Definition: The translation and localization process for businesses aligns language, culture, and technology—turning source content into market-ready experiences through discovery/scoping, translation, editing, DTP/engineering, linguistic & functional QA, and in-market validation.

What’s the Translation vs. Localization vs. Transcreation Difference?

Translation converts text from one language to another. Localization adapts content to cultural, linguistic, and regulatory norms (currency, images, idioms, formats) so it feels native. Transcreation creatively adapts high-impact messaging (e.g., slogans) to evoke the same intent in another language.

Founder Ralph Strozza presents at a TedX event at Northern Illinois University – do you translate, localize or transcreate this marketing campaign ad?

Do You Need Translation, Localization, or Both?

Example: Localizing an eLearning course can involve voiceover, captions, interactive modules, and downloadable workbooks—translated components are reassembled and QA’d into a single seamless experience.

Industries That Rely on Professional Translation & Localization

• Healthcare/Life Sciences: Regulatory content, patient comms, research.

• Legal: Contracts, patents, court filings.

• Manufacturing: Technical manuals, safety instructions, compliance.

• Technology/Software: UI strings, help centers, apps.

• eLearning: Multilingual training programs.

• Retail/eCommerce: Product pages, checkout flows, service scripts.

Why Cultural Adaptation Protects Your Brand

Language is inseparable from culture. Adapting idioms, imagery, color, and symbols prevents misinterpretation and builds trust. Validate with in-market reviewers; follow i18n best practices for formats and directionality (e.g., W3C i18n).

Common Process Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

• Relying on raw machine translation without human review.
• Skipping localization for customer-facing content (dates, currency, visuals).
• Ignoring text expansion and RTL layout needs in UI/UX (e.g., German length, Arabic/Hebrew direction). See NN/g guidance on international usability.
• Inconsistent terminology; no glossary or style guide.

How Long Does the Process Take?

Timelines depend on length, complexity, language pairs, and QA. A 1,000-word document may take 1–2 business days; multi-language multimedia projects can take weeks. Clear instructions, references, and preferred terminology accelerate delivery.

How Providers Ensure Quality and Accuracy

• Subject-matter linguists translate into their native language.
• Editing/proofreading by a second linguist for accuracy & consistency.
• Translation Memory (TM) reuses approved phrasing across assets.
• Client feedback loop aligns tone and brand preferences.
• Final QC (linguistic + functional checks) before delivery.

What Certifications Should You Look For?

Standards help ensure repeatable quality: ISO 17100 (translation services) and ISO 9001 (quality management). In regulated sectors, additional requirements (e.g., HIPAA context for healthcare) may apply.

What’s the Cost of Translation and How Is It Calculated?

Pricing reflects wordcount, language pairs, complexity, turnaround, DTP/engineering, and testing. Web/app and eLearning projects often require custom scoping. TM and consistent governance reduce cost over time by reusing approved content.

However, AI translation is offering new solutions for companies. Talk to Interpro to explore the AI solutions available to you. 

How Do You Keep Brand Voice Consistent?

Create a multilingual style guide and glossary with do-not-translate terms, approved phrasing, and tone guidance. Ask for a pilot/sample to confirm fit before full rollout. Interpro assigns dedicated linguists who learn your voice over time.

Professional Translation and Localization Matters

High-quality translation and localization expand reach, protect compliance, and improve customer experience. With the right partner and process, your content lands accurately and authentically in every market.

Talk to Interpro about your translation & localization plan.

8 Common Localization Issues

When localizing a translation, there are a number of potential issues that can arise. Interpro has translated over 350 million words for clients, and here are the top 10 common localization issues.

1. Cultural misunderstandings

This is perhaps the most common issue that can occur when localizing a translation. For example, a company that is localizing its website into Spanish might not realize that the word “vaca” means “cow” in Spanish, but it also has a slang meaning that is offensive to women.

2. Grammatical errors

Even if a translator is fluent in the target language, they may not be familiar with the local grammar rules. This can lead to grammatical errors in the localized text.

3. Phrasal idioms

Phrasal idioms are phrases that have a meaning that is different from the literal meaning of the words. For example, the English phrase “break a leg” means “good luck.” If this phrase is translated literally into another language, it will likely not make sense to the target audience.

4. Cultural references 

Cultural references are references to people, places, or events that are specific to a particular culture. If a localized translation contains cultural references that are not familiar to the target audience, it will likely be ignored, create confusion or even offend.

