The Polish Language
The official language of Poland, Polish is also spoken by large communities of Polish people in countries such as Germany, Canada and Argentina.
Polish is known as a very formal language, with words meaning ‘Sir’ and ‘Lady’ used in everyday speech. These formalities within the language reflect the formalities within the Polish culture itself, with polite hand-kissing, for example, still regularly used throughout Poland. Spoken by around 40 million people worldwide, the Polish language is reputed to be one of the hardest languages to learn, with its difficult pronunciation and complex grammar.
Overview of the Polish Language
- Over 40 million people worldwide speak Polish, making it one of the most spoken Slavic languages.
- Most Polish speakers live in Poland, but there are also significant Polish-speaking communities worldwide, particularly in the UK, the United States, and Germany.
History of Polish
- Polish is a West Slavic language originating from the Proto-Slavic language, making it a close cousin of languages like Czech and Slovak.
- Polish began to emerge as a distinct language in the 10th century, with the establishment of the Polish state.
- The Polish language developed into its modern form around the 16th century – often called the “Golden Age” of Polish culture.
The Influence of Polish
- Polish language and culture have had a significant global impact, particularly in science, music, and literature. Notable Polish figures include scientist Marie Curie, composer Frédéric Chopin, and author Henryk Sienkiewicz.
- Numerous Polish words have found their way into English, often through Yiddish, including “bagel”, “kielbasa” (a type of sausage), and “vodka”.
Polish Today
- Polish is the official language of Poland, one of the largest countries in Central Europe.
- Significant numbers of Polish speakers can also be found in Lithuania, Belarus, and Ukraine.
- Polish is known for its complex grammar and pronunciation. It has several unique letters and sounds that don’t exist in English, such as the nasal vowels “ą” and “ę”.
Our Polish Translation Services
Our translation agency works tirelessly to bridge the gap between English and Polish, fully considering the Polish language’s unique complexities. We’ve got wide-ranging experience in various fields, including legal, medical, technical, and literary translations. Whether you need English-to-Polish or Polish-to-English translation, we’re committed to providing a service that is high-quality, accurate, and always delivered on time.
Understanding and being understood in Polish has never been easier with our translation services catering to the communication needs of global business. At Brightlines, we understand the importance of having an in-depth knowledge of a culture and a language, which is why we only use Polish translation specialists who have used Polish since birth. Choosing us for your translation means opting for accuracy, cultural understanding, and a clear voice in the Polish-speaking world. We’re here to help you communicate effectively and with confidence in Polish.
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 Polish translations, get in touch with our team, or get a quick quote.
