Translation Apps Supporting Bolivian Languages: A Comprehensive Guide

Bolivia is a linguistically diverse country with 36 official languages, including Spanish, Quechua, Aymara, and Chiquitano, as well as immigrant languages such as German and Portuguese. Bolivian Spanish is the dominant language, spoken by the majority of the population as a first or second language. As such, there are a variety of translation apps that offer Bolivian Spanish as one of their many languages. Google Translate, for example, is a tried and tested app that offers a wide range of languages and features such as text, voice and scanned translation options. For those looking for accuracy, DeepL Translate uses advanced AI technology to provide translations in 29 languages. iTranslate is another versatile option, offering a phrasebook, dictionary, thesaurus, verb conjugator and an offline mode. For iOS users, Apple Translate is a robust app that integrates seamlessly with Apple devices and supports 18 widely used languages.

Bolivian Spanish Translation Services

If you're looking for a Bolivian Spanish translation service, you've come to the right place. In this section, we'll provide you with detailed information on the different services available, their features, and how they can help you bridge the language barrier.

To start, it's important to understand that Bolivian Spanish is not the same as the Spanish spoken in other countries. It has its own unique expressions, grammar, and pronunciation. As such, it's essential to seek out translation services that specialize in Bolivian Spanish to ensure accuracy and cultural sensitivity.

One reputable company offering Bolivian Spanish translation services is Absolute Translations. They boast a team of mother-tongue Bolivian Spanish speakers who are familiar with the nuances of the language and can provide impeccable translations. They offer a wide range of services, including website localization, app translation, e-learning course materials, and more. They have worked with prestigious clients such as UNESCO, BBC, and Microsoft, delivering translations from Bolivian Spanish to over 200 languages.

Another option is Universal Translation Services, an international translation company with over 20 years of experience. They provide certified translations for various documents, including birth certificates, marriage certificates, and academic transcripts. While they don't specifically mention Bolivian Spanish on their website, they do offer translations for a wide range of languages and have offices in several countries, including Bolivia.

When choosing a Bolivian Spanish translation service, it's essential to consider your specific needs. Do you require translation for a website or app? Are you looking for certified translations of official documents? By identifying your requirements, you can narrow down your search and select a service that aligns with your needs.

In addition to professional translation services, there are also several translation apps available that support Bolivian Spanish. These apps can be useful for basic translation needs, especially when travelling or communicating with Spanish speakers in casual settings. Here are a few options:

• Google Translate: This app supports over 100 languages for text translation and more than 50 languages for camera translation and conversation mode. It's a versatile and simple-to-use option.
• Microsoft Translator: With a simple interface, Microsoft Translator offers voice, conversation, photo, and text translation. It's perfect for presentations as it can translate your message for a diverse audience in different languages.
• ITranslate Translator: This app provides augmented reality translation and can translate text, voice, images, and your surroundings. It also offers a Phrasebook with common phrases for travellers, making it a handy tool when navigating a new country.

Remember, while translation apps can be useful for basic communication and quick translations, they may not always provide the accuracy and cultural sensitivity that a professional human translator can offer.

In conclusion, whether you're seeking Bolivian Spanish translation services for personal or professional reasons, there are options available to meet your needs. Consider your specific requirements and choose a service or app that aligns with your goals. Accurate and effective translation is crucial for successful communication, so invest in a service that prioritizes quality and cultural authenticity.

Bolivian Spanish Pronunciation

Bolivian Spanish, or Castilian, is the variety of Spanish spoken by most people in Bolivia, either as a first language or second language. It is the dominant language of the country and is used in schools and formal settings.

There are several variations of Spanish spoken in Bolivia, including Andean Spanish, Camba Spanish, and Chapaco Spanish. However, we will focus on Andean Spanish, which is spoken in the highlands where major cities like La Paz and Potosí are located.

• The letters c (before e and i), z, and s are pronounced as "s" in "snake," unlike in Spain where they are pronounced as "th." For example, "zapato" (shoe) is pronounced "sah-PAH-toh" in Bolivia.
• The letters ll and y are pronounced as the "y" in "yes" by younger people, but in rural areas and with older generations, they may be pronounced as "zh." For example, "llave" (key) would be pronounced "zha-VE."
• Due to the influence of indigenous languages like Quechua, the intonation may sound more staccato, with flatter sounds and less stress.
• In the highlands, Spanish is spoken a bit more slowly, and vowels are crisp and clear.

Additionally, in Bolivian Spanish grammar, the second person singular informal pronoun "vos" is used instead of "tu." For example, "vos hablas" instead of "tu hablas."

• Camote—(m./f.) Crazy in love
• Cuate—(m.) Friend
• Chupar—To drink, especially alcohol
• Chaqui—(m.) Hangover
• Estar quencha—To have bad luck
• Opa—(m./f.) Idiot, fool
• Charlar—To smooth-talk
• Pachanga—(f.) Game or party
• ¡Qué chala!—Awesome!
• Guagua—(m./f.) Baby
• Churro, Churra—(m./f.) Beautiful

Remember that Spanish pronunciation and vocabulary can vary across different regions of Bolivia, so be sure to consider the specific area you are interested in when studying Bolivian Spanish.

