International Business Communication
Is your lack of language skills stopping you from moving ahead in your international business development? Are you persuaded you will need a fortune just to break through language barriers? The solution might be right under your nose.
Translation Standard Is Good
The free online translation tools now easily available are good enough to help you get you started. Do you use Google at all? If so one of these free translation tools is probably staring at you right in the face. On the Google home page just replace the www with “translate” and you will be on the translation page.
Translation software has improved greatly since its beginning. And it is destined to get better and better.
The sheer volume of online content requiring translation will lead further development in this industry. Most of the free online translation tools are also very good.
Why Use Free Translation Tools
There are two main reasons behind the success of the free online translation tools.
1. Translators simply cannot keep up with the task at hand. Translations take time. Free online tools are almost instantaneous.
2. Most companies are reticent to spend money on having all of their content translated. Standard industry practice for translators is to charge by the word. In many cases the translation budget can be staggering.
Online translation tools are great because they eliminate or drastically reduce translation costs and give your translations almost immediately.
How To Use Free Translation Tools
If you have never ventured into foreign language territory online, the easiest way is through Google. Google currently supports 100 languages and 30 different translation combinations.
Use the advanced search option in the Google search menu to identify your foreign websites. You can even use the free Google translation tool. Google is not the leading search engine in all foreign countries. But it is a good place to start.
The best way to see how comfortable you are with the level of translation is to search on a subject you are familiar with, do the translation and read through. There will probably be bits that are garbled. This happens when certain slang terms or specific jargon are used. But you will probably be able to get a very good understanding of the text.
Ways To Use Free Translation Tools
Here are some ways you can safely use today’s free online translation tools to help you in your business:
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For quick international research Do not let your lack of confidence stop you from spending a few minutes on international research. |
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To keep up-to-date in foreign markets. You can get a good idea of what is being said in a foreign country. |
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You can use them for drafts for certain content This can speed up translation time and help lower costs. If you are translating key content be sure to have them reviewed by an appropriate native speaker with the right background. |
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When you need immediate background information. If you have an important phone call with a foreign client, the free translation tools can help you research the foreign company and give you background information. |
Be aware that there might be errors. Communication errors are not only specific to translation software. Communication errors are an inherent risk of all multicultural communication. As you develop your “international mindset” you will anticipate these errors more and more. You will learn to verify and cross-reference your understanding when in doubt.
When You Should Avoid Free Online Translation Tools
Remember there are countless blunders in cross cultural communication. The free online translation tools can be of great assistance to businesses targeting international markets…if used with common sense.
Here are a few times you should not use them:
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Any legally binding document Even simple tiny things such as commas when used in numbers or dates written numerically can have a very different meaning. |
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Any sales copy If the sales copy is worth translating, do it right. Bad sales copy will give your company a bad reputation. If you can, spend the time to find a native marketing professional in your industry living in your target market to work with you. It really is worth the time and money to find. Would you have your next door neighbour who is a plumber write your company’s sales copy for a software product? |
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Any content you have where you want to persuade the reader to do something. The same reasons for sales copy apply here. |
Do not feel pressured to translate everything you have into the foreign language. Start with a single web page in the foreign language and some sales copy. You will need to steadily create foreign language communication if you want to generate a lot of foreign leads.
In international business today you will come across translations assisted by computer software. The translations may be 100% generated by machine. Or used by professional translators to help them work faster.
Use the free online translation tools under your nose with a drop of care and you will find them a valuable tool to help you daily in developing your international business.
