subject: International Website Translation And Localization [print this page] Many people think that website translation is pretty straightforward particularly website localisation. This is a big mistake, it is not simply a case of translation and business can be affected adversely if considerable thought is not given to the importance of good and effective website localisation translation.
With the world growing smaller by the day and more non English speaking countries coming online business is opening up worldwide making the need for website translation crucial. It is not enough to expect that consumers of business across the globe can deal with the English language and get by, it is imperative to ensure that your business considers the best in website translation and, importantly, the localisation issues. Potential consumers are far more likely to purchase your product or service if you present what you have to offer in their own native language.
As commented above, website localisation translation is not the easy task some consider it to be. To think that it is simply a case of translating one language to another is to risk losing valuable business. Each language is unique and comes with varying phrases and words which are not compatible with English if not translated appropriately. Website translation is not the same as website localisation. It is naive to think that all individual languages are the same and that they translate the same. This is not so, for instance, the Spanish spoken in Spain is not exactly the same as the Spanish spoken in South America, in fact the language itself may not be fully understood in either country. This has implications therefore for the website localisation translation to be culturally compatible to the target language which will mean changes to layout, graphics, currency etc.
One of the biggest mistakes made is the view that website documentation can be pasted into a free online translator tool and voila, the end product has been adequately translated to the satisfaction of the recipient in the target language. This is a huge mistake and can lead to a totally nonsensical text and can also lead to offence when it has not taken into consideration a respect for the target language and the cultural aspects of that language. A poor website translation can lead to misunderstanding and, ultimately, loss of business. Errors in the translation and website localisation can literally be "lost in translation".
A good website localisation translation tool will look at website structure and local style in website design. This includes making changes to website graphics, listing local contact details, currencies etc as all part of the localisation. It is important therefore that the finished product is culturally compatible to the target language.
Some make the big mistake of trying to cut cost by looking for the cheapest website localisation translation but, as many a good business will vouch, to invest wisely is always going to pay dividends.
