Arabic translation agency Urgent Vertalen

About Arabic: What matters in every translation:

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if you need a document translated to or from Arabic, be sure to consider the following factors. It’s important to know which country the Arabic translation is intended for. There are 22 countries that are members of the Arab League, home to more than 300 million people. These 22 Arabic-speaking countries feature a wide variety of dialects. The written language often differs significantly from the spoken language, in terms of vocabulary, pronunciation, sentence structure, and verb conjugation. A native Arabic speaker from Egypt may have studied at the highest level, yet still not be easily understood in Morocco or Kuwait. The appropriate dialect depends on the purpose of your translation. What is your objective? Are you travelling to an Arabic-speaking country, or targeting an Arabic-speaking audience with your text?

Each of the 22 countries has its own culture, history, customs and traditions. Investigate what is important in the country your document is intended for, or seek advice from the native speaker translators at Urgent Vertalen. According to the Arab League, founded in 1946, an ‘Arab’ is defined as someone who speaks Arabic as their mother tongue, resides in an Arab country, and supports Arab ambitions. The term ‘Middle East’ is often used as well, although countries like Turkey, Israel and Iran are frequently included despite not being members of the Arab League.

With 22 member countries, you can imagine the cultural diversity within the Arab League. Nonetheless, some customs are shared across the entire Arab world. Parents play a central role in Arab culture. The father is traditionally expected to provide for the family – although in regions influenced by Western values, this expectation has shifted, and women also participate in the workforce.

Hospitality is a long-standing tradition in Arab culture. Refusing an invitation may be seen as an insult. If the home is large enough, guests are welcomed in a separate room. Privacy is highly valued; people are less inclined to discuss personal feelings or matters outside the home. When eating together, never refuse a drink – it’s considered impolite. Don’t start eating until the food is offered to you. Hands are washed before eating, and the right hand is used for eating, drinking, or passing items at the table. The left hand is associated with toilet use and is therefore regarded as ‘unclean’. These are just a few of the many common cultural practices. Be sure to consult multiple sources if you are travelling to an Arab country for business or personal reasons. Many customs are centuries old and are often prescribed by the Quran. Being well prepared can make all the difference between a successful and an unsuccessful stay or venture.

Choose a translator who understands both the language and the culture. By having your document translated by a native speaker, we guarantee a translation that always serves its intended purpose. Whether you need to translate an official document or reach a specific audience, you can rely on our commitment to quality – every time.