Website Localisation

New, Translation services18 February, 201613 May, 2020

Localisation is the process of adapting a product or piece of software so that it looks and functions like a product manufactured or created in a certain country. Localisation allows companies to integrate into and prosper in target markets, with the consumer perceiving the product as if it were developed in their own cultural environment.

What is localisation?

Localisation is the process of adapting a product or piece of software so that it looks and functions like a product manufactured or created in a certain country. Localisation allows companies to integrate into and prosper in target markets, with the consumer perceiving the product as if it were developed in their own cultural environment.

Nowadays, websites and product descriptions need to be adapted for their intended public. Website translation does not only consist of the translation of content but also the localisation of cultural, political and geographical components, as well as graphic images, etc. Gender roles, time zones, national laws, currency, number formats, colours, contact information, etc. are all elements that must be taken into consideration.

How is localisation different to translation?

To a greater or lesser extent, localisation is already present in professional translations, for example, in legal translations from Spanish, the translator will very often be confronted by textual elements which are legal formalities in Spain. The translator will need to make a decision on the level of localisation required for the document’s translation, bearing in mind its intended purpose and target users. This can lead to a structural change in the target text, explanations or additional information, changes to the size of the document, and other significant differences to the original text.

How can localisation help you to succeed?

Currently, the creation of multilingual websites is the basis of companies’ commercial success and, contrary to what you would think, the translation of content into different languages actually reduces costs which could arise from telephone support. It also saves time and money for both the company and its clients. When doing website translation into different languages, the first step in the localisation process is to identify the local elements. These elements can be easily substituted for other local elements according to the needs of each target culture. This process of identification is known as the internationalisation of the product, as it allows it to be easily adapted to the needs of a specific market.

To a certain extent, localisation is also an intrinsic part of website translation, however, in some cases it can lead to drastic changes in the design and functionality of the site. This can be costly and can take time, but once the website translation has made it international, it can be easily adapted to any language.

What are the important factors to take into account when considering website localisation?

In order to effectively carry out the localisation of websites or any document in general, it is vital that the translations be carried out by translators who are native speakers of the target language and that, in addition, they have the appropriate specialised knowledge for the correct use of terminology. Localisation tools are currently in full expansion and every day there are new programs appearing which are more advanced and more adapted to the needs of professional in the sector.

Musings of a Translation Trainee: The Responsibility of a Translator

BigT news, New, Professional translators16 February, 201615 July, 2021

The responsibility that is taken on by a translator is huge! This is the overwhelming impression that I am left with whenever I stop to think about what it actually means to be a translator, the profession which I have chosen and the role which I am working towards!

The translator’s responsibility

The responsibility that is taken on by a translator is huge! This is the overwhelming impression that I am left with whenever I stop to think about what it actually means to be a translator, the profession which I have chosen and the role which I am working towards! This is both terrifying and incredibly exciting at the same time! We all know that those jobs which hold the most responsibility are also, very often, the most rewarding!

A translator needs knowledge and creativity

The job of translator requires not only skill but also great cultural knowledge, good judgement, and also a generous helping of creative problem solving. Let’s have a little think about just one of the anecdotes which have been recounted to me during my studies, which I have retained and springs to mind when I think of the importance of contextual adaption and a target orientated approach. I was told of the situation where a Jamaican politician said to his French counterpart that an event he had seen in France was as exciting as the best cricket game. Nevertheless, the interpreter facilitating the communication between the two of them decided to translate it as “what I saw here was as exciting as a cycling race”, which undoubtedly speaks more to a French speaker.

Consideration and courage

Whilst, obviously, not all situations call for this kind of alteration to the content, (and caution should always be exercised) I do think that bearing in mind the effect of the text on the target audience is something which cannot be overestimated. I know that we have all witnessed examples of literal translations which have lost the message among the jumble of verbatim words…

Be brave my fellow translators, translate the message of the text and not just the words on the page!

Will A Native Professional Translator Ever Rule the World?

