International commerce increasingly demands the use of English but often the quality of the written word suffers – and a lot can be lost in translation! Companies are not making sure the content they produce in English matches the same high, professional standards offered in their native languages.

It’s common to see badly constructed English; misuse of individual words which can completely change the meaning; and confused, difficult to understand copy. And yet some simple editing can transform translations by ensuring the writing is accurate, current in its use of the language and also reflects the required tone and style.

Fast – but is it accurate?

Multi-lingual launches, websites, manuals, brochures, presentations and marketing collateral will often be needed within silly deadlines and the line of least resistance is quick, often internal or web generated translations.  Unfortunately, one mistranslated word can completely misrepresent the message or the organisation and serious cultural goofs can also creep in.

International commerce increasingly demands the use of English but often the quality of the written word suffers – and a lot can be lost in translation! Companies are not making sure the content they produce in English matches the same high, professional standards offered in their native languages.

It’s common to see badly constructed English; misuse of individual words which can completely change the meaning; and confused, difficult to understand copy. And yet some simple editing can transform translations by ensuring the writing is accurate, current in its use of the language and also reflects the required tone and style.

Fast – but is it accurate?

Multi-lingual launches, websites, manuals, brochures, presentations and marketing collateral will often be needed within silly deadlines and the line of least resistance is quick, often internal or web generated translations.  Unfortunately, one mistranslated word can completely misrepresent the message or the organisation and serious cultural goofs can also creep in.

Finding the right combination of copywriting expertise and knowledge of the business, sector or industry is undoubtedly difficult.  Web translation services are unlikely to offer the solution and traditional translation agencies rarely put clients in direct contact with the translator – it’s all a bit 'remote'.  Yet it’s so important to show your overseas customers respect by taking the time to communicate with them in a professional manner.

Signs like these will always raise a smile but don’t let the joke be on you, your content and your business……

Keyboard invests in really understanding every client’s business, delivering a flexible, high quality service at realistic prices. It offers the benefits and confidentiality of in-house support but with the financial advantages of an external resource.  Contact Sue Mather to find out how your content and the way you present your business can be transformed.

Customer perception is critical in any language and failure to handle secondary languages properly can be an expensive mistake….​

Finding the right combination of copywriting expertise and knowledge of the business, sector or industry is undoubtedly difficult.  Web translation services are unlikely to offer the solution and traditional translation agencies rarely put clients in direct contact with the translator – it’s all a bit 'remote'.  Yet it’s so important to show your overseas customers respect by taking the time to communicate with them in a professional manner.

Signs like these will always raise a smile but don’t let the joke be on you, your content and your business……

Keyboard invests in really understanding every client’s business, delivering a flexible, high quality service at realistic prices. It offers the benefits and confidentiality of in-house support but with the financial advantages of an external resource.  Contact Sue Mather to find out how your content and the way you present your business can be transformed.