Spanish-speakers can be found around the world in dozens of different countries – from Cuba to Argentina to Spain – each with unique dialects. With over 400 million Spanish-speakers worldwide, is it possible for an organization to translate materials into Spanish so that it is understood by all Spanish-speakers?

By removing the dialect expressions from the copy translators can produce what is referred as a "universal” or “neutral” translation. A translation can be created by a native speaker in "neutral" and then undergo dialect review to identify expressions or word usage which do not apply to other dialects. Carefully choosing Spanish words so that the resulting text is “neutral” or “universal” and is acceptable (i.e. not identifiable as written for another regional market) throughout the Spanish-speaking world, is a technique for reducing translation costs by eliminating the need to produce additional versions of collateral, manuals, etc. for each Spanish-speaking country.

For example, a medical referral in Argentina this is known as "derivación;" however this term would not be understood as a “medical referral” in the rest of the Spanish-speaking world. In Mexico and Central America “referral” is known as "referencia.” The best neutral term would be “remission.” Even if it is not commonly used, everyone recognizes this word and should know what it means.

If the material being translated is for general information and will cross several dialect frontiers, then universal Spanish is probably what is needed. Contact us for more information about universal Spanish. Contact usfor more information.

SOURCES:
U.S. Census Bureau
Global Language Solutions