For these 260,000 people, it is important to create a message that resonates with them, in their own native language. When selecting a translation service provider, ensure that they are experienced in indigenous language translation and familiar with how these languages operate. Indigenous languages do not translate the same as others due to their complex morphology. Sometimes a sentence can be a 20 letter word!
Example of Cree: ᒌ ᐅᑳᔅᒋᓈᐧᐋᐦᔮᐧᐋᓂᐧᐃᑎᐦᑭᐙᑭᓂᐎᐦᑖᐙᑯᐱᓐ
Translation: They were presumably given a package of spatchcocked grouse.
Did you know that there are over 60 Indigenous languages spoken in Canada today? Some of the most common and in-demand dialects include Algonquin, Blackfoot, Cree, Dakota, Gitxsan/Gitsenimax, Innu-aimun, Inuktitut/Western Inuktitut, Mi’kmaq, Mohawk, Nunavik, Oneida, Seneca, and Woods Cree. Yet, indigenous language translation is much more complex due to the many unique elements of the languages. You’ll require a professional translator that is an expert in that dialect or region. Thankfully, Languages in Motion provides Indigenous translations for nearly every Indigenous dialect spoken in Canada.
Canada has a long history with Indigenous communities throughout the country. Each province represents a wide range of highly complex linguistic diversity and numerous languages. You could potentially find the languages from two families, Algonquian and Iroquoian, on the east of Lake Winnipeg. At the same time, speakers of Salishan, Tsimshian and Wakashan reside in Victoria and British Columbia, while on the Prairies, there are speakers of Algonquian, Siouan, and Dene languages. Michif, the distinct language of the Métis, is commonly spoken in Saskatoon and Alberta, highlighting the importance of professional translation services in Canada to preserve and connect with these communities, contact us today to learn more.
Much like other languages and dialects, various terms and words used might make translation difficult. There is also the fact that Indigenous languages are not as commonly spoken as other languages, meaning translations and interpretations are not as simple.
Due to the various Indigenous languages and dialects, the number of working translators is limited (our translators are just like gems; rare and precious), which means they are in high demand. You will have to schedule your translator earlier than usual to ensure you get their services. Indigenous business culture can be different than what you may be used to, while deadlines are also harder to meet. Revision is often not practiced out of respect; this is not avoidance of quality control but more a cultural norm.
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