When an enterprise goes global, there's a threat of being not properly understood in other languages, or, even worse, misunderstood. That's the reason, when you are going to increase your enterprise, your success can depend upon the one that translates your website, documentation, adverts and so on.
Do not insist on translating your textual content phrase-by-phrase or sentence-by-sentence. Opposite to the popular perception, the translation won't be more accurate this way. Just the alternative is true: a translator who translates word-by-word is a BAD translator, or a mediocre one -- on the most.
A MEDIOCRE translator will diligently substitute words, word-mixtures and idioms of 1 language for those of another language. He searches piles of dictionaries for numerous lexical units. He will be actually happy with the result. Do not blame him -- he most likely is conscientious and hard-working. The one disadvantage is that his translation will not work.
A GOOD translator will care for the MESSAGE of your text. He realizes that good translation is not simply discovering proper words. He'll attempt to find proper linguistic means to convey your message; what's more, he will go away your model intact. He shall be happy with the consequence, too -- and he has the reason to assume so. Your message can be conveyed -- in every respect. Will it work? That is one other question.
The difference between a GOOD and an EXCELLENT translator is the following: an EXCELLENT translator will look after the GOAL of your message. Earlier than he stats the work, a superb translator asks himself easy questions: does your message match into this explicit culture? Will the viewers settle for it? If the reply is "no", he will always warn you about it.
Will you recognize his advice? You'd better do. It could be not too pleasant for you to be taught that your text is just not perfect (especially if you happen to thought it was). After all, you'll be able to put this sensible Aleck down. You are the Shopper, so that you're at all times right. He will translate the text he is given the way you want. As a result, you'll get what you ordered -- a MEDIOCRE translation.
That's the reason it's reasonable to take heed to an knowledgeable (a wonderful translator will always serve you as an professional on the culture of your target audience -- even when you have not requested for it and will not be going to pay extras for such a consultation.) Sometimes these advice might sound a bit odd to you; that's because such a translator is able to assume like a person who shall be visiting your website.
Be ready to throw some expressions, phrases, or complete paragraphs away or re-write them - working perfectly in a single language, they will not do in another. Be ready to vary photographs and illustrations, generally redo the graphics and alter the whole fashion of your website if necessary.
Cooperate with your translator -- it pays. Do this work now and you will be rewarded with success of your small business in an overseas country.