East European languages
Translation into the Balkan and East European languages
Translation into the Balkan and East European languages today: language assistance in Polish, Hungarian, Serbian, Slovenian, Czech… opening to new markets and new horizons
One of the myths to debunk regarding translation into the Balkan and East European language is that these languages are mutually comprehensible between their speakers. In other words, a Pole will not necessarily understand a translation in Czech, and neither is it sufficient for a Serbian client to receive a technical manual translated into Croatian.
In fact, these languages are similar only in certain cases. Furthermore, there is often a substantial element of identity from proud populations and young independent nations. Respecting this identity, also demonstrated by offering accurate translations into our foreign interlocutor’s language, will facilitate communication and be a sign of respect.
One of the main business objectives of SMG UK Translations Limited (SMG UK) is in fact, to supply reliable translations and language assistance to clients approaching foreign markets, so that their success is to the benefit of all. We have highlighted some important linguistic characteristics which can facilitate your communication-related decisions:
Translations in Serbian and Croatian
We would underline that the widely peddled “Serbo-Croatian” language does not exist, it was rather an awkward invention intended to justify the unavailability of specifically Serbian and Croatian translators in some language centres. Today, it is necessary to respect this linguistic difference and translate texts into Serbian for Serbia and into Croatian for Croatia. Furthermore, it is worth remembering that Serbian texts are written using the Cyrillic alphabet.
Translations in Slovenian
Of the Balkan languages, Slovenian is a rare gem: it is not immediately understandable beyond the borders of Slovenia and, with only a few million people living in this rich nation, the number of professional translators is very low. Although the average cultural level in Slovenia is high, it is difficult to find translators.
Translations in Czech and Slovakian
Czech and Slovakian are similar languages but contain many different syntactical and lexical forms, which mean that they cannot be superimposed upon one another.
Translations in Hungarian
The Hungarian language is not linked to other European languages because of its Finno-Ugric roots. Due to its difference in origins, it is completely unlike the other East European languages.
Translations in Polish
Polish is one of the most widespread East European languages and has recently been becoming more popular for its linguistic purity, re-evaluating its vast literary heritage and deepening its terminological research in the technical and scientific fields. This all make Polish a particularly critical language from the point of view of requirements for quality translation.
Translations in Romanian and Moldavian
Romanian differs from Moldavian. Used in Moldova, Moldavian can be seen as a form of Romanian that has Russian and Ukrainian influences, so much so that it has become a language or dialect with a profound identity.
Translations in Russian or English?
Of course, the wide diffusion of Russian is understood by many as a consequence of the influence that the USSR had on the Soviet nations and, on the other hand, English is, together with German, a very well-known foreign language in the region. Russian and English can be used for business correspondence or informal work meetings, without an interpreter. For other official occasions, however, or for when technicalities must be completely correct, we would suggest using the national languages by making use of a translation or an interpreter, something which would also be perceived of as a sign of respect. Translations in Polish, Romanian, Croatian, and so on, are moreover an excellent tool for “ethnomarketing”: reaching immigrants or a specific ethnic group to offer products and services to them, thus opening an interesting sales market.
Translations in Albanian, Bulgarian and Macedonian
Texts translated in these languages are aimed at Albania, Bulgaria, and Macedonia respectively, but also to the special enclaves and territorial zones which were born as a result of the Balkan conflicts. Translations in Bulgarian are written using the Cyrillic alphabet.
Our foreign language translation service
SMG UK Translations Limited (SMG UK) offers professional translation services for technical, legal, economic and scientific texts into Serbian, Croatian, Slovenian, Czech, Slovakian, Polish, Hungarian, Bulgarian, Romanian, Moldavian, Macedonian, and Albanian.
We are specialists in the translation of the following types of legal and economic text:
- Financial analyses and assessments
- Notary deeds for financial, testamentary and company practices
- Company and bank financial statements
- Agency and distribution contracts
- Lease and sales agreements
- Consular and Visa documents
- Trial documentation and legal briefs
- Letters of intent, trade contracts and agreements
- Property appraisals and estimates
- Power of attorney, shareholders’ meeting minutes and company documents
- Articles of association, codes of ethics, regulations
We offer translation services for the following technical texts:
- Invitations to tenders, guidelines, and technical specifications
- Patents for abroad
- Technical drawings in AutoCad
- Construction site documentation
- Labels and packaging for the food and chemical industries
- Interface software for machine tools and production lines
- Instruction books
- Operation and maintenance manuals
- Technical data sheets
Localisation and cultural adjustment services for advertising:
- Brochures, catalogues and fliers
- Company profiles and project presentations
- Websites, web pages, blogs, newsletters, news online and foreign language emailing
- Advertising slogans and copies for foreign markets
- Subtitles and texts for the dubbing of company training and educational videos
Looking for a Serbian, Polish, Hungarian or Romanian interpreter?
The specialist interpreting services provided by SMG UK are available in all Balkan and East European languages, in simultaneous/whispered or consecutive formats. We provide specialist language assistance for the following types of events:
- Shareholders’ meetings and Board of Directors’ meetings
- Marketing events and official presentations
- Press conferences
- Company conventions
- Tradeshows and expositions
- Foreign trade missions
- Political negotiations
- Business trips including technical visits and negotiations