Due to its location, weather and multiple opportunities, Los Angeles is home to a large variety of people from around the world. For this reason, it has often been labeled a “melting pot” of different languages and cultures coming together to form a unique and diverse population (according to the U.S. English Foundation, LA is the most linguistically diverse metropolitan area, and California the most linguistically diverse state). The result is increasing interactions in our everyday and professional lives with people who speak different languages. For this reason, translation and interpretation are both extremely important.
Why is Los Angeles so linguistically diverse?
The quick answer: because it has attracted people from a wide variety of countries, and these people have brought with them their native languages. This large and sprawling megalopolis boast’s some of the best weather in the US, is home to one of the world’s busiest airports, and is one of the most commercial and industrial cities in the world. Since the days of the Gold Rush, Los Angeles has been seen as a land of opportunity and has attracted people from all over.
LA: The mixing bowl of Languages
While Spanish has been spoken in LA since even before Spanish settlers would name it Los Angeles (Spanish for The Angels), heavy immigration last century (especially in the latter half, following a series of economic crises in Latin America) would result in heavy migration to Los Angeles and result in Spanish becoming the 2nd most spoken language in LA (and the US in general). While Chinese immigrants speaking Cantonese began migrating here in the early days of the Gold Rush and construction of the Central Pacific Railroad, an influx of Chinese immigrants following the loosening of immigration laws would make LA home of a large population of Cantonese and Mandarin speakers. Economic uncertainties would also drive South Koreans to the US, many of whom would settle in LA’s Koreatown (affectionately known as K-Town). Japanese has been spoken in LA since at least the mid-late 19th century when the first major migration from Japan made its way here following the Meiji restoration in Japan, but subsequent migration would result in more Japanese-speaking households in Southern California in general.
The need for Translation in such an integrated society
The result of this diverse inflow is an ongoing interaction between large population of people, many of whom speak different languages. This has many implications for everyday life (including the workplace, the legal/justice system, as well as the medical and retail industries). The result is the obvious need for translation services to maintain steady, ongoing social and commercial interaction in such a large, fast-paced society.
A translation agency helps businesses, courts, and other establishments maintain their everyday functions. A good translation agency goes beyond translating mere words but also understands and conveys the differing nuances and assumptions different cultures bring with them, avoiding miscommunications and misunderstandings that a mere word-to-word translations usually results in. Reliable Translations is one such agency. Using only certified translators and interpreters, RT provides unparalleled translation and interpretation in all languages.
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Author: Chris Casarez
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