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Your business may be doing well in a local market, but then the decision is made to go global. The greatest hurdle in globalizing a business comes from culture and language. The goal of businesses is to connect products as well as services to the clients and buyers in the international market. This is when a language service provider comes in to help make the connection. The company will thrive if it is able to reach a larger audience in their native tongue. The organization can reach its fullest potential only when it makes available all of their products and services to the global market. So, the company will have to consider translating its brochures, campaigns, websites, flyers, and product descriptions in the region-specific language.

Why do you need an LSP?

Organizations may have employees who speak different languages, however they already have tasks including core business functions. Also, just because someone is a native speaker does not mean they have the grammar, spelling and word-smithing skills needed to properly communicate a global message. The employees however have the field knowledge and the day to day vocabulary that would be of great assistance to a professional linguist. Often employees try to tackle a translation task and after much frustration and delays they understand how much a language service provider is needed. Language service providers are experts in their field who understand the unique needs of each client they handle. They work in close association with businesses to ensure the message is masterfully delivered in the target language. When selecting an LSP, ensure you have a partner who can grow with you. You may only need one language now but if your LSP offers many, it will mean less work in the future. LSPs also offer a range of services -from product functionality testing to presentations – be sure to select a partner who can provide any delivery format you will need now or in the future.

LSP helps you localize your business

LSPs not only translate but also help localize. Localization is something beyond translation. It is adaptation of your business communication to ensure the message is conveyed to global audiences. It is not just literal translation but the linguistic equivalent by a native speaker who has a better understanding of the target market. In other words, word choice is critical for cultural implications with a focus on the tone.

It is important to take into account the cultural conformity of the target audience especially when dealing with numbers, times, dates and the counting system of the target audience. For example, you may need to add metric with imperial measurements. Your LSP should use only native speakers to ensure localization is addressed with the translation.

Obtaining high quality translations

Language service providers utilize professional native speaking translators who strive to ensure your translations are accurate and effective. The translators working on your projects should have an advanced degree in translation studies /linguistics or similar fields as not all LSPs are equal. If your LSP has language experts, they know how to maximize the use of language tools efficiently for accuracy and speed to minimize inaccuracies.

In addition, many of these translators have specialized backgrounds or accredited expertise in technological, legal and medical translations. So, if your content is specialized, you should require a higher level of understanding and technical specialization from your LSP.

High quality translations come from highly qualified professionals. The difference between good and bad translations is the difference in the qualification and experience of the translators. Therefore the focus of language service providers should be to match the best translation professionals to your needs.

LSP can help you with its resources and tools

In addition to the quality of translators, the resources and tools available can make a huge difference. The best LSPs ensure that the best translation resources and tools are accessible to their workers. One such essential tool is translation memory, which is intelligent software. It retains terms for consistency and for future reference. Translation memory also enables the client to see discounts on repetitive text over time. If your LSP uses translation memory, ensure review comments and changes are updated in the memory so current terms are used in future work. Also ensure you are able to obtain a copy of the translation memory should you ever need to change providers. Tools like translation memory can reduce the turnaround time, cost and workload.. Resources available to your LSP are also important. If you LSP only has in-house resources this limits their language offerings, turnaround time, and abilities as well as expertise. If your LSP has a network of partners, you will have more resources available for your current and future needs..

Businesses that outsource their translation needs to LSPs are actually making a wise decision that eventually helps them focus on their day to day core business. In addition, they eventually go on to build a program that improves their translated content, saves time and money as well as enhances their presence in the global market.