Category Archives: Translation

How to Reduce Translation Costs with Controlled Natural Language

How to Reduce Translation Costs with Controlled Natural Language

How to Reduce Translation Costs with Controlled Natural LanguageIf your company produces a high volume of content, you know the costs involved in writing, editing and translation can be high. Global companies can have documentation translated into more than 20 languages. So a common concern is how to produce documents at a lower cost without losing the clarity and quality customers expect.

Many companies seek to repurpose as much content as possible, especially with instruction booklets or product descriptions. A solution many utilize is a Component Content Management System (CCMS) which can efficiently manage content by minimizing volume and, therefore, reducing the costs. With a CCMS, the amount of content that can be repurposed is affected by the format, industry standards, and the system used.

It is important to ensure that the content is structured and that style sheets are created to improve the publishing process. Many authors shy away from this method of content creation because it lacks flexibility, but, by using a template, you can ensure conformity. This method also means that accidental new material created by authors is avoided. New words and phrases cost money to create and translate. By ensuring authors use the same terms and expressions, accidental content will be reduced and therefore related costs will also go down.

For example, you may have various authors writing safety instructions that convey: “Don’t disconnect until the green light is illuminated.” Each author may write this instruction in a different way, such as “only disconnect when the green light is on” or “when the green light is illuminated, you can disconnect”. If each author would implement the same wording, you would have conformity across all the documentation and, therefore, it would be easier to reuse content. Instruction manuals, brochures, product descriptions and marketing materials would all use the same phrasing.

Many find that, by implementing a Controlled Natural Language (CNL) style, this can be achieved. Examples of styles are ASD Simplified Technical English, Caterpillar Technical English, and IBM’s Easy English. These CNLs are not only used to increase the readability and quality of technical documentation, but, also, to reduce the amount of required translation, optimizing the process. These rules have restrictions such as using short sentences, avoiding pronoun use, using only the active voice and utilizing only dictionary approved words.

By using Controlled Natural Language (CNL), you can improve the consistency and quality of a technical translation. Conventional CAT tools will pick up matches at a higher rate and this, in turn, will make human translation faster. CNL’s are efficient because they use less than 1% of vocabulary, bringing the number of words that can be used to between 2,000 and 10,000.

The advantage to this method is that the limited vocabulary means authors use fewer words, so the text is sharper and easier to understand. Ambiguity and confusion are avoided, and the technical information produced can be used by professionals and layman alike. Whether it is a user manual, instructional leaflet or marketing brochure, the content is clear to the customer.

Using tools such as a content management system and a controlled language will improve consistency and quality, as well as lower the overall costs of producing technical documentation and translating content for the global marketplace.

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Terralingua is a professional ISO certified translation company specializing in localization and desktop publishing. We have been working with many of the world’s industry leaders. To see how we can assist with your company’s global communications, please visit our website for further information.

Quality Control - “Is Their Money Where Their Mouth Is?”

Quality Control – “Is Their Money Where Their Mouth Is?”

Quality Control - “Is Their Money Where Their Mouth Is?”A focus on quality is a “given” basic requirement when working with providers. Quality control assurances are a common mantra in marketing materials. However, how do you truly know the right procedures are implemented and functioning every day? It becomes more complicated with the translation industry. There are many different diplomas, degrees, and certifications a translator may obtain. A translator may be extremely qualified, with extensive experience and assured against errors and omissions. Even so, how can one ensure the daily workflow reflects this? Enter industry standards – an objective way to oversee that controls are effectively in place.

The ISO 9001 and the ISO 17100 are quality management systems designed to make sure that organizations meet certain standards and can best serve customers’ needs. There are many benefits to ISO certification, especially ISO 17100, which applies directly to translation services.

You may have heard of the ISO standard 9001, but the relatively new translation agency standard ISO 17100 applies specifically to translation industry procedures. This international standard replaces the European EN 15038. It is important to note, though, that it does not apply to machine translation or interpretation.

What does this mean? A translation provider with ISO credentials has annual independent audits performed to ensure efficient management operations. These objective evaluations benchmark the agency’s operations to see if they are correctly performed and, therefore, allow an organization to maintain their ISO certification.

