The UK is a melting pot of numerous cultures. As such, the English language no longer represents the entire UK population, and you need to translate to another language to reach all potential customers within this vibrant market. Of all translations, a rise in Asian populations within Great Britain has made it common to translate into Asian languages.

Considering these foreign languages is essential for any business looking to produce content for Asian-speaking UK consumers. This article discusses the five most translated Asian languages in the UK to help you target your company to all consumers in the United Kingdom and further afield.

Most Common Asian Languages in the UK

English is the official and primary language in the United Kingdom. According to the 2021 United Kingdom census, about 60 million residents in England and Wales speak English. In previous decades, various communities have migrated to the United Kingdom. As a result, the UK enjoys diverse backgrounds, languages and rich culture.

The biggest influx of immigrants into the UK comes from Asian communities. Today, thousands of non-native English language speakers live in the UK and would benefit if you translate into their native tongue. Here are the top five Asian languages to consider for your next translation:

1. Arabic Translation

Arabic is a central semitic language that has close relations with Hebrew Aramaic. There are two different formalities of the Arabic language, Fusha and Aamiya. Classical or standard Arabic, known as Fusha, is the unique variant typically used in media, literature, and other formal settings. Aamiya is the colloquial or spoken Arabic that is used in ordinary conversation.

It is the official language in 22 countries, including Morocco, Egypt, and the UAE. The unique thing about Arabic is that every country has its own variation. There are even nations where the Arabic spoken in one town differs from the next! As more people from these countries have moved to the UK, Arabic has therefore become an important language to translate, and Arabic translations are in high demand.

2. Chinese Translation

It is believed that the Chinese community in Britain is the oldest overseas community in Western Europe. About 300,000 Britons speak Yue Chinese as a first language, with 12,000 more speaking Mandarin. In fact, the Chinese language in the UK accounts for the second biggest group of overseas Chinese in Western Europe, second only to France.

With this in mind, Chinese language translations are higher than ever. UK companies looking to go global also benefit when they translate into this Asian language; there are more native Chinese speakers worldwide than any other language! Translating into Chinese is critical for seamless communications not just in the UK but across the globe.

3. Hindi Translation

Hindi is a significant language worldwide and one of the top languages in the UK, with Hindi translations in high demand. Apart from being the official language of numerous northern Indian states, many linguists consider it a link language in India, so it isn’t surprising that it is the dominant cultural language of Indian immigrants to the British Isles.

The Hindi language’s presence in the UK dates back to the 19th and 20th centuries when Britain colonised the Indian subcontinent. Today, there are around 45,000 Hindi speakers in the country. Translate into this Asian language to communicate with a wider UK audience and take your business to India and other Hindi-speaking markets.

4. Japanese translation

Around 27,764 people in England and Wales speak Japanese as their primary language. Of these Japanese speakers, 27,305 reside in England, while 17,050 are in London alone. Therefore, Japanese language translations are in high demand, especially in London. As the third spoken language online, to translate websites into Japanese is also essential if you’re targeting online consumers in the UK.

5. Gujarati Translation

Gujarati is the official language in Gujarat in India, but some Pakistani people also speak it. Numerous Gujarati natives have immigrated to the United Kingdom. Most settled within larger metropolitan areas such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, West and East Midlands and Greater London. In these urban areas, they have also created vibrant communities whilst honouring their traditions.

As such, Gujarati is one of the top languages in the UK you should translate into if targeting these communities. It’s also widely spoken in the United States as the 20th most spoken language, further increasing the need for Gujarati translation services.

Translate your language documents with Renaissance Translations

If you have any content to translate into any of these Asian languages, Renaissance Translations can help. We have an extensive network of qualified native speakers of these languages and many others. Our linguists use the latest translation techniques and technologies to provide outstanding, client-centric services. You won’t be disappointed!

Your partnership with Renaissance Translations comes with professional memberships such as ATC and a guarantee to meet any tight deadline placed on us. Get in touch today with one of our project managers to discuss your project’s requirements. With our language services, you can translate into any language to better target the UK market or take your business global.