- “The Book of Languages” Series – #34 Laotianby Islam YounisLaotian, the official language of Laos, is spoken by millions and plays a crucial role in the nation’s identity. It’s a member of the Tai-Kadai language family and stands as a pivotal element of Laos’s cultural framework. History Laotian has evolved from its Proto-Tai roots, influenced over centuries by interactions with neighboring cultures and languages.… Read more: “The Book of Languages” Series – #34 Laotian
- “The Book of Languages” Series – #33 Mongolianby Islam YounisLet’s zoom into Mongolia, a land of vast steppes and ancient traditions, where the Mongolian language reigns. It’s not just any language; it’s the heart of Mongolian culture, spoken by over 5 million people. With its own unique script and a history that echoes the tales of Genghis Khan, Mongolian is as intriguing as the… Read more: “The Book of Languages” Series – #33 Mongolian
- “The Book of Languages” Series – #32 Bulgarianby Islam YounisBulgarian might not be the first language you think of studying, but it’s full of surprises. Spoken by millions in Bulgaria and scattered communities worldwide, it’s the country’s national language and a unique member of the Slavic language family. What makes Bulgarian special? It’s got a blend of traditional Slavic roots and a dash of… Read more: “The Book of Languages” Series – #32 Bulgarian
- ELIA Together 2024 – The Symphony of Connectionby Islam YounisExploring New Horizons at ELIA Together 2024 in Riga The ELIA Together 2024 conference in Riga, Latvia, turned out to be a hotspot for folks in the language biz, providing a cool spot to swap ideas, buddy up, and explore what’s next in the translation and localization world. Islam Younis and Luz Sanchis from Master… Read more: ELIA Together 2024 – The Symphony of Connection
- “The Book of Languages” Series – #31 Indonesianby Islam YounisIndonesian, or Bahasa Indonesia as it’s locally known, is the cool, laid-back language spoken across the Indonesian archipelago. It’s the official language in a country with over 17,000 islands and a linguistic diversity that’s off the charts. Indonesian acts as the glue holding together hundreds of ethnic groups and languages, making it the ultimate social… Read more: “The Book of Languages” Series – #31 Indonesian
- Embracing New Tech for a Fresh Start – MTS 23rd Anniversary Celebrationby Luz M. SanchisOn January 20, 2024, Master Translations celebrated the company’s 23rd Anniversary and Chinese New Year holding a company meeting in Xiamen with the theme “Embracing New Tech for a Fresh Start”. Colleagues from branches in Shanghai, Quanzhou, Fuzhou, and other locations gathered with colleagues from the Xiamen headquarters to reflect on the achievements and challenges… Read more: Embracing New Tech for a Fresh Start – MTS 23rd Anniversary Celebration
- “The Book of Languages” Series – #30 Esperantoby Islam YounisEsperanto isn’t your typical language. Invented in 1887 by L. L. Zamenhof, it’s the most successful constructed language around, designed to be super easy to learn and to help people from different cultures communicate. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of languages – practical, straightforward, and surprisingly useful. The Background Zamenhof, the brain behind Esperanto,… Read more: “The Book of Languages” Series – #30 Esperanto
- “The Book of Languages” Series – #29 Latvianby Islam YounisLatvian, the under-the-radar star of the Baltic languages, is spoken by about 1.5 million people in Latvia and sprinkled around the world. It’s one of only two surviving Baltic languages (the other being Lithuanian), and it’s got a bunch of cool quirks that make it stand out in the European language family. Latvian’s story is… Read more: “The Book of Languages” Series – #29 Latvian
- The “Book of Languages” Series – #28 Czechby Islam YounisCzech is one of the cool kids of the Slavic language family, spoken mainly in the Czech Republic, and it’s got some neat tricks up its sleeve. Unlike its more famous cousins like Russian or Polish, Czech flies under the radar, but it’s got a charm all its own, spoken by over 10 million people… Read more: The “Book of Languages” Series – #28 Czech
- “The Book of Languages” Series – #27 Māoriby Islam YounisIn the lush landscapes of Aotearoa (New Zealand), the Māori language, known as te reo Māori, resonates with historical and cultural significance. As one of the official languages of New Zealand, te reo Māori holds a place of pride and importance in the nation’s cultural spectrum. It belongs to the Eastern Polynesian branch of the… Read more: “The Book of Languages” Series – #27 Māori
