Exploring the scenic island of Madeira recently sparked a familiar contemplation for me – the profound influence of language on our perception of the world, a topic that never fails to intrigue wherever my travels take me. In this picturesque corner of the world, three observations about language and translation emerged.
Firstly, despite being an autonomous region of Portugal – and despite being geographically closer to Africa than Portugal – what truly imbues Madeira with its Portuguese essence is the language. The melodic cadence of Portuguese, echoing through the bustling streets and mingling with the sea breeze, serves as a potent reminder of the island’s cultural and historical ties to its mainland counterpart.
However, amidst the rich tapestry of languages spoken worldwide, it’s impossible to overlook the dominance of English as the global lingua franca. Despite Portuguese’s substantial global presence, English stands as the prevailing medium of communication across diverse cultures and continents, facilitating global connectivity and exchange.
As a professional linguist with no knowledge of Portuguese, I had fun before my travels learning something of the language on the Mondly app. But my reliance on Google Translate during my exploration of Madeira underscored the indispensable role of public translation tools in bridging linguistic barriers. Google Translate proved invaluable in providing rudimentary comprehension of written Portuguese, facilitating basic communication and enhancing cross-cultural understanding. Yet, while such technological innovations undoubtedly foster intercultural dialogue, it’s essential to acknowledge the inherent limitations of machine translation and artificial intelligence. For critical documents and nuanced communication, the expertise of human translators remains indispensable, ensuring accuracy, cultural sensitivity, and nuance in translation.
My journey to Madeira served as a poignant reminder of the intricate interplay between language, culture, and translation. As we navigate our interconnected world, embracing linguistic diversity and recognising the power of translation as a conduit for understanding and unity is paramount.
Alexika provides translators working into their mother tongue with industry-specific experience to work on your project. Get in touch with our team today to discuss your brief.
Mark Robinson, February 2024
