Translation Blog

In today’s global economy, businesses need to market their products and services globally to remain competitive. Expanding your business worldwide may be a difficult job, but you can do it well with the aid of professional language services. This article will discuss how professional language services can help businesses sell worldwide, and the types of translator services available.

What Are Language Services?

Language services are professional services that typically include translating documents from one language to another. Some language services include:

• Translation Services: Translation of websites, documents, apps and other materials. Businesses frequently use translator services to connect with clients and partners who speak different languages.
• Interpretation Services: The aiding of oral or symbol communication between humans speaking in different ‘languages,’ perhaps simultaneously or separately, is called language interpretation. Businesses often use interpretation language services for face-to-face meetings, legal proceedings, and business negotiations.
• Transcription Services: Transcribing audio or videos into written content. Successful businesses often use transcription services to create transcripts of meetings and conference calls. Transcription can be combined with translator services to render a text version written in multiple languages.
• Localisation Services: The most in-depth of all translator services, in which the product or service is adapted to a specific region or culture. This can include changing text, graphics, and audio to reflect the cultural norms of a particular country or region.

Considerations for Expanding Your Business Globally

If you plan to market your products or services globally, it is essential to invest in language services. You can translate your website, marketing materials, product labels, and emails into multiple languages using language services. This makes it easier to connect with a new audience, form international partnerships, and succeed in foreign markets.

However, there are four factors to consider before investing in translator services and expanding your business globally.

1. Reach a Wider Audience

Making your services readily available to potential consumers is essential. In fact, it is one of the most crucial things you can do when expanding your business globally. However, not all countries speak the same language. So, translator services are crucial for achieving your desired reach.

Reaching a wider audience entails making your site and advertising resources accessible in several languages. Furthermore, customers will feel that you are serious about providing quality services. It will also give them the guarantee that you will go the extra mile to serve them. Therefore, language services are a wise investment and must be considered before you launch overseas.

However, it is essential to remember that translating your website and materials into multiple languages can be costly and time-consuming. Make sure you have the resources to do this properly before expanding into new markets using language services.

2. Use Professional Translation Services

When expanding your business into new markets, it is essential to use professional translator services. Agencies offering professional language services have the experience and expertise necessary to translate your materials into the target language. Many language service providers (LSPs) even provide specialised business translations for all important documents.

Working with a professional agency improves the chances that the target audience will understand your translations. In addition, expert business translation services can ensure that all your translations are free from errors. Make sure you research the abilities of different LSPs and choose a translation agency with an excellent reputation that meets your needs.

3. Avoid Mistakes in Translation for Your Business

One of the most important things to remember when expanding your business into new markets is to avoid translation mistakes. Errors can be costly and embarrassing, damaging the reputation of your business in the target market.

To avoid making translation mistakes, always hire a language service provider familiar with the target market’s language and culture. All good translator services rely on native speakers with professional translation experience. Professional agencies also use software and tested processes to ensure your work is accurate and authentic.

4. Provide Multilingual Customer Service & Marketing

It is critical to provide customer help in their native language while expanding your business into new regions. A language service provider can help you translate your customer service materials into multiple languages, ensuring your customers receive a high level of service. They’re also more inclined to purchase your product or service, knowing they can contact you if anything goes wrong.

Business translator services can also help you localise your marketing and advertising campaigns for specific global markets. By targeting specific international markets, you can increase your chances of success. This will help ensure that the target audience correctly interprets and receives your marketing and advertising goals.

Benefits of Language Services When Expanding Globally

When expanding your business into new markets, there are several benefits to using translator services from a reliable language services provider:

1. Increase in sales: A professional translation agency can assist you in expanding your business into new markets and selling your items and services to more customers.
2. Improved visibility: Language services will help you win a larger audience with your multilingual marketing materials, social media presence, and websites.
3. Time and money-saving: Translator services can help you save time and money by translating your marketing content quickly and accurately. This avoids setbacks and potential translation fails further down the line.
4. Improved customer relations: Business translation services can help you improve your customer relations by providing timely and accurate translations of all your customer communications.
5. Enhanced brand image: Translation services can help enhance your brand image by providing accurate and high-quality translations of your brand name and tagline. They also help maintain your brand voice in all languages.
6. Greater market penetration: High-quality language services can help you penetrate new markets more effectively by providing accurate translations of all your marketing data and localising your business website.
7. Increased revenue and profits: An expert translation service can help you increase your revenue and earnings by increasing sales through translation. Translations can also open up more international investments and opportunities.

Professional Language Services You Can Trust

Expanding your business into new markets can bring prolific results. However, language barriers can severely hinder your success in the global marketplace. Before expanding, you must consider the cost of translation and work with a professional language services provider with professional memberships such as ATC and SDL.

Renaissance Translations can be your trusted translation partner for high-quality business translations. Our project managers are ready to help you with your translation needs. And with our network of 5,000 professional translators, we can provide translator services in more than 120 languages, most industries, and any deadline. Get in touch with us today to discuss your project.

English to French translation is vital in the modern world. French has a significant global population, measuring 260 million speakers. It is also the second most-spoken business language and in the top ten most-used languages online. With statistics like this, it is no surprise that French translation services are