- A Tour of Global “Happy New Year” Greetingsby Islam YounisAs we bid adieu to the old and usher in the new, the world becomes a mosaic of festive expressions, each echoing the same sentiment in a symphony of languages. Let’s discover the nuanced world of New Year greetings in different languages and see how this event unites as humans one way or another! … Read more: A Tour of Global “Happy New Year” Greetings
- “The Book of Languages” Series – #26 Hawaiianby Islam YounisIn the midst of the vast Pacific Ocean, the Hawaiian Islands are home to the Hawaiian language, a melodious and historically rich tongue. As one of the official languages of the state of Hawaii, Hawaiian holds a special place in the cultural and linguistic landscape of the United States. It is part of the Polynesian… Read more: “The Book of Languages” Series – #26 Hawaiian
- “The Book of Languages” Series #25 Malagasyby Islam YounisNestled in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of East Africa, lies Madagascar, home to the Malagasy language. As the national language of Madagascar, Malagasy holds a unique place in the linguistic tapestry of the world. It belongs to the Austronesian language family, sharing ancestry with languages as far-flung as Hawaiian and Malay! This connection… Read more: “The Book of Languages” Series #25 Malagasy
- “The Book of Languages” Series – #24 Hungarianby Islam YounisSituated in the heart of Europe, Hungarian presents itself as a linguistic enigma, distinctly separated from its Indo-European neighbors. As Hungary’s official language and a recognized language in the European Union, Hungarian belongs to the Finno-Ugric group, offering a stark contrast to the surrounding Slavic, Germanic, and Romance languages. This language’s special structure and extensive… Read more: “The Book of Languages” Series – #24 Hungarian
- “The Book of Languages” Series – #23 Albanianby Islam YounisThe Albanian language, a hidden gem in the linguistic landscape of Europe, stands out with its unique qualities and mysterious origins. Spoken by approximately 7.5 million people in Albania and parts of the Balkans, including Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Greece, Albanian is known for its distinct phonology and rich vocabulary. This language, with its… Read more: “The Book of Languages” Series – #23 Albanian
- “The Book of Languages” Series – #22 Inuktitutby Islam YounisThe Inuktitut language is the traditional language of the Inuit, the indigenous peoples of the Arctic regions of Greenland, Canada, and Alaska. It is a vibrant thread woven deeply into the cultural fabric of the Arctic communities. A member of the Eskimo-Aleut language family, Inuktitut is characterized by its rich oral history, a testament to… Read more: “The Book of Languages” Series – #22 Inuktitut
- “The Book of Languages” Series – #21 Hmongby Islam YounisAmong the languages living on our planet today, the Hmong language emerges as a vibrant thread. A member of the Hmong-Mien family, this language is predominantly spoken by the Hmong people residing in China, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, and the United States. While many may not have heard of this rich linguistic tradition, its significance in… Read more: “The Book of Languages” Series – #21 Hmong
- “The Book of Languages” Series – #20 Egyptian hieroglyphsby Islam YounisIn the heart of Egypt, a story is carved. Not just any story, but the echoes of a civilization written in symbols: the Egyptian hieroglyphs. These artsy carvings, often spotted on temple walls and ancient papyrus, were not mere doodles but a sophisticated writing system of the ancient Egyptians. To a curious onlooker, hieroglyphs might… Read more: “The Book of Languages” Series – #20 Egyptian hieroglyphs
- Language vs Math: How language shapes our maths conceptsby Islam YounisAt first glance, mathematics, with its universal symbols and operations, may seem like a constant thread that ties humanity together. But scratch the surface, and you’ll find that perceptions of numbers and mathematical concepts vary greatly across cultures. In all cases, Pi still equals 3.14, but how you express that and imagine it will still… Read more: Language vs Math: How language shapes our maths concepts
- “The Book of Languages” Series – #19 Basqueby Islam YounisNestled in the heart of the Pyrenees, straddling the borders of Spain and France, is the Basque Country – a region with a unique and mysterious language called Basque (or “Euskara” in its native tongue). Unlike any other European language, Basque stands out not only because of its distinctive sound but also because of its… Read more: “The Book of Languages” Series – #19 Basque
