Respect and Translation go hand in hand

Translating your documentation, website and marketing materials is a gesture of respect.  This indicates you value your potential client, business partner or foreign employee, or at least recognize that they are not all together exactly like you and that this is acceptable and even…a positive thing.  Just be sure to have a reputable translator or agency help you with this.  You would hate to go to all this work and due to a poor translation you end up offending them. 

If you are hosting potential clients from a different country/culture - having signs to welcome them in their own language can help establish the business bond you are looking for. 

In addition, greeting them in their own language is a sure fire way to elicit surprise and cultural points too.  Don’t be afraid to try, even if you mispronounce a name,  use an improper title, or fail to conjugate a verb correctly you will please the potential customer, partner or employee at some level just for trying. 

A great example of this is seen here.

Tips for using Translation Memory Systems

Translation Memory (TM) can save you and your organization time and money.  There are certain tips to keep in mind to get the most bang for your buck when writing your technical documentation and translation and localization of your information.  Consistency is key but here are a few tips to help you navigate the items to keep in mind while writing your source content.

1.  Don’t use synonyms - For example: log in vs. log on - stick with one and use it

2.  Don’t change your formatting - For example: Click the next button vs. Click the NEXT button. 

3.  Create segments that can be used in several contexts.  Insert CD vs. Insert Disc

4.  Make generalizations - the three steps are vs the steps are

By keeping these technical writing tips in mind you will not only save money but create consistency and standards for your content.

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