Skip to content

Language learning: Comparing native and non-native vocabularies

Many immigrants who come to the US become quite proficient and fluent in English in addition to their native language. For the 60 million who speak another language at home, nearly 60% report that they speak English very well. But how does that compare to the abilities and knowledge of a native speaker especially in situations … Continued

Will the world eventually only have one language?

As more and more languages become extinct every year – an estimated 20 languages per year – the question of a universal language becomes inevitable. Will the world someday – sooner rather than later – speak one common language? Marc Ettlinger holds a Ph.D. in Linguistics and recently answered the question: “Why can’t the world have a … Continued

Why does language preservation matter?

One language dies every two weeks. This trend isn’t about to go away, either: about half of the world’s languages are at risk of extinction by the year 2100, due to increasing globalization. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), at least 43% of the 6,000 world languages are already endangered. … Continued

Three factors to consider when searching for the right translation provider

You’ve decided to shop around for a translation provider. Where should you start? The best way to start the translation provider selection process is by conducting an analysis of your organization’s needs. This can be done by developing a language access plan that effectively supports your limited-English-speaking patients. Questions to Kick Start your Language Access … Continued

The advantages of being bilingual

What makes interpreters great communicators? The answer is more complex than merely language proficiency. Bilingual people consistently prove to be more adept than monolingual people in areas of creativity, cognitive ability, and empathy. Creativity Regularly using two or more languages can help boost creativity, or the ability to come up with new ideas or products. … Continued

Speed or efficiency? Why some languages seem faster than others

Sometimes when working with an interpreter, the speed and length of the their interpretation may seem to differ from what you said or heard. For example, you utter a sentence consisting of about twenty syllables, and your Mandarin interpreter follows it with something that sounds much shorter. In another instance, your Spanish patient rattles off … Continued

Common acronyms in the language services industry explained

If you’re new to the industry or want to review common language services acronyms, Propio can help. Here are the key acronyms and terms used in interpretation and translation services. LEP This term refers to people who are limited-English proficient, meaning English is not their primary language. LEP individuals do not speak English very well … Continued

How languages adapt over time to be more inclusive

Inclusive language focuses on showing respect to people from all walks of life. That’s why we all should use the most accurate and relevant language whenever possible. Here are a few ways languages continue to change. Why does language change over time? Language constantly adapts and changes to reflect our changing lives, experiences, and cultures. … Continued

Propio’s Translation Services for Your Industry

While most businesses should translate content for their limited-English proficient (LEP) customers, a few industries require more: knowledgeable, industry-specific translation support. Propio provides high-quality translation services that help healthcare, insurance, banking, life science, legal, and hospitality businesses comply with regulations and grow their client base. We recently expanded the content on our website’s Translation & … Continued

Immigration and language trends in the US

A new year brings new opportunities to better serve your limited-English proficient (LEP) patients, customers, and clients. Let’s review some of the latest immigration and language trends that can help you refine and enhance your language access plan in 2024: Immigration Trends Immigration facts The US welcomes more immigrants than any other country, with over 1 million … Continued