Mar 25, 2024 | Blog, Communication, Globalization, Language Services, Localization, Marketing, Multilingual, Multilingual Website, Translation, Website Globalization, Website Localization, Worldwide
The role of translation in a global business How can translation help build a global business? We live in an interconnected society. Globalization integrates economic, political and cultural systems around the world. We consume goods and services from other countries. Through interdependence, most countries rely on each other to meet local demand and sell local products. Translation, like technology, creates interdependence between nations in different parts of the world. Translation plays a critical role in localization because it increases interaction and enables global communication. Translators are essential intermediaries in today’s globalized society, playing a key role in the exchange of ideas and information between countries that speak different languages. Translators can localize your products or services and adapt them to each specific region. If you want to have a global business, you need to implement website localization. Why should companies invest in a multilingual website? If you want to expand your business and reach a wider audience, website localization is key. English is the most widely spoken language in the world, but not everyone who consumes your products or services speaks it. When people browse a website, whether they are looking for the latest fashion trends or buying plane tickets for their next trip, they want their user experience to be as enjoyable as possible. Not only does the website for your global business need to be easy to use and intuitively designed, but it also needs to be available in multiple foreign languages to make it accessible to users with different native languages. As a business, having a multilingual website shows respect and understanding for your target...
Jan 23, 2024 | Artificial Intelligence, Blog, Communication, English language, Language Services, Newsletter, Projects, Tips for Translators, Translation, Translation News, Worldwide
What will the future of translation look like? In the dynamic landscape of technological innovation, the translation industry stands at the crossroads of tradition and transformation. In the midst of rapid technological evolution, the translation industry is grappling with the challenges and opportunities of 2024. As the year unfolds with a wave of cutting-edge advances, questions are being asked about the relevance of traditional translation agencies. But rather than fading into the background, these agencies are proving resilient and adaptable, embracing and expanding their role in the face of new technologies. This blog post explores how translation agencies are not only holding their own but are essential to harnessing the full potential of technological breakthroughs in language translation. What key role will these agencies play in navigating the future of translation? The human touch in AI-powered future of translation While AI-powered translation models have made remarkable progress, they still lack the nuanced understanding and cultural sensitivity that human translators bring to the table. As a result, translation agencies are integrating AI into their workflows to improve efficiency while at the same time recognizing the irreplaceable value of human expertise in preserving the nuances of language and culture. By seamlessly combining the speed of AI with the innate human touch, translation agencies offer a unique and comprehensive approach that ensures accuracy, context and cultural relevance in every translation project. Complex project management and quality assurance determine the future of translation The scope of translation often goes beyond simple language conversion, especially in industries with complex technical terminology or specialized content. As a result, translation agencies play a critical role in...
Dec 17, 2023 | Blog, Holidays, Traditions, Translation, Worldwide
Savouring Central European Christmas: a cultural and culinary expedition ‘Tis the season! As the holiday season spirit embraces us, join the Lingo Star team – a diverse group deeply rooted in the traditions of Slovakia, Italy, the Czech Republic and Germany. Unwrap the festive tapestry of these rich cultures. Savour not only the culinary delights but also the universal language of shared customs that bind us together during this joyous season. Slovakia: Eastern European elegance In Slovakia, Christmas is celebrated on December 24th and is marked by unique traditions that add magic to the season. The first meal of the day, Christmas Eve dinner, holds a special place in Slovak traditions. Legend has it that if you refrain from eating all day, you may be rewarded with a glimpse of a golden pig! Christmas traditions and dishes vary from region to region and family to family. Wafers with honey and garlic kick off the feast, followed by a main course of fish, mushroom, or cabbage soup. Some families add prunes to cabbage soup for a unique and delicious twist. Fish, especially carp, with traditional potato salad, is a staple of the Christmas meal. No Slovak Christmas is complete without an array of cookies and cakes adorning homes. Some families go the extra mile and bake 8-10 different types of cookies every year. On Christmas Eve, Baby Jesus, or Ježiško in Slovak, takes centre stage, bringing presents for children under the twinkling tree. To add to the festivities, Slovakia also celebrates St. Nicholas’ Day on December 6th. Children eagerly place their shoes by the door or window in anticipation of...
