English to Filipino translation

With a population of about 100 million people and their history of nearly 50 years of American occupation (1898-1946), the Philippines represent an attractive marketplace for the USA, thus explaining the importance of the English to Filipino translation.

Filipino or Tagalog, as it is officially known, is the native language spoken by the majority of the people in the Philippines, and, alongside English, it is one of the country’s official languages. Here is a list showing the importance of the idiom:

1. Tagalog – 22 million native speakers plus an additional 60 million second language speakers;

2. Cebuano – 20 million first language speakers;

3. Ilokano – 7.7 million native speakers;

4. Hiligaynon – 7 million speakers.

The English to Filipino translation is part of every day life in this country, many people being fluent in both English and Tagalog. Bilingual employees are an important asset for American or other English speaking companies willing to invest here. However, an English speaking investor or employer, in order to show that he respects the Philippines’ culture, should learn how to translate at least some basic conversational phrases into Tagalog.

English remains the preferred language in business, government, medicine, science and education, while Filipino remains dominant at home, when speaking to family and friends, thus taking the role of the vernacular language.

Call centers are one of the most profitable businesses in the Philippines, making the most of the English – Filipino combination that characterizes the Filipino society.

Given the solid grasp of the two languages and the specific of the Philippines, it is no surprise that call centers are a flourishing business there. Also favored by low labor and operational costs, they offer numerous communication-based job opportunities.

Another area with great interest for translations is represented by the public institutions and their need for correct transcription of laws and other papers of national interest. Their needs are answered by an army of interpreters in charge of the English to Filipino translation and vice versa.

Nowadays, interpreters have moved their business over the Internet; there are various sites offering translations, made either by professionals or even by automatic engines. Even though the majority of Filipinos speak English, such businesses are flourishing, as people understand that, for an efficient communication and to show respect to the locals, it is recommended to use the national language in many cases.

Professional English to Filipino translation services can make the difference between sealing a deal and losing a contract.