Native translators, New10 February, 201613 May, 2020

Or, being more pragmatic, instead of speculating, we could name the main reasons your business needs professional translation services from native translators. Globalisation initiated a brand new era which means that the vast majority of companies have had to cross their national borders and penetrate new foreign markets.

We could say that there are a few arguments for why a native translator should rule the world…

Or, being more pragmatic, instead of speculating, we could name the main reasons your business needs professional translation services from native professional translators. Globalisation initiated a brand new era which means that the vast majority of companies have had to cross their national borders and penetrate new foreign markets.

Essentially, this means that if you’re looking to seriously bring your business and product before the eyes of consumers in emanating markets, sooner or later, you will need professional translation services!

What should I take into account when looking for a translation service?

One thing you should bear in mind is the importance of an accurate and thorough translation, carried out by a native professional translator, and adequately edited and reviewed by an experienced proofreader. But, how can you be sure that you get a quality finished product every time? If your business communications are being translated into a language you don’t speak, how, you might ask, can I be sure that the service provider is doing an efficient job? The most important contributing element, without a doubt, is to ensure that your chosen language provider works exclusively with native professional translators who are native speakers of the language you wish to translate into. This way you will make sure that you avoid clumsy translations which can cost your company both money and reputation! A native speaker has extensive experience, not only conversing in the language, but of all of the subtle nuances and intricacies of the language: terminology, jargon, style, verbalisation and wording.

How can I make sure I’m getting all this?

Here at BigTranslation, we’re proud to offer language services with native in-house (as well as freelance) experts, who are skilled and reliable, and specialise in numerous different fields.

As with most things, the translation process is not black and white. Just as the life experiences of each native professional translator are completely unique, the translation, language, and writing skills of each native professional translator are all different. Every translation requires a specific, targeted approach with the right professional translator taking the job on, and we make sure that your job is always in capable hands. The authenticity and quality of the work of a native professional translator with knowledge of the subject matter in question is, unquestionably, an asset if your business is ever going to rule the world…

Lithuanian Translation: Style and Formatting Guidelines

New, Professional translators8 February, 201615 July, 2021

BigTranslation is very proud of the high quality of our Lithuanian translations. When carrying out Lithuanian translation on the platform, please follow these guidelines.

Lithuanian Translation

Lithuanian Translation: Style and Formatting Guidelines.

BigTranslation is very proud of the high quality of our Lithuanian translations. When carrying out Lithuanian translation on the platform, please follow these guidelines. They will explain exactly how to format product descriptions correctly, and they also contain valuable general information on our style preferences for any Lithuanian translation undertaken for us.

Style and Formatting Guidelines-LT

Why BigTranslation Adores Style and Formatting Guidelines

We are big fans of style and formatting guidelines and we make them available for all of our team working in every target language. This document is a useful tool, not only our translators, but also for our validators, editors, project managers, etc. We know that you, like us, take content seriously and we believe that this is the optimal way to provide a structure and framework that is easily accessible to everybody and avoid any uncertainties or ambiguities. We find that it is an especially useful tool when working with such a large team, via our platform.

In addition, style and formatting guides are very important for BigTranslation as a professional translation agency. They help us to maintain our credibility and to ensure that we stand out from our competitors, ensuring consistency between translators and individual texts in terms of style and quality.

What’s more, having a style and formatting guide to consult helps to unify all of the content and create a strong and reliable brand for each of our clients. This, in turn helps them to gain the turst of their target market.

As translators, we need to have a keen eye for detail, and a style guide helps to take care of the nitty-gritty grammatical points. It also helps us to have confidence in our choices, aiding us when selecting between more than one correct option and clearing up any uncertainties about the best way to format our work!

7 Curious Facts About the Native Professional Translator

Native translators, Translation services1 February, 201613 May, 2020

The mind of a Bigtranslator is an intricate maze, but it is an organised maze, and the intricacies of this mental labyrinth allow the native translator to hit on the central nerve and true meaning of a text to be translated.

