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your Websites
More than just Language translation
Language Translation and Cultural Adaptation for Websites
"Since 50% of all online sales will be sold outside the US by 2004,
building a multilingual site has become critical -- particularly to those
companies serious about winning in the Internet economy," said Eric
Schmitt, analyst at Forrester Research. "When offered in multiple
languages, customer service features like product data sheets and technical
FAQs provide differentiation, build brand loyalty, and cut support costs."
Have you considered making a multi lingual website to market your product or
service to regional markets? There is more to it than just translation. Here
are the areas that you need to consider.
Global Site Architecture:
Your site needs to be globalized with respect to the following:
Applications that can be customized for any language or country
A process for updating local language content, after translation and editing
Web Localization:
The scope of web localization includes everything that has to do with
addressing a regional audience. Translating the content into the regional
language is only one part of it. It has to take into account cultural
differences and cultural preferences. A common mistake found in multi lingual
websites is the use of national flags for the selection of languages. This does
not address the sensitivities of people who share the native language, but have
a different national identity. In terms of application development, you have to
think in terms of localized application modules that can be managed by local
webmasters
The translation process:
The translation process needs to be versatile enough to take care of phrases
colloquialisms and slangs peculiar to the native language. For example, a
phrase in English like "besides the point" when translated to
Japanese, must communicate accurately. A literal translation of the phrase can
ring out of context. Terms and phrases that are peculiar to a specific industry
is another sensitive issue in translation. A good translation process must
address these concerns.
The services you require for building a multi lingual website.
In addition to translation services, you require the following.
A Globalisation and Localization specialist, who will advise you on how to
sensitize your content to a target regional audience.
A content specialist who will advise the translators on phrases, slangs,
colloquialisms and industry specific terms and phrases.
If you have a requirement for a multi lingual website, or would like to
translate your website or intranet portal to a specific language, please do
contact us.
Having core skills in website and portal development compliments the translation
services that we offer.
