Food is a universal language that transcends cultural boundaries and brings people together.
From the aromatic spices of India to the delicate flavors of French cuisine, each culture has its unique culinary traditions and terminology.
Let’s embark on a delicious journey through the language of food, exploring various culinary terms and traditions from around the world.
Flavorful Expressions
Food-related idioms and expressions provide insight into the way diverse cultures perceive and appreciate their cuisine. For example, in English, we say spill the beans to mean revealing a secret, whereas in Spanish, dar calabazas (to give pumpkins), means rejecting someone romantically. These linguistic nuances highlight the cultural significance of food and its integration into everyday language.
Food Terminology
Every culture has a rich lexicon of culinary terms that capture the essence of their traditional dishes. Whether it is the Italian al dente to describe perfectly cooked pasta or the Japanese umami to denote the savory fifth taste, these terms encapsulate the unique qualities of different foods and cooking techniques.
Exploring food terminology can also uncover fascinating historical and cultural contexts. For instance, the Indian term masala refers to a blend of spices, representing the country’s vibrant and diverse culinary heritage. Similarly, the French word terroir encompasses the environmental factors that influence the taste and quality of wine, cheese, and other regional products.
Traditional Food Customs
Food is deeply intertwined with cultural traditions and customs. Each country has its culinary rituals that have been passed down through generations. From the elaborate multi-course meals of French haute cuisine to the communal Ethiopian injera bread shared at the table, these traditions reflect different societies’ values and social dynamics.
Exploring traditional food customs also sheds light on the significance of certain dishes during festivals and celebrations. For example, mooncakes are an integral part of the Mid-Autumn Festival in China, symbolizing unity and family.
Chinese mooncakes.
Similarly, the turkey holds a central place on the Thanksgiving table in the United States, representing gratitude and abundance.
Regional Specialties
Culinary terms and traditions vary not only from country to country but also within different regions of the same country. Exploring regional specialties provides a deeper understanding of the diverse culinary landscape within a particular culture.
For instance, Italy boasts a plethora of regional delicacies such as Neapolitan pizza, Tuscan ribollita, and Sicilian cannoli. Each dish reflects the distinct ingredients, cooking methods, and cultural influences of its respective region.
Sicilian cannoli
Similarly, the varied cuisines of India, ranging from the spicy curries of the south to the vegetarian delights of Gujarat, highlight the country’s incredible culinary diversity.
Food is much more than sustenance; it is an art form, a medium for cultural expression, and a way to connect with others.
Exploring the language of food allows us to appreciate the rich tapestry of global gastronomy, its unique terminology, and the traditions that shape it. So, the next time you savor a dish or engage in a culinary conversation, remember that food speaks volumes about a culture’s history, values, and creativity. Bon appétit!
Teneo Linguistics Company is a certified small, woman-owned business that specializes in a variety of customizable language services in over 180 languages. Learn more about how TLC can support your company at www.tlctranslation.com.
The rise of social media and digital communication platforms has transformed the way we interact with each other, including how we speak and write.
The unique characteristics of social media platforms have significantly influenced our language and communication patterns in this digital age. Social media has altered our communication methods. We now use shorter messages, emojis, hashtags, and abbreviations. This has resulted in a new way of expressing ourselves.
This piece will explore how social media and digital communication have shaped our language, for better or worse, and examine the impact it has had on our daily communication.
The Age of Brevity
Social media platforms have imposed limitations on the length of messages, forcing us to condense our thoughts and ideas into bite-sized snippets. The popularity of microblogging platforms like Twitter, with its 280-character limit, has led to the rise of concise and to-the-point communication.
The art of conveying meaningful messages within these constraints has become a valuable skill. As a result, we have witnessed a shift towards brevity, where acronyms, abbreviations, and shortened words have become commonplace.
The Language of Emojis
In an era where a picture is worth a thousand words, emojis have emerged as a powerful tool for expression. These tiny icons transcend language barriers and allow us to convey emotions and sentiments in a visually appealing manner.
With a single emoji, we can express joy, sadness, sarcasm, or even complex ideas. Emojis have become an integral part of digital communication, often serving as substitutes for textual descriptions. The language of emojis has enabled us to enhance our written communication by adding nuance and context to our messages.