The internal workings of the professional native translator’s mind are a thing of wonder…

The mind of a BigTranslator is an intricate maze, but it is an organised maze, and the intricacies of this mental labyrinth allow the native professional translator to hit on the central nerve and true meaning of a text to be translated. The mental switch made by a native professional translator is something incredible, like the work of the synapses, passing small electrical impulses from one to the other. Translation, in the mind of a native translator, is exactly like this: an electrical storm.

Among the interesting facts that, perhaps, you didn’t know about native translators:

1. A translator never stops translating. Their brain is in translation mode continuously. A translator translates EVERYTHING around them, everything they hear in another language, they translate. A continual ‘hearing-mental translation-understanding-reworking-final translation’ circuit without an off switch.

2. A native professional translator counts in their own language, regardless of where they are in the world. Counting literally anything usually takes place in their native language. 1,2,3…

3. The organisation of their life plans is done strictly an ‘according to future translations’ basis.

4. A native professional translator can find the right nuance for every word or cultural expression, so that the message is passed from one language to another without losing ‘too much’ of its true meaning.

5. Each piece of information that a translator’s brain processes is dissected piece by piece. No part of the information is left un-interpreted in the translator’s mind. And if they don’t understand the exact meaning of something, their mind stays there and thinks it over, and thinks some more, and thinks a little bit more still until, suddenly, ‘eureka’! That perfect translation makes its light bulb appearance.

6. A native professional translator feels the weight of the cultural importance that goes hand in hand with being an important representative of their language on their shoulders. Translation is treated with the utmost respect.

7. Finally, something you’d never believe… The native professional translator lives on coffee! Native translators barely sleep when they are busy with their translation projects and they become a kind of nocturnal species, which manages to stay awake solely by the power of that modern nectar known as coffee!

Translation: a demanding profession

Moving on from this last humorous note, one thing that we are sure will indeed make your hairs stand on end, is the dedication and sense of vocation of the native professional translator. They demand a lot from their mind, and invest a lot of their time in their work. When you entrust your project to a native professional translator, you can be sure that whatever quality you demand from their work, they will demand double from themselves.

Croatian Translation: Style and Formatting Guidelines

Native translators, New19 January, 201613 May, 2020

BigTranslation is very proud of the high quality of our Croatian translations. When carrying out Croatian translation on the platform, please follow these guidelines.

Croatian Translation

Croatian Translation: Style and Formatting Guidelines.

BigTranslation is very proud of the high quality of our Croatian translations. When carrying out Croatian translation on the platform, please follow these guidelines. They will explain how to format product descriptions correctly, and they also contain useful general information on our style preferences for any Croatian translation undertaken for us.

Style and Formatting Guidelines-HR

What’s all the fuss about style and formatting guidelines?

Here at BigTranslation, we are huge fans of style and formatting guidelines, and so we make them available for all of our team working in all of our target languages. This document is a great tool, not only our translators, but also for our validators, editors, project managers, the whole team. We know that you, like us, take content very seriously and we believe that this is the optimal way to provide a structure and framework that is easily accessible to everybody and avoid any uncertainties or ambiguities. We find that it is an especially useful tool when working with such a large team, via our platform.

Additionally, style and formatting guides are very important for BigTranslation itself as a translation agency. They help us to maintain our credibility and to ensure that we stand out from our competitors. This is because they ensure consistency between translators and between individual texts in terms of both style and quality.

Moreover, having a style and formatting guide on hand to consult helps to unify all of the content and create a strong and reliable brand for each of our clients. This, in turn helps them to gain their target market’s trust.

As translators and editors, we need a keen eye for detail, and a style guide helps to take care of the nitty-gritty points. It also helps us to have confidence in our selections, aiding us when choosing between more than one correct option, and clearing up any uncertainties about the best way to format work!

Italian Translation: Style and Formatting Guidelines

Native translators, New19 January, 201613 May, 2020

BigTranslation prides itself on the high quality of its Italian translation. When carrying out Italian translation on the platform, please follow these guidelines.

Italian Translation

Style and Formatting Guidelines for Italian Translation

BigTranslation prides itself on the high quality of its Italian translation. When carrying out Italian translation on the platform, please follow these guidelines. They will explain exactly how to format product descriptions correctly, and they also contain valuable general information on our style preferences for any Italian translation undertaken for us.

