Language is an ever-evolving creature. All living languages evolve and the more they are used, the faster the evolution. This is evidenced by the finding that the rate of language evolution is impacted by the size of the population that uses it. That’s why changes in a country and society are sure to affect the language too.
For example, the tech boom in Israel has influenced the development of modern Hebrew and the industries that are dependent on it, including those that provide Hebrew translation. This article will take a closer look at how the Israeli tech boom has impacted Hebrew translation providers, including Tomedes, the company that I founded. We will also discuss the development of the modern Hebrew language in general.
What You Should Know About the Hebrew Language
Before we can discuss the Hebrew language and the effect of technological development on it, we need to discuss a few important details about it.
Hebrew belongs to the Semitic language family. Scholars divide the history of the Hebrew language into four periods:
● Biblical or Classical
● Mishnaic or Rabbinic
● Medieval
● Modern Hebrew
The different periods saw changes in the way that the language was used. Hebrew saw a major decline during the Medieval period up until the 19th century during which there was a revived interest in Hebrew. This has resulted in the development of modern Hebrew as we know it today.
Eliezer Ben-Yehuda is credited with the development of modern Hebrew more than anyone else. A lexicographer, Eliezer created hundreds of new words that were based on classical Hebrew.
The Israeli Tech Boom
How is the Hebrew language coping with the technical development that is ongoing in Israel right now?
Israel has always been ahead when it comes to technology and development. It has established its own research and development sector right from the start because it cannot rely on its neighbors for help. That emphasis on research has led to the country’s development of various industries on its own from cloud computing to AI.
Israel is also famous for its Silicon Wadi, which is one of the leading places in the world for startups. Israel is home to more than 97 unicorns or startup companies that are valued at $1 billion each.
Impact of the Tech Boom on Hebrew Translation Providers
As mentioned, the Israeli tech boom has an inevitable effect on the language industry including Hebrew translation providers. It’s time to take a more detailed look at those effects.
Tech Developments Are Boosting the Translation Industry
The influx of foreign tech companies and the many tech startups in Israel is definitely a boost for the companies that provide translation services.
At Tomedes, we have been working with Israeli tech companies as they expanded into other countries by helping them to localize and hire new talents within the tech industry. Whether it is to provide Hebrew to English translation or the other way around, these companies need to connect with new audiences and hire new people.
Translation companies will do more than just translate the language, they will also localize the content to match it with the target market.
Tech giants like Intel for example have had a presence in Israel for a long time. In fact, it has operated in the country since the 1970s. It has invested heavily there as it recognizes Israel’s role as a tech leader. Translation companies can help these international companies to make their transfer into the country smoother.
Apps Allowing to Connect with Interpreters
Another way that the tech boom is impacting the language industry is through the development of an Israeli-based sign language app. There is no one universal sign language and what happens is that a separate sign language is developed per language. This means people who depend on sign language will still find it difficult to communicate with others who know sign language that is based on a different language.
Sign Now is the solution that was developed by the Israeli tech industry for sign languages. It basically connects the sign language using community with sign language interpreters.
The StopNCII Software for Victims
The StopNCII Software is a piece of technology that allows victims to have their intimate images removed from the internet. Revenge porn is actually a very pressing problem today and Israel is one of the countries that have passed legislation to protect the victims. The StopNCII Software will not only protect the victims, but it can also help identify the perpetrators.
The fact that it is available in Modern Hebrew makes it a prime example of where language has been integrated into modern technology.
These are just some of the ways that the tech industry in Israel has impacted the language industry including translation service providers. Hebrew is just one of the languages that have been changed by the development of technology and there are other examples of evolving languages because of technological progress.