5. Jargon 

Jargon is specialized language that is used by a particular group of people. If a localized translation contains jargon that is not familiar to the target audience, it will likely be confusing or even incomprehensible.

Spelling errors. Even if a translator is careful, they may still make spelling errors in the localized text. This can be especially problematic if the spelling of words is different in the target language.

6. Font issues 

The font used in a localized translation can also be a problem. If the font is not available or designed for a specific language, it may be replaced with a different font that is available or more readable in the target language.

7. Image issues 

Images can also be a problem when localizing a translation. If an image contains text, the text may not be translated correctly. Additionally, the image itself may not be appropriate or relevant for the target audience.

8. Testing issues 

It is important to test the localized translation thoroughly before it is released. This will help to ensure that there are no errors in the text and that the translation is culturally appropriate.

Cost issues. Localization can be a costly process. This is especially true if the translation needs to be done by a professional translator.

Publicly Documented Examples of Localization Errors 

Here are some examples of companies that have had public localization errors:

1. Heineken 

In 2007, Heineken launched a marketing campaign in China that featured the slogan “Heineken refreshes the parts other beers cannot reach.” However, the Chinese translation of the slogan was interpreted as “Heineken opens your legs.” This caused a great deal of controversy and embarrassment for Heineken.

2. Pepsi 

In 1995, Pepsi launched a marketing campaign in China that featured the slogan “Come alive with the Pepsi generation.” However, the Chinese translation of the slogan was “Pepsi brings your ancestors back from the dead.” Many Chinese consumers were deeply confused and upset by this.

3. Google

In 2009, Google launched a new feature for its Translate app that allowed users to translate text by speaking into the app. However, the feature was not well-tested and it caused a great deal of confusion and laughter when it was used to translate English into Spanish. For example, the English phrase “I’m feeling good” was translated into Spanish as “Estoy sintiendo bueno,” which literally means “I’m feeling good,” but it sounds like “I’m feeling a good.”

4. IKEA

In 2004, IKEA launched a children’s desk called “Fartfull.” However, even if in Swedish the word means “full speed”, in English this brought for sure a lot of giggling.

5. HSBC Bank

The company had to invest millions of dollars in a global rebranding after their slogan “Assume nothing” was translated as “Do nothing” in several non-English speaking markets.

6. Microsoft

The German debut of XBOX featured mistranslated store phrases that turned “Save (your progress)” into “Save (your money)” was not quite what players had in mind.

These are just a few examples of the many localization errors that have occurred over the years. By being aware of these potential problems, companies can help to ensure that their localized translations are accurate, culturally appropriate, and free of errors.

Why Localization Matters More Than Ever

Localization is no longer just an optional business strategy. It’s a necessity for reaching diverse audiences. Whether you are:

• Launching a global marketing campaign that requires cultural adaptation
• Modifying software to function correctly in multiple regions with technical adaptation
• Developing digital content that needs full integration with a platform localization strategy

Interpro Translation Solutions ensures that your content is accurate, engaging, and fully functional in any language.

Talk to Interpro about your translation & localization plan.

FAQs: Translation and Localization Process for Businesses

How do I decide between translation, localization, and transcreation?

Match approach to risk and intent: translation for accuracy, localization for cultural/UX fit, transcreation for creative impact.

What speeds up timelines without hurting quality?

Finalize source content, provide references and preferred terminology, and plan review windows.

Can machine translation help reduce cost?

It can in low-risk contexts when paired with human post-editing and your approval. Interpro never uses AI/MT without consent.

How do we maintain consistency across languages?

Use a glossary, style guide, and Translation Memory; keep a dedicated linguist team on your account.

What should I budget for beyond translation?

Allow for editing, QA, DTP/engineering, and in-market testing—especially for software/eLearning.

Explore Services

Consulting • Translation • eLearning • Video & Multimedia • Document

References

W3C Internationalization
Nielsen Norman Group
Snopes
The GuardianMental Floss

The post The Ultimate Guide to the Translation and Localization Process for Businesses appeared first on Interpro Translation Solutions.

Although it is a visual medium, video almost always has an audio component, whether it’s  dialogue between people on screen, narrative voice-overs, or informative graphics. So if your company isn’t translating their videos, they are missing out on a major opportunity: the ability to effectively reach target audiences on a global scale.

