Translation News

Why Website Localization Matters: A Simple Guide for Beginners

Website-Localization-Matters-The-Translation-Company

Reaching customers in their native language is a game changer. Some say that a successful website is the gateway to the world of sales. While English might be sufficient in some cases, in general, customers prefer shopping online in their native language. If your website is targeting a global audience, localization should be a top priority. But what exactly is website localization, and why is it so important? Let’s dive in.

Why is Localization important?

  1. Enhances user experience
    Localization makes websites more accessible and user-friendly for people in different regions.
  2. Boosts Engagement and Conversions
    Research shows that localized content can drive higher conversion rates and improve overall business performance (CSA, 2018).
  3. Builds Trust and Credibility
    Localization fosters trust and credibility by aligning your website with local cultures and languages, thereby strengthening relationships with international customers.
  4. Expands Market Reach
    Localizing your website enables you to access new markets by aligning your online presence with regional preferences and expectations.
  5. Improves Local SEO
    Localizing your website can boost your search engine rankings in various regions. Using local keywords and optimizing content for regional search engines helps attract more targeted traffic and increases your visibility.

Steps to Effectively Localize Your Website

  1. Research Your Target Markets
    Start by understanding the cultural and linguistic needs of your target audiences. Research local customs, preferences, and market trends to tailor your website appropriately.
  2. Develop a Localization Strategy
    Develop a comprehensive plan that covers translation, cultural adaptation, and technical adjustments. Address aspects like content management, design modifications, and regular updates.
  3. Translate and Adapt Content
    Collaborate with professional translators to achieve precise and culturally appropriate translations. Also, adjust visual elements like images and graphics to align with local preferences and sensibilities.
  4. Test Your Localized Website
    Carefully test the localized versions of your website to ensure proper functionality. Identify technical issues like broken links or layout problems and collect feedback from local users to make necessary improvements.
  5. Monitor and Optimize
    Regularly monitor your localized website’s performance and adjust based on user feedback and analytics. Frequent updates and optimizations will ensure your site remains relevant and effective across various markets.

Conclusion

Website localization is an effective strategy for broadening your audience and improving user experience. Tailoring your website to cater to diverse audiences helps forge stronger connections with international customers, boosts engagement, and enhances conversion rates. If you haven’t yet explored localization for your site, now is the perfect moment to begin. Seize the global opportunity and watch your business prosper.

How we can help

At The Translation Company, we specialize in delivering high-quality translations that are both accurate and culturally relevant. Our team ensures that your content resonates with your target audience while maintaining your brand’s integrity. Let us assist you in making your content on your website truly global. Contact us today to learn more about our translation services!

How To Get Started

Free Quote

sales@thetranslationcompany.com

800.725.6498

#1  Contact us to get a free quote or questions answered, or

#2  Upload your files for an instant translation quote, or

#3  Schedule a free Zoom meeting with our team now.


Breaking Language Barriers: The Rise of Translation Services in 2024

As global communication becomes increasingly digital, the demand for translation services is skyrocketing. Here’s what you need to know.

In today’s interconnected world, language is no longer a barrier. With the rise of digital communication, businesses and individuals alike are seeking to bridge the linguistic divide and reach new audiences. According to recent forecasts, the demand for translation services is expected to reach new heights in 2024. But just how many people will be using translation companies in the next year?

The answer lies in the growing need for global connectivity. As more companies expand their operations into international markets, they require accurate and reliable translation services to communicate effectively with customers, partners, and employees. This demand is not limited to large corporations alone – small businesses and individuals also need translation services to connect with global communities, share their ideas, and grow their brand.

According to a recent report by Grand View Research, the global translation services market is expected to reach USD 56.59 billion by 2024, growing at a CAGR of 8.6% during the forecast period. This surge in demand is driven by the increasing use of social media, e-commerce, and digital marketing, which requires seamless language translation to reach a broader audience.

In 2024, we’re already seeing an estimated 20 million individuals and businesses relying on translation companies to facilitate cross-cultural communication. As we head into the final quarter of the year, it’s clear that this number will continue to grow as companies adapt to the changing landscape of global communication.