The Rise of Hashtags
Hashtags, originally popularized by Twitter, have revolutionized the way we organize and discover content on social media platforms. They serve as keywords or tags that categorize posts, making them easily searchable and allowing users to join conversations on specific topics.
Hashtags have not only influenced the way we write but also how we think about our messages. They have become a powerful tool for amplifying voices, promoting social causes, and creating communities around shared interests.
Informalization of Language
Social media has witnessed the blurring of formal and informal language boundaries. The need for quick and casual communication has led to the adoption of colloquial language, slang, and memes in digital conversations.
This informality has seeped into other forms of written communication, including emails and professional interactions. While it fosters a sense of familiarity and relatability, it also poses challenges in maintaining a distinction between formal and informal contexts.
Amplified Expression and Connectivity
Social media platforms have provided a platform for individuals to express themselves freely and connect with like-minded people. Digital communication has given a voice to marginalized groups and facilitated the sharing of diverse perspectives.
It has allowed individuals to engage in public discourse, raise awareness about social issues, and mobilize support for various causes. The democratization of communication has empowered individuals to shape public opinion and influence societal change.
As we navigate this ever-evolving landscape, it is crucial to strike a balance between embracing the advantages of digital communication and preserving the richness of language.
We can use social media and still communicate meaningfully in the digital age by adapting to new ways of expressing ourselves.
Teneo Linguistics Company (TLC) is a certified small, woman-owned business that specializes in a variety of customizable language services in over 180 languages. Learn more about how TLC can support your company with professional language services at www.tlctranslation.com.
Language barriers can be a significant hurdle for businesses looking to expand their reach. To overcome this obstacle, many companies often turn to their bilingual employees for translation tasks.
While utilizing bilingual staff may seem like a cost-effective solution, it is crucial to understand the potential pitfalls and drawbacks associated with this approach. Here is a closer look into why relying solely on bilingual employees as translators may not be the best choice for your business.
Limited Translation Expertise
Fluency in two or more languages does not automatically guarantee translation proficiency. Translation is a complex skill that requires a deep understanding of both the source and target languages, as well as cultural nuances, idiomatic expressions, and industry-specific terminology.
Bilingual employees may lack the specialized training and expertise that professional translators possess, leading to inaccuracies, misinterpretations, and potential misunderstandings.
Diverted Focus from Core Responsibilities
Assigning translation tasks to bilingual employees can lead to a significant diversion of their attention from their primary roles within the company. This can adversely affect their productivity, as they may have to sacrifice their time and energy for translation work rather than focusing on their core responsibilities.
Overburdening employees with additional tasks can lead to burnout and a decrease in overall job satisfaction, potentially impacting their performance in other areas.
Potential Bias and Conflict of Interest
Using bilingual employees as translators may create conflicts of interest or bias. When an employee translates documents or communications for their employer, they may inadvertently alter the content to align with their personal views or company goals. This bias can distort the intended message and compromise the accuracy and impartiality of the translation.
To ensure objective and unbiased translations, it is best to engage external professional translators who are dedicated to delivering accurate and neutral translations.
Lack of Time and Availability
Translation projects often have tight deadlines and require quick turnarounds. Bilingual employees may not have the bandwidth or availability to meet these demands consistently. Juggling translation work alongside their regular duties can result in delays, rushed translations, or compromised quality.
A professional language services provider like Teneo Linguistics Company (TLC), on the other hand, has dedicated teams and resources specifically designed to handle time-sensitive projects, ensuring timely and high-quality translations.
Potential Legal and Regulatory Risks
Certain industries, such as healthcare, finance, and legal services, require precise and accurate translations to comply with specific regulations and standards. Relying solely on bilingual employees for translation in these sectors can pose significant legal and regulatory risks.
Professional translators possess the necessary expertise and knowledge to ensure compliance with industry-specific requirements, reducing the chances of legal issues or misinterpretations.
While it may be tempting to utilize bilingual employees as translators to save costs and streamline internal processes, it is crucial to consider the potential drawbacks and risks involved.
