The internet has opened up immense possibilities for businesses to spread their wings across the globe. Businesses that grab these opportunities experience tremendous growth through a larger customer base. However, with global expansion come new challenges such as language barriers. Businesses need to have a solid strategy for communicating with a global audience and stakeholders if they are to succeed. This is where translation comes in. Communicating with the people in a language that they understand, and in a way that resonates with them enhances communication. In addition, it boosts the business’s brand image. If you are looking for ways to break the language barriers, read on to learn different techniques that you can use for your business.

Translation

Translation entails changing text from the source language to the target language. This can be different business documents that save your money and other documents as employee workbooks, global marketing materials, newsletters, and more. One of the best practices in translation is to translate all documents both in soft and soft copies. Translating content that is on your website, for instance, ensures a great user experience for audiences across the globe. In addition, it enhances your SEO efforts, helping your site rank higher.

Translation takes different forms. Businesses can choose between machine and human translation. Machine translation is the use of online tools such as Google Translate to translate text into other languages. However, to truly break barriers, using human translation cuts it. Human translators ensure that elements such as humor don’t get lost in translation. Additionally, human translators have industry-specific knowledge. This is suitable for technical fields such as medical, legal, and the like. The reason is that human translators limit the chances of mistranslation.

Interpretation

Communicating with a global audience doesn’t involve text only. Holding regular meetings and conferences with your employees, investors, clients and more is crucial for global businesses. How do you ensure that everybody understands what is being discussed? Interpretation comes in to interpret the source language to other languages in such instances. This ensures that everyone present moves on the same page.

There are two different forms of translation – simultaneous and consecutive interpretation. Consecutive interpretation is where the interpreter listens to what has been said, waits for the speaker to stop, and then interprets it in another language. In simultaneous translation, interpreters interpret the message in real time. This means that people who speak a different language can follow the meetings in real time in a language that they understand. 

Simultaneous interpreting equipment includes different tools such as booths, push to talk microphones, receivers, and transmitters. When choosing a venue for your conference, it is important to work with companies that provide the required equipment. The good news is that online communication tools such as Zoom now have an interpretation feature. Participants only need to choose the language of their preference and listen away.

Localization

Translating content to another language isn’t enough in the global arena. It is very important to make sure that your content resonates with the people if you are to penetrate the global market. This makes localization an effective technique in your strategy. Localization goes beyond text to ensure that other elements such as color, images, illustrations, and other visuals and design elements sit well with the audience. To achieve this, you need to use translators who understand the cultures of your target audiences. This way, they are able to avoid nuances that can possibly offend people. 

Video translation

Video content is playing a critical role in content marketing in the business world. If you want to boost your brand awareness, including videos in your strategy is a good call. However, you want to make sure that it reaches your audience in a language that they understand. Considering video interpretation can be a sure proof way to break the barriers. If in any chance, after a successful work, a reward is what increases motivation. For instance you can look at gift cards at CVS that are usually a way that works in different countries. This also makes your videos resonate better with the people. There are many ways that you can translate your video content into different languages. You can choose between subtitling, dubbing, voice-over, and most others. Make sure to work with an expert to help you decide the best way for your business.

Conclusion

In a global market where people speak different languages, translation is an important factor in breaking barriers. This enables you to speak the language of the people in a way that makes them a valuable part of the business. You can use the above techniques to make this possible and grow your business.