. Key Considerations for Website Localization Always keep in mind that user experience should be equal in all languages. Strive to create a localized website that mirrors the original in every way—ensuring it functions and looks as great as it does in its original language. Take localization to the next level by ensuring that all links, headers, titles, and image texts work seamlessly when switching languages, without breaking any elements of the website. Why Localize Your Website? Build Credibility with Your Customers When you make efforts to speak to your target market in their native language, your customers will recognize your attempts at improving their user experience. As a result, visitors will have a positive experience that enhances your credibility. Strengthen Your Brand Identity Globally Localization also helps with building your global brand recognition. Your ability to communicate in the language of your customers will most likely position your brand as a trustworthy solution to their needs. Reap SEO Benefits from Localization SEO is a competitive market, and keywords in English can often be overcrowded. By localizing your website, you open up less competitive SEO opportunities in other languages, allowing you to target additional keywords and drive more traffic to your site. Let Localization Yield Money for You By reaching more markets through localization, you are tapping into diverse languages that expand your audience base. Done correctly, localization can lead to high ROI, as you’ll reach broader markets and grow your business. LC provides language services with a pool of over 16,000 translators, transcribers, interpreters, and voice artists across the globe, simplifying the localization process for you. Focus on building your website, and let us handle the translation work.

Language has been an essential part of human civilization for thousands of years, serving as a bridge for communication, culture, and knowledge. According to Ethnologue, there are currently over 7,000 languages spoken worldwide. However, this number is constantly changing due to the rise and decline of languages over time. Many languages have evolved, some have gone extinct, and a significant portion is endangered, with only a handful of speakers left. Despite this, a few ancient languages have stood the test of time and are still spoken today, connecting modern society with the past. In this article, we explore ten of the oldest living languages that continue to be used across various regions. How Many Languages Exist Today? The linguistic diversity of the world is vast, but not all languages have remained active. Studies suggest that about a third of the world’s languages are currently endangered, with many having fewer than 1,000 speakers. While there are thousands of languages in existence, only 23 of them account for over 50% of the global population’s communication. Understanding the origins and endurance of certain languages can provide insight into how they have managed to survive for centuries. The 10 Oldest Languages Still Spoken Today Among the thousands of languages spoken across the world, a select few have managed to endure for centuries. Below are some of the oldest languages still actively spoken today. Hebrew Year of Origin: 10th Century BCE Hebrew is one of the world’s oldest languages and holds immense historical and religious significance. Hebrew was actively spoken until around 200-400 CE when it began to decline as a common spoken language. However, in the 19th century, the revival of Hebrew, particularly due to the rise of Zionism, brought it back into everyday use. Country/Area of Origin: Israel Today, Hebrew is the official language of Israel and is spoken by over 9 million people worldwide. Basque Year of Origin: Unknown Basque is unique because it is a language isolate, meaning it has no known linguistic relatives. Despite being spoken in a region heavily influenced by Indo-European languages, Basque has managed to survive through thousands of years without merging into another language family. Country/Area of Origin: Basque Country (Spain and France) Today, Basque is spoken by approximately 750,000 people. Tamil Year of Origin: 300 BCE Tamil is one of the oldest living classical languages, with written records dating back more than 2,000 years. It is a Dravidian language and remains one of the official languages of India (specifically the state of Tamil Nadu), Sri Lanka, and Singapore. Country/Area of Origin: India and Sri Lanka With over 80 million speakers, Tamil has a rich literary tradition and has remained largely unchanged over the centuries. Arabic Year of Origin: Arabian Peninsula Arabic is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world and is the official language of 26 countries. It is also the liturgical language of Islam, making it a language of global religious significance. The Arabic script has influenced multiple languages, including Persian, Urdu, and even European languages such as Spanish and Portuguese. Country/Area of Origin: Middle East and North Africa With over 270 million native speakers, Arabic continues to be an important global language. Farsi (Persian) Year of Origin: 600 BCE Persian, also known as Farsi, is the modern form of Old Persian, the language of the Achaemenid Empire. Unlike many other ancient languages, Persian has undergone minimal changes over centuries. Country/Area of Origin: Iran, Afghanistan (as Dari), and Tajikistan (as Tajiki) Today, Persian is spoken by over 110 million people. Greek Year of Origin: 1450-1350 BCE (Earliest written evidence) Greek is one of the longest continuously used languages in the world. It has a documented history spanning more than 3,400 years and has greatly influenced modern Western languages, philosophy, and science. Country/Area of Origin: Greece Currently, it is spoken by over 13 million people. H3: Chinese Year of Origin: 1250 BCE Chinese is the most spoken language in the world today. The earliest Chinese writings date back to the Shang dynasty, and it is believed that the language may have roots even older than that. Country/Area of Origin: China and Southeast Asia With over 1.2 billion speakers, Mandarin is the most widely spoken dialect. Lithuanian Year of Origin: 1500 AD (Assumed) Lithuanian is one of the most archaic Indo-European languages still spoken today. It has retained many features of its ancient roots and is closely related to Sanskrit, Latin, and Ancient Greek. Country/Area of Origin: Baltic Region Today, it has over 3 million speakers. Icelandic Year of Origin: 1100 AD (Oldest preserved texts) Icelandic has remained largely unchanged over centuries. Despite Denmark’s rule over Iceland for many years, the language has maintained its original structure. Country/Area of Origin: Iceland Currently, it is spoken by 358,000 people. Irish Gaelic Year of Origin: 4th Century AD Irish Gaelic has been spoken in Ireland for over 1,500 years. Despite being classified as “definitely endangered” by UNESCO, efforts have been made to revive the language. Country/Area of Origin: Ireland It is spoken by approximately 1.2 million people today. Final Thoughts While languages constantly evolve, some have managed to survive for thousands of years, carrying with them the legacy of past civilizations. These ancient languages serve as a window into history, culture, and human development. If you know of any other languages that deserve a spot on this list, feel free to share them!

The hospitality industry is all about making your guests ‘feel at home.’ However, one of the most significant challenges in ensuring a memorable guest experience is the language barrier. The language in which you offer your services may not be the same as the language your customers speak. For instance, imagine a group of foreign tourists visiting an attraction and finding that there are no maps, brochures, or any materials available in their language. What happens next is inevitable: they will lose interest quickly and shorten their stay, possibly seeking better options where they can feel more comfortable and understood. The Sense of Being at ‘Home’ Ensuring that your guests always feel at home is the key to forming lifelong relationships with customers. However, language barriers can hinder this goal. To overcome this obstacle, travel establishments should consider investing in hospitality translation. The more connected your guests feel, the longer they are likely to stay and the more they will invest in your services. This connection can significantly enhance your business’s return on investment (ROI). What needs translation in the hospitality industry? While internationally recognized symbols like those for elevators, restaurants, washrooms, and exits are universally understood, any written content such as maps, itineraries, guides, brochures, and legal agreements (disclaimers, policies) must be translated into the languages your guests speak. This will ensure that they have a complete understanding of the services, policies, and offerings, helping them feel more at ease during their stay. Website Translation for Better Guest Engagement In today’s digital age, your website is an essential touchpoint for guests before, during, and after their stay. They turn to your website for detailed information, making it a critical part of the guest experience. By offering a multilingual or localized website, you allow visitors to access your site in the language of their preference, which creates a stronger sense of familiarity and belonging. To effectively break down the language barrier and make your guests feel welcomed, it’s crucial to work with a professional translation agency. These experts will help you localize your website content to suit the local language and culture, ensuring that your visitors feel valued and understood. Moreover, a multilingual website also serves as a powerful marketing tool that allows you to reach a global audience, expanding your business’s exposure and attracting more international customers. The Importance of Choosing the Right Words In hospitality, the power of words cannot be overstated. The choice of language can greatly influence the way guests perceive your brand and services. A small error in translation might not only confuse your guests but also damage your credibility. Words that may have similar meanings can vary greatly in context, and only the ‘perfect’ word will accurately convey your intended emotions and hospitality. This is why you should always seek the expertise of a professional translation agency to ensure the tone, style, and meaning of your communications are precisely aligned with your brand’s image and culture. If you are looking to build a long-term relationship with a reliable language service provider who understands the nuances of hospitality translation, do not hesitate to contact us.