Investing in professional translation services ensures that your business communications are accurately conveyed, allowing you to build trust, avoid misunderstandings, and effectively engage with a global audience.
Teneo Linguistics Company is a certified small, woman-owned business that specializes in a variety of customizable language services in over 180 languages. Learn more about how TLC can assist your company’s language needs at www.tlctranslation.com.
The ability to speak multiple languages has long been regarded as a valuable skill. In addition to facilitating communication across cultures, research has shown that being bilingual or multilingual has a profound impact on the brain.
The benefits of speaking multiple languages extend beyond communication and can positively influence various areas of cognitive function.
Enhanced Cognitive Control
One of the most notable effects of speaking multiple languages is the enhancement of cognitive control. Bilingual individuals constantly switch between languages and inhibit one language while using the other.
This cognitive demand strengthens the brain’s executive control system, which is responsible for maintaining focus, switching attention, and suppressing irrelevant information. As a result, bilinguals exhibit improved attentional control and have an increased ability to filter out distractions in various tasks.
Improved Memory and Learning Abilities
The bilingual brain also benefits from improved memory and learning abilities. Language learning involves memorizing vocabulary, grammar rules, and syntactic structures. Consequently, bilingual individuals develop better memory skills, particularly in tasks related to verbal information.
The process of constantly activating and suppressing different languages strengthens the brain’s memory networks and enhances overall cognitive performance. Multilingualism has also been linked to a delay in age-related cognitive decline.
Enhanced Problem-Solving and Creative Thinking
Speaking multiple languages has been associated with enhanced problem-solving skills and creative thinking. Bilingual individuals often encounter situations where they need to find alternative ways to express themselves or understand others.
This mental flexibility and adaptability transfer to other cognitive domains, allowing bilinguals to approach problems from different perspectives. Research has shown that bilingual individuals tend to think more creatively, as their multilingual experiences enable them to make connections between disparate concepts and think outside the box.
Increased Empathy and Intercultural Understanding
Language is closely intertwined with culture, and speaking multiple languages exposes individuals to different cultural perspectives. This linguistic and cultural diversity fosters empathy and intercultural understanding.
Bilingual individuals often have a deeper appreciation for cultural nuances, which enables them to communicate and connect with people from diverse backgrounds more effectively. This heightened intercultural sensitivity broadens their worldview and contributes to their overall cognitive development.
Neuroplasticity and Cognitive Reserve
Recent studies suggest that the bilingual brain exhibits higher levels of neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections.
Bilingualism provides constant cognitive challenges, stimulating neuroplasticity and promoting more efficient use of brain resources. This enhanced plasticity contributes to the cognitive reserve of bilingual individuals, making their brains more resilient against the effects of aging and neurological disorders.
Whether you are already bilingual or considering learning a new language, embracing multilingualism can be a fulfilling and intellectually enriching journey with long-lasting benefits for your brain health and cognitive abilities. So go ahead, embark on the path to becoming bilingual, and unlock the potential of your brain.
Teneo Linguistics Company is a certified small, woman-owned business that specializes in customizable language services in over 180 languages. Learn more about how we can support your company with professional language services at www.tlctranslation.com.
Behind every word lies a story, a journey through time and across cultures. Etymology, the study of word origins and evolution, provides us with a captivating glimpse into the rich tapestry of language.
In this blog, we embark on an adventure through etymology, exploring interesting facts that shed light on the hidden histories and connections of our beloved words.
Latin – the language of influence
Latin, the ancient language of the Romans, has had a profound impact on many modern languages, including English. More than 60% of English words have Latin roots.
From legal terms like habeas corpus to scientific terms such as biology — from the Latin word biologia meaning study of life — the legacy of Latin can be found in numerous domains.
Greek Contributions
The Greek language has also left its mark on the world of words. Greek mythology, for instance, has inspired numerous terms we use today.
Narcissism originates from the myth of Narcissus, while herculean is derived from the mighty hero Hercules. Additionally, the Greek philosopher Aristotle gave us the term metaphysics, which now refers to the branch of philosophy dealing with abstract concepts.