Style and Formatting Guidelines – IT

Are style and formatting guidelines really so important?

In short, yes!

We are big fans of style and formatting guidelines and we make them available for all of our team working in each of our target languages. This document is a useful tool, not only our translators, but also for our validators, editors, project managers, the whole team. We know that you, like us, take content seriously and we believe that this is the optimal way to provide a structure and framework that is easily accessible to everybody and avoid any uncertainties or ambiguities. We find that it is an especially useful tool when working in such a large team, via our platform.

Moreover, style and formatting guides are very important for BigTranslation as a professional translation agency. They help us to maintain our credibility and to ensure that we stand out from our competitors. This is because they ensure consistency between translators and between individual texts in terms of both style and quality.

In addition, having a style and formatting guide to consult helps to unify all of the content and create a strong and reliable brand for each of our clients. This, in turn helps them to gain their target market’s trust.

As translators and proofreaders, we need to have a keen eye for detail, and a style guide helps to take care of the nitty-gritty grammatical points. It also helps us to have confidence in our choices, aiding us when selecting between more than one correct option and clearing up any uncertainties about the best way to format our work!

Proofreading: What is it? Find out about a concept that few people know about

New, Proofreading, Translation services26 November, 20154 October, 2022

BigTranslation offers the possibility to ensure that your translations are totally accurate and error-free with our excellent proofreading service. If you opt for this service, our native proofreaders will also ensure that your content is localised for the appropriate region with the corresponding vocabulary.

Translation Services Overview

New, Translation services25 November, 201513 May, 2020

We are a translation agency with a strong technological backbone and we have implemented a multitude of automated processes to make the translation process itself easier for both our clients and our translators. Any of the translation services that we offer can be requested automatically from our website.

Our comprehensive translation services are easy to request, competetively priced and are carried out to the very highest quality.

AUTOMATED PLATFORM

ONLINE QUOTES AND ORDERING

Our platform is totally automated, meaning that clients can calculate the cost of their translations and request our services, depending on their needs. We accept a number of different payment methods such as credit/debit card, PayPal and bank transfer.

NATIVE TRANSLATORS

Our specialised translation team is made up of qualified and native professionals. All our translators are appointed via an exhaustive selection process in order to guarantee our customers only high-quality translations.

We know the importance of working exclusively with native translators, as precise terminology and appropriate context in each language is of vital importance for your text.

ALL TYPES OF DOCUMENT

We cater for wide variety of project types: web content, product catalogues, documentation, emails, newsletters, corporate and publicity brochures, reports, presentations, articles, guides, etc.

We offer both general and specialised translation services, with different levels of pricing and quality control.

We offer all kinds of incentives and services to both our clients and our excellent team of translators!

TURNAROUND TIME

We have a 99 % customer satisfaction rate due to the fact that we adhere strictly to the quoted delivery deadlines.

Quality Translation with Confidentiality Guaranteed

New, Translation services25 November, 201513 May, 2020

Here at BigTranslation, quality translation and confidentiality assurance are our top priorities. As such, we have created a series of guides and manuals outlining the obligatory standards required for each and every piece of work carried out by our translators.

QUALITY TRANSLATION – TRANSLATOR TRAINING AND SATISFACTION

Our work force is a key factor contributing to our success. In recognition of this, we have devised a series of incentives for both our in-house and freelance translators, ensuring that they stay motivated and continue to grow professionally.

QUALITY TRANSLATION – TRANSLATION RATING AND VALIDATION

Each translation is rated by a supervisor (proofreader) or by the end client, allowing us to rate the quality of each translator.

CONFIDENTIALITY – COPYSCAPE

We have established a system of plagiarism and duplicate content controlsThese ensure that our clients’ texts are suitable for translation and that they do not infringe any intellectual property rights.

CONFIDENTIALITY – DATA PROTECTION

We comply with all European data protection regulations. We guarantee total confidentiality regarding both translated documents and the entities which request our services.