The 2024 Olympic Games brought together hundreds of athletes from over 200 countries. At this human, international, and sporting event, communication and translation played a fundamental role in guaranteeing understanding and interaction between participants.
Were you aware of just how important language was at the most recent Olympic Games? Can you guess which were the main languages at this Parisian get-together? Find out with us.
Most spoken languages at the Olympic Games
In Tokyo 2020, 35,000 volunteers offered linguistic assistance to attendees. The coexistence of athletes, coaches, referees, officials, and spectators from various cultures, speaking a range of different languages, requires a good number of translators.
Only clear and precise communication makes it possible to avoid misunderstandings, promote equal conditions, and ensure that everyone is perfectly informed of the rules, schedule, and results. This also makes it possible to convey and promote the Olympic values of respect, friendship, and solidarity.
Main languages at the Paris games
Diversity was a defining characteristic of the most recent Olympic Games. However, a few languages stood out above the rest when it came to the volume of their use and users:
- English. It’s not just the second language par excellence in a host of territories, it is also very common in the sporting field and serves as an international lingua franca.
- French. Given that this is the official language of Paris, the games’ host city, it held significant weight throughout the event.
- Spanish. The presence of various Spanish speakers, mainly from Latin America and Spain, made this a hugely relevant language.
- Other languages. Chinese and Arabic are some of the most spoken languages on the planet, and therefore enjoyed proportional importance.
Professional translation at sporting events
Every multilingual event requires the presence of professional and highly qualified translators and interpreters. Only this way can effective communication be achieved. These specialists are capable of precisely conveying multilingual messages, fostering understanding and collaboration between participants.
At the Olympic Games, they must also adapt the terminology used in order to be understood by international audiences. This ability to capture and transmit cultural nuances drives diversity and inclusion at these events.
What specific skills do linguists need to do it right? Take note:
- Capturing and sharing the emotion and intensity of sporting events.
- Understanding and communicating each discipline’s technical terms and specific jargon.
- Significant ability to adapt, as a great variety of sporting events quickly follow one after the other.
- Being impartial and staying neutral to avoid influencing results or the perception of sporting events.
Examples of professional translators at the Olympic Games
When you think of Paris 2024, the names that come to mind are, naturally, those of successful athletes: Simone Biles, León Marchand, Noah Lyles, and Novak Djokovic, among others.
However, a number of distinguished translators have also left their mark on Olympic history. Liu Changchun, official interpreter at Beijing 2008, was widely praised for his ability to translate Chinese and English. Michael Bandler, present at various editions of the games, also stood out for his experience and knowledge of French, English, and Spanish.
What’s more, at Paris 2024, AI and V4 simultaneous-interpreting tools played an extraordinary role. In any case, language and its translation are vital in guaranteeing effective communication between athletes, coaches, judges, the organization, and the public.
However, the 2024 Olympic Games are not the only relevant event requiring specialist linguists to strengthen communication and understanding. We at blarlo are here for you when you need professional, 100% reliable translation and interpreting services. Get in touch with us to inquire about our services!