The Viking influence
The Vikings were more than just fierce warriors — they were also skillful navigators and traders. As they sailed across the seas, they spread their language, Old Norse, which still influences English today.
Common English words like sky, knife, and egg are derived from Old Norse roots.
Arabic contributions
Arabic, the language of the Quran and a key contributor to the Islamic Golden Age has left an indelible mark on the world of science, mathematics, and language.
English words like alcohol, algebra, and zero owe their existence to Arabic influences. Moreover, the Arabic numeral system, which we use today, revolutionized mathematics in the Western world.
Onomatopoeia – words that imitate sounds
Onomatopoeic words are fascinating examples of how language can mimic the sounds of the world around us. Words like buzz, crash, and hiss imitate the sounds they represent, enhancing our ability to describe and communicate auditory experiences.
Eponyms – words derived from names
Eponyms are words that originate from the names of people or places. For example, the word sandwich comes from John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, who was known for his love of eating meat between slices of bread.
Other eponyms include boycott — from Charles Boycott — algorithm — from Al-Khwarizmi — and guillotine — from Joseph-Ignace Guillotin.
Borrowed words – linguistic borrowings and loanwords
Languages constantly evolve through interactions and borrowing from other cultures. English specifically has borrowed extensively from other languages. Words like sushi from Japanese, chocolate from Nahuatl — an indigenous language of Mexico — and karma from Sanskrit demonstrate the global interconnectedness of language.
Exploring the origins of words not only expands our vocabulary but also provides us with a deeper understanding of the cultures and histories that have shaped our languages. Next time you utter a word, remember that it carries within it a tale of its own, connecting you to the fascinating tapestry of human communication.
Teneo Linguistics Company (TLC) is a certified small, woman-owned business that specializes in a variety of customizable language services in over 180 languages. Learn more about TLC and get a quote for professional language services at www.tlctranslation.com.
Research is an essential component of progress and development in various fields such as medicine, technology, and social sciences. However, conducting research can be a challenging task, especially when it comes to collecting and analyzing data.
Multilingual transcription plays a vital role in research by ensuring data accuracy and accessibility.
What is Multilingual Transcription?
Multilingual transcription involves the process of converting audio or video recordings in different languages into written text.
This process enables researchers to analyze and understand data more effectively. It involves listening to the recordings, transcribing them into written text, and translating the text into the desired language.
Multilingual transcription is essential in research for several reasons:
• It ensures data accuracy. Transcribing audio or video recordings into written text makes it easier to analyze the data accurately. It also eliminates errors that may occur during the transcription process, such as omitting critical information or misinterpreting the meaning of words.
• Multilingual transcription increases data accessibility. Transcribing data into written text makes it easier for researchers to access and analyze the data. It also allows researchers to share the data with others, which increases collaboration and enables further research and analysis.
• It is crucial for conducting cross-cultural research. Researchers may encounter participants who speak different languages, and therefore, multilingual transcription allows for the transcription of data from different languages. This increases the accuracy and validity of research findings as it allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the research topic.
• It is essential for researchers who are not fluent in the language spoken by their participants. Transcribing data into written text allows researchers to understand the data more effectively, even if they are not fluent in the language spoken by the participants.
• Finally, multilingual transcription is necessary for conducting research in multilingual settings. Transcribing data in multiple languages allows researchers to analyze and compare data across different languages and cultures, which enhances their understanding of the research topic.
Multilingual transcription increases collaboration between researchers and allows for further research and analysis. Therefore, it is essential for researchers to prioritize multilingual transcription to maximize the accuracy and validity of their research findings.
Teneo Linguistics Company (TLC) offers both audio and video transcription services in most language combinations. Producing high-quality, clear, and frequently confidential transcription can be a complex process that TLC handles with ease and at an affordable price.
From taped meetings and video surveillance to conference proceedings, seminars, e-learning, clinical interviews, market research, psychological assessments, and podcasts, TLC provides transcription services that are tailored to a company’s needs.
Language is a powerful tool that we use to communicate with others and express our thoughts and ideas. However, it also plays a significant role in shaping our thoughts and perception of the world.
From how we see colors and shapes to how we understand complex ideas, language influences how we experience and interact with the world around us.