Aug 21, 2023 | Blog, Language Services, Worldwide
Translation localization involves translators adapting a translated text to the requirements of a specific geographical area. They adjust the content to make it sound familiar and easily understood by the target audience. Localization can include elements such as cultural references, illustrative colours and images, local dialects, adaptations of dates, times, or currencies, and units of measurement, as well as local information. For high-quality localization, localization translators must have specialized skills compared to general translators. They need to have an in-depth knowledge of the culture, idiom, and lifestyle of the people from the source and target area. Ideally, native speakers of the target language should carry out the translation, but it is also essential to choose translators with specific knowledge of the target region or dialect. Therefore, companies looking to expand into new markets find localization particularly beneficial. It enables them to reflect the local culture, translate content into the local dialect, personalize their product or service, adapt promotions and events to the national holidays of the target country, and comply with local regulations where necessary. Certain types of translation require more localization than others, depending on their specific nature and the need for cultural, linguistic, and technical adaptation. Here are a few examples of types of translation that often require extensive localization: Website localization Websites often contain region or country-specific content, such as information about local services, promotions, cultural references, and news. Localization is crucial to ensure that the website is tailored to the language, culture, and local preferences of the users. Software and application localization Localization of software and applications involves adapting the user interfaces, menus, error messages,...
Apr 26, 2023 | Artificial Intelligence, Blog, Communication, Translation, Worldwide
Applications of artificial intelligence The concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly common in our everyday lives. But what does artificial intelligence mean? According to the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, artificial intelligence is “the study and development of computer systems that can copy intelligent human behaviour”. Some specific applications of artificial intelligence include natural language processing and speech recognition. Nowadays, we use AI systems to write articles or even translations. These “automatic” solutions are gaining many allies. Unsurprisingly, language industry professionals are beginning to question the reliability of these growing systems. Recent developments in applications of artificial intelligence Applications of artificial intelligence have grown so dramatically in recent years that it is almost impossible to keep up with the changes. Ten years ago, for example, no one could have imagined self-driving cars. But now, they are more reality than fantasy. Another example of a new AI system is the smart vacuum cleaner. This vacuum cleaner can scan a room, identify obstacles that may stand in its way, and clean the whole room in a matter of minutes. What’s more, it doesn’t need any human help to clean. Amazing, isn’t it? Artificial intelligence technologies are developing rapidly because they can process huge amounts of data much faster than humans can, and even make more accurate predictions. Applications of artificial intelligence in language programmes However, not all developments are related to physical robots. Chatbots are on almost every website to help customers if they need any kind of assistance. By simply accessing a website, a chat will pop up and you will be able to ask any question, which artificial...
Oct 21, 2022 | Blog, Communication, Traditions, Worldwide
Thanksgiving is synonymous with getting together, being grateful and understanding and celebrating all the good things the year just passed brought. Times like these help us to reflect on some of the most important values in life. Sharing, communicating, and exchanging with one another makes us feel good. It helps people to better understand each other. Not only does it give context to actions but it also makes us more tolerant and respectful. It breaks boundaries, bridges gaps and unites people across borders. The more we understand each other, the more tolerant, peaceful and unified our world will be. This is why cultural and linguistic diversity is our world’s true wealth. Differences bring us closer The translation industry exists because of cultural and linguistic differences. They are at the heart of everything we do. It is because we know about these differences and how important respecting them is that we can facilitate successful international communication. We are constantly reminded of the importance of using the services of professional and qualified translators in order to avoid ridicule or damaging misunderstandings. From poorly translated subtitles (e.g. Squid Games) to embarrassing and dangerous mistranslations made by international corporations or governments, the examples abound. With countless cultures and subcultures in the world, understanding differences, ours and those of others, is crucial. It brings us closer. Cultural and linguistic diversity brings open-mindedness and comprehension. It gives meaning to actions and words, it makes us unique, which makes sharing so much more rewarding. Learning about different traditions, foods, music, dances, colours, dialects and accents adds to the importance and the wealth of cross-cultural diversity. Cultural...