What is video game localization?Game localization can be termed as the process of translating a video game that was originally developed in a particular language into various other target languages. It is more than just translating gaming content into another language. The key to a successful game localization project is adapting the content to the culture and preferences of a particular market while preserving the original message, style, and gameplay. Localization goes beyond simple translation; it involves understanding how different languages, cultural contexts, and technical specifications interact with the gameplay and the game’s narrative. For example, jokes or cultural references might need to be altered or replaced to better resonate with players in a different country, ensuring the game feels natural and engaging no matter where it is being played. Localizing a game properly not only ensures players in various regions enjoy it as much as the original audience but also helps improve market penetration and user satisfaction. Steps Involved in Game Localization Project Preparation The first stage of game localization involves preparing for the project. This phase includes tasks such as receiving a quotation from the client, evaluating the scope of the localization, and analyzing the materials. Before translating the game content, translators and localization experts assess the game’s text, dialogue, graphics, and even audio elements to identify what needs to be localized. This phase ensures that all aspects of the game can be appropriately adjusted to suit the target market, setting a clear plan for the next stages of the project. Translation → Editing → Proofreading Once the initial analysis is done, the translation process begins. This involves adapting the game’s text from the source language into the target language while keeping the game’s context, tone, and character in mind. However, translation alone is not enough. After translation, the text undergoes rigorous editing and proofreading. Editing ensures that the translated text fits the context and narrative, while proofreading eliminates any grammatical or linguistic errors, ensuring the final product is as polished as the original. This multi-step process is crucial to maintaining the integrity and fluency of the game’s storyline and instructions. Quality Control After translation and proofreading, quality control (QC) plays a critical role in ensuring the accuracy and quality of the localization. QC involves testing the localized game version to make sure all translated elements are displayed correctly and that there are no technical issues, such as broken fonts, truncated text, or misalignment of in-game UI elements. It’s essential that the game not only looks great but that the language used resonates with the local culture, making the game feel as if it was originally created for that market. Client Review Once the quality control phase is completed, the game is handed over for client review. This step involves allowing the client (usually the game developer or publisher) to review the localized game and provide feedback. The client may request revisions to specific parts of the translation, such as dialogue or cultural references, to ensure everything aligns with their vision. This phase ensures that the final product meets the client’s expectations before it is released to the target market. Final File Delivery The final stage of the localization process is delivering the fully localized game files to the client. This could include the game’s text, dialogue, audio scripts, and more. The game is now ready for launch in the new market. After localization, the game should feel native to players, with localized voiceovers, translated UI, and culturally relevant content that appeals to players in the target region. Key Considerations for Game Localization 1. Understand Your Market Understanding your target market is essential before launching a game in a new region. Research the gaming industry of the country you’re targeting and familiarize yourself with the specific gaming trends and preferences of that market. For instance, some regions might prefer certain game genres, such as role-playing games (RPGs) or action-adventure games, while others might lean towards competitive multiplayer games. Researching these preferences beforehand ensures that the game can meet market expectations. It’s also important to consider the local legal and regulatory aspects, especially if the game includes controversial themes or content. 2. Work with Translators That Are Gamers While hiring native translators is a common practice, it’s beneficial to work with translators who are also passionate gamers. Gamers often possess a deep understanding of the terminology, culture, and nuances of the gaming world, which is essential for an authentic translation. A translator who understands gaming culture can bring an extra level of expertise to the table, ensuring that the translated text is engaging, accurate, and fun for the audience. A translator familiar with games will be able to identify and adapt gaming slang, jokes, or culturally specific references to make the game feel more authentic. 3. Retain Dimensions of the Actual Text When translating text, it’s important to consider the length variations in different languages. In some languages, the translated text may be longer than the original, while in others, it might be shorter. Some languages, such as Chinese and Japanese, use characters or symbols, which can affect the space available for text in the user interface. It’s crucial to ensure that the translated text fits properly into the game’s UI, without overcrowding or making the design look awkward. Retaining the layout and dimensions of the original text while adjusting to the target language is key to maintaining a visually appealing game interface. Reasons Why You Should Localize Your Game 1. Increase Your Return on Investment (ROI) Localization provides a significant return on investment (ROI) by allowing your game to reach a much wider audience. A game released in only one language has a limited reach, but with localization, it can be made available in multiple languages, significantly expanding its market reach. Studies have shown that by translating a game into languages such as Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, and French, developers can reach millions of potential players who might otherwise not have access to the game. This broader appeal