As the language services industry continues to evolve, it’s clear that translation companies will play a crucial role in facilitating global understanding and connection. With accurate and timely translations, businesses can break down language barriers and tap into new markets, ultimately driving growth and success. As we look ahead to the next year, one thing is certain – the importance of translation services will only continue to grow.

How To Get Started

Free Quote

sales@thetranslationcompany.com

800.725.6498

#1  Contact us to get a free quote or questions answered, or

#2  Upload your files for an instant translation quote, or

#3  Schedule a free Zoom meeting with our team now.


How Crucial is Context in Ensuring Accurate Translations?

Importance of Context The Translation Company

Contextual translation transcends mere word-to-word translation, delving into the cultural and situational nuances that give the language its true meaning. Consider the word ‘set.’ The word ‘set’ could mean different things: a ‘set’ of dishes, to ‘set’ a record, or the sun might ‘set.’ Each usage paints a distinct picture, emphasizing the importance of context in translation. The power of contextual translation lies in its ability to capture a message’s essence, going beyond words’ literal meaning. Contextual missteps can lead to significant blunders. A classic example is when a well-known American car company introduced its car in Latin America with a name that, in the local dialect, meant ‘No Go.’ Instead of attracting customers, the name turned them away, demonstrating how a lack of contextual understanding can lead to embarrassing and costly mistakes.

Understanding the context is paramount in today’s interconnected world, where every word can have multiple interpretations. A marketing slogan, for instance, needs to resonate culturally to be effective. Similarly, a legal document requires precision to ensure every clause is interpreted correctly. The role of a skilled translator is crucial—they must interpret the source material, keeping in mind the cultural and situational subtleties, to provide a translation that accurately conveys the original message.

As businesses seek to engage with a global audience, the demand for translators capable of capturing these contextual nuances has surged. Their expertise ensures that your message is translated, culturally aligned, and impactful.

Ensure your message transcends language barriers with the right context and cultural touch. Contact us at sales@thetranslationcompany.com for a consultation with our expert translators and make every word count in your global communication.


Sarah Winnemucca

Womens History Month general Sarah Winnemucca Hopkins (c. 1844 – October 17, 1891) was a Northern Paiute author, activist (lecturer) and educator (school organizer). Her maiden name is Winnemucca. Her Northern Paiute name was Thocmentony, also spelled Tocmetone, which translates as “Shell Flower.”

At 27, Sarah began working in the Bureau of Indian Affairs at Fort McDermitt in 1871 as an interpreter.

Subsequently, Winnemucca became an advocate for the rights of Native Americans, traveling across the US to tell Anglo-Americans about the plight of her people. When the Paiute were interned in a concentration camp at Yakima, Washington after the Bannock War, she traveled to Washington, D.C. to lobby Congress and the executive branch for their release. She also served US forces as a messenger, interpreter, and guide, and as a teacher for imprisoned Native Americans.

Winnemucca published Life Among the Piutes: Their Wrongs and Claims (1883), a book that is both a memoir and history of her people during their first 40 years of contact with European Americans. It is considered the “first known autobiography written by a Native American woman.” Anthropologist Omer Stewart described it as “one of the first and one of the most enduring ethnohistorical books written by an American Indian,” frequently cited by scholars. Following the publication of the book, Winnemucca toured the Eastern United States, giving lectures about her people in New England, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. She returned to the West, founding a private school for Native American children in Lovelock, Nevada.

-Wikipedia


Carol Chomsky, Linguist

Womens History Month general

Carol Chomsky was a prolific linguist and known for her research and development of childhood language and reading. She is considered a hero in the world of language and has earned a place in Women’s History! Carol Doris Schatz was born in Philadelphia on July 1, 1930. She married Noam Chomsky in 1949, the two having known each other since she was five years old and he was seven. Her mother had been a teacher at a Hebrew school where his father was the principal. She was awarded a bachelor’s degree in French from the University of Pennsylvania in 1951.

