Vancouver: The Pacific Northwest’s Multicultural and Multilingual Mecca

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A gorgeous locale nestled between the rugged North Shore Mountains and striking Pacific coastline is bound to attract its fair share of people, and that is exactly what the city of Vancouver has been doing for over a century. Its unique landscape has drawn in people from across the globe, all bringing their own customs, traditions and ways of life to create an incomparable melting pot that is consistently voted one of the world’s most livable cities.

The city’s culture remains marked by its earliest inhabitants, the First Nations people, as evidenced by Vancouver’s architecture, art scene and numerous festivals that pay tribute to its original population. Totems and sculptures influenced by the Haida and other groups can be seen throughout the city, and local universities have become prominent research centers for First Nations people throughout Canada.

The city also has a notable Chinese influence, as many Chinese railway workers arrived in the late 19th century following completion of the transcontinental railway. As the last stop on the line, workers in Vancouver faced a choice – either make the long and expensive trip back to China or make a new home in Vancouver. Many stayed, later bringing their relatives to join them in their new life.

Later settlers included large groups of Japanese, who relocated and worked in small fishing villages along the coast or on local farms. During that same period, Canada’s flourishing lumber industry brought a new wave of immigrants from India and Pakistan. The end of World War II brought with it the arrival of many Italian, Greek and Arab families, and the ease of modern air travel has brought even more immigrants from every part of the world.

Vancouver’s geographic location between the Pacific Ocean and various mountain ranges means that space is limited and neighbors from all over have had to share relatively close quarters. This has led to the blending of cultures that has made the city the amazing metropolis that it is, but there is one element that does not change very quickly, and that is language.

Vancouver Translation Company

With over 49% of its residents being non-native English speakers, Vancouver is one of the most multilingual cities in the world. Cantonese, Mandarin, French, Tagalog, Japanese and Punjabi are just a few of the many languages you’ll hear residents speaking. This adds to the city’s inimitable charm, but can also lead to misunderstandings and missed opportunities. Fortunately, APlus Translations has a local Vancouver translation service that is ready to handle all your multilingual needs. APlus is the foremost Vancouver translation company and has the experience and expertise to help you and your business.

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