Bolivian Spanish Grammar

Second Person Singular Informal

The second-person singular informal pronoun in Bolivian Spanish is 'vos', unlike in standard Spanish, where it is 'tu'. For example, the phrase 'you speak' would be 'vos hablas' in Bolivian Spanish, not 'tu hablas'.

Subject Pronouns

Bolivian Spanish sometimes explicitly states subject pronouns instead of dropping them. For example, 'I'm going to the market' would be 'yo voy al mercado', instead of 'voy al mercado'.

Order of Pronouns

The order of Spanish pronouns can also change in Bolivian Spanish. For example, 'I gave it to her' would be 'lo se di a ella', instead of 'se lo di a ella'.

Pronunciation

In terms of pronunciation, Bolivian Spanish differs from standard Spanish in a few ways. The letters 'll' and 'y' are distinct, unlike in Argentinian Spanish, where they are pronounced the same way. Like most Latin American Spanish varieties, Bolivian Spanish has 'seseo', meaning it does not differentiate between the 'c', 's' and 'z' sounds. The 'r' sound is also more similar to an English 'sh' sound.

Bolivian Quechua Phrases

Quechua is recognised as an official language in Bolivia, with around 2 million speakers, and is the most spoken indigenous language in the country. There are several translation apps that support Quechua, including:

• Google Translate
• ITranslate Translator
• Microsoft Translator
• Reverso Translate and Learn
• Naver Papago
• SayHi Translate
• Dictionary Linguee

Greetings

• ALLIN P’UNCHAY (good morning)
• ALLIN SUKHA (good afternoon)
• ALLIN TUTA (good evening)
• ALLIN CH’ISI (good evening)
• HINALLATAQ QANPAQPAS (likewise to you)

Farewells

• PAQARINKAMA (until tomorrow)
• SUKHAKAMA (until afternoon)
• TUTAKAMA (until evening)
• MINCHHAKAMA (until the day after tomorrow)
• KUTIMUNAYKAMA (until I return)
• TUPANANCHISKAMA (until we meet again)
• HOQ P’UNCHAYKAMA (until another day)
• RIPUSHANIÑA, RISAQ (I am already leaving)

Expressions of politeness and gratitude

• SUMAQLLAÑA (I am thankful)
• ANCHATA KUSIKUNI (I am very happy)
• AÑAYCHAYKI (I thank you)
• ANCHATA AÑAYCHAKUYKI (I thank you very much)
• AMA HINA KAYCHU (please)
• PAMPACHAYKUWAY (forgive me or excuse me)

Usual expressions

• IMAYNALLAN KASHANKI? (How are you?)
• ALLILLANCHU KASHANKI? (How are you?)
• ALLILLANCHU? (How are you?)
• ALLILLANMI KASHIANI, QAMRÍ? (I am well, and you?)
• NOQAPAS ALLILLANMI KASHANI (I am also well)
• IMATAQ SUTIYKI? (What is your name?)
• ÑUQAP SUTIYMI LORENZO (My name is Lorenzo)
• MAYMANTAN KANKI? (Where are you from?)
• ÑUQA QOSQOMANTA KANI (I am from Cusco)

Other phrases

• ALLIN P’UNCHAY (Good morning)
• ALLIN SUKHA (Good afternoon)
• ALLIN TUTA (Good night)
• TUPANANANCHISKAMA (Until our next meeting)

Bolivian Quechua Pronunciation

Quechua is an indigenous language of the Andean region, with approximately 13 million speakers in Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Northern Chile, Argentina, and Southern Colombia. It is also known as South Bolivian Quechua, Central Bolivian Quechua, Cochabamba Quechua, Quechua or Quechua Boliviano. It is the primary language of the Quechua people and was the official language of the Inca Empire.

Quechua is a perfectly regular language, which makes learning the basics quite easy. However, it can be challenging due to the numerous suffixes and infixes that can be added to words to change their overall significance and subtle shades of meaning.

To achieve understandable pronunciation, it is recommended to have at least one or two live instruction lessons. The general rule of thumb is that stress is almost always on the second-to-last syllable.

Useful Phrases and Pronunciation

• Imaynallan kashanki? - How are you?
• Walliq - Great, good, OK
• Allinlla kashani. - I am just fine.
• Manchay allin. - I'm doing completely fabulous!
• Ñuqa-qa Mose ka-ni. - I am Mose.
• Qam Estados Unidos suyumanta kanki. - I am from the United States.
• Tinkuta tusuyta yachachiway! - Teach me the tinku dance!
• À! - (softens your tone, used after a command)
• K'acha qhari - Beautiful guy
• K'acha warmi - Beautiful girl
• Mana yachanichu. - I don't know.
• Ch'allana! - Let's toast!
• Champ'a uma - Someone who's going crazy
• Challarikuna! - Let's toast for us!
• Tinkunakama. - See you next time.

Frequently asked questions