One of the most significant ways in which language shapes our perception is through the categorization of objects and concepts. We use language to label and organize the things we encounter, which can influence how we perceive them.
One of the most important uses of language is the definition of the self, besides others, and the relations between these groups. Pronouns like I, you, and we exist in almost all languages, but very few languages use the same assortment. The formal-informal distinction is still found in many widely spoken modern languages, like French, Spanish, Italian, and Russian (among many others), and is as such quite familiar.
Standard Chinese has two pronouns for ‘we’— one excluding the person to who the language addressed (us but not you), and another ‘we’ for including that person (us and you). This sort of flexibility offers speakers more frequent chances to distinguish these differences between in-and-out groups.
Similarly, expressing action in relation to other people in Japanese requires the consideration of many distinctions entirely absent from English. Perhaps most dramatically, most verbs that take another as a direct or indirect object must be appended with a suffix which signals whether or not that other person is a member of one’s social in- or out-group, and whether the action was kindly received by a superior within that community hierarchy, or kindly performed for one to whom the speaker is either a peer or a superior, such as a close friend in an especially informal setting, or a younger family member or pet.
English speakers don’t use ‘thou’ anymore, but for Japanese speakers, even the word ‘to do’— is a choice between yaru (for those below the speaker in hierarchy) and suru (neutral).
In English, we use different words to describe blue and describe tints of blue by adding an adjective to the front, such as light blue and dark blue. In contrast in Russian, there are entirely different words for light blue, goluboi, and dark blue, siniy. If an English speaker requested that they be handed a red item from an assortment, and instead received the pink one, they’d feel their request was mishandled— not that there was an ambiguity in their request. Similarly, a Russian speaker expecting a new car in navy blue would be shocked to receive one in cornflower or sky blue. As in English, Russian also treats red and pink as distinct colors.
Similarly, the way in which languages categorize nouns can also shape how speakers perceive and remember them. For example, in English, we categorize objects as either animate,living, or inanimate, non-living. However, in some languages, such as Spanish and French, objects are categorized as either masculine or feminine, which can influence how speakers remember and conceptualize those objects.
Language can also shape our perception of time and space. For example, in English, we tend to think of time as a linear progression, with the past behind us and the future ahead. Certain languages, like Turkish and Japanese, make sure to relate whether or not a past event was directly experienced, or if it was simply related to the speaker.
In English, “It rained.” is so simple as to feel objective and factual, yet Turkish speakers must first consider whether to say, “Yağmur yağdı”, i.e. it rained, and I saw the rain, or “Yağmur yağmış”, i.e. everything is wet;it rained.
However, some cultures, such as the Aymara people of South America, think of time as moving from east to west, with the past in front of them and the future behind.
This difference in perception can influence how speakers of different languages plan for the future, as well as how they remember past events.
Similarly, the way in which languages describe spatial relationships can also shape how speakers perceive and navigate the world.
In English, we use words like in, on, and under to describe the location of objects. However, some languages, such as Tzeltal Maya, use words that describe the shape and orientation of objects in relation to each other, which can lead speakers to perceive spatial relationships differently.
Finally, language can also influence how we perceive and express emotions. Different languages have different words and expressions for emotions, which can influence how speakers perceive and experience those emotions. In Japanese, there are many words for different types of sadness and happiness. The most frequently used and general word, 悲しい kanashiiis quite similar to the most limited sense of the English word sad.
In English, ‘sad’ has multiple distinct meanings: in addition to the opposite of happy (as described above), one can also use ‘sad’ to evaluate a person, situation, or circumstance in the sense of wretched, or deplorable. In Japanese, we’d need a totally different word, 嘆かわしい nagekawashii. 痛ましい itamashii, however, takes the kanji for ‘injury’ or ‘pain’ to mean sadness with a specific point of heartbreak or tragedy responsible for the emotion.
While English also has many different words for sadness, the point is that the lack of direct equivalencies leads to different expressions of the nature, origin, and circumstance of the emotion of sadness.
As we continue to study language and its effects on the brain and behavior, we can gain a deeper understanding of how language shapes our perception of the world and the implications of these effects for communication and cognition.