One of the important pioneers of translation industry standards was the LISA organization. The Localization Industry Standards Association or LISA existed from 1990 to February 2011. The standards set by LISA raised the bar on translation memory management, term base management and the use of the XML authoring and localization framework. A focus on accuracy is the highlight of a LISA approved workflow. If a translator or agency has a LISA structured control in place, consistent quality should be expected.

GALA – the Globalization and Localization Association is a useful source of information and includes details about these standards on their site.

Something important to know (apart from the fact that your provider has quality controls in place) is what kind of quality control is used specifically. Look at your own organization and find out what you consider to be the important requirements to entrust a provider with your global message. An ISO certification or adherence to a LISA standard does not guarantee 100% perfection, but helps to separate the wheat from the chaff.

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Terralingua Translations is an ISO 9001 and ISO 17100 certified translation agency that has implemented an internal in-house evaluation program built on LISA standards. You can find out more and contact a local office at www.terralinguatranslations.com.

”For Your Eyes Only?” Online Documentation Safety Considerations

”For Your Eyes Only?” Online Documentation Safety Considerations

”For Your Eyes Only?” Online Documentation Safety ConsiderationsIt was reported last year on a CBS News website that there are more Americans worried about their data privacy than about losing their income. 56 percent of the people are concerned about their privacy and trust the companies they deal with will keep their data from falling into the wrong hands.

With the recent security breaches of large companies including Equifax, individuals are worried that their names, addresses, social security numbers and a host of other bits of information will be stolen and used in identity theft. It has unfortunately become a common concern among individuals, but how aware is your company of privacy breaches?

Your company may have policies in place regarding email communication and social media, but what about your documentation safety? You assume that the companies you work with will treat your files with the same amount of care and online security that you use, but what assurances do you have?

This issue came to the forefront in the translation industry with a massive security breach of documents used through a free online translation service. Potentially confidential information related to company communication, contracts and products were posted in good faith by employees seeking free and quick translation, which, unbeknownst to them, exposed their content unprotected on the internet. When using free translation tools, you might find that the text you have entered becomes available on the internet for anyone to access. A Norwegian company that used a free translation service discovered that some sensitive information was available to anyone who used Google. In response, many companies took action, including the Oslo Stock Exchange, which blocked all free online translation providers in their company, including Google Translate. (See this article.)

This incident raised an issue to many minds – what steps are being taken to ensure my company’s online documentation safety?

There are four important general considerations when transferring your documentation online. Of course, if your documentation is subject to government or ITAR considerations, the level of care should be higher.

  1. 1) A secure website. Look for SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) to ensure internet traffic is encrypted. There should be an image of a lock at the beginning of the web address. The URL should start with the letters “https”, which is used for secure communications. Qualys SSL Labs has a free test to check any domain to ensure it is secure and it only takes minutes to complete. Look for an “A” rating before sending any confidential files.
  2. 2) Individual Passwords. When uploading or downloading files, make sure there is an individual access code or password to enter a site. When creating passwords, confirm that each account has its own password, which is a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters.
  3. 3) Non-Disclosure Agreements. Ensure anyone working with your files has signed a non-disclosure or confidentiality agreement. This should not be only between you and the translation partner. Make sure the translation agency also has protocols in place with their translators to protect content confidentiality and enforces a privacy policy.
  4. 4) Documentation Protocol. Ensure all hard copy documentation is properly destroyed by your translation partner and that sensitive documentation is not open for access by unauthorized personnel within your company or theirs.

Rather than blindly trusting protocols are in place, ask your translation provider for their policies regarding client documentation. As it may be noticed through recent headlines, there are those who seek to infiltrate even the most secure systems. Therefore, due diligence is required. Checking that even basic requirements are met will help ensure safer documentation handling and lessen the risks of content breach.

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Terralingua is an ISO certified professional translation company also specialized in localization and desktop publishing. We invite you to review our client privacy policy. Please visit www.terralinguatranslations.com to test drive our secure extranet and obtain a non-binding translation quote.

How to Make Your Language Choices for Website Translation

How to Make Your Language Choices for Website Translation

How to Make Your Language Choices for Website TranslationIf you’re doing business globally, it’s important to have more than one language on your website. If you want customers from abroad to buy your products or use your services, then you need to be able to speak to them in their own language.