- MTS in #ALC2023: Language Industry Insightsby Islam YounisAt the recent ALC conference, leaders and innovators from the language industry gathered to share knowledge, discuss trends, and envision the future of language services. Among the attendees was our very own CEO, Frank Wei, who represented Master Translations with enthusiasm and insight. The conference was a melting pot of ideas. Below, we’ve distilled the… Read more: MTS in #ALC2023: Language Industry Insights
- MTS Celebrates Mid-Autumn Festival 2023by Islam YounisIn the glow of the autumn moon, synonymous with folklore and traditions, Master Translations hosted a Mid-Autumn mooncake team building on September 27, 2023. Friends and colleagues gathered, embracing the beautiful tradition of the Mid-Autumn Festival. But first, a brief walk down history lane: The Mid-Autumn Festival, one of China’s most celebrated occasions, traces its… Read more: MTS Celebrates Mid-Autumn Festival 2023
- “The Book of Languages” Series – #18 Greekby Islam YounisNestled in the heart of the Mediterranean, Greece is not only home to the gods of Olympus or a vast history, it also cradles one of the world’s most ancient and influential languages—Greek. This language is a big book of history, philosophy, art, and science. The richness of the Greek language comes from its intertwined… Read more: “The Book of Languages” Series – #18 Greek
- “The Book of Languages” Series – #17 Zuluby Islam YounisThe Zulu language, or isiZulu as it is known among its native speakers, is more than just a means of communication, it’s a journey through the history, culture, and life of the Zulu people. With an estimated 12 million native speakers, Zulu is the most widely spoken language in South Africa and holds official status.… Read more: “The Book of Languages” Series – #17 Zulu
- Body Language – The Base Player of Communicationby Islam YounisHello, fabulous community! Let’s take a ride through the magical interplay between body language and spoken words. Your eyebrows, shoulders, even your humble toes are more talkative than you might think. Picture a stage where spoken words are the lead actors and body language is the supporting cast—both crucial for a blockbuster performance. For instance,… Read more: Body Language – The Base Player of Communication
- “The Book of Languages” Series – #16 Polishby Islam YounisWelcome to the world of the Polish language! You may not hear it as often as French or Spanish, but Polish has its own charm and special features. It’s the main language spoken in Poland and is used by about 40 million people around the globe. Besides being popular in Poland, Polish is also one… Read more: “The Book of Languages” Series – #16 Polish
- “The Book of Languages” Series – #15 Turkishby Islam YounisIf languages were people, Turkish would be the globe-trotter, who’s also the life of the party! Spoken mainly in Turkey, Turkish has a charm that reaches far beyond its borders. With roots in Asia and a modern home in Europe, this language has a foot in two continents. It’s not just spoken; it’s lived, like… Read more: “The Book of Languages” Series – #15 Turkish
- Music & Language – The Human Messengersby Islam YounisThe sweet sound of music and the poetic allure of language—two things as indispensable to human life as, well, coffee and Wi-Fi. One gets you groovin’ on the dance floor, while the other helps you complain about the DJ’s questionable playlist. But have you ever wondered about the connection between these two cultural staples? Stick… Read more: Music & Language – The Human Messengers
- “The Book of Languages” Series – #14 Japaneseby Islam YounisJapanese—a language as poetic as the cherry blossoms in spring and as complex as the Tokyo subway system. Whether you’re a sushi aficionado, an anime enthusiast, or simply captivated by the country’s rich history, knowing the basics of the language offers a golden ticket into an intricate and vibrant culture. Contrary to popular belief, Japanese… Read more: “The Book of Languages” Series – #14 Japanese
- Chinese culture file – Learning about Qixi Festival 2023by Luz M. SanchisToday, August 22nd is Chinese Valentine’s Day (one of many celebrations to celebrate love). According to tradition, it falls on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. It could be said that Qīxī Festival is the Chinese version of Valentine’s Day in western countries. This festival has been celebrated since the Han dinasty! … Read more: Chinese culture file – Learning about Qixi Festival 2023
