Marshallese Translation & Interpretation Services
Marshallese language
Providing Professional Translation, Interpretation, and Localization services in Marshallese and more than 300 other languages and dialects.
Autonym(s)
Ebon, Kajin Ṃajeḷ, Kajin Majōl
Number of Speakers
Native Speakers: 55,000
Geographic Distribution
Marshall Islands
Official or Recognized Status
Marshall Islands
Classification
Austronesian, Micronesian
Features
An Austronesian language of the Micronesian branch, spoken mainly in the Marshall Islands. It features a complex system of vowel allophony, where the pronunciation of each vowel changes depending on nearby consonants—a hallmark of Marshallese phonology. The language distinguishes between “light” and “heavy” consonants, which affect vowel quality and syllable structure. Marshallese has relatively simple syllable patterns (CV, CVC) but allows long sequences of consonant alternations due to its phonetic reductions. Grammatically, it follows a verb–subject–object (VSO) word order, uses prepositions instead of postpositions, and relies on prefixes and infixes to mark tense, aspect, and number. Pronouns encode inclusive vs. exclusive distinctions, and reduplication is common for emphasis or aspectual nuance.
Dialects
Marshallese has two primary, mutually intelligible dialects aligned with the islands’ two chains: Rālik (western) and Ratak (eastern). They differ mainly in sound patterns and some vocabulary. A hallmark contrast is how they treat word stems that begin with two consonants: Ratak often inserts a vowel between the consonants, while Rālik tends to place a vowel before the cluster. Beyond that, individual atolls show minor local quirks, but the Rālik–Ratak split is the language’s main dialect divide.
Writing System
Latin script
U.S. Distribution
In the U.S., Marshallese-speaking communities are small yet highly concentrated. The majority live in Northwest Arkansas (especially Springdale and Washington County), where the workforce grew after Tyson Foods recruited many from the Marshall Islands. Significant populations also reside in Hawaii, Washington state (particularly the Spokane area), and Southern California, with smaller pockets in other states. Due to the U.S.–Marshall Islands Compact of Free Association, many Marshallese reside and work in the U.S. without visa requirements, which has helped create a tight-knit diaspora network focused on culture, language, and community support.
At Latitude Prime, we provide Marshallese translation, Marshallese interpretation, and Marshallese localization services across various specialized subject areas and multiple dialects. Whether you need to translate medical/insurance documentation from English to Marshallese, need a Marshallese interpreter for a business meeting in Majuro, Marshall Islands, or want to localize your website into Marshallese to market your products or services in the Marshall Islands, Latitude Prime has the customized language solution to meet all your Marshallese language needs.
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