Granted, large global companies don’t have this problem. They have the budget necessary to add plenty of language options to a website. Take a look at Delta Airlines, for instance. They have more than ten language choices covering the six continents they fly to and from.

Apple also has numerous websites in various languages because they know the importance of being able to communicate with their customers. They want these customers to share their enthusiasm for their products and to engage with Apple themselves. This can only be achieved properly if you are speaking in their language, not yours.

What do you do, though, if you’re a smaller company with less to spend on your marketing strategy? The first thing you should do is to consider your customers, where they are from and what language they speak. Once you know this, you are able to make a choice and pick the language or languages that will capture the majority of the people you want to attract.

Africa

English is widely spoken, but there are also other languages, such as Swahili, French and Arabic. If you’re on a budget, English and French might be good choices. French is spoken in Northern, Western and Central Africa by around 115 million people as a first or second language.

Europe

Europe covers a large area and there are around fifty different languages. Depending on what parts of Europe you are targeting, you could think about English, French, German and Russian. Logically, if your customers are from Spain or Italy, you’ll have to think about adding those languages, too.

North America

It’s easy just to think about English for a North American audience, but the fact is that there are large Hispanic and Chinese communities here. If you want to attract customers from these groups, you’ll need Spanish and Chinese.

Asia

Asia is a huge continent with a wide range of languages, the most popular being Chinese, Hindi, Indonesian and English.

South America

Spanish is spoken in most parts of South America. However, in Brazil, the official language is Portuguese and there are many Portuguese speakers living and working in other neighbouring countries. You will, therefore, need Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese.

Localization

Don’t forget that it’s not just the language translations that will attract and engage your target audience. When they click on their own language, the texts and images should be relevant to their community. Therefore, make sure you use images and colours that they can relate to and that won’t cause offence.

Your social media pages should also be localized and, if they are, you will reap the benefits. Customers are more likely to engage with your brand and share it with their friends if they can perfectly understand your message and if they can see images of people and places from their own country.

It’s very important to have the translation work carried out professionally. A good translator will have lived in the target country and will understand the nuances of the language, as well as its colloquialisms and idioms, which you might want to use on localized pages.

Making your audience feel valued by providing content they can understand without a doubt will make them more likely to use your brand and to become loyal customers.

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Terralingua is a professional translation company that has worked for some of the world’s leading companies. If you would like our help to get your message across to the rest of the world, please visit our website for further information.

The Language of Safety

The Language of Safety

The Language of SafetyAccording to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), more than 13,000 workers in the United States are injured at work every day. Many of these accidents could have been avoided if health and safety rules had been followed.

The object of the AEM is to help workers stay safe. That is why in June, which was National Safety month, they partnered with the National Safety Council. Their goal is to inform and educate workers and employers about safety risks and how to avoid them.

English as a second language

One of the largest groups of workers who suffer from injury on the job is in the construction sector. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulates the sector with an informative website about regulations and safety standards. Despite OSHA’s best efforts, there are still employers and staff who either choose to ignore the rules or have difficulty understanding instructions.

The OSHA website is available in English and Spanish. Two million workers in the US construction workforce are non-native English speakers, this corresponds to 23% of the workforce. Many of these workers are native Spanish speakers, but many speak other languages as well.

Lack of language skills is not the cause of all accidents, but it is a significant contributing factor. If workers do not understand written or spoken instructions, they are at a disadvantage and possibly at risk of suffering a life threatening injury.

Getting the message across

Though construction businesses employ non-English speaking staff, they not always think to provide translated materials, most importantly safety documents, to their staff in their native tongue.

A good example is The Fall Prevention Campaign on the OSHA website. It outlines the actions workers need to take to reduce the risks involved in working from heights. This includes creating a plan with a risk assessment of the area and a list of the correct tools and equipment to be used. These plans and lists should be available in the workplace and understandable for all users. They usually are available in English only, which begs the question – will all workers understand the risks?

Unless a company ensures materials are available in other languages, some workers may not understand the warnings or instructions. A plan prepared in both English and Spanish, for example, helps more workers to understand essential information and apply proper working procedures.

Instructions often do not require a lot of text to ensure comprehension. Look at the infographic on the AEM website. It is a clear poster giving workers information about equipment safety. Small icons with very brief user explanations make them clear, easy to read and simple to translate.

