About Language

Webster’s Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language describes language as “a body of words and the systems for their use common to a people who are of the same community or nation, the same geographical area, or the same cultural tradition“. Wikipedia defines language as “a structured system of communication that consists of grammar and vocabulary“. It goes on to say: “It is the primary means by which humans convey meaning, both in spoken and written forms …“. For Maria Montessori, language is “the most powerful tool of human development“, while Wilhelm von Humboldt considers it the “key to the world“.

So, what is so fascinating about language?

Language is indeed a powerful tool. Language can express love or hate, it can cheer up, comfort, motivate, but also demotivate, hurt, offend and manipulate. Propagandistic language can start wars, diplomatic language can end them. Compnanies use language to sell their products, writers to sell their novels. Language shapes people’s cultural identity and is, therefore, an important asset worth protecting.

The power of language also has an effect in business and industry – if you know how to use it (or even worse: if you don’t know how to use it…). Marketing and advertising, websites, but also technical product information mostly consist of … language. Skillful use of language – and of course of the respective translations – have a signifcant impact on how well a product sells in different cultures. After all, the quality of a product can only be judged after it has been purchased. So, the quality of the language comes first.

Be it technical documentation, translation or localization – it is crucial that language be left to the language expert. Because high language quality not only means more sales, but also lower costs.

Let’s talk about it!

Language: Malarski.

You can take my word for it!