- Language Relativityby Islam YounisLanguage, as the primary medium of human communication, does more than just enable us to converse with one another. It shapes our thoughts, colors our experiences, and even influences our perception of reality. This phenomenon, where the structure of a language impacts the speaker’s worldview, is often referred to as the theory of linguistic relativity.… Read more: Language Relativity
- “The Book of Languages” Series – #13 Amharicby Islam YounisTucked in the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia is not just home to the ancient Aksumite Empire, splendid coffee, and the enigmatic Lucy, but also to a unique language known as Amharic. With approximately 22 million native speakers, Amharic is the second most spoken Semitic language in the world, after Arabic, and serves as the official… Read more: “The Book of Languages” Series – #13 Amharic
- Language vs. Dialectby Islam YounisIn the vast universe of linguistics, few topics generate as much intrigue as the distinction between “language” and “dialect.” On the surface, the distinction seems intuitive. Yet, as we delve deeper, the line blurs, revealing the cultural, political, and historical factors that influence these definitions. Let’s embark on this linguistic journey and untangle the intricacies… Read more: Language vs. Dialect
- “The Book of Languages” Series – #12 Koreanby Islam YounisAh, the Korean language! At once both a symphony of sounds and a riddle wrapped in the intricacies of Hangul script. To the untrained ear, it might seem like a challenging cacophony of consonants and vowels, but as one digs deeper, it reveals a poetic beauty and structure. From its roots on the peninsula of… Read more: “The Book of Languages” Series – #12 Korean
- 3 Translation Myths Debunkedby Islam YounisIn the era of globalization, translation has become an essential tool for bridging cultures and connecting people. Despite its importance, many myths and misconceptions surround the field of translation. This article aims to debunk some of the most common translation myths and shed light on the intricacies of this vital process. Myth 1: Google Translate… Read more: 3 Translation Myths Debunked
- “The Book of Languages” Series – #11 Hindiby Islam YounisHindi, one of the world’s most spoken languages, serves as a bridge between millions of hearts, reflecting the rich culture and diversity of India. As one of the official languages of India, it is spoken by over 400 million people as a first language, and by many more as a second language. Its script, Devanagari,… Read more: “The Book of Languages” Series – #11 Hindi
- Superpower: Bilingualby Islam YounisIn an increasingly interconnected world, speaking more than one language is an invaluable skill. Being bi/polylingual goes beyond mere communication advantages; it offers an array of cognitive, cultural, and professional benefits. Cognitive Benefits Enhanced Multitasking Skills: Studies have shown that bilinguals often outperform monolinguals in tasks that require multitasking. Juggling between languages can train the… Read more: Superpower: Bilingual
- “The Book of Languages” Series – #10 Icelandicby Islam YounisUpon hearing “Iceland”, one might immediately picture breathtaking waterfalls, steamy geysers, and the Northern Lights. But beyond its natural wonders, Iceland carries a linguistic gem: the Icelandic language. An evocative blend of history, culture, and pure linguistic artistry, Icelandic is more than just a means of communication; it’s a voyage into a land where sagas… Read more: “The Book of Languages” Series – #10 Icelandic
- Vanishing Voices: A Glimpse into Endangered Languagesby Islam YounisIn the vast mosaic of human culture, languages are the tiny, vibrant tiles that capture millennia of history, identity, and collective memory. Yet, as with any piece of art, there’s a fragility to this mosaic. Every two weeks, a language dies with its last speaker, and with it, we lose an irreplaceable fragment of human… Read more: Vanishing Voices: A Glimpse into Endangered Languages
- Meet our team – Islam Younisby Luz M. SanchisIslam Younis – International Business Development Manager and Account Manager Islam joined Master Translations last April after 1 year at Multilingual Technologies (MLT), where he was an outstanding Director of Interpreting, fully involved in interpreters’ recruiting, training, onboarding and Quality Control, among other responsibilities such as Business Development, Sales, Client Training and Demos, and Vendor… Read more: Meet our team – Islam Younis