Translation for global business is vital in today’s connected world and while most firms are now using language services to help them engage with their overseas customers, there are still many who don’t fully understand the intricacies of the translation process.
This blog explores the what, when, why and how of translations for global business giving useful insights that can help to refine the process and encourage improved communication.
What is translation for global business?
Translation is the process of converting written or spoken content from one language into another.
For businesses which operate at a global level, translation plays a crucial role in facilitating communication and expanding global reach, especially for firms which operate in multicultural and multilingual environments.
Translation services for global business might include the following:
Document translation – translating various written materials such as contracts, reports, manuals, and business correspondence.
Website translation – adapting websites and online content (for instance, social media posts) into different languages and cultures for increased accessibility and engagement.
Marketing translation – translating advertising campaigns, brochures, and promotional materials.
Technical translation – translating technical documents, manuals, and specifications for products and services.
Legal translation – ensuring accurate translation of legal documents, contracts, and agreements.
When to use translation for global business
If you plan to operate your business at a global level, you should already be using language services or investigating which language services provider might best suit your requirements.
If you aren’t, it is time to change this!
Language services in general can also be beneficial for improving domestic market customer reach, and sales, as web content which is localized has a greater influence on consumers.
Research conducted in 2020 shows that “if a company chooses to not localize the buying experience, they risk losing 40% or more of the total addressable market—the consumers that prefer selecting and buying products at local-language sites”.
This is a significant slice of a potential market which, with translation and localization services in place, can be readily accessed.
Why use translation for global business?
Translation for global business is essential, as the research above shows.
It can assist with improving customer satisfaction, increasing leads, and ensures compliance with business regulations in different territories.
Translation also offers the following benefits:
Global expansion – business translation is essential for companies looking to enter international markets and connect with a global audience. It improves the chance of success, brand recognition, and customer loyalty.
Communication – it ensures effective communication with clients, partners, stakeholders, and customers who speak different languages, helping to promote your brand in a positive and effective way.
Legal compliance – translations are often a legal requirement for contracts, legal documents, and compliance with local regulations in different countries. Ensuring your business stays on the right side of the law and complies with all legislation is essential.
Marketing – adapting marketing materials to local languages and cultures can significantly impact a company’s success in foreign markets by ensuring that the target audience can engage with marketing materials, products, social media posts, and website.
Customer service – multilingual customer support and product documentation enhance the customer experience giving a boost to your brand, encouraging customer satisfaction, and loyalty.
How to use translation for global business
Translation and localization involve language adaptions which can be complex, time consuming and difficult if you aren’t a native speaker or an experienced linguist.
This is why many firms choose to use a professional language services provider (LSP) for all their translation requirements – it gives a greater accuracy, increased precision, and can be completed within a specific deadline.
While using an LSP will often improve turnaround time for translation and increase accuracy, there are still some simple things you can do before and during the translation process which can help ensure the whole process goes smoothly.
The following tips will help:
Identify translation requirements – determine which documents or content require translation and prioritize them based on their importance. Select language(s) you require and ensure this is the best fit for the region and market. Consider localization services, especially in wider language range markets such as, the Middle East where, although Arabic is the dominant language, there are many dialects.
Collate additional documents and information – this is important and can save time and money on translation as it avoids lots of unnecessary communication. Ensure you have all the relevant documents ready before the translation process begins. Consider aspects such as, design elements, style guides, branding, content, contact information (who will communicate with LSP and manage the project from your side), and any additional information you think is relevant to the translation project.
Hire professional translators – engage qualified, native-speaking translators with knowledge of similar projects. Consider using a freelance translator or partner an LSP who has access to experienced linguists. It is also a good idea to use an LSP who offers linguists which have additional experience in your industry especially if you operate in a highly technical field such as, law, medicine, engineering, and so on.
Use translation tools – employ translation software, such as CAT (Computer-Assisted Translation) tools, to enhance efficiency and consistency if you are performing the translation in-house. Alternatively, use an LSP who offers this as it will significantly speed up translation time and can reduce costs on repeat translations.
Quality control – implement a rigorous quality control process to ensure accurate and error-free translations. This may involve proofreading, editing, and feedback from bilingual experts. When using an LSP ensure the cost of translation includes these elements
Cultural sensitivity – it is vital that any translator you use has an in-depth understanding of the cultural nuances and differences in the target market to ensure that translations are culturally appropriate. As with dialects, these can alter dramatically from one region to another so don’t assume you know your market without implementing a thorough check.
Collaboration – foster collaboration between translators, subject matter experts, and project managers to address questions and ensure accuracy. Some LSPs (including Creative Word) offer project managers and relationship managers who are your one-point contact throughout the entire project which encourages effective communication while also ensuring your project progresses according to plan.
Localization – go beyond translation to adapt content to the local culture and language, including currency, units of measurement, and cultural references as this will greatly improve your project’s ability to connect with its intended audience. It can pay dividends to consider localizing customer services, social media posts, and web content as it encourages better customer engagement.
Effective business translation is a critical element in building a global presence and ensuring successful international business operations.
By understanding the importance of business translation and implementing best practices in its management, companies can overcome language barriers and thrive in diverse markets.
More information regarding the range of language services we offer at Creative Word can be found here.
Alternatively, please contact a member of our team, and they will be happy to guide you through the translation process.
