Business

7 Critical Milestones in Translation Industry History

As a global translation company, we know all about the history of translation. But it doesn’t take an expert to tell you that the translation industry is growing rapidly! The current translation market expanded to just over $56 billion in 2021, which was more than $5 billion growth within two years. With an estimated 300,000 translators in the profession today, working in the translation industry has become a well-respected and in-demand career choice.

Unlike the interpretation of the spoken word, translation focuses solely on converting written content from a source language to a target language. The purpose of translation is to allow information to be shared with diverse audiences with different native tongues. Let’s now look at the critical junctures in translation history that have allowed the industry to expand to what it is today.

1. Creation of Writing Systems

Before the translation market existed, oral storytelling was the only way to pass information from generation to generation. The tradition was (and still is) an honoured practice that shapes cultures. However, the human brain’s ability to interpret, convey and remember details limits the accuracy and completeness of information communicated verbally. We cannot be sure the original content is accurate when passed down through ancestral lineages.

The creation of various writing systems allowed information to be preserved in a more stable format and is the first key milestone in the translation industry. The earliest known writing systems date back to about 3,200 years ago in Mesopotamia and Egypt. As a reference, the Greek alphabet emerged 2,800 years ago. The Latin alphabet we use today is about 2,500 years old, and the Chinese writing system has around 1,200 years of history.

Writing provided source text for those able to communicate in more than one language to read and share with others. Over time, this practice of consuming written content in one language and transforming it into another written language became known as translation. It’s a far cry from the type of global translation company around today, but the first step towards our current position.

2. First Significant Translation

The Bible is the first significant translation in the history of the translation industry. The Old Testament was translated from Hebrew to Greek in the third century BC. Because so many Jewish people no longer spoke Hebrew, they commissioned 70 linguists working in the translation market to independently translate the content. The name of the new translated version was “The Septuagint,” meaning “seventy” in Greek.

As well as being the first major translation, the Bible is also the most translated text in history. As of 2020, portions of the Bible have been translated into 3,415 languages! A non-profit global translation company, Wycliffe Bible Translators, launched have committed to translating the Bible into all other remaining languages worldwide. This should be achieved by 2038.

3. Progression of Writing Systems & Tools

Since the Septuagint was first written, writing tools have progressed significantly. Stone tablets and chisels; knives and wood or bone; damp clay and stylus; ink and leaves or paper; typewriters; and ultimately, computers. With each writing tool improvement, the ability to translate also became more efficient, and the size of the translation market grew.

In the earlier stages, manual handwriting was time-consuming but effective at preserving content over long periods. A significant finding for the translation industry in 1799 was the Rosetta Stone, the first Ancient Egyptian bilingual text carved by hand in 196 BCE. It was almost perfectly preserved and the relic allowed modern scholars to study and translate ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics.

Dictionaries, wordlists, and lexicons also came to life along with the birth of writing systems. These books included definitions, common usage, etymologies (word origins), pronunciations, and translations into other languages. Books that assemble information on words in various languages are invaluable to linguistic scholars and translators. They are still useful in helping a global translation company today produce accurate translations.

4. Academic Study of Translation Industry

Intellectuals that study the various facets of language have been known as grammarians or linguistic scholars for centuries. Another historical term was “philology”, the study of language. Therefore, academics were unsure where to place the translation in the curriculum when the translation industry started to emerge. They argued whether it should fall under linguistics or literary studies.

Ultimately, an independent area of academic study focused solely on the translation market emerged globally between the 1950s and1970s. As a result, terms describing translation studies included translatology and traductology. Over time, the industry and profession of linguists working for a global translation company have become known as “translation”.

5. Duplication & Transmission of Data

The printing press came to life in the fifteenth century, replacing the tedious process of a global translation company manually transcribing content. Moreover, the mass production of documents and books created access to information for large public audiences. And translating content into multiple languages proliferated the dissemination of information to readers worldwide.

In the 1970s, the speed of technological advancements accelerated further. Computers with word processing software and facsimile machines were in offices worldwide. The ability to send typed documents across the globe became instantaneous without shipping for the first time. This revolutionised history and the translation industry, enabling people to duplicate and transmit content to a global audience quickly.

Computer modems and the internet took communications to a new level of speed and efficiency overnight. Today, technology plays a pivotal role in sharing data and information and aiding translations. Without these data communication advances, the translation market would not have grown to its current $56 billion standpoint.

