Frisian Translations (FY)

Frisian Translations:

A Vital Component of the North Sea Germanic Languages

The Frisian languages are a group of west Germanic languages that, together with the Anglic languages and Low German dialects, form the North Sea Germanic Languages and therefore share an origin with today’s modern-day English. However modern Frisian and English are not mutually intelligible. In fact, the three branches of Frisian languages and their respective dialects are often not mutually intelligible as well. West Frisian, spoken as an official language in the Dutch province of Friesland is by far the most spoken form of Frisian, but significant populations also speak North Frisian in the German District of Nordfriesland and East Frisian in Saterland in the German state of Lower Saxon. These differences require businesses expanding to Frisian speaking regions to rely on expert Frisian translations to not only reach new markets but resonate with them effectively. With so many different cultural nuances that vary across regions, the importance of understanding local communities is critical for ensuring success in whatever product or service is entering the market. Whether you are seeking Frisian to English translations or English to Frisian translations, it is essential to ensure the cultural appropriateness and local sophistication of every project entering or expanding from The Netherlands and Germany’s market.

Through our in-country, subject matter expert linguists, and with over 20 years of experience, CSOFT understands the importance of distinguishing different dialects of Frisian depending on the project.

Translating for a Language Existing Around and Within the North Sea

Of the various Frisian dialects that exist throughout the regions bordering the southern portion of the North Sea, some dialects can be found spoken by people inhabiting islands within the North Sea. The West Frisian dialects Schiermonnikoogs and Terschelling are spoken on the West Frisian Islands of the Netherlands while much of the north Frisian branch is spoken on Germany’s North Frisian Islands and the islands of Heligoland. Frisian’s proximity to Dutch and German speaking populations has led to a heavy influence of these languages, and it’s use in trading activities with nearby nations throughout its history has led to additional ties to Dutch and other languages spoken in the England’s Great Yarmouth region. With linguistic diversity that spans borders of geography and culture, the key to reaching the diverse market of people who speak Frisian is expert Frisian translations that account for vital differences in language and culture throughout mainland Germany, the Netherlands, and their islands.