The importance of translation

Translated materials are of the utmost importance when workers are handling dangerous equipment. Most heavy machinery users are required to read the official instruction manual before machinery use.

If the manual has been translated into their native tongue, then they will easily understand the required safety precautions before using the equipment. They will also be fully aware of the risks involved. Offering important documents in another language is priceless, as it might save a life.

Addressing this one change is one of the most crucial decisions a company will make. Knowing essential information is available to protect lives as well as your company’s reputation will mean great peace of mind. Nothing is more important than safety, and nothing has a greater price if not considered.

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Terralingua is a professional translation company specialized in localization and desktop publishing. We have worked with many of the world’s industry leaders. Please visit our website for our local office’s contact information if you would like asssitance with your company’s translation projects.

Is Controlled Language the End of Human Translation for Technical Documents?

Is Controlled Language the End of Human Translation for Technical Documents?

Is Controlled Language the End of Human Translation for Technical Documents?Simplifying technical language to improve comprehension is not a new concept. In the 17th century, a book by Sir Thomas Urquhart contained his plans to construct a new language using simpler terms for tradesmen. He emphasized the benefits of writing in a style that a ten-year old boy would understand.

By the end of the 18th century, English was the main language used in technical documents, but nobody seemed to have listened to Thomas Urquhart. Author and linguist David Crystal points out in his book English as a Global Language that “a foreigner would have to know English very well to learn about British technology”.

By the late 19th century, a period of mass production began. As consumer goods were sold to a growing population, the need for technical publications was once again recognized. In 1932, C.K. Ogden published a dictionary called Basic Words: A detailed account of their uses. The book only had 850 words. He said it would reduce the time to learn English to just a few weeks versus the five years it normally required.

Fast forward to the 1970’s and a language especially for technical documents was created called Caterpillar Fundamental English (CFE). The North American machinery manufacturer Caterpillar developed it in the hope of eliminating the need for translation altogether. Though many documents have been written using the system, it has not put an end to the need for human translation.

A new system was developed in the eighties by the European Association of Aerospace Manufacturers (AECMA). It was created for the aerospace industry to help engineers who were not native English speakers to understand the documentation and to read instructions. They called it Simplified Technical English (STE) and it is still used today.

Another controlled language was developed in the 90s called Bull Controlled English (BCE) by a computer and electronics manufacturer to reduce time to market. It is very simliar to CFE and has ten rules:

The rules are:

    1. Make positive statements: avoid the passive voice; avoid the future tense.
    2. Keep sentence length to a maximum of 25 words.
    3. Use valid terminology; do not invent it. Use the Controlled English vocabulary.
    4. One thought per sentence.
    5. Use simple sentence structures.
    6. Use parallel construction.
    7. Avoid conditional tenses.
    8. Avoid abbreviations and colloquialisms.
    9. Use correct punctuation.
    10. Use the tools available (maximize grammar checker and spelling checker).

Though developed by different industries, all methods harness the desire for consistent and easily understood language. Though it may reduce the need for human translation, professional translators find a great benefit from its use in the translation process. With the use of translation memory tools, more segment matches occur with controlled language, which means quicker turnarounds and reuse of material, which, in its turn, means lower costs. It also reduces the risk of confusion in semantics and syntax. Translations are consistent and of a better quality when rules are applied and language is standardized.

As stated above with BTE, there are a number of rules to be followed when using any controlled language. Short sentences are preferred to wordy sentences. The use of the active voice rather than the passive voice, and nouns in the place of pronouns are required. Writing that is concise and reads clearly are the hallmark of this method.

While controlled language works well withtranslation memory tools, it can have some issues with machine translation. A machine translation cannot understand context and it is still required to have a set of human eyes to confirm the documentation to avoid ambiguity.

There is no denying controlled language has helped the technical translation process enabling better comprehension and consistency. However, there is still a need for human translators with the skill and technical knowledge to spot costly errors and prevent embarrassing misunderstandings. As with all industries and processes, technological advances allow us to work smarter and safer and this changes the way we do things. They still require the human touch, though.

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Terralingua utilizes only the most qualified technical translators for our clients’ projects. We value the trust our clients place in our ISO certified translation services and guarantee our work. If you would like more information about our services or to obtain a no obligation translation quote, please visit our website or contact your local Terralingua office.

