E-ging Solutions is a world-leading Shanghai translation company with specialties in Dutch Language translation.

Although the Netherlands is a fairly small country in terms of geographical size, it has created a fairly large footprint across many continents over the years. The influence of Dutch traders and explorers in the past can still be felt today. That’s why Dutch language translation is an important part of modern global commerce and communication.

In case you aren’t up on your history, it might be a good idea to see where the Dutch and other people inhabiting this very flat country have traveled to over the past few centuries. A good place to start is the former Dutch colonies. This will give us a bit of a window into the influence the Netherlands has exerted across the planet and why there’s a continuing demand for Dutch language translation.

The Dutch Empire got off the ground with the establishment of its overseas colonies. While not politically expedient these days, this was all the rage for European powers (England, Portugal, and Spain) back in the day. Ranging from Dutch colonies in the New World (New York was once called New Amsterdam) to tiny dots out in the South Pacific, the Dutch Empire was vast.

Here’s a sampling of former Dutch colonies demonstrating just how far from home sailors from the Netherlands had to travel: Ceylon (trading post), Dutch West Indies, Indonesia, Maluku (a Spice Island), parts of Iran, Suriname, and South Africa.

Sometimes the Dutch would capture a colony from another European power, like England or Portugal. Other times they would have complete control or only a foothold in the country they claimed as their own.

Regardless of the very questionable ethics of colonization, the Dutch Empire helped spread the Dutch language — and the need for Dutch language translation  — across immense oceans and continents. The tongue that came from “Low Countries” of Europe boarded a ship and sailed far beyond the confines of its homeland.