In today’s interconnected world, businesses have unprecedented opportunities to reach global audiences. However, as they expand their reach across borders, one crucial aspect of marketing cannot be overlooked: localization.
Localization involves adapting content and marketing strategies to fit the cultural norms, preferences, and languages of specific target markets. By tailoring their messages to resonate with local audiences, businesses can create more impactful marketing campaigns and foster strong connections with potential customers worldwide.
Understanding Cultural Diversity
Cultural diversity is a defining characteristic of our world, with each country, region, and even city possessing its unique set of values, traditions, and linguistic nuances. What may be appealing or acceptable in one culture can be completely misunderstood or even offensive in another.
Localization recognizes and respects these differences by ensuring that marketing content is not only translated accurately but also adapted to reflect the cultural context of the target market.
Language Adaptation
Language is the most fundamental element of localization. While English is widely spoken and understood, a large portion of the global population prefers consuming content in their native language. Thus, translating marketing materials into the local language is essential for effective communication.
It is crucial to go beyond mere translation and consider linguistic nuances, idiomatic expressions, and even regional dialects. Localizing content ensures that it resonates with the target audience, making them feel more connected to the brand and its offerings.
Cultural Nuances
Beyond language, cultural norms and values play a vital role in shaping consumer behavior. What may be considered appropriate or desirable in one culture might be perceived differently in another. Localization involves adapting content to reflect these cultural nuances. This can involve modifying imagery, adjusting color schemes, using locally relevant examples, and incorporating cultural references that resonate with the target audience.
By doing so, businesses demonstrate their understanding and respect for the local culture, fostering a sense of familiarity and trust.
Customizing Marketing Strategies
Localization also involves customizing marketing strategies to align with local preferences and market dynamics. This may include adjusting pricing structures, promotional tactics, distribution channels, and even product features to cater to specific markets.
By acknowledging and adapting to the unique needs and preferences of local consumers, businesses can gain a competitive edge and position themselves as trusted partners rather than foreign entities.
Building Trust and Brand Loyalty
Localization surpasses mere communication; it builds trust and establishes brand loyalty. When businesses invest in understanding and adapting to local cultural norms, they demonstrate their commitment to the local community and their willingness to cater to their needs.
This level of customization creates a deeper connection with consumers, leading to higher engagement, increased brand awareness, and ultimately, customer loyalty. By acknowledging the importance of localization, businesses can foster long-term relationships with customers worldwide.
Localization is important for businesses to succeed in global markets and grow sustainably. Investing in this helps navigate complexities and empowers success.
Teneo Linguistics Company offers customized localization and transcreation services in addition to professional translation, interpreting, transcription, consulting, and bilingual staffing. TLC is a certified small, woman-owned business that specializes in these services in over 180 languages. Visit www.tlctranslation.com to get a quote for your business today.
Language is the cornerstone of human communication and has played a crucial role in our evolution as a species.
From the earliest forms of communication to the complex linguistic systems we use today, the evolution of language is a fascinating journey that reflects the development of human society, culture, and cognition.
The exact origins of language remain a subject of debate among linguists and scientists. However, it is widely accepted that human language emerged as a means of communication in our early hominid ancestors. The development of the vocal tract, improved cognitive abilities, and increased social interactions are believed to have contributed to the evolution of early forms of language.
The Early Forms of Language
Early human language likely started with simple vocalizations, gestures, and facial expressions. These primitive forms of communication were limited in their ability to convey complex ideas, but they served as a foundation for the development of more sophisticated linguistic systems.
Over time, early humans began to combine sounds, gestures, and visual cues to create a more nuanced and expressive means of communication.
The Birth of Written Language
The invention of writing marks a significant milestone in the evolution of language.
Ancient civilizations, such as the Sumerians, Egyptians, and Chinese, independently developed systems of writing to record information and communicate across time and space. The advent of written language allowed for the preservation and transmission of knowledge, enabling the accumulation of human culture and history.
Language and Cultural Evolution
Language is deeply intertwined with culture, and as human societies evolved, so did their languages. Different cultures and regions developed their unique languages, dialects, and linguistic features, shaped by their history, environment, and social interactions. This diversity of languages reflects the richness and complexity of human cultural expression.
The Rise of Global Languages
As civilizations expanded and interacted through trade, conquest, and colonization, certain languages gained prominence as lingua francas (a language that is adopted as a common language between speakers whose native languages are different).