Looking for Localization in All the Wrong Places?

Looking for Localization in All the Wrong Places?

Looking for Localization in All the Wrong Places?Searching for a reliable professional translation partner is often like dating. The relationship starts well but often things don’t go quite as you expected.

One of two things usually follows. One may choose to “speed date”, vowing to never be in the same situation again. This choice is based on the belief that having many different relationships will avoid disappointment when a provider does not perform as expected or is not available. Though this may cover the bases for rush needs, it is not a long term solution for achieving consistency and building a trusted partnership. This approach may cause confusion if a translation memory is not properly maintained and distributed, as well as more work with version tracking and revision needs.

The second choice has the “once bitten, twice shy” approach. This choice consists of ensuring proper vetting before entering into a work relationship. Companies that select this approach desire not only consistency with their material, but also within their entire organization — requiring all departments to use a trusted partner. Though this approach can take time, especially if your company wants quality with competitive pricing, there are four upfront checkpoints to ensure you are not wasting your time.

Service Offerings

Selecting a translation partner upfront who can handle all current and future needs is a wise decision. Can the provider supply all localization and desktop publishing services (even if you don’t currently require them)? How many languages and programs/platforms are supported? A provider’s capabilities can save you time and money. For example, you may have an in-house art department, but what if there is an urgent need your people cannot complete on time, or a language font they cannot work with? You may need only Spanish now, but what if you require Chinese a year from now? Confirm how many languages the provider offers as well as their technical capabilities with different formats, platforms and software. If you only have a PDF, can they recreate a translated version? Knowing you can call on your provider for assistance whatever the multi-lingual need arises can save many headaches and heartaches.

Accreditations

Look for industry accreditations and certifications, especially ISO. Achievement of an accreditation shows a commitment to quality. ISO in particular is an important management quality system which demonstrates that the company adheres to a specific set of standards which are continually monitored and analyzed. This standard can also assure that qualified translators are completing your work. Ask your potential provider what checks and balances are in place and if there is an annual test or evaluation to ensure standards— not just that they are writing a check to obtain credentials.

Expertise

Reviewing a potential partner’s client list can give you an idea as to their areas of expertise. Many providers have translators with varying backgrounds. Therefore if you require specific expertise you can request samples from their top qualified translators or review CVs. However, please note that a quality provider will complete this task without your participation before assigning work to a team. If your company requires medical, legal or technical translation, ask the provider about their experience and client list in that field. Also remember that if you have specific preferred jargon, it is best that your provider, no matter how qualified, creates an approved glossary before work begins.

Workflow

Question your potential provider about their workflow and what you can expect when working with them. Listen for native speaking translators in the qualification requirements, on-going testing, a quality assurance process, as well as expectations with project and document handling. Do they use a team approach, with both a translator and an independent editor, or is the job handled by just one translator? Is translation memory used? Check translation memory maintenance practices as well as ownership. Will they release your updated memories if requested? Remember not all companies follow the same procedures. Some may charge project management fees or not allow a round of client revisions without an additional cost.

What can you expect as regards turnarounds for proposals and projects? How are rush requests handled? Some may test the waters first with a sample or a small project, but many providers can easily handle these tasks. If you have a potential need for a large scale project, ask for a case study or a client referral for a similar project they have successfully handled. This will give you an idea as to their tools and capabilities no matter the project size.

What happens when there is an issue? Even with standards in place things can go off track. What will happen if you encounter a problem? Expecting you will never have a bump in the road is not realistic. Issues arise and this is where a relationship is tested. Will your provider work to ensure your satisfaction and help overcome the problem? What if reviewers have their own preferences? How are potential problems addressed? The difference between a provider and a partner is the first will stand behind their work while the other will stand by you, as your concerns will be theirs as well.

Though these guidelines may help separate the wheat from the chaff, it does not eliminate the trial and error that may come from working with different providers. One thing is certain, when you find a provider who is true to their word, goes above and beyond to serve your needs (without charging an arm and a leg), and acts like a part of your team rather than just another vendor – you will have struck translation gold.