She earned a doctoral degree in linguistics from Harvard University in 1968, having attended the school in order to ensure that she would be able to make a living in the event that her husband would be sent to jail for his active opposition to the Vietnam War.

Chomsky’s best-known book is The Acquisition of Syntax in Children From 5 to 10 (1969). The book investigated how children develop an understanding of the underlying grammatical structure of their native language, as well as how they use this skill to interpret sentences of increasing complexity as they get older. Despite earlier scientific beliefs that children complete their acquisition of syntax by the age of five, Chomsky’s research showed that children continue to develop the skills needed to understand complex constructions beyond that age.

As part of her research to understand how children develop the ability to read, she developed a method in the late 1970s called repeated reading, in which children would read a text silently while a recording of the text was played. The child would repeat the process until the text could be read fluently without the tape. Research showed that four readings accompanied by a recording could be enough to provide added reading fluency for most children. More than 100 studies have been performed on the technique, with most finding statistically significant improvements in reading speed and word recognition.

-Wikipedia

The Acquisition of Syntax in Children from 5 to 10 by Carol Chomsky

Inside Lebanon: Journey to a Shattered Land with Noam and Carol Chomsky, Edited by Assaf Kfoury


5 Marketing Tips for Business Expansion

Marketing Tips for Business Expansion

When expanding your business to new markets, it’s important to understand the cultural differences and adapt your marketing strategy accordingly. To ensure that your business expansion is successful, consider implementing the following marketing tips.

Investing in marketing for the fastest-growing languages in the US can lead to significant business opportunities. According to a report by the American Marketing Association, the three fastest-growing languages in the US are Spanish, Chinese, and Arabic, with the Hispanic population alone estimated to reach 106 million by 2050. By investing in targeted advertising, culturally relevant messaging, and bilingual support, businesses can tap into this growing market and gain a competitive edge.

Following these 5 tips will help your business to tap into this market. 

1. Use Targeted Advertising

Targeted advertising allows you to reach specific audiences based on demographics, interests, and behaviors. By using data to create a targeted advertising campaign, you can increase the effectiveness of your ads and reduce your advertising spend.

2. Use Culturally Relevant Images and Messages

When marketing to a new audience, it’s important to use culturally relevant images and messages that resonate with them. For example, if you are targeting a Hispanic audience, consider using images and messages that reflect their culture and values. 

3. Offer Bilingual Customer Support

Providing bilingual customer support can help you connect with customers who prefer to speak in their native language. This can improve customer satisfaction and increase loyalty, leading to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth recommendations.

4. Localize Your Website and Marketing Materials

Localization involves adapting your website and marketing materials to the language, culture, and customs of your target audience. By localizing your content, you can make it more accessible and appealing to your target market, leading to higher engagement and conversions.

5. Hire a Professional Translation Service

Professional translators can help you accurately convey your message in the target language, while also ensuring that cultural nuances are taken into account. By hiring the right team for your translation project you can save time and money. Schedule a consultation with our team to create the right strategy for your business. 

How To Get Started

Free Quote

sales@thetranslationcompany.com

800.725.6498

#1  Contact us to get a free quote or questions answered, or

#2  Upload your files for an instant translation quote, or

#3  Schedule a free Zoom meeting with our team now.


Spanish speaking population in the US

6

The Spanish-speaking population in the US is one of the fastest-growing and most influential demographics. 

According to the US Census Bureau, there are over 62 million Hispanics living in the US, and this number is projected to continue growing.

This presents a tremendous opportunity for businesses that are looking to expand their reach and tap into this lucrative market. However, to effectively connect with the Spanish-speaking population, it is essential to communicate in their language and with cultural sensitivity. This is where professional translation services come in.

According to a recent study, the Hispanic population in the US has a purchasing power of over $1.7 trillion annually, making them a significant and growing consumer market. As this demographic continues to grow, businesses that fail to cater to their needs risk missing out on a significant revenue stream.

In order to effectively reach and engage with the Hispanic market, businesses must invest in high-quality translation services. This means more than just a literal translation of their advertising and marketing materials – it requires an understanding of the nuances of the target audience’s language, culture, and values.

