History is replete with examples of "lost in translation" problems. While some, like the Chevy Nova's disastrous Mexico product launch (Nova or "no va" means "It Doesn't Go" in Spanish) might just cost a company a lot of money, other language faux pas have cost lives. One story from the bible has a man pretending he's not a foreigner in order to escape death. It was a simple test to find out if he was a foreigner or not: "Then said they unto him, Say now Shibboleth: and he said Sibboleth: for he could not frame to pronounce it right. Then they took him, and slew him..." Don't let your website be the stranger in a strange land.



If you're considering expanding your website's reach by translating it into a foreign language, there are several rules to a more successful launch of a translated site. First, it's important to use a professional translator, familiar with the countries you're targeting. Second, a website's content often needs some localization, in addition to simple translation. Third, you need to be involved in the translation process, and fourth, have a plan for ongoing foreign language customer service both on line and off. These suggestions can make your website's translation into a foreign language a smooth process.

To begin, it's important to deal with a professional translator when translating your website. Why do people use professional translators if the only requirement to get a document translated into another language is someone who spoke the target language? There are English, French, German, Spanish, Chinese and Japanese speakers of every level of grammar, spelling, quality of vocabulary and reading comprehension possible. A document, website, or other translated material is only as good as its weakest link. If a document is well written, and meticulously prepared - only to be translated by someone without professional translating ability, the document will likely be negatively affected. A professional translator will use proper grammar, will use more appropriate phraseology to accurately match not just the meaning in the original document, but also the tone, or other nuance that is important to the document. Using a professional translator will make sure your efforts don't result in an amateurish foreign-language version of your website.

Localization, or tailoring a website to a local culture or region, goes beyond simply changing the language of the words. Different cultures or regions may share a similar language, yet material may not be easily understood, or even apply. Legal information may differ between different areas. Tone or attitude of a piece may be entirely appropriate in one area, but be inappropriate in another area. For webmasters, this can apply from items such your site's privacy policy to the refund policy you offer your customers. As you have your website or documentation translated, be sure to seek help if your content needs any type of localization service aside from simple language translation.

Next, be available to your translator during the translation process. After setting a deadline for the translation work, make sure you are in some type of contact with your translator for questions. If the translation is done face to face, this is easy. If you take advantage of one of the experienced professional website translation services online, set a time to be available for questions, or let the translator know how to reach you for any clarifications they may need. If your content contains technical or other industry jargon, a quick question by your translator can make for a smoother translation of specialized vocabulary. You're the expert on your content. Your translator is an expert on the target language. Work together for a better final product.

Finally, have a plan for post-translation customer handling. Ok - so you've translated your company's annual report into a little known tribal dialect from a small Central Asian country. Now how do you handle customer inquiries, phone calls or sales from these countries? If you don't have a foreign-language staff, do you plan to have a language specific email address? Will you take foreign language phone calls? Plan for success and have a plan in place for the results you'll achieve in your target country. A good translating service can provide some insights to help you handle your new business. Some even offer continuing service options. Work with your translator to be ready to support the business your translated sales information, documents or website will yield.

By working with someone specializing in business document and website translation, localizing as well as translating your site, working with your translator and having a plan for post-translation customer support, your efforts to expand into other markets will be more likely to provide more results, without a lot of headaches.