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Terralingua is a certified ISO 9001 and 17100 global translation agency which implements the LISA linguistic quality assurance system. We have worked with some of the world’s best-known brands and only use highly qualified native speaking translators. Terralingua would be honored to serve your company’s translation, localization and desktop publishing needs. If you would like more information on our services, please visit our website to contact your local Terralingua office.

Minding Your Global Communication P’s and Q’s

Minding Your Global Communication P’s and Q’s

Minding Your Global Communication P’s and Q’sHave you heard the old English expression to “mind your P’s and Q’s”? This saying means to mind your language and be on your best behavior. Though a simple phrase, it sums up a world full of considerations with international business. Going global may mean evaluating your communication style when it is time to interact with potential partners and customers from a different culture.

Language Learning

Pitching a deal to someone who does not speak your language will have its challenges, but can be just as successful as negotiations in your own tongue as facial expressions, body language and voice tone can communicate just as much as words.

It is not necessary to speak the language of every customer abroad. Using an interpreter is perfectly acceptable to ensure clearly shared information. However something important to note is that interpretation is a separate service from translation. Both services involve language but have different skill sets and needs – so ensure you ask for the right service when setting up the request.

It is polite to at least know how to introduce yourself, welcome your client and say your goodbyes at the end of the meeting in their language. Learning a few words will not take long and it will be appreciated by the people you want to work with.

Documents

Any documents, brochures, PowerPoint presentations or videos should be available in the target language. The best option is to translate this material using a professional human translator, even though the use of machine translation combined with a post-edition by a professional human reviser should not be eliminated of the game. It can be insulting and embarrassing to use machine translation only as the quality result could be very poor.

Brochures and other marketing material may also require desktop publishing. This means the documents will require formatting when taken from the source to the target language. This service will ensure the translated version will have the same look and feel as the original. The text will fit perfectly into the space provided even with expansion or contraction.

Also consider the preferred colors and acceptable images for the targeted country as they do matter. The Chinese for example do not care for white as it represents death; so if you are dealing with a Chinese company consider red, purple or gold, all of which have a positive appeal. Images too need to reflect a country’s culture. For example you would want to reconsider any images that do not reflect the norm or could be potentially offensive. Your clients will appreciate your effort to respect their culture.

Etiquette

Be aware of any of your target country’s etiquette rules. Find out if there are any gestures you should not use, whether or not they shake hands at business meetings, or whether it is considered rude to touch the arm of a person while you are having a conversation. Things that are perfectly acceptable in the US or Europe may be considered inappropriate in your target country. Also remember that people from other cultures may conduct business in different ways. For example it is a common impression that the Japanese and Chinese are very formal; Germans are forthright and Saudi Arabians are quietly spoken negotiators.

The Contract

Some countries may have different norms when it comes to closing a deal as well. Some may consider a handshake equal to an agreement. When presenting a contract or agreement, ensure it is translated into your client’s language and explain this is a normal working process in your culture. Explain in a positive way that the contract is a way of cementing the trust both parties have for a successful business future.

The internet opens the world to global business which is the perfect opportunity to gain new customers and expand your business. Minding these considerations with your international communication and customer approach will mean more successful interactions.

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Terralingua is an ISO 9001 and ISO 17100 certified translation partner that can help your business communicate on a global platform. We provide professional translation, localization and desktop publishing services to some of the world’s top brands. Please visit our website and contact us to discuss your requirements.

We Do Not Need Translation… or Do We?

We Do Not Need Translation… or Do We?

We Do Not Need Translation… or Do We?Your company only has a domestic presence, and if English is the primary language of your country there may be a belief that translation is not needed. However there are some important considerations before making a default assumption.

Who Is Using Your Product or Service?

Even if your company does not have international marketing targets or does not do business in other countries – there are consumers who may prefer materials in other languages even in a primarily English speaking country.

Who is using your equipment, service or product? Though the customer’s company may do business in English, critical safety and support information may be required in another language for the operator or end user. Your company’s reputation could be affected and legal implications could arise from improper usage due to language barriers.

In the Unites States there are at least 350 languages spoken according to the Census Bureau. Spanish is the most popular language after English but there are also a large number of German, Chinese and French speakers.

Where Are the Decision Makers?

