Lately, I’ve come to realize that my work is about more than just bridging linguistic gaps — it’s about preserving the very essence of culture and identity. Language is not just a tool for communication; it’s the vessel through which people pass down traditions, stories, and knowledge. Every language carries its own worldview, and when a language disappears, an entire way of seeing the world disappears with it. That’s why translation plays such a crucial role in language preservation.
In a globalized world, many minority languages are under threat. Larger languages dominate media, business, and education, leading to the decline of less-spoken ones. When fewer people speak a language, the knowledge it contains — from folklore to medicinal practices — risks being lost forever. As translators, we often work with texts that bring these endangered languages into more prominent ones, making sure they aren’t forgotten.
But translation is not just about preserving the past; it’s also about ensuring that people can continue to use their language in new and evolving contexts. Translating modern technologies, for example, allows speakers of indigenous or minority languages to remain connected to the world without sacrificing their linguistic identity. I find it fascinating when a translation project helps make apps, websites, or other modern platforms accessible in endangered languages. It’s like seeing tradition meet innovation.
What’s also important to understand is that language preservation isn’t just about written text. Oral histories, songs, and spoken traditions are equally vital. Translators who work with these forms of expression play an essential role in capturing and preserving the nuances of sound, rhythm, and emotion that written words can’t always convey. This is why audio and audiovisual translation is just as critical in the preservation process.
Working as a translator gives me the privilege of contributing to the survival of languages and the cultural wealth they contain. Language preservation through translation is about safeguarding diversity in a world that is becoming increasingly homogenized. It’s a reminder that every language, no matter how small, is a repository of human experience — and that’s worth preserving.
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Until next time, take care and stay safe!
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Translation Expert 