Why should companies translate their video content?

Statistics show that 54% of consumers want to see more video content from businesses and brands that they support. Not only is it what people want to see, but it is effective at converting customers. Nearly 88% of marketers are satisfied with the return on investment of their video marketing efforts, making it one of the most successful forms of marketing.

On the other hand, if the content is presented in a language unfamiliar to the audience, the impact is lessened significantly. For companies looking to cement their global presence and increase brand awareness, accurately translating video content is key.

Common Sense Advisory surveyed web consumers and found that 72.4% of consumers are more likely to buy a product with information in their own language. Similarly, over half of the polled group said that the ability to obtain information in their own language was more important than price. Another survey showed that 42% of consumers say that they will never purchase products or services in a language they do not understand.

When it comes to selling your goods and services, the language in which you communicate with your audience is crucial. Limiting languages limits your earning potential.

Videos for Internal Use

Not only can video be used for outreach and marketing, but it is a beneficial tool for organizations internally. Employee on-boarding, company news and updates, and training can all be done effectively through video presentations.

Since video has been proven to increase retention, learning, and engagement, it is the perfect medium for delivering complex instructions and training. It’s also easily scalable, meaning you can share vital information with one team as easily as you can share it with the entire company.

It’s imperative for international companies and organizations to put effort into making this material accessible to all employees. By providing welcoming and training materials in their native language, you create an inclusive environment where everyone is set up to succeed. Promoting language equity through accurate localization of videos enhances employee morale and knowledge retention in the short and long term.

What is video translation?

You may be wondering what video translation will look like for your content. There are actually several different types of video translation services available to companies who wish to reach a larger audience.

Subtitle Translation

We’ve all watched clips containing translated subtitles at one point or another. This is where the video and audio play as-is in the source language with a translated text overlay.

In some cases, subtitling is a perfectly suitable method of translation. In other instances, subtitles can distract audiences who are trying to pay attention to visual instruction and read concurrently. This often makes other options like voice-over translation a better choice, but a video’s exact needs vary from project to project. There are also numerous avenues to execute subtitle translation. A popular method is to utilize time-coded SRT or VTT files, which enable a user to turn subtitles on or off as needed. This can also be helpful for English captioning, which will assist with ADA compliance.

A more permanent solution is to burn subtitles into the video. This does not allow for on/off capabilities; however it is a video subtitling method that can be beneficial if your organization knows that the localized video will be viewed by a specific demographic. This is oftentimes referred to as ‘Open Captions.’

Voice-over Translation

With this approach, translation companies go above and beyond simply translating the material onscreen. Voice-over translation gives your audience the opportunity to hear videos in their native language. This is regarded by many as the most optimal solution for video translation projects for a variety of reasons, when budgets allow for it.

Unlike subtitled video translation, linguists and directors can ensure that important factors, such as tone and pace, are successfully communicated with voice-over. Deploying professionally-recorded native-speaking talent, the voice-over technique stands out over other methods by creating an authentic final product that feels as if it were created specifically for the target audience.

Localization

Beyond basic video translation services, it is also important to consider localization for your videos. Localization ensures that everything from on-screen text, graphics and logos, to colors and numbers, translate appropriately across borders, and that cultural nuances are taken into consideration.

How does video translation work?

Done correctly, video translation is much more complex than copying lines into an online translator, and pasting the results onto an existing video. Professional translation services go through a multi-step process to ensure accuracy, clarity, and authenticity, so that the target audience feels as if the video was made specifically for them.

To give you an idea of the process, we’ve broken down voice-over translation into 7 steps:

1. Script transcription: The process begins by transcribing the entire video narrative into a written document.
2. Translation, editing, and proofreading: Once a video is transcribed, it is ready to be translated. Subject-matter experts will translate the material, meaning that no matter the topic, you can expect the highest degree of accuracy. After the source material is translated, it will be proofread and edited.
3. Translated script approval: The translated script is sent back to the client for review, notes, and approval. Having a subject matter expert involved is advisable during every phase of a localization process.
4. Script recording: After the translated script has been approved, it is then recorded in a studio setting with professional native-speaking voice talent. A director will help ensure that the speaker accurately conveys tone and other cues to match the source video.
5. Sync audio and text with video: Once the audio has been recorded, it’s time to sync it up to the images within the video. This step is important, as mismatched audio and visuals can create a confusing experience for the viewer. Languages will always change in length after translation from English, and timing is critical to ensure an accurate deliverable.
6. Translated video validation: Other aspects of video, such as on-screen graphics and text will also be translated into the target language. After all translation is complete, it will be reviewed once more for accuracy, clarity, and format alignment. This final validation should be done by a professional linguist.
7. Deliver target language video: The final video is delivered to the client, ready to be viewed by new audiences across the globe.