Writing a book is a strenuous job. Now think of translation and double the efforts. Translating from one language to another is no doubt, a daunting task. Only a few people are lucky enough to be born in a bilingual family. And, luckily if you are one of them, and have a knack for languages, you can benefit so much. You could consider a career in TRANSLATION. The Complexity of Translation: More Than Just a Hobby To be a superb translator, one has to have been brought up speaking both (source and target) languages or at least spent 5-10 years in a country where the languages are commonly used. A translator’s job is to convert written materials from one language to another language. A well-translated text is the one which seems as if it were the original written text. This accuracy can only be achieved by maintaining the original structure and style of the original text by keeping the ideas and facts of the original material accurate. What Makes a Superb Translator? Being a superb translator goes beyond understanding the language. It’s about mastering its nuances, culture, and context. This demands high proficiency, expertise in specific fields, and a deep understanding of the source and target languages. Where Do Translators Work? Working hours for in-house translators generally is 9 to 5 pm. If one is working as a freelance translator, the hours can be flexible but you will need to organize them to make sure you meet deadlines. All fields these days require translations, so the area is not limited for a translator. Translation in Various Fields International Litigation International litigation is really complex in itself. What makes it more complicated is when it involves various languages, cultures, procedural differences. Even one word can make a huge difference when we talk about new regulations, law, and jurisdiction. Unless all these materials are translated appropriately, there is a high chance of transnational miscommunication. Therefore, for legal translations, always rely on a professional and certified translator. Marketing & E-Commerce A business these days is majorly dependent on digital devices. When expanding your business on a global level you have to keep in mind that it means interacting in different languages and cultures also creating websites, advertisements, brochures, contracts and agreements, annual reports, etc. According to a Forbes report, it was discovered that 57% of the participants purchased items from websites that were based abroad. And, with only 26% of English internet users, translation and localization have become essentials for a successful international business. Medical & Healthcare Whatever be the industry, it is crucial to convey the proper message. And, healthcare is one such important industry. Medical documents and paperwork are very crucial and require a lot of research. If these papers are to be distributed worldwide, the documents need to be translated specifically for each region. A good medical translation can be the difference between life and death, and only a skilled healthcare professional can do it efficiently. The Importance of Human Translation Translation is such a job that has not lost importance with technological advancements. It is one such job that requires A HUMAN. And, if you are fairly qualified, voila! you have built yourself a great career as a translator. Translation sure requires creativity and presence of mind; at the same time also requires criticality and experience! The Career Potential of Translation So, you decide: a hobby or a job? If you have the skills, translation can lead to a fulfilling career with various opportunities across industries.

For whatever gig or project we have, there is always this nagging question as to which option to use for the job – a member of staff (in-source), a freelancer, or a service provider (often called an agency). They all have their strengths and weaknesses, but knowing and harnessing these strengths and weaknesses will help us know which one to hire for a particular job. Pros and Cons of Hiring a Freelancer Freelancers, as we all know, render services with instant pay without having permanent contracts with the people who hire them. Here are a few pros and cons of hiring a freelancer over an in-source or a service provider: Affordability When hiring an in-house employee, you have to pay salary and other additional benefits. Outsourcing to agencies can take its toll too because you are dealing with skilled professionals. So if your company doesn’t have a big budget, you should choose to hire a freelancer. Independence Freelancers can work from anywhere at any time. You do not necessarily have to look over their shoulders to see what they are doing. All you need to do is trust that they know what to do. The challenge with this is that sometimes you might need to follow up on what they are doing by being next to them. This is where the in-house staff and the agency have the advantage. Pros and Cons of Hiring In-House Employee There are several times when hiring an in-house employee seems to be the right option, mainly if you have a very complex brand or business. Here are the pros and cons: Involvement It is true that in-house staff might know the inside details of a task. But we should also bear in mind that agencies we outsource to also take the pain to make sure that their clients are satisfied by putting in more hours at work, which will be at the expense of the agency and not necessarily the company hiring them. Control While you might have huge control over the task that in-house staff are doing, it could come at a high cost because services might have to be reviewed if not done right the first time. Outsourcing has the edge here. They have enough to control things within themselves. So there is no extra cost for the company. Pros and Cons of Hiring a Service Provider We can see an agency as a business or organization that renders services to other businesses or organizations. They often cover lots of expertise and are a sure way to mitigate the risk involved in using freelancers or in-house staff. Team Spirit One of the key benefits of having a team is that they can add extra brainpower and understanding to your gig. A freelancer or in-house employee may operate in a silo, but an agency team works together to come up with perfect ideas. Expertise Besides having a team of experts, agencies make use of particular marketing strategies and tools to increase your digital presence on different channels. The tools they use include social media analysis software, integrated reporting tools, SEO software, and even subscriptions to stock image websites. Summary A freelancer is an excellent option if you don’t have a huge budget, an in-house person is ideal if you have a problematic brand or need in-depth knowledge and industry experience, while a service provider is a decent option for any sector where marketing is not a primary competency of the business.