English may be the leading language of international trade as well as a second language for many of the world’s citizens, but it no longer dominates the Internet. Statistics prove that people who are well versed in English as a second language would still rather read a foreign ad or article in their own language. Translating words from one language to another sounds simple, but beware, this is not a good area for experimentation or “doing it yourself.”

Without the knowledge and experience necessary it’s far too easy to lose the meaning of an entire message through the use of a single mis-interpreted word or phrase. Far better to seek Language Translation Services than risk disaster over a misunderstanding or cloudy message. If you’re thinking your budget is too tight for such a service, consider what you gain when potential customers know exactly what you want to say instead of having to guess at your meaning.

Common Mistakes of The Inexperienced

Regardless of skill even the most successful translators have learned to follow certain rules. The power of translation allows ideas and information to spread across the world, which is why errors can be so costly. Remember, having a basic discussion is one thing, but when it comes to business that’s another matter entirely where clarity is a must. Mistakes are not a given and can easily be avoided when you do the following.

• Don’t simply jump in with a dictionary and start trading one word for another. Researching the customs or traditions of the target audience ensures your message is better received.
• Keep the layout flexible. Some languages need more space than others. Fonts and type sizes that work for one don’t always work for another. It may take a little experimentation to find the perfect match, but the rewards are going to be worth it.
• Avoid slang of any kind. Words or phrases that work in one language may be highly offensive or confusing to the target audience because they simply do not translate well.

The Internet has connected the world in a way it has never been before yet it’s nothing more than a waste of valuable information without translation or interpretation services to spread the news to your target audience. The days when a ship would leave port with a cargo intended for another country only to end up not being able to communicate with buyers are over. The net makes it so easy.

With one click a person can travel thousands of miles to do a little shopping but no matter how interested they may be in your product or service they won’t be buying from you if they can’t read the text on your site. Modern online business or the local grocery with a sale ad in a culturally mixed area, neither are going to thrive if their message isn’t clear and their target audience can’t understand them. There is now and will always be a need for translation services and clarity if you’re serious about expansion and the health of your business.