Website Localization – Overcoming Language Barriers

Website localization is the process of modifying a website to meet the needs of people in foreign countries. Therefore, "going global" with your web content you'll reach an entirely new population of clients. Imagine the profit potential of many countries!

Three Main Benefits of Website Localization

* Language barriers are overcome. With more and more people purchasing PC's and tapping into the Internet world, website localization breaks barriers and invites new countries into your world, in their own environment. Companies are finally realizing that there are many other languages besides English that are also very popular, such as French, Spanish, Arabic and Chinese. Therefore more companies are transferring their website content to other languages.

* Website localization establishes credibility – Localizing your website demonstrates your willingness to work with other countries, and to understand and respect the values of those particular countries. Which company would you want to invest in? The company that only has an English site or the company that has websites in all major languages? The company with websites in more languages has more profit potential as it reaches millions more in potential clients.

* Revenue is increased with website localization - The lack of it is a missed opportunity for billions of dollars, pounds and francs each year. Just envision the population in your own country. Once you undergo the website localization, you can then start imagining all the other countries in the language you have added to your website. Millions of potential clients observing your website content/products. Now, just imaging the possibilities!

Once you have made the decision to tap into the website localization process, there are some very important things you should consider.

Translating the language of a website is not as easy as it appears, there are a number of things to consider when translating its contents. Determine if all the words, phrases and metaphors translate towards the target language. When translating humor, be very careful to understand the culture and target audience you are aiming to reach. If you determine your audience will be aimed towards the business personnel, you should be sure that the vocabulary, grammar and punctuation reflect this. If you are aiming to reach the younger, more casual population, you should use more relaxed language. Using the wrong context of language could lead to misunderstandings. You do not want to offend anyone, as a very simple error in judgment due to culture, could be detrimental to your company.

Pictures in website localization - Pictures or images have many subtle cultural messages within them. Pictures or images can have negative connotations that may repel viewers.

Using symbols in website localization – Be careful when using symbols. Symbols mean different things in different countries, and if used in the wrong context, could be very offensive to the very people you are trying to impress. Pigs are considered unclean in the Middle East and cows are holy in India. Or, icons using fingers such as the OK sign or V-sign could mean different things in different cultures.

Colors in website localization – Believe it or not, colors could have an impact on your potential clients. Choosing the wrong color for your logo or background will likely not cause too much of a disaster, however, you should try to respect the fact that certain colors mean certain things in different cultures. For example, in Japan, white is associated with mourning, where red in China is auspicious, and in Africa, certain colors represent specific tribes.

Website localization is very important, and every business should consider updating their websites to include other languages and cultures. The potential for increased revenue is huge, take advantage of it today.

Armando Riquier is a freelance writer and expert translator who has been working with Tectrad for many years. Tectrad provides high quality translations and complete website localizations into German, French, Italian, Spanish and most of any other European audiences.