Professional translation companies have the capability of utilizing a variety of authoring and editing tools to provide consistency and quality across your video library.

Conclusion

It’s said that a picture is worth a thousand words; however, a video is worth at least 1.8 million according to one marketing study. With each minute of video being worth so much, you want to be sure that the information is accurately and authentically conveyed to your audience. Video translation is just one of the many ways your business can achieve success in the international marketplace.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Video Translation: Tips, Trends, and Best Practices appeared first on Interpro Translation Solutions.

Best Fit for International Members

Word-for-word translation is not enough in this global age. Instead, associations looking to provide international members with experiences that feel fully native and customized, need to take advantage of localization. It is no secret that each profession and each market niche has its own vocabulary, style, and tone. To truly tap into global markets, it is essential to preserve those elements while reaching larger audiences.

Through localization, associations can share documents, journals, websites, training materials, videos, and more with their members across the globe. A localization agency will ensure that the member experience is culturally and linguistically appropriate by considering not just the word choice, but also layout, design, graphics, cultural references, figures of speech, and local formats; including currencies, time, date, and units of measure. By carefully considering the target locale along with its preferences and consumption habits, and preserving the spirit of the original content, members are left feeling that the content has been specifically designed for them and their needs. No matter which language is used to access the content, the message will be preserved consistently while feeling fully personalized to each international member.

A Scalable Model

Membership societies and trade associations offer countless benefits to their members. Since associations represent members from virtually every industry, they provide comprehensive knowledge, networking, research, and advocacy. In fact, the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) recently estimated that the United States was home to over 92,000 trade and professional associations, including the National Safety Council, AARP, and the National Education Association.

Members are privy to problem-solving, strategizing, and business planning on a much larger scale due to workshops, newsletters, and online forums sponsored by the association. Additionally, members also benefit from sharing contacts, protecting common interests, and lobbying for government support. Given the global reach of many associations, a partnership with a localization agency is an important step to ensure that all members reap these benefits.

While associations have multiple options when it comes to translations, a localization agency can offer key benefits that surpass in-house translations. A major benefit is the use of translation memory during the localization process. Translators work in professional translation tools to conduct the translation, enabling them to build a Translation Memory. It is not machine translation; however by translating within a translation memory tool, it enables the translator to create language pairs known as translation units that allow the source text and the corresponding translation to be stored. This linguistic database is then used by skilled translators to produce quality content while maximizing efficiency, which yields a faster turnaround time and a competitive edge. Translation memory can also prove to be cost effective for associations whose content includes documents and manuals with phrases or messages that need to be translated once and then can be repeated multiple times.

In addition to translation memory, localization agencies can take content from any sector and adapt it to new language markets. An experienced and robust team can handle multiple languages with translation and localization expertise spanning most modern languages. Associations looking to grow their communications effort by providing web localization, documentation translation, and multilingual desktop publishing, will find partnering with localization companies to be deeply advantageous.

Ongoing Success by Partnering with a Localization Agency

A localization company like Interpro is adept at handling projects of all sizes. As a scalable business, the team can help associations in all stages—from those that are just venturing out into the global market to others who are looking to grow their presence across multiple continents and in dozens of languages and cultures.

Whatever the content, market analysis, and company growth model, accurate localization will convey an association’s message more clearly to global audiences throughout the implementation of strategies like simultaneous translations, experienced localization professionals, and in-country partnerships. These efforts ensure that the message and information from each association is preserved and conveyed accurately during every step of the expansion process.

Final Thoughts

Working with a professional localization company provides associations with incredible benefits. Not only does it provide a more scalable business model, it also allows associations to enhance their audience’s experiences from a linguistic and functional standpoint. Partnering with a localization agency is a strategic way for any global association to make a lasting impression on members in new language markets as they look to share content accurately and authentically.

The post Why Associations Need a Professional Localization Agency: Benefits and Best Practices appeared first on Interpro Translation Solutions.

