The world’s global trends are also reflected in the world of language translation, where complex processes such as geopolitical tensions, economic flows and human migration are mirrored. Baltijos Vertimai UAB has clients all over the world. We work with companies and individuals in Europe, North America, South America and Asia, which enables us to observe trends in the global language industry. By analysing the orders we receive, we can see how demand for popular language combinations is changing and identify connections that are not initially obvious.
Based on changing trends in translation language combinations since 2022, we have compiled an overview of global processes. We hope you find this information useful and interesting!
Translations from and into English still make up the majority of our orders.
Within the EU, English continues to dominate as the language of communication between different countries. As well as translating from and into Lithuanian, we also translate from and into English, German, French, Spanish, Italian and other languages. The most relevant and popular language combination in Lithuania remains English and Lithuanian. The most common reasons for translation include business relations abroad, international trade, studying abroad and emigration. Clients most frequently request the translation of websites, technical manuals and various other documents.
A country’s economic power is equal to the power of its language.
Therefore, the EU’s most important economic axis determines the growth in demand for translations from and into German and French. The most powerful global languages, reflected in the most popular language combinations (English, Chinese and German), directly correspond to the world’s biggest economies. Maybe if the US and India work together more, Hindi could take the place of Chinese. The language industry will certainly reveal which economic power is stronger!
Migration.
Migration is one of the strongest factors influencing the everyday practical demand for translation, with a never-ending stream of people just looking for a better life. Translation from Polish into German and Romanian, and from Romanian into Italian and Spanish, is driven by significant labour migration within the EU. Labour migrants from Lithuania still prefer Scandinavian countries. People require translation of personal documents and employment contracts. An increase in the number of translations from Uzbek, Arabic, Moldovan and Indian into Lithuanian indicates that Lithuania is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for economic migrants.
Language pairs are a sensitive indicator of geopolitical shifts.
The surge in Ukrainian translations is a direct consequence of the war. The decline in demand for Russian translations also reflects changing relations. Processes of integration, such as finding work and housing, and accessing social services and medical care, have led to an increased demand for Ukrainian translations into and from Lithuanian, Polish, German, English, Czech, Romanian and other EU languages.
Regional specifics.
Baltijos Vertimai UAB has also noticed a growing interest in language combinations within the EU. Our closest neighbours are becoming our primary export partners and most frequent visitors. Consequently, translations into the languages of our neighbours are much more common than those into other languages. Germany, Poland, Latvia, Estonia and the Scandinavian countries are important business partners for Lithuania. Consequently, the demand for translations from and into these languages is constantly growing due to stronger cooperation and a desire to get to know our neighbours better.
Trends in demand for language combinations are not meaningless statistics but a sensitive global barometer. Each order reflects deeper changes in society, the economy or politics. By observing changes in language combinations, we can understand the current situation and predict future trends. Translation services remain an important tool for international communication and integration. Linguistic diversity should not be regarded as an impediment; rather, it should be viewed as an opportunity for growth and evolution in harmony with the world around us.