The Common Sense Advisory, a market research company based in Massachusetts, polled 3,002 consumers in 10 countries in their languages to test the hypothesis that companies can increase their sales by localizing their products and websites. According to the report, the “survey found a substantial preference for the consumer’s mother tongue. This partiality leads many potential prospects unsure of their reading skills to avoid English-language websites, spend less time during their visits, and not buy products that lack instructions or post-sales customer support in their language. In summary, we found that more local-language content throughout the customer experience leads to a greater likelihood of purchase.”

Though potential clients may have offices in the US, key decision makers or their corporate headquarters could be based in other countries. Though doing business in English, do you know the native language where buying decisions are made?

Expanding Your Reach

Companies are going global even without a physical presence in another country. The internet takes your company around the world even if you do not seek international markets. Customers who speak other languages may have a desire and need for your product, so providing information in other languages will increase your product or service’s reach to markets and consumers you may not have even considered but are looking for exactly what you can provide.

Make a Great First Impression

These important considerations will help your company decide if a translation investment may be needed after all. Investment is a key word as some companies mistakenly believe free or inexpensive machine translation would suffice. It is impossible to gauge or meet a need if the materials do not make sense to the reader or are of such poor quality that it will affect your company’s reputation. As the saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression.

Have you ever received product information that was obviously not written by a native speaker? How did it make you feel reading it? Frustrated? Confused? Did you feel the company valued you as a customer? Did the poorly written materials affect your perceived value or the product? Machine translation cannot replace a professional translator’s ability to correctly and clearly communicate.

If your goal is to increase web traffic and attract more customers, then providing professionally translated materials in additional languages will achieve that objective.

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Terralingua is an ISO certified company that has helped many companies go global through translation and localization solutions. If expanding your company’s reach is a 2017 goal, please visit our website and use the contact form to reach our US, European or Brazilian offices.

Choosing the right Countries for Global Success

Choosing the right Countries for Global Success

Choosing the right Countries for Global SuccessPutting your business into the local marketplace makes sense if you want to attract new customers from different countries.

According to the Common Sense Advisory (CSA), a company will need ‘14 languages to reach 90% of the world’s opportunity.’ A large, wealthy corporation may well be able to cover these languages. Take Coca-Cola for example, their brand is sold in more than 200 countries. During the World Cup, Coca-Cola localized their websites in over six continents to cover teams playing in the World Cup.

However, if you’re a company on a budget, how do you decide which languages to target and what to localize? How do you make sure you get a good return on your investment?

Pick your Countries

Firstly, pick out the countries you already do business with and look at your company’s goals for the next five years. Is it worth investing in one of the overlooked emerging markets, like Indonesia, or should you be thinking about a country like India?

40% of India’s population speaks the official language, Hindi. Although many Indian people also speak English, the internet is spreading into rural areas, where there are only Hindi speakers. These new internet users are looking for products and services in their own language.

Who are your Customers?

Secondly, find out who your customers are. This means speaking to your sales and marketing teams. Ask questions: How old are they? How much do they earn? What jobs do they do? What are their likes and dislikes? What are their hobbies?

If you are dealing with B2B companies, you’ll need to know who’s in charge, who buys the products, and how many people there are in the decision-making chain. Marketing and sales teams can also help you get information from current customers by asking them questions like: “How did you find our company?”, “What did you buy?” and “why do you like us?”. Creating customer profiles will help you identify your target market.

Web Sites and Content

Next, you need to use your budget to translate and localize the most important parts of your sales and marketing tools. This will probably be your websites, mobile apps and website content.

Finally, decide on how to localize your content in order to provide an engaging customer experience. You need to think about the type of content that will interest your target audience and encourage them to buy. This applies to B2C and B2B purchasers.

The Importance of Localization

Localization is the key to attracting new customers from abroad. According to an article by the Harvard Business Review, 72.1% of customers spend time on websites in their own language. 72.4% said they would most likely buy from a website in their own language and 56.2% said they would not mind paying more for something if the information is in their own language.

Another Common Sense Advisory survey found that 40% of people said they would never buy from a website in a different language and 20% of people never looked at websites that weren’t in their language.

Translation and localization are important. Translation enables people to read and understand information in their own language, which gives them confidence in the product. Localization is a way of engaging customers by being aware of their way of life, which makes them feel valued.

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Terralingua is a translation company that can help you with your localization projects. We have helped some of the world’s largest brands. For more information, please visit our website for further details.