Latin American Spanish translation team: Argentina

La Recoleta Cemetery (Buenos Aires, Argentina)

Our Latin American Spanish translation team located in Argentina recommends visiting La Recoleta Cemetery located in the Recoleta neighborhood of Buenos Aires. You can explore this remarkable city of the dead for hours, where the ‘streets’ are lined with statues and marble sarcophagi. The area allows you to peer into the crypts and see the historic coffins, where most hold the remains of the city’s most elite sector of society. From past presidents, to military heroes, to influential politicians, to the rich and famous, you can explore and imagine the history that lies beneath your feet.

Canadian French translation team: Canada

Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia

Our Canadian French translators say, “Canada is a hiker’s paradise,” and after talking with them about their most attractive activities, we know why! Canada is filled with trails, parks, waterfalls, and scenic views. Our Canadian French translation team recommends the following locations where you can enjoy hiking:

Nova Scotia – Cabot Trail
New Brunswick – Fundy Trail
Quebec – Gaspé Peninsula (part of the Appalachian Trail)
Alberta – Banff National Park
British Columbia – Kinney Lake Trail

When it comes to scenic views, we have all heard of Niagara Falls – the three waterfalls that span the international border between the province of Ontario and the state of New York. However, there are also other worthwhile places to visit, like the Montmorency Falls located in Quebec. The Montmorency Falls are even higher than Niagara. And while you are in Quebec City, you can enjoy history by visiting the only walled city in North America.

Simplified Chinese & Traditional Chinese translation team: China

Leshan Giant Budha (Emei Mountain, People’s Republic of China)

Our Chinese translation team was thrilled to share with us some travel recommendations. If you are keen on animals, our Chinese translation team recommends visiting Chengdu (成都), the capital of Sichuan in Southwest China. In this area lies Emei Mountain, teeming with flora and fauna. Our China team says this is the place to go to see and interact with monkeys. You can also get very close to the Leshan Giant Buddha, a 71-meter high stone statue carved into a likeness of The Buddha. Also located in Chengdu is the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base. You can see many endangered pandas in their natural habitat.

Arabic translation team: Egypt

The Sphinx (Cairo, Egypt)

Our Arabic translation team in Egypt says that Cairo is the ‘place to be’ during the summer months. When in Cairo, you can take a cruise ship on the Nile river. It is a luxurious yet relaxing experience. Egypt also has some of the best 5-star hotels on the Nile. In Cairo, you can see the pyramids, Sphinx, and Cairo tower. If you are interested in Pharos, the Egyptian museum is another great place to explore.

European French translation team: France

Fireworks light up the sky over Carcassonne

“Visiting France is a very large subject, a lifetime won’t be enough,” says a member of our European French translation team. One place our team recommends visiting is Carcassonne, a medieval fortress town. Our team thinks it is one of the most beautiful sights in all of France. If you go to Carcassonne during mid-July, you can see Carcassonne lit up by an extravagant fireworks display on French Independence Day (July 14^th). Over 700,000 visitors converge to watch the fireworks. Carcassonne is located in a great wine-producing area. Grapevines surround the medieval fortress, and wine tasting is a must-do while you are here.

German translation team: Germany

Oktoberfest (Munich, Germany)

If you are traveling to the south of Germany late September to early October, our German translation team says you must go to the world’s largest annual funfair: Oktoberfest. This festival is a 16-day folk festival held in Munich. More than six million people from all around the world attend the event every year. While you are in the south, you should also visit Schloss Neuschwanstein (Neuschwanstein Castle). This is a nineteenth-century Romanesque revival palace perched on a rugged hill above the village of Hohenschwangau in southwest Bavaria. Schloss Neuschwanstein is one of the most popular palaces in all of Europe.

Italian translation team: Italy

Le Cinque Terre (Liguria, Italy)

With so many breathtaking views in Italy, our Italian translation team had trouble narrowing down the best places to visit. They recommend taking a trip to Le Cinque Terre (Liguria). This city has five villages consisting of small homes benefiting from a natural environment. From its pristine waters to wild nature interspersed with vineyards, olive groves, and citrus orchards, there are plenty of areas to explore in these villages. Monterosso al Mare is one of the five villages located at the top of the hill. At the top, you can see the Statue of Neptune (the Giant) guarding the coastline.

