The Indian language services landscape
Challenges and Opportunities
Indian Linguistic Diversity
As the seventh-largest country by area, India is quickly emerging as a promising localization market. But the Indian market is complex. Although there are 22 constitutionally recognized (national) languages in India, there are 122 major languages altogether, resulting in well over 2,000 dialects spoken by the country’s 1.25 billion people.
As of 2014, there were 243 million Indians actively online, directly behind China and the United States. And although this sounds impressive, it represents just under 20 percent of the country’s total population. Another challenge is the language of the Internet. English remains the dominant internet language, but only 10 percent of the total Indian population are able to communicate in English.
In order to bring this sprawling digital divide to a halt, the Government of India began the Technology Development for Indian Languages (TDIL) way back in the early 1990s. Its aim is to develop IT tools in local languages within India. Partnering with technology organizations, TDIL continues to develop Indian language computing resources, processing systems, tools, translation support systems, and localization of software.
In 2008, the government launched the National Translation Mission (NTM) with the aim of establishing translation as a recognized industry in India. Unfortunately, however, efforts have not stayed consistent throughout the years, and as a result, the industry remains fragmented. Low penetration of computers, limited access to the Internet, low availability of local language content, a lack of formal language-based IT training, and a lack of accreditation and formal training for translators continue to daunt the Indian language services industry.
Nonetheless, Lionbridge, the largest global language service provider, has recently expanded its in-country experts within India. The company’s in-house translators are now able to cover more than 95 percent of India’s language population. Perhaps Lionbridge is readying itself for the exciting prospects of India becoming a new international manufacturing hub.
Make In India
The “Make in India” initiative, launched in 2014, is a formal invitation to global markets, encouraging international companies to consider India a potential manufacturing hub. Four elements are key to successful manufacturing hubs, and India seems to hit the mark on each one:
Skilled workforce
“More than 12 million youth between 15 and 29 years of age are expected to enter India’s labor force every year for the next two decades.” Through the National Skill Development Mission, the Indian government is increasing the number of skill development centers which will likely produce a growing, capable workforce able to handle increased business opportunities.
Strengthening infrastructure
Traditionally, India’s infrastructure has been characterized as insufficient for international business. However, the Indian government, as well as private equity and venture capital investments, have initiated a number of promising policies. With plans to build and improve power, bridges, dams, roads, highways, roads, ports, and rails, India’s infrastructure is beginning to show promise.
Ease of doing business
The World Bank’s (WBG) most recent Doing Business Report (DBR) has moved India up 23 position points against its 2017 ranking. It now ranks 77th out of the 190 countries assessed by the WBG. As if this isn’t already impressive enough, the year before, the WBG moved up India’s positioning by 30 places – no easy feat for a country as large and as diverse as India.
Open-market economy development
India ranks slightly more than 55 out of 129 on the 2019 Index of Economic Freedom. With the help of India’s government, India is emerging as an open-market economy. Although it still has an upward battle, India’s progress toward “… industrial deregulation, reduced controls on foreign trade and investment, privatization of state-owned enterprises, and reduced controls on foreign trade and investment have accelerated growth.”
Indian Language Services – Challenges and Opportunities
Although India continues to face a lot of upward battles when it comes to standardizing its language services industry, significant strides are being made. Thanks to private investments and government initiatives, India is emerging as a desirable hub for LSPs. A talented pool of multilingual language specialists and IT engineers, competitive wages, and affordable real estate are just some reasons why LSPs are beginning to look toward India as the land of opportunity.
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