To translate a website, one needs to have a complete command of the source language as well as the target language. Although when you search online, you can find many free tools that might easily and quickly translate your text, the difference between getting your content translated by a software algorithm or by a human being is one thing only — quality, and quality is the most important thing.
WHY IS QUALITY IMPORTANT?
No matter how great your brand and your services and products, and no matter how well your website reads in the original language, if it is not translated properly, you will not connect with the readers your translation is intended to reach. There is a huge risk associated with your website being badly translated. All your marketing efforts and financial investment to attract the target audience could be in vain, along with your brand reputation. Trying the automated translation approach, you may spend little to get the website translated, but ultimately far more on getting it fixed and restoring your reputation.
WHAT DO WE MEAN BY QUALITY?
If you are wondering how one can judge quality, here are three criteria for judging your content:
Content in its Original Essence
A good translator will retain the essence of the text in context. He or she will not add anything, nor will they delete anything. A text translated well carries the emotion and essential meaning from the original to the translation.
Good Grammar
Well, that’s a must! Grammar exists to ensure the reader can “track with” and clearly connect the thoughts into a full conceptual understanding. No matter which language you are translating into, the grammar must be on point. There should be no spelling errors, nor should there be any grammatical errors to distract from the message or allow for misinterpretation.
Clear Communication of the Goal
A website is created to market your products and services. The objective of web content is to attract the target buyers towards the business. A good quality translated text will communicate your message clearly to the audience so it will attract the reader the same way the original does.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
How can you check the quality of your text?
Check the Accuracy
First and foremost, you need to check the accuracy. Does everything carry the same meaning as it had in the source file? Check that the translated text communicates the entire concept of the original with no additions or omissions.
Check the Tone
Is it natural? Or does it sound weird? Assume the viewpoint of a reader out there in the public and read through the text to see if any word or sentence seems odd or out of context. The translation should always seem natural, fluent, and should have a similar tone to that of the source file.
Check the Details
Last, but not the least, check the formatting and layout, and focus on “minor” details like dates, numbers, slogans, etc., to ensure they were carefully done. Carelessness with details such as the date of an upcoming convention would signal need for a full review.
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