Russian translation team: Russia

MAKS Air Salon (Zhukovsky, Russia)

If you plan a trip to Russia in mid-August, Interpro’s Russian translation team recommends you attend the “Russian Sky” Festival of Ballooning. This festival is held August 11-17 in the Ryan Region. You see tons of balloons and airships of different colors, shapes, and sizes fill the sky above the airfield. For more air activities, the following week is the MAKS Air Salon in Zhukovsky. This is one of the largest international aviation and space salons. Our team also recommends you make time for Russian ballet and banya bathing (steam baths) for a fun cultural experience.

Conclusion

There are so many places to see and so many activities to choose from in these countries, we couldn’t possibly name them all! If you are interested in traveling to any of the places we mentioned, please let us know; we would be happy to share with you more information from our in-country language translation teams.

_{Photo sources:
www.ilturista.info
noticias24
www.paradiseintheworld.com
www.thesun.co.uk
https://zingnews.vn/
http://www.ridermagazine.com
http://interestingaboutrussia.blogspot.com}

The post Insider Travel Tips: Recommendations from Our Language Translation Teams appeared first on Interpro Translation Solutions.

Strozza, CEO and founder of InterPro Translation Solutions, recently made a second donation of SDL Trados Studio licenses for the Foreign Language Learning Center. Strozza donated the first version of Trados in 2004.

“Ten computers in our Language Learning Center now have the newest version installed,” said foreign language chair Katharina Barbe.

Strozza, an alumnus in French, Spanish and marketing, said the foreign language department helped develop his critical thinking and broadened his horizons.

“Our foreign language department is first rate and our faculty is world class,” Strozza said. “They have the pedigree and skills to give NIU students what they need to succeed in their careers.”

Barbe said the translation software is used by “over 190,000 professional translators,” and that very few universities have access to this software.

“What’s so exciting for us is that we are preparing students to go out and be proficient in its use,” Barbe said. “This is only possible because of Ralph’s generous donation.”

The software builds a memory as a translator inputs content. The translator can access this information for future translations.

“When the translator receives a new text, [they] can feed this text through the software and many items will then be translated automatically and thus save a lot of time,” Barbe said.

Strozza also created the InterPro Translation Solutions Foreign Language Residence Program Study Abroad Fund for students in the program.

“He’s very dedicated to the foreign language instruction,” said program Director Greg Ross. “He’s inspirational for what students with a foreign language major can do.”

Strozza said the Foreign Language Department and the Foreign Language Residence Program don’t get enough financial support compared to other programs at NIU.

As an alumnus, Strozza tries to combat that by helping NIU students whenever and however he can.

“[Barbe and Ross] are very open-minded and appreciative of everything that we as alumni do to assist them and their students,” Strozza said. “They make me want to help even more.”

The post Giving Back to the Community: Interpro CEO Helps Establish NIU Language Center appeared first on Interpro Translation Solutions.

You can dramatically grow your eCommerce company with eCommerce localization services.

Benefits of eCommerce localization

If you are not selling your products internationally, it is likely that your competitors are. Thanks to online global shopping events such as Cyber Monday, internet shopping has skyrocketed within the past the past few years. As the global landscape becomes more narrow, communicating in the language of your target audience grows more important.

Question 1:

What exactly is eCommerce localization?

The art of translating your online profile, product descriptions, database-driven content, and graphic images into the language of your new target audience with cultural sensitive accuracy.

Question 2:

How exactly can this benefit me?

Firstly, you have the ability to reach a wider audience with minimal effort. Once your website is localized, you can keep costs low since products can be shipped relatively quickly.

Likewise, customers are more likely to build trust in your product if your product descriptions are in their own language. It is also a good idea to own country-level domains for target countries and to provide a simple way to convert the price into their currency.

You should consider your target audience when designing your eCommerce site. Although there is a general movement towards a single global set of best practices, keeping the persona in mind when designing your country-level domains adds to the customer experience.

The user interface for your website should reflect the needs of the persona you are targeting.

The Amazon example

Amazon has great examples demonstrating how to localize your eCommerce site to specific markets. Amazon’s website in the UK has a different design from the website targeted towards customers in the United States. Amazon also focuses on different products depending on which market is being targeted.

Both the UK and US localized sites focus on eBooks and Kindles.