Investing in professional translation services can seem like a significant expense, but the potential return on investment is substantial. By accurately and effectively communicating with the Hispanic market, businesses can increase brand recognition, loyalty, and ultimately sales.

Consider the following statistics: companies that invest in translating their materials into Spanish can expect an average return on investment of over 100%. In addition, businesses that effectively cater to the Hispanic market can see average annual revenue growth of 7.5%.

Some facts to take into consideration:

  • Over 62 million people in the US identify as Hispanic or Latino
  • The Hispanic population is projected to reach 111 million by 2060
  • Hispanic consumers have a purchasing power of over $1.7 trillion annually
  • 70% of Hispanics in the US speak Spanish at home
  • The median age of Hispanics in the US is 29 years old, making them a young and dynamic market
  • The Hispanic population is the fastest-growing minority group in the US

It’s clear that ignoring the Hispanic market is no longer an option for businesses looking to stay competitive and profitable in today’s economy. By investing in professional translation services, businesses can tap into this growing consumer market and enjoy the many benefits that come with it.

By working with a trusted translation company like ours, you can ensure that your marketing messages, product descriptions, and other communications are accurately and effectively translated into Spanish. This not only helps to connect with the Spanish-speaking community but also demonstrates a commitment to cultural diversity and inclusivity.

At The Translation Company, we understand the importance of accurate and culturally appropriate translations. Our team of expert linguists has years of experience in providing high-quality translation services to businesses of all sizes and industries. We can help you bridge the language gap and reach new audiences, giving your business a competitive edge in today’s global marketplace.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to connect with the rapidly growing Spanish-speaking population in the US. Contact us today to learn more about our translation services and how we can help your business thrive.

How To Get Started

Free Quote

sales@thetranslationcompany.com

800.725.6498

#1  Contact us to get a free quote or questions answered, or

#2  Upload your files for an instant translation quote, or

#3  Schedule a free Zoom meeting with our team now.


Black Women Authors Book List

Black Women authors Book list

Today is the end of Black History Month and tomorrow begins Women’s History Month. We decided to celebrate both of these important  months by creating a list of Black Women authors we love and want to share with you. Pulitzer prize winners, Nobel Prize winners, and a first lady are on this list of works.  If you do not already have these books in your library, we have provided a link after each author to get a copy of your own, or listen to the book on Audible.

Happy reading!

Zora Neale Hurston– “Tell my Horse: Voodoo and Life in Haiti and Jamaica” (1938)

A collection of folktales and documenting African based language and religions, such as Voodoo and it’s American Couterpart: Hoodoo. buy ‘Tell My Horse’ on Amazon

Alice Walker– “The Color Purple” (1982)

Celie has grown up poor in rural Georgia, despised by the society around her and abused by her own family. She strives to protect her sister, Nettie, from a similar fate, and while Nettie escapes to a new life as a missionary in Africa, Celie is left behind without her best friend and confidante, married off to an older suitor, and sentenced to a life alone with a harsh and brutal husband.

In an attempt to transcend a life that often seems too much to bear, Celie begins writing letters directly to God. The letters, spanning 20 years, record a journey of self-discovery and empowerment guided by the light of a few strong women. She meets Shug Avery, her husband’s mistress and a jazz singer with a zest for life, and her stepson’s wife, Sophia, who challenges her to fight for independence. And though the many letters from Celie’s sister are hidden by her husband, Nettie’s unwavering support will prove to be the most breathtaking of all. buy “The Color Purple” on Amazon or listen on Audible

Nicola Yoon– “The Sun is also a Star” (2016) We all love a YA novel, and this is where you can get your fix. Fall in love with a story of two teenagers, from vastly different backgrounds, as they fall in love, just as their worlds are falling apart, as Natasha’s family faced deportation to Jamaica.  Buy this book on Amazon or listen on Audible

