If you do a Google search on “translation apps,” you’ll find dozens of results. Most of these apps, like Google Translate, use technology called “statistical machine translation.” This might work if you’re just curious about what the Spanish word for “Hello” is, but it just won’t work for business translations. Here’s why:
Need for complete understanding. Business translations cover everything from HR issues to safety guidelines. There’s no room for mistakes in these areas. The well-being of your company, your employees, and your customers require all communications to be precise and accurate.
Industry expertise. A professional translator takes the time to get to know your business. Our translators, for example, do extensive research, collaborate with a point person at your company, and build a vocabulary database for each client so that a particular word or phrase is translated the same way each time. Translation apps just can’t do that.
Company image. If you’re translating your website or any marketing materials, you can’t afford to make a bad impression on your potential customers. No international company will want to do business with you if your translation doesn’t accurately reflect your willingness to reach out to them in their own language.
Language nuances. “Statistical machine” translation apps just can’t pick up on the slang and idiomatic expressions in the English language. For example, if a restaurant refers to its spatulas as “flippers,” a translation app isn’t going to understand that. Translation mistakes that come from these types of details make language barriers even harder to overcome.
Culture shock. Language is about more than just words. In order to truly communicate effectively in a different language, you have to understand and appreciate the culture. Professional translators are in tune with not just how to communicate in another language, but also how to be fully understood.
Workplace Languages provides translation services for every language where business is spoken. With Workplace Languages, you get the best of both worlds. We have the experience and resources to offer translation services that rival those of a large translation company, but we provide the customer service and attention to detail that only a small translation agency can. Contact us today for a free quote.