Amazon’s UK site

Amazon’s US site

Amazon’s Japan site

The Japan localized site focuses on entertainment and electronics.

Amazon’s India site

The India localized site focuses on mobile phones.

Sometimes, you can learn new things from merely looking at a localized website. Based on the above examples from Amazon, it appears that Indian consumers are more tolerate of advertising as there are third party adverts along the right hand side. There are no third party adverts hosted on the other three sites.

Understanding these cultural and local needs with eCommerce localization is imperative if you would like to succeed in the global market. If a consumer doesn’t see what they want almost instantly, they are likely to leave your website and find a different eCommerce site better suited for their needs.

Conclusion

When you have a retail business that has limited opportunities to grow because of competition, prices or technology– you should consider going global by growing your target audience, and one of the best ways to do this is by localizing your eCommerce website.

Nowadays, the possibilities of who you can reach with an international eCommerce site are virtually endless. With a little market research and an eCommerce localization service provider, you can explore those outlets in no time.

To learn more about how the right localization strategy can benefit your business, please click here.

The post Take Your Business Global: The Power of eCommerce Localization appeared first on Interpro Translation Solutions.

At many Chinese restaurants, there are choices between different regional cuisines such as Sichuan and Cantonese. Knowing, for example, that Sichuan food tends to be spicier and that Cantonese food tends to be milder can help you pick out the best entrée suited to your tastes. Just like Chinese regional cuisine, there are different varieties in the way Chinese is spoken – and written.

Having studied Mandarin in college, lived and traveled extensively in Asia, and worked in the translation and localization industry for nearly six years, I have learned a great deal about Chinese speaking markets. In short, when it comes to localization services, there are three key things to know when you want to “order” the right kind of Chinese localization to suit your target audience.

1. Which Chinese localization is best suited for my business?

As many companies are looking to Mainland China (and Singapore) for sources of new business, Simplified Chinese is what most customers request for translation. Simplified Chinese is the character set used in these two countries. If you are targeting Taiwan or Hong Kong, you would use Traditional Chinese.

2. What is the main difference between Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese?

Compared with the Traditional Chinese character set, Simplified Chinese characters have a fewer number of “strokes” per character. Strokes are just that – the number of pen strokes needed to write a Chinese character.  Simplified Chinese could almost be compared to “shorthand” and was developed to increase literacy in China as it is quicker to write and easier to memorize.

The chart below shows a few examples of differences between Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese.

3. Should I choose Mandarin or Cantonese for voice-over projects?

For voice-over projects – when it comes to speaking Chinese, Mandarin is spoken in Mainland China, Singapore, and Taiwan. With so many dialects of Chinese, Mandarin is the “unifier” and is mainly used when people from different regions of China speak to each other, the same way that Indians from different regions of India use English to communicate. Cantonese is spoken in Hong Kong, Macau, and Mainland China’s Guangdong (Canton) province and is the main Chinese dialect spoken in most overseas Chinatowns.

For example, people in Taiwan can read a Hong Kong newspaper and vice versa. However, there are some characters used in each others’ scripts that are different, in which case a Cantonese native speaker (translator) or a Mandarin native speaker (translator) would be necessary to translate content targeted to Hong Kong and Taiwan audiences, respectively.

With over one billion native Chinese speakers worldwide, Chinese localization will give you the competitive edge needed to target some of the world’s fastest growing economies.

For more help in deciding which Chinese is best suited for you, contact Interpro and a consultant will provide you with the information you need to take the next steps to assist you in your Chinese translation project.

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So, what is translation memory?

Translation memory is a linguistic database, commonly known as TM, a translator uses to help leverage words and during the translation process. Leveraging words helps to keep translation costs down, produce quicker turnaround times for projects, and maintain consistency from start to finish.

Versus working within a native application format, files are prepared in a format where the text is easily readable and a translator is translating line by line within the translation memory tool– as seen below.

Whether  you are researching companies for first-time translations or have already built a translation memory, there are three major benefits to translation memory that you need to know.

1. Economical costs over time

Think about how your company writes about its brand. You may catch consistent terminology within your marketing content or repeated sentences and phrases on your web pages. Translation memory recognizes anything that has been previously translated which decrease costs on future translations.

Translation memory determines what percent of a match each segment is so you can leverage previous translations for future localization projects. To determine the leverage, TM is broken down into categories: context matches, 100% matches, fuzzy matches, and repetitions. The closer the match, the less the cost per word. Interpro Translation Solutions uses an industry standard Translation Memory segmentation breakdown to analyze against the translation memory.