Greek, Latin, Arabic, and English are among the languages that have played significant roles as vehicles of communication, administration, science, and trade across different periods of time. In recent centuries, English has emerged as the global language of business, diplomacy, and technology, further facilitating global interactions.
Modern Expressions and Language Evolution
The modern era, marked by rapid advancements in technology and communication, has led to new forms of language evolution. The rise of the internet and social media platforms has introduced a new realm of communication, where emojis, acronyms, and hashtags have become integral to online discourse.
These digital expressions reflect the need for efficient communication in a fast-paced and interconnected world.
Language is continually evolving, adapting to societal changes and technological advancements. With the increasing interconnectedness of the world, it is likely that languages will continue to blend, borrow, and evolve, giving rise to new forms of expression.
Additionally, emerging technologies such as machine learning and artificial intelligence are shaping the way we communicate, raising questions about the potential impact on language and human interaction.
As we navigate the ever-changing landscape of communication, it is crucial to appreciate the origins, development, and diversity of languages while embracing the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.
Language, in all its forms, will continue to shape our understanding of the world, foster connections between individuals and cultures, and serve as a powerful tool for expressing the human experience.
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 your company can benefit from TLC’s professional services at www.tlctranslation.com.
Teneo Linguistics Company (TLC) was recently awarded a silver medal in the EcoVadis sustainability rating program.
EcoVadis guides companies in their journey to a more sustainable world. It rates them based on material issues according to the company’s size, location, and industry.
“We were so impressed with EcoVadis and their ability to tailor the requirements to our type of operation and size,” TLC Owner and CEO Hana Laurenzo said. “We have worked hard for several years to advance our business in all the categories under ESG (environmental, social, and governance) and operate an ethical, sustainable business that makes sound decisions at every turn.
“We are overjoyed at our results, getting a Silver medal right out of the gate. Now we have a starting point and a roadmap that will help us to get even better in the upcoming years.”
The medals program recognizes companies that have completed the EcoVadis assessment process. This process requires demonstrating a strong management system that addresses sustainability criteria, as outlined in the EcoVadis methodology. Companies must also meet specific licensing and eligibility criteria.
The criteria include a minimum score of 30 in each of the following areas:
• Environment
• Ethics
• Labor and Human Rights
• Sustainable Procurement (minimum score of 25)
Medals are awarded to companies that fall within a percentage in meeting all EcoVadis criteria.
According to the EcoVadis website, “Environmental, social, and ethical performance – or Sustainability – is an essential factor for smart business today. Companies, including your trading partners, face increasing pressure to make their transparency and sustainability practices better. This includes the sustainability of their trading partners, which includes you.”
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.
Now that 2022 has come to an end, it’s time to reflect on some important moments in the language services industry. Here are some of the major headlines from interpreting, translation, and other language news from last year.
White House hires full-time ASL interpreters – March 2022
At the end of last March, the White House made history by hiring its first full-time American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters. The interpreters assisted in ensuring President Joe Biden’s live broadcasts were heard by all.
The first official White House ASL interpreter is a ground-breaking position, which went to Elsie Stecker who is completely deaf. In addition, the Biden administration also hired non-deaf ASL interpreter Lindsay Snyder. According to the American Translators Association, the positions come after advocates sued to get live ASL interpreting during COVID-19 briefings.
British Sign Language becomes an official language in the UK – April 2022
While British Sign Language (BSL) was recognized as a language in 2003, it had no legal protection until April 28, 2022. The new law passed by the House of Lords formally acknowledges BSL as a language in all of the United Kingdom.
However, Scotland already passed legislature back in 2015 legally recognizing BSL. The UK Government has been made responsible for providing better guidance to public services and government departments on BSL.
HHS proposes new rule to improve language access – August 2022
A new rule to improve language access was proposed by the Department of Health and Human Services back in August of 2022. The rule expands language access through the Affordable Care Act and ensures free and effective language assistance services are provided to limited English proficient (LEP) individuals. The rule also includes standards for video remote interpreting and a requirement that healthcare entities with 15 or more employees designate an individual to coordinate compliance.
On October 6th, HHS announced its relaunch of the Language Access Steering Committee to support the implementation of language access obligations under President Joe Biden’s Executive Orders.
European Parliament interpreters call off strike – October 2022
After going on strike in June of 2022, the European Parliament’s (EP) in-house interpreters made an interim deal and called off their strike on October 17th. The strike occurred in protest of problems that arose due to Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) teleworking during the pandemic and complaints of deteriorating health conditions.