Teneo Linguistics Company is a certified small, woman-owned business that specializes in a variety of customizable language services in over 180 languages. Learn more by visiting www.tlctranslation.com.
Creating culturally appropriate content is more important than ever in today’s world. With the rise of social media and the internet, people from all over the world are constantly consuming content from a wide variety of sources.
As a business, it’s important to recognize the diversity of your audience and create content that is respectful and inclusive of different cultures. Here are some tips for creating culturally appropriate content for different audiences.
Research the culture
Before creating any content, it’s important to research the culture you are targeting. This includes understanding their values, customs, and traditions. This will help you avoid any cultural missteps that may offend your audience.
Take the time to learn about their history, language, and social norms. You can do this by reading books, watching documentaries, and talking to people from that culture.
Use inclusive language
Language plays a significant role in how we perceive different cultures. It’s essential to use inclusive language that avoids stereotypes and generalizations. Avoid using language that is derogatory, insensitive, or offensive.
Use language that is respectful and inclusive. This includes using gender-neutral language, avoiding racial slurs, and recognizing the diversity within a culture.
Consider visual imagery
Visual imagery can be a powerful way to communicate culture, but it’s essential to use it carefully. Be mindful of the images you choose and how they may be perceived.
Avoid using stereotypes or images that may be culturally insensitive. Instead, use images that represent the diversity within the culture and its values.
Be respectful of religious beliefs
Religion plays an important role in many cultures, and it’s essential to be respectful of these beliefs. Avoid using religious imagery or language that may be perceived as offensive.
Instead, focus on the values and traditions of the culture.
Collaborate with members of the culture
Collaborating with members of the culture you are targeting can be an effective way to create culturally appropriate content. This can provide you with valuable insights into the culture and help you avoid any cultural missteps. Additionally, it shows your audience that you are respectful of their culture and willing to learn from them.
Seek feedback from diverse sources
Once you’ve created your content, it’s important to seek feedback from a diverse group of people.
This can include people from the culture you are targeting, as well as people from other cultures. This will help you identify any cultural missteps and make adjustments as needed.
As a business, it’s essential to recognize the diversity of your audience and create content that reflects this diversity. By doing so, you can reach a broader audience and create a positive impact.
Teneo Linguistics Company can assist your business on this journey by providing a variety of customizable language services in more than 180 languages. Visit www.tlctranslation.com to get a quote today.
Multilingual desktop publishing (DTP) is the process of creating and publishing print or electronic materials in multiple languages. It combines language experts with designers to keep a business’s designs as consistent as possible between different languages.
Multilingual DTP requires a deep understanding of the different scripts, alphabets, and typographical conventions of each language. This also includes the cultural context in which the text will be used.
DTP is something that companies may not think to prioritize but is valuable in business expansion. With the growing number of languages being used on the internet and in digital media, this service is becoming increasingly important for creating content that is accessible and relevant to diverse audiences.
Multilingual DTP allows businesses to effectively communicate with a global audience, expand their customer base, and improve their brand image.
By using various languages and localizing content, businesses can increase their visibility and credibility in different regions and cultures.
Additionally, multilingual DTP can help ensure that business materials such as brochures, manuals, and websites are accurate and consistent across different languages. This improves the overall quality of the materials and the brand image.
Overall, multilingual desktop publishing can help businesses increase their reach, improve communication with customers, and enhance their global brand image.
Using a professional for multilingual desktop publishing is recommended for several reasons:
• Expertise – A professional has the expertise to handle the complexities of multilingual desktop publishing. This includes language-specific character sets, typography, and layout issues.
• Accuracy – Professional translators have the necessary language skills to translate and adapt content for different cultures and regions accurately. This helps ensure that the meaning and tone of the content are preserved in each language.
• Consistency – A professional can ensure that the visual design, branding, and formatting are consistent across all languages. This helps maintain the integrity and consistency of the brand image.
• Efficiency – A professional can handle the time-consuming process of multilingual DTP. This frees up time for businesses to focus on other important tasks.
• Cost savings – By using a professional, businesses can avoid costly mistakes and ensure that their multilingual materials are of high quality. This will save them money in the long run.