6. Translation Quality Controls

As the translation industry matured, so did translators’ qualifications and agency licensing requirements. Translation is no longer a hobby or side job performed by freelancers! A global translation company must register with local authorities, obtain business licenses, and take out professional indemnity insurance.

Reputable agencies also implement strict vetting processes; professional translators must earn translation degrees and hold nationally or internationally recognised certifications. The process of translating content is also becoming systematised and regulated. Typical quality measures in the translation market include matching the source and target languages, industry expertises, and proofreading before delivery.

This all results in higher quality translations that consider cultural nuances and societal preferences. Formal global quality control standards are available in the International Organization of Standardization quality management system ISO 9001 and ISO 17100:2015.

7. Technological Advances in the Translation Industry

The translation industry has come a long way from the days of word processing software only providing basic spelling, grammar, and word count functions. Foreign translating technology is now built into even the most basic software, with programs such as Microsoft Word allowing you to translate your text into hundreds of languages.

Technology within the translation market itself has also advanced. Language technology tools, such as computer-assisted translation tools (CATs), have resulted in a new level of translation accuracy and speed for every content topic. These are used by our global translation company and many others worldwide, yielding significant cost savings and improving productivity.

Translation Memory (TM) has also become common in the industry. All sectors have their own jargon and vernacular with nuanced meanings, and keeping the terms clear and consistent across multiple projects is essential. TM tools have created efficiencies by suggesting “full matches” and “fuzzy matches” for common terms. Translators can now review the computer-generated suggestions to make the best translation decision to achieve the source writer’s intended meaning.

In addition, new technologies have emerged in the translation industry to assist with workflow management. Quality control, project management, and document management systems come together to create an efficient translation process and quality deliverable. Nevertheless, although technology continues to advance, it will probably never be able to extract information and express meaning in a culturally appropriate tone as effectively as the human brain.

Trust a Leader of the Translation Industry: Renaissance Translations

Renaissance Translations is grateful for the translation pioneers who have advanced the translation industry to the current level. As a global translation company, we have progressed through several challenges and leveraged opportunities to create a network of experts that work hard to improve communications across languages.

If you’re looking for a language partner in the expanding translation market, we can help! Our network of qualified linguists can handle projects in more than 120 languages or industry. With our customer-centric approach and technology-driven processes, we offer translation services you can trust.

Your partnership with Renaissance Translations comes with professional memberships such as ATC and a guarantee to meet any tight deadline placed on us. To discuss your project, contact us today. We look forward to matching one of our professionals to your specific project requirements.

2019-05-06

Business

3 Reasons Your Business Needs Language Translation Services

English is often deemed the lingua franca of the business world, but business owners worldwide are beginning to understand the importance of language translation services. A business translator service can leverage multiple languages in digital and traditional marketing media, reaching more populations and potential customers. In this way, language translation services can set your business up for success, especially when performed by a professional translation office.

But how and why are language translation services so crucial? Read on to discover how they can solve fundamental communication challenges and open new markets to facilitate growth and success.

1. English Isn’t Always Enough

Nowadays, language translation services are essential for global and digital-focused businesses. Even though English is the norm in the corporate world, it is not as widely understood as one might believe. Ignoring large populations can lead to losing potential customers, something that goes against the basic structure of any business. On the converse, translating your content helps you to reach a more diverse target audience.

In addition, most businesses based in other countries prefer communicating in their own official and native languages. To do this successfully, you must find a translation office capable of offering a translator service in the language spoken by your target market. Not doing so can hinder potential business partnerships or trade opportunities abroad.

2. You’ll Miss Profitable New Market Opportunities

Translating content, business websites, and marketing campaigns into multiple languages is a great way to target potential overseas customers. Increasing market opportunities, improving marketing effectiveness, and generating positive results are thus beneficial outcomes of foreign language translation services. Without effective translations, these opportunities are missed.

Due to these perks, many companies across the globe understand that they should serve new markets and audiences in their native languages. However, you must use a professional translator service for the best results. When using a translation office, not only can your communications be understood, but they can evoke the appropriate emotions for international audiences.

3. Clear Communication with Multilingual Employees

Professional language translation services can also help you attract top-notch talent and communicate better internally. Sharing guidelines with employees and strategic partners in their native language will ensure everyone is always on the same page. With your translation, office members can communicate clearly and effectively.