2. Quick turnaround time

The more you build in your Translation Memory, the less a translator has to translate which will generate quicker turnaround times for your projects.

For example, if you are a manufacturing company translating an updated version of your 40-page user manual into French, there will be segments within your previously translated user manual that are recyclable. If you are localizing an eCommerce site, you may find words that can be recycled for each update. As new products are being updated to your eCommerce site, usually the color and size of the item will remain consistent.

3. High-quality translations: never miss a segment

Translation memory is not just a benefit to you, but also to the translators using it. Translators see the files line by line and translate accordingly. When translators receive big projects, translation memory helps ensure that every piece of the copy will be translated which helps to produce high-quality translations.

Partnering with a translation services provider utilizing translation memory technology will keep the quality you require at its best by maintaining consistency, saving time, and reducing costs.

The post The Benefits of Translation Memory: Why You Need to Build One Now appeared first on Interpro Translation Solutions.

Question 1: Who does your translations?

Do your translators speak in native tongue – the language you are targeting and where they should be located? Clarify that the translators who would be working on your projects are native speakers of the target language, as well as living in that target country. This step will guarantee the content is not just translated, but localized to the target country you are translating for.

Some companies will employ translators, hire freelancers, or work with partner organizations. Employing a translator in-house restricts you from fully localized text. Even an accurate translation could sound confusing if not properly localized to your target country. Freelancers circle the globe, making it easy for them to be recruited for a quick job. However, those freelancers may not be around for your upcoming translations. Your language service provider should have a consistent workflow utilizing the same translators each time you have a new project.

Question 2: How is your translation process handled?

Translation and localization are unique services. While there may not be a science as to which company structure will align superlatively with your goals, there are some key components that an agency should offer.

Your translation service should appoint a project manager to be your go-to person for anything related to the project. Questions are bound to arise as your translation service works to deliver you a thorough, high-quality project.

Ideally, your project manager would be your same project manager that you would work with on an ongoing basis. Building familiarity with who you are working with is important so that the translation provider can learn your business. The company’s in-country translators should not only translate your materials, but edit and proofread them as part of the process. Be aware of companies that want to charge you more for different levels of quality. Your projects should always include the steps of translation, editing and proofreading.

Question 3: Do you have any references?

Make sure to ask for references when looking for a translation partner. Check to see if they have any case studies and/or testimonials on their website. Hearing what other clients have to say about your prospective partner will give you a better sense on who you want to work with. References help the decision making process in a number of ways. You will learn:

1. which services the company specialize in
2. how much experience the company has in the industry
3. the level of their client relationships

Seeing how long a company has been working with another demonstrates experience in consistent quality and service. As you read through case studies, take note of the established client relationship.

Question 4: What differentiates you?

Each translation provider you reach out to will be slightly different from the other, making it even more important to investigate differentiation between competing brands. Identify what will help your company achieve its objectives.

Multilingual Desktop publishing. Many languages, especially those that don’t use roman scripts, don’t display content as it should be without adjustment. Languages, such as French or Spanish, “grow” whereas other languages, such as Simplified Chinese, “shrink.” Additionally, the Arabic language is read right to left which will require all the more extensive formatting. You want your translated materials to look as close as possible to the original format.

Up-to-date technology tools. Technology tools speed up the translation process, reduce errors and benefit your organization by providing a translation memory and glossary. Translation tools are not machine translators, but a means to facilitate accuracy during the translation process.

Sense of partnership. To build a trusted, partner-centered relationship, you should seek a translation company that is client-oriented. This way, you know you can rely on the company for the long haul and trust that they will provide translation recommendations when needed.

Question 5: What are your values?

Educating yourself on company values can give a better idea as to how your potential translation agency will do business with you. Find a language service provider that is passionate about their role so you can build a relationship as your organization continues to expand globally. Ask to speak to multiple team members so you can get a feel for their culture and who would be working on your projects. From a translation perspective, it is beneficial to have multilingual employees to assist in the quality assurance process.

Translation vendors offer various services, so when it’s time to choose one, talk to them about your needs and make sure you are working with a company that will customize a solution specifically for you. No matter what language you are localizing, look for a long-term partner that you can depend on.

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