Portuguese is, along with Spanish, the fastest-growing European language in the World, just behind the English language. It is the seventh most-spoken language in the world, with 270 million speakers and continuing.

It is the official language of nine countries, including Portugal, Brazil, Guinea-Bissau, Angola, Cape Verde, Mozambique, Sao Tome Principe, and East Timor. In Macau, it is also a co-official language along with Chinese. Portuguese is more than just a language spoken globally; it creates a certain emotion of connectivity. This language has the characteristic of being multi-focused, meaning it has two spoken and two written standards. Therefore, two main groups of dialects coexist in Portuguese translations. Top-rated Portuguese Translation Services in Canada, with expertise in dialectal variations of the Iberian Peninsula (European Portuguese) and other dialects, provide numerous solutions in one place.

Portuguese Translation History

The history of Portuguese translation is closely intertwined with the historical development of the Portuguese language itself. Here’s a broad overview below.

Early Influences

• Latin Roots: Like many Romance languages, Portuguese has its roots in Latin. In the early medieval period, Latin was the dominant language of learning, and many religious and scholarly texts were translated into early Portuguese.

Medieval Period

• Galician-Portuguese Troubadours: During the medieval period, the troubadours played a significant role in the development of literature in Galician-Portuguese. Many poems and songs were composed in this language, contributing to the early literary tradition.

Age of Discoveries

• Exploration and Expansion: The Age of Discoveries (15th to 17th centuries) was a critical period for Portuguese translation. Portuguese explorers and navigators, such as Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan, facilitated cultural exchanges. Translation of travelogues, navigation charts, and diplomatic documents played a paramount role during this time.

Colonial Period

• Missionary Work: Portuguese missionaries were instrumental in translating religious texts into local languages in the colonies, particularly in Africa, Asia, and South America. This included translations of the Bible and religious tracts.

Standardization and Literary Translation

• Classical Portuguese Literature: The standardization of Portuguese in the 16th century by writers like Luís de Camões led to the emergence of classical Portuguese literature. Works like Os Lusíadas (The Lusiads) were influential, and translations of classical texts became part of this literary tradition.

20th Century

• Modernist Movements: The 20th century witnessed various literary movements, including Modernism and Surrealism, leading to the translation of works by international authors. The translation of foreign literary works became an essential part of literary discourse.

Post-Colonial Era

• African and Brazilian Literature: After the decolonization process in the mid-20th century, there was a renewed interest in the literature of former colonies. African and Brazilian literature gained prominence, and translations of these works contributed to a broader understanding of Lusophone literature.

Contemporary Period

• Globalization: In the contemporary period, globalization has led to an increased demand for translations in various fields, including literature, business, and technology. Portuguese continues to be an important language for translation in international contexts.

Throughout its history, Portuguese translation has played an integral role in the dissemination of knowledge, cultural exchange, and the development of literature in the Portuguese-speaking world and beyond. The translation landscape continues to evolve with technological advancements and changing global dynamics.

Portuguese Translation Today’s Demands

Nowadays, Portuguese translation is more common internationally thanks to strengthening economic expansion, and this trend is not something to overlook. Even though Spaniards can understand around 80% of what they read or hear in Portuguese, Portuguese translation service is indeed a necessity and will foster future growth.

Portuguese Around the World

Portuguese is a Romance language that originated in the Iberian Peninsula and has spread across the world through historical events like exploration, colonization, and migration. Here's an overview of Portuguese around the world:

• Portuguese Language in Portugal: Portuguese is the official language of Portugal, where it originated. It has a rich literary tradition, with notable authors such as Luís de Camões and José Saramago.
• Brazil: Brazil is the most significant Portuguese-speaking homeland globally. Portuguese was introduced to Brazil during the colonial period, and today it's the official language. Brazilian Portuguese has contrasts in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar compared to European Portuguese.
• African Portuguese: It is spoken in several African countries due to Portugal's colonial history. Countries like Mozambique, Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, and São Tomé and Príncipe have Portuguese as an official language, often coexisting with indigenous languages.
• East Timor: East Timor in Southeast Asia counts Portuguese as one of its official languages. Despite being occupied by Indonesia, Portuguese remains an official language.
• Goa, India: Goa, a state in India, was a Portuguese colony until 1961. Portuguese influence persists in architecture and cultural aspects, with a small community still speaking Portuguese.
• Macau: Macau, a Special Administrative Region of China, was a Portuguese colony until 1999. Portuguese is still an official language alongside Chinese, with a small Portuguese-speaking community.
• Diaspora Communities: Portuguese-speaking communities can be found worldwide, particularly where Portuguese migrants have settled, including the United States, Canada, and other European countries.
• International Organizations: Portuguese is an official language of international organizations such as the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), which includes countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America.

Welcoming Portuguese Clients Like Never Before

Portuguese translations are essential in bridging worlds and bringing people together. Somya Translators is the go-to choice for Portuguese Translation Services, catering to the nuanced variations between European Portuguese, Brazilian Portuguese, and other dialects. Connect with their team today to receive expert support for your document, website, application, or multilingual project needs.