In addition, an accurate translator service will show current and future employees how your business is ready to go to great lengths to embrace and promote diversity. When you attract, recruit, and retain top talent, your organisation will gain a key competitive advantage as the top talent in the industry flocks to your company!

Professional Language Translation Services by Renaissance Translations

If your business needs professional language translation services, Renaissance Translations can help. We are a leading translation office with 5,000+ qualified linguists offering any business translator service your organisation needs. This includes human resources translation, merger and acquisition translation, email translation, and compliance translation.

To guarantee that a professional translator is always available when needed, we have pooled the talents of native translators internationally. Your partnership with us comes with professional memberships such as ATC and SDL LSP Partner Programme. If you want to discuss your project, please contact one of our project managers at [email protected] or call us on 0161 3940408.

2019-01-03

World map with locations marked with yellow lights and beams connecting them. Concept of website localisation. — Read More

Business

Why Localisation is Crucial for Business Expansion

In our globalised economy, most businesses understand the importance of translation. However, localisation is a lesser-known and underappreciated language service. A localisation service is the process of adjusting a product or service to be better understood and accepted in a new country. Localised content improves the overall user experience, leading many organisations to localise websites and mobile applications as part of their expansionist plans.

This article looks more closely at what localisation is and why it is critical for global and digital organisations. If you want to learn how to localise content for business growth, we reveal some of the best tips to reach a more diverse target audience below.

What are Localisation Services?

While language translation renders the text component of your business content into another language, localisation translates and adapts the content to suit your target market best. It keeps cultural and traditional aspects in mind, ensuring you aren’t unintentionally offensive and risking your brand reputation with a new market demographic.

The most commonly localised content includes websites and mobile apps. To localise website content, several features often need to be changed to accommodate the differences in language terminology, spelling, colours, fonts, and colloquialisms. For example, Spain and Argentina communicate primarily in Spanish. However, the Spanish used varies between these countries. Regional dialects, differences in currencies, and local customs must also be considered.

In the above example, localisation can help better connect to the different markets despite both countries speaking the same language. Therefore, it is one of the most important techniques used for international business expansion. It gives your target audience the impression that their needs and preferences are important, improving customer engagement and reinforcing positive brand identity in multiple markets.

Importance of Localised Content

Localisation is an integral part of any new market penetration plan. When leveraged correctly, localised content will make customers feel like products or services are for them. It will also help open up strategic partnership opportunities and build credibility internationally. Here is a closer look at these benefits you get when you localise website content and other business content:

1. Improves Customer Experience

Customers in the largest industrial countries prefer using products with supporting information and details in their native languages. Yet business translation is no longer a competitive option. Today, the comprehensive localisation of all marketing content is necessary for most companies and businesses wishing to sell globally.

Localised content connects and engages with your target market. It evokes the right emotions and fits precisely with their cultures and traditions. This improves the customer experience and ultimately increases sales. As such, paying to localise website content, mobile apps, and marketing materials is a wise business investment.

2. More Strategic Partnership Opportunities

When entering a new market, it’s important to understand the region’s best practices and know the secrets. Local business partners can help you improve your marketing strategies and reduce the barriers for a smoother market entry. This will save a lot of your time and challenges when working in unfamiliar territory.

If you localise website applications and other business documents, it may help you form these competitively advantageous strategic partnerships! Just as localised content improves communication with potential customers, localisation also helps to improve communications with potential business partners and allies.

3. Increases Business Credibility Overseas

If you own an eCommerce, you will want to localise website content in the language of your target audience. This will positively influence your company’s credibility. In fact, localisation proves to prospective customers that they matter to you; having localised content gives you a distinct competitive advantage which many companies are not utilising.

Make sure you have made an upfront effort to accommodate your international clients and customers and secure this headstart. Your clients will be more likely to trust and believe that your quality of services or products is superior to your competitors.

Professional Localisation Services from Renaissance Translations

If you own a global or digital business and require localisation services, Renaissance Translations can help. We have a team of more than 5,000 qualified linguists offering translation and localisation services in many language pairs. Each is a native speaker, ensuring they understand the culture and customs to localise website content, mobile apps, and marketing materials to the highest standards.

Your partnership with Renaissance Translations comes with professional memberships such as ATC and SDL LSP Partner Programme. To discover more about our services, contact our team today! One of our project managers will be in touch to discuss your business venture. They will help you produce perfectly localised content, setting you up for successful business expansion.