Breaking Barriers: Translating Indigenous and Lesser-Known Languages

In today's rapid-paced society, communication is critical. But what if someone represents a language spoken by very few? What if they go to the hospital, court, school, etc.? What if they're unable to explain their needs because no one speaks their language? This is a daily risk and a real situation for millions of speakers of indigenous and lesser-known languages. 

These languages are often overlooked in discussions around the globe, but they house stories of histories, traditions, and worldviews that are just as rich as any other languages. Translating these languages is not just a "swap of words" between languages. Translating is building bridges across communities, allowing every voice to be heard, and allowing people the dignity and equality to live their lives.

What Are Indigenous and Lesser-Known Languages?

An indigenous language is an ancestral language of a people that have inhabited a region for generations. The classic examples are Navajo in the United States, Quechua in South America, and Ainu in Japan. There are other languages like them but not as recognized. There are also languages that are not indigenous but are still native to small populations. These languages are not used in schools, media, or government and make life very restrictive for those that rely on it.

There are over 7,000 languages across the face of the earth today but the number of people that speak them is a very small subset. About 90% of the world's languages are spoken by less than 5% of the people. Many of them could be at risk of being lost to history forever.

Why Translation of Indigenous Languages Is So Important

Language is more than words. It is how we communicate knowledge, experience feelings, pass on traditions, and connect with others. If someone’s language is ignored, they may not be understood, their ideas and identity may be disregarded, or ignored completely. In doing so, we subject them and those similarly marginalized to alienation and discrimination.

Translating indigenous and lesser-known languages is one of the most effective ways to:

• Protect cultural heritage
  
  

• Improve access to essential services
  
  

• Promote human rights
  
  

• Encourage social inclusion
  
  

For example, when a patient speaks only an indigenous language and visits a doctor who speaks only English, a simple misunderstanding could result in wrong treatment. Similarly, if someone can’t understand legal documents in court, their right to justice may be denied. That’s why language access matters in every part of life—healthcare, education, public safety, and government.

The Difficulties in Translating These Languages

Working with these languages is challenging. Many indigenous languages:

• Have no written form
  
  

• Are spoken by very few people
  
  

• Are not taught in schools
  
  

• May use sounds, expressions, or meanings that don’t exist in other languages
  
  

For instance, some languages have tone or pitch as a way to alter meaning, while others express time or space in a way differently than English. A native language interpreter must be aware of the meaning of the words as well as the cultural beliefs and value systems associated with them.

Another major challenge is the rarer the language - for example, some languages only have a couple of fluent speakers left, which limits the number of translators and interpreters available. Plus, around the world there is little funding to help sustain languages or translation services.

Real-World Impact of Indigenous Language Translation

Despite the challenges, there are many stories where translation has changed lives:

• In emergency situations, like natural disasters or pandemics, sharing safety information in local languages helps save lives.
  
  

• In schools, when children are taught in both their native language and the national language, they learn better and feel more connected to their culture.
  
  

• In hospitals, patients are more likely to follow medical advice if it’s given in their language.
  
  

• In courts, interpreters ensure everyone gets a fair chance to be heard.
  
  

All of these examples show that indigenous language translation is not optional—it is essential.

Saving Languages from Extinction

Sadly, experts say one indigenous language disappears every two weeks. When a language dies, we lose stories, songs, science, and traditions that have been passed down for centuries.

But translation and interpretation can help stop this. Translators work with communities to:

• Create written records of spoken languages
  
  

• Develop dictionaries and grammar guides
  
  

• Translate books, websites, and learning materials
  
  

• Train new speakers and language teachers
  
  

Technology is also playing a role. Apps and voice tools are starting to support lesser-known languages. Audio stories and video subtitles are being produced in local dialects. All of this helps younger generations learn and use their mother tongues proudly.

Supporting the Movement

Anyone can be part of the solution. Here’s how you can support the translation of indigenous and minority languages:

• Hire language professionals who specialize in lesser-known languages
  
  

• Donate to organizations that work on language preservation
  
  

• Encourage schools and businesses to use multilingual communication
  
  

• Learn about the local languages spoken in your area
  
  

• Support native speakers by respecting their language and culture
  
  

Governments and businesses also have a big role to play. They must invest in translation services, interpreter training, and public resources in multiple languages. Doing this not only helps people—it also strengthens communities and makes services more inclusive.

Final Thoughts

Translating indigenous and/or less commonly spoken languages is an extraordinary act of respect. It establishes that no one is left behind in the world because they simply speak a different language. When we include all language in our systems—be it health-care, education, law, etc.—we create a world where everyone can belong.

Every voice matters. Every language is a gift. When we assist in the translation process, we are not just building bridges across language barriers, we are building bridges between people, nations, and generations. 

Let's work collaboratively to ensure these languages live on and remain significant, because when we convey our understanding to each other, we are strengthened as one global family.