At TranslationsInLondon, we pride ourselves on providing translation services across a wide variety of languages. While European languages make up a large part of our work, we are thrilled to be expanding into new linguistic territories. Recently, we’ve had the unique opportunity to work on subtitling projects in various African languages for a non-profit organization. This experience has been incredibly rewarding, allowing us to deepen our understanding of not just new languages, but also the rich cultures they represent.
African Languages: More Than Just Words
Each African language we encounter presents both a challenge and a learning opportunity. We’ve worked with languages such as Amharic, Oromo, Wolof, and Bambara—each with its unique structure and cultural nuances.
- Amharic: Spoken predominantly in Ethiopia, Amharic is a Semitic language with its own distinct script. Understanding its deep ties to Ethiopian culture has enriched our subtitling process. Check out our blog post on the challenges of Machine Translation and Post Editing to learn more about maintaining quality in translation projects.
- Oromo: Known as the language of the Oromo people in Ethiopia and Kenya, Oromo is one of the most spoken languages in Africa. Its diverse dialects make translation a fascinating endeavor, allowing us to learn more about the rich heritage of its speakers.
- Wolof: A key language in Senegal and Gambia, Wolof carries the region’s oral traditions. Translating into Wolof has given us insight into Senegal’s culture, which emphasizes storytelling and community. Learn more about the importance of cultural localization in this blog post.
- Bambara: Widely spoken in Mali, Bambara connects us to one of the continent’s most dynamic cultures, known for its music and artistic traditions.
More Than Just Translation
Subtitling these languages has been about more than just converting words into another language—it’s about ensuring the cultural integrity of the message. Every project we undertake is a chance to grow and engage with the world beyond the text, helping to connect communities and ideas across continents.
At TranslationsInLondon, we believe that every language tells a story, and we are proud to help our clients share those stories with the world. Discover more about how we help brands preserve their voice in our other blog posts.