Mother Tongue

 Mother Tongue

    With any language that we study, people will almost always prefer their native language. It is a given, they are just more comfortable, especially when it comes to money. Clients want to be secure in their purchases and customers' satisfaction throughout the transaction is very important. We hold a lot of power with our words; I have noticed first hand with a variety of communities giving each other recommendations based off of their experiences. Word of mouth is the best free marketing. It is completely understandable when it comes to large purchases, such as buying an airplane ticket. The customers want to be able to do so in their language. United Airlines has really lived up to their name, proving how diverse and inclusive they are. This airline has translated their services in eleven different languages, optimizing their potential profits by expanding their target audience. Not only translating the phrases but also making sure that is it culturally correct. My favorite thing is the glossary for the airline terminology, which is vital to have a successful travel industry. United Airlines is playing all the correct playing cards. With global trade continuing to expand, it makes perfect sense why they are the leading world company, operating in 170 different countries. United is making international business more accessible and building client relationships at the same time. 

    On the same topic of airlines, Icelandair incorporates their language in such a beautiful manner. In the article Ice(landic), Ice(landic), Baby, it really stood out to me all the effort the airline put into translating to share their culture with their customers. From having basic phrases in Icelandic on the back of the head rest to offering a language-learning program throughout the duration of the flight as an option on the screen. It is such a brilliant idea to have the inflight entertainment (music, movies, tv shows) in Icelandic, truly embodying everything they stand for. They do a phenomenal job showcasing their pride in their mother tongue. Not only going above and beyond to teach customers but taking the correct steps to preserve the language. This concept is what makes the airline so unique and different. My favorite quote that resonated with me in the article, compares how other airline use translation as a form to reach customers but "Icelandair uses translation to bring its world to the customer." Imagine if this was a more common practice, it would promote multilingualism through the whole world. I don't agree with other airlines fully copying Icelandair's idea but much rather learning ways to promote language as strongly as they do.