Ultimately, using a professional like Teneo Linguistics Company can help ensure that businesses effectively communicate with a global audience.
People all around the world will ring in 2023 this weekend, which means partaking in their own unique traditions. Here is a glimpse of how citizens of various countries celebrate New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Brazil
On NYE, Brazilians can be seen dressed in white attire to symbolize luck and prosperity in the new year. This tradition came from the Candomblé religion, where people would wear white during rituals seeking peace and spiritual purification. This is followed by a trip to the beach where individuals jump through seven waves. The person who jumps the seven waves will receive spiritual cleansing and strength to overcome obstacles in the coming year.
Canada
While many people spend the evening at bars and parties, residents of more rural areas in Quebec spend the night ice fishing with groups of friends.
A Canadian New Year’s Day tradition involves plunging into icy cold waters in the name of charity. The polar bear swim started back in the early 1900s in Vancouver and has now become a tradition across the country.
Denmark
In Denmark, it’s traditional to throw old plates and other dishes at friends’ and neighbors’ front doors on New Year’s Eve. The more that accumulates on the doorstep, the better luck you will have in the new year.
Danish citizens also participate in what is called hoppe ind i det nye år or in English, “to jump or leap into the new year.” This involves jumping on furniture. The proper tradition is to climb up on a chair just as the year is drawing to a close and then jump down off of it at the stroke of midnight.
France
Although celebrating very similarly to the United States, France does have some unique traditions for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Residents of all ages in France brave the freezing ocean for a dip or un bain des givrés. One of the most popular beaches for this communal swim is that at Malo-les-Bains in Dunkirk. When the clock strikes midnight on NYE, it is tradition for citizens to kiss under the mistletoe.
Greece
In Greece, families hang pomegranates on their doors. At midnight the family moves away from the house and after midnight one lucky member, usually, a child, re-enters the house stepping in with their right foot. It is believed that the first person to step foot inside the house will bring good luck to everyone in the house. Another family member smashes the pomegranate. Tradition says that the more seeds that fall on the ground, the more fortune and luck will enter the house.
Haiti
Besides the new year, the people of Haiti have another reason to celebrate. January 1st is Haitian Independence Day, which commemorates Haiti’s declaration of independence from French colonial rule on January 1, 1804.
To celebrate, citizens eat joumou soup – a mix of squash, beef, potatoes, and vegetables – which represents freedom to Haitians.
Ireland
Banging bread against walls and doors is a common NYE tradition in Ireland. This is done to ward off evil spirits and protect the home. If bread isn’t available, pots and pans or wooden spoons will suffice. Another Irish tradition involves placing coal inside the house. Having coal in the house is a sign that the new year will be prosperous and filled with wealth and abundance. Coal represents warmth, potential, and opportunity.
Japan
In Japan, 108 bell tolls can be heard from Buddhist temples at midnight on New Year’s. This symbolizes the earthly temptations and Buddhist belief to get rid of the 108 worldly desires regarding sense and feeling in every citizen.
The Japanese also have a custom of sending New Year’s Day postcards to friends and relatives, similar to the Western custom of sending Christmas cards.
Philippines
If you walked into a Filipino’s home on NYE you would see a table with round fruits at its center. This tradition is known as bilog-bilog. In Hispanic culture, round-shape fruits symbolize richness or wealth because their form resembles old-fashioned gold and silver. Besides the round fruits, citizens can be seen sporting polka dot clothing or anything round-shaped. Around an hour before the clock strikes midnight, Filipinos create a lot of noise to ward off bad spirits and negative vibes. Once the new year arrives, citizens jump as high as they can at midnight to bring growth for the new year.
United States
Whether in person or in front of the television screen, US residents traditionally ring in the new year by watching the ball drop in New York City’s Time Square. The first ball drop was held on December 31, 1907, and was organized by New York Times owner Adolph Ochs.
It is estimated that one million people watch the NYC ball drop live. The night wraps up with champagne, fireworks, and a kiss.
Teneo Linguistics Company is a certified small, woman-owned business that specializes in a variety of customizable language services, in more than 180 languages. The TLC team wishes everyone a safe and happy New Year.
