The Art of Translating a Website

Translating a website involves more than simply converting text from one language to another; hence, the term "localization" is often preferred. Localization encompasses adapting content, design, and functionality to align with the cultural and linguistic preferences of the target audience.

For example, communication with Italians differs significantly from communication with Americans, given their distinct cultures and needs. Through localization, content is edited, adapted, or entirely rewritten to resonate with the target audience.

Here are some key aspects to consider when undertaking the art of translating or localizing a website:

Understand Your Target Audience

The translator should identify the demographics, cultural nuances, and preferences of your target audience. This understanding will guide your localization efforts.

This is why the expert in charge of localizing the content is a native speaker of the target language. They have to fully understand the author’s aim and the public’s need, and adapt the message to create a link, a bridge between the two parts.

Images and Multimedia

The localizer has to pay attention to multimedia documents, such as images and videos. They should ensure the oral and written production is adapted into the target language and culture, but they should also offer a solution if they think a file should be replaced.

In this regard, they should consider cultural sensitivities when selecting images and multimedia. Images should resonate with the target audience and avoid any elements that might be misunderstood or offensive.

Date and Time Formats

Date and time formats should be adapted to match the conventions of the target locale. This includes the order of day, month, and year, as well as time notation.

For instance, the United States use “mm-dd-yyyy” as their date format, whereas most countries use “dd-mm-yyyy,” and some nations, such as Iran, Korea, and China, write “yyyy-mm-dd.”

Numeric Formats

Numeric formats, such as currency symbols, decimal separators, and thousands separators, should be aligned with the conventions of the target language and region.

By the way, translators should keep an eye open for possible differences in costs and fees – for example, shipping fees – from country to country.

Colors and Design

Colors can have different meanings in various cultures. The localizer should be mindful of cultural associations with colors and ensure that the website's design is appealing and appropriate for the target audience.

For example, in the United States, red is a synonym of danger and often interpreted as a signal to stop; yet, it also symbolizes love and passion. On the other hand, in China, red signifies good fortune, celebration, and happiness.

SEO Considerations

The localizer should optimize the website for search engines in the target language. This includes translating meta tags, URLs, and other SEO-related elements.

Meta tags and meta descriptions contain relevant keywords that will help a page be indexed in a search engine. Translators should make sure that the page is efficient in the target language, too.

The URL structure should be adapted to the target language. For instance, if your original URL is "/products" in English, it might become "/prodotti" in Italian.

Keyword research should be specific to the target language and region. This involves understanding the terms and phrases your audience is likely to use when searching for your products or services.

Testing

All website functionalities, such as forms, buttons, and interactive elements, should work correctly after translation. This could be one of the translator’s missions. For example, if your website has a contact form, the translator should verify that the form submissions are received and processed as expected.

Sometimes, they also have to test the website on different browsers and devices to ensure a consistent and user-friendly experience. Some design elements or functionalities may behave differently across various platforms.

And the localization expert must check for linguistic and cultural appropriateness of the content and verify that the translated text accurately conveys the intended message and resonates with the target audience. Also, sometimes an accurate translation is too long for a button, so the translator should opt for a shorter version.

Continuous Updates

Localizing a website is nothing like delivering a file and saying goodbye. If the client demands it, the translator will keep the localized version of the website up-to-date with changes made to the original version.

They will regularly review and update content to reflect any modifications or additions. This includes new product releases, updates to terms and conditions, or changes in business information.

For example, if your website promotes holiday sales, ensure that the promotions are adapted to the holidays observed in the target region.

To conclude

Making your website connect with people worldwide goes beyond just translating text. It's about making it feel familiar and real for everyone. By adjusting content to how people speak, your website becomes like a friendly chat that everyone can understand and enjoy. Translators pay attention to all the little things – colors, pictures, and more – to make sure nothing gets lost in translation and everyone feels at home.

This isn't just about being polite; it's a smart move, too. A website that gets what people want and follows the rules in different places stands out globally. I'm here to help with that. If you want your website to speak the language of the world, give me a shout via my contact page. Let's make your site a global conversation!