The Lithuanian language
Lithuanian is an Eastern Baltic language in the Indo-European family. It’s the official language of Lithuania and also one of the EU’s official languages. It is known as ‘Lietuvių kalba’ in its native tongue and is spoken by around 3 million people.
Brief History and Origins:
- Ancient Beginnings: The Baltic languages, to which Lithuanian belongs, have been spoken for over a millennium. Lithuanian and Latvian are the only two surviving Baltic languages today.
- Old Lithuanian: The oldest written records of the Lithuanian language date back to the 16th century, but the language itself has preserved numerous archaic features not found in any other Indo-European language.
- Influence and Change: Over the centuries, Lithuanians have been influenced by various languages, especially during periods of foreign domination, such as the Polish, German, and Russian languages.
Number of Speakers:
- According to estimates from the early 21st century, there are approximately 3 million native Lithuanian speakers, most of whom reside in Lithuania.
- There are Lithuanian-speaking communities outside Lithuania in countries such as the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia, owing to migration.
Where It Is An Official Language:
- Lithuania: Unsurprisingly, Lithuanian is the official state language of Lithuania.
- European Union: Since Lithuania’s accession to the EU in 2004, Lithuanian is also one of the official languages of the European Union.
Example of Text:
English: “Hello, how are you?”
Lithuanian: “Labas, kaip seki?
Where and How It Is Used:
- Everyday Communication: Lithuanian is used for day-to-day communication by the majority of the population in Lithuania.
- Media: Newspapers, radio broadcasts, TV shows, and digital platforms in Lithuania predominantly use Lithuanian.
- Education: In Lithuania, the primary medium of instruction in schools and most universities is Lithuanian.
- Literature: Lithuanian literature’s a rich tradition, with historical and contemporary works published in the language.
English Words in Lithuanian:
Lithuanian, like many languages, has borrowed words from English, especially in the realms of technology and popular culture:
- “Kompiuteris”: Computer
- “Internetas”: Internet
- “Džinsai”: Jeans
Lithuanian Words in English:
While Lithuanian has not significantly influenced English vocabulary, some words may have indirect connections or are recognised due to cultural exchanges:
“šakotis” or “raguolis”: Traditional Lithuanian tree cake, known in some circles due to its unique appearance and method of preparation.
In conclusion, the Lithuanian language is fascinating, providing a window into ancient Indo-European roots. Though not numerous globally, its speakers cherish it for its historical, cultural, and personal significance.
Lithuanian translation is helpful for communicating with small populations in Belarus, Estonia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Poland, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The Lithuanian language consists of two major dialects spoken in different areas of Lithuania. The Lithuanian language comprises of 32 letters and uses the Latin alphabet.
At Brightlines, we have worked with brands such as Google, Honda and Red Sea Gateway and only use Lithuanian translation specialists who have used Lithuanian since birth.
Our translation services - FAQ
Do you use native translators?
Yes, always. All our translators are native speakers and most are still resident in their native country. We pride ourselves on ensuring that all Brightlines’ translators are native. We do not accept applications from non-native candidates or allow them to register on our online recruitment database. All our translators are rigorously tested.
How long will the translations take?
The turnaround for the translation will depend on the word count. As a rough guide, assume that the translators can comfortably process about 2500 words of non-specialised text per day. Proofreading can effectively be completed on a basis of 4000-6000 words a day. Our minimum turnaround time is usually about three days, although it is possible to shorten this if you are in a rush for the final files and we will always be happy to discuss this with you.
What is the variation in your translators’ experience and qualifications? Are they native speakers? Will the cost increase if we use a more experienced translator?
All our translators have to go through a series of tests to make sure they are as good as they say they are, and only if they pass are they allowed to work for Brightlines. There is quite a range of experience and qualifications, but all translators have a minimum of five years’ experience. All translators translate into their mother-tongue without exception and are generally based in-country so they are up-to-date with the local language. We match translators with projects/clients depending on the subject matter, and most of our translators have industry experience in their speciality – there is no better experience than being immersed professionally in the industry they specialise in. Our costs are based on translator experience, speciality (i.e. medical, creative, scientific) and the language choice.
Which languages can you translate into?
We have an extensive database with hundreds of trusted and tested translators covering all commercial languages. If you cannot see the language or dialect you need please ask.
I don’t know the word count; can you base the quote on the number of pages?
Our pricing structure is based on a rate-per-word, but we can estimate from a page count. If we can’t see the source document then we would usually estimate between 300 – 500 words a page depending on the density of the text and the presence of photos and images.
Does the translation need to be proofread?
Brightlines is an ISO 9001:2015 certified company. This means that quality is safeguarded. We adhere to the “four-eyes principle” and translations are always checked by a second professional proofreader (who is not the translator). If the translation is for internal use and reference purposes only (i.e. not to be published, distributed or used in a court of law), or you simply don’t wish to have proofreading, we can remove the proofreading stage.
Get in touch
If you need Lithuanian translations, get in touch with our team, or get a quick quote.
