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Bridging cultures: the importance of translating into Irish and Welsh

Learn more about translation into Irish and Welsh (Gaeilge and Cymraeg) and how we can tailor our services to suit your linguistic needs.


The roof of the library of Trinity College Dublin
Trinity College Dublin

Translation services help businesses in a range of sectors reach diverse audiences. We specialise in helping companies communicate effectively in Irish and Welsh, two languages rich in cultural significance and historic importance.

 

Did you know?

  • Welsh-speaking children learn to read Welsh quicker than English-speaking children learn to read English? This is in part due to the language’s shallow orthography (or how consistent letters are with their phonetic pronunciation).

  • Irish is one of the oldest written languages in the world – earliest evidence of its written use dates back to the 5th century.

  • You can find relics of the Welsh language in place names all over the UK. Pen-y-ghent, Dover, Penrith and Avon all have their roots in the Welsh language.

  • Borrowed words from Gaelic can be found in English too. Some examples include words such as  “galore” (from Irish “go leor” meaning plenty/to sufficiency) and “brogue” from the Irish “bróg” (meaning shoe).

 

Why translate into Irish and Welsh?

Demographics: translating content into Irish and/or Welsh opens up avenues for your content to reach a broader audience. According to recent Census data in Wales, there are over 550,000 Welsh speakers, making up 19% of the country’s population. Most notably, the language's stronghold lies within the age bracket of 5 to 15, boasting a remarkable 40.3% proficiency rate. The Welsh government’s goal of achieving 1 million speakers by 2050 underlines the importance of catering to this growing linguistic community. Statistics in Ireland show a similar upward trajectory – with 1.76 million to 2 million Irish speakers and a remarkable surge in popularity (evidenced by its 1.1 million learners on platforms such as Duolingo), the demand for Irish-language content is growing.


Unique brand presence: opting to publish your content in Irish and/or Welsh not only sets your brand apart from the competition but also signifies a profound commitment to the market. Businesses that have embraced translation go beyond mere practicality – they show a deep respect for national culture and identity, leading to better relationships with local customers.


Legal requirements: to promote these languages and encourage their status, governments in both nations have implemented legal requirements on the use of Irish and Welsh. In Ireland, for example, legislation requires certain products and labels to be offered in Gaelic. This affects sectors such as electronics, clothing, household appliances and office supplies. Similarly in Wales, legal obligations extend to bilingual signage and public services.


How we help

Linguistic expertise: our team consists of native speakers who are proficient linguists adept at capturing the essence of your message in Irish and/or Welsh. From marketing materials to legal documents, you will see accuracy and fluency in every translation.


Cultural sensitivities: translating goes beyond mere word-for-word conversion; it requires an appreciation of cultural nuances. Websters' translators are well-versed in the cultural subtleties of Irish and Welsh, meaning your message is conveyed in a manner that respects local customs, nuances and sensitivities.


Tailored solutions: we recognise that every project is unique. Whether you're launching a marketing campaign, localising a website or translating technical documents, we tailor our services to meet your needs. A collaborative approach ensures that your vision is realised in the target language while maintaining consistency with your brand identity.


The bottom line

By investing in professional translation services for Irish and Welsh, businesses can unlock new opportunities, forge meaningful connections and demonstrate their commitment to diversity and inclusion. At Websters International, we would be proud to be your partner in bridging cultures and breaking down linguistic barriers.


Contact us to find out how we can help your business reach new audiences and expand your global footprint with confidence and authenticity.


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