According to an EP spokesperson, the deal secures a good compromise between the need for operational continuity and the interpreters’ health concerns related to working methods.
2019 Census Bureau report on languages – December 2022
The U.S. Census Bureau released its 2019 report, which states that about 67.8 million people spoke a language other than English at home. This number tripled from the 1980 data of about 23 million people. But the number of English speakers also increased from 187.2 million in 1980 to 241 million in 2019.
The most common non-English language in the US is Spanish which accounts for about 62%. This is followed by Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and Arabic.
There are numerous other language industry stories that came out of 2022 and many can be found on the American Translators Association website.
Teneo Linguistics Company is a certified small, woman-owned business that provides customizable language services in more than 180 languages. Learn more about how TLC can support your company by visiting www.tlctranslation.com.
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.
As Christmas approaches this weekend, families around the world are gearing up for a day full of cheer and songs that fill hearts with familiarity.
Christmas carols are thought to pre-date Christianity — existing to keep up people’s spirits, along with dances, plays, and feasts through the winter months. However, when Christianity spread throughout Europe in the 14th century, the first carols were produced by Franciscan friars, the followers of Saint Francis of Assisi.
From there, carols took hold – people from various countries composed their own classics that became hits to ring in the holiday. Here is a look at the origins of popular Christmas carols from around the world.
“Away in a Manger”
The carol “Away in a Manger” has an interesting history. It was written anonymously and published in American magazines around the 1880s. It was claimed that the song was from a 16th-century German lullaby, however, this was deemed untrue later on.
No one has uncovered an original German version of the carol and Methodist hymnologist Fred Gealy noted that evidence suggests that the carol is wholly an American product. Although, the original author of the carol hasn’t been positively identified.
“Deck the Halls”
This Christmas tune dates back to 16th-century Wales. Its lyrics came from the New Year’s Eve song “Nos Galan.” Scottish folk music composer Thomas Oliphant changed the words to what is now the well-known “Deck the Halls.” Oliphant’s version was published in Welsh Melodies, Vol. 2. in 1862. From that time on, he became a celebrated translator of songs, which included the English version of Ava Maria. He also wrote the chorale for the wedding of the future King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra.
“Feliz Navidad”
While it doesn’t necessarily have a “historic” origin, the carol that comes to mind isn’t just popular among Spanish-speaking families but has become well-liked around the world. “Feliz Navidad” was written and first recorded in 1970 by Puerto Rican singer-songwriter José Feliciano. Feliciano’s recording is one of the most downloaded and aired Christmas songs in the United States and Canada.
“O Come, All Ye Faithful”
Originally written in Latin, the carol “Adeste Fidelis” is now widely known as “O Come, All Ye Faithful.” The original carol has been attributed to several authors over the years. However, the earliest written version of the song is attributed to English hymnist John Francis Wade from his collection Cantus Diversi in 1751.
The English translation of “O Come, All Ye Faithful” was written by English Catholic priest Frederick Oakeley in 1841. It is now widespread in most English-speaking countries.
“O Tannenbaum”
The Christmas carol “O Tannenbaum” was initially written in 1824 by organist and composer Ernst Anschütz from Leipzig, Germany. The carol is based on a 16th-century German folk song that pays homage to the steadfast nature of the “Tannenbaum,” the German word for a fir tree.
The lyrics do not actually refer to Christmas or describe a decorated Christmas tree. Instead, they refer to the fir tree’s evergreen quality as a symbol of constancy and faithfulness. Today, the English version of this song has included a Christmas touch as the well-known “O Christmas Tree.”
“Silent Night”
“Silent Night” originated in a small Alpine town in the Austrian countryside. The song’s lyrics were originally written in German just after the end of the Napoleonic Wars by a young Austrian priest named Joseph Mohr. In 1817, Mohr asked school teacher and organist, Franz Gruber, to accompany his poem by composing the music.
The German version of “Silent Night”.
On Christmas Eve, 1818, Mohr and Gruber sang “Silent Night” for the first time in front of Mohr’s congregation in Salzburg, Austria. “Silent Night” is now the most widely translated Christmas carol being sung in more than 300 languages.
While it’s hard to put an exact number on how many Christmas carols there are around the world, most all have unique histories. This is why these songs spread a feeling of nostalgia during the holidays each year.
Teneo Linguistics Company is a certified small, woman-owned business that offers various customizable services in more than 180 languages. Visit www.tlctranslation.com to learn more about how TLC can support your company with language services.