Toni Morrison– “Song of Solomon” (1977); Also read “Beloved” and “The Bluest Eyes” Milkman Dead was born shortly after a neighborhood eccentric hurled himself off a rooftop in a vain attempt at flight. For the rest of his life he, too, will be trying to fly. With this brilliantly imagined novel, Toni Morrison transfigures the coming-of-age story as audaciously as Saul Bellow or Gabriel García Márquez. As she follows Milkman from his rust belt city to the place of his family’s origins, Morrison introduces an entire cast of strivers and seeresses, liars and assassins, the inhabitants of a fully realized black world. Toni Morrison is also a winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction (1988) for Beloved and  Nobel Prize for Literature (1993)Buy on Amazon or listen on Audible

Michelle Obama “The Light we Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times” (2022) Also see Becoming (2018)  There may be no tidy solutions or pithy answers to life’s big challenges, but Michelle Obama believes that we can all locate and lean on a set of tools to help us better navigate change and remain steady within flux. In The Light We Carry, she opens a frank and honest dialogue with listeners, considering the questions many of us wrestle with: How do we build enduring and honest relationships? How can we discover strength and community inside our differences? What tools do we use to address feelings of self-doubt or helplessness? What do we do when it all starts to feel like too much? Buy “The Light We Carry” on Amazon or listen on Audible


Happy Thanksgiving!

The Translation Company understands that this Thanksgiving is not like any other and prepared a fun infographic showing that Thanksgiving has not always been the same. We hope that these fun facts can help you have a more enjoyable Thanksgiving in 2020 despite all the challenges faced during these confusing times.

 


Working to Ensure that Police Officers Are Never Lost in Translation

When it comes to protecting citizens and maintaining public safety, effective communication between police officers and citizens is absolutely crucial. Yet in linguistically diverse cities, language barriers can prove to be a hindrance to such communication, jeopardizing overall community safety.

A Multilingual City with a Monolingual Police Force

Take Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for example. With an estimated population of just over 164,000, this city is rapidly growing and becoming increasingly diverse. Though approximately 93 percent of the city’s population speaks English as a first language, there are sizeable minorities of nonnative English speakers, which can make communication between citizens and public officials difficult.

It is estimated that the current number of languages and dialects spoken within the city is now more than 140. Roughly 6 percent of the population speaks Spanish as a native language, while 1.4 percent speaks Dakota and 1.3 percent speaks German. Vietnamese, Chinese, Russian, Amharic, French, Tagalog, Czech, and Korean are also spoken by minority segments of the community.

In spite of this diversity in foreign languages, virtually all of Sioux Falls’ 231 police officers speak English as a first language. A handful of the officers do speak Spanish, but their abilities are limited. “I would love for our department to be representative of the community,” explained Police Chief Doug Barthe. “We know we are nowhere near that, but we certainly welcome candidates with those skills.” Certainly, finding a police officer for each one of these languages would prove to be unrealistic. Barthe explained than during the hiring process, speaking a second language is considered to be a plus, but ultimately the department must hire the most qualified person for the job, taking into consideration education and experience.

Saving Lives with Effective Translation

The gap between officer language skills and linguistic diversity within the city has proved to be quite challenging for the department. High-quality, instant translation services have proved to be key in closing this gap. The Sioux Falls Police Department spent more than $10,000 on interpreter services last year, up from $6,528 in 2012. The department is on pace to spend more than $10,000 again this year.

The price, however, is well worth it. Just last month, Sioux Falls Police Officer Greg Logan explained that a woman called 911 to report that a man was attempting to break into her mother’s home. Yet when Logan arrived on the scene and inquired if anything was amiss, the mother told him “no.” As it turned out, the mother’s English abilities were limited. But thanks to access to translation services, Logan was able to quickly get to the bottom of things.

“I found out she was strangled by her boyfriend and thrown on the bed the day before,” Logan explained, adding that if he hadn’t had access to a translation service, the boyfriend may have gotten away. In some cases, translation really can save a life.

Quote Source: http://www.argusleader.com/story/news/crime/2014/10/08/translating-justice-police-need-interpreters/16942619/


[contact-form-7 404 "Not Found"]
[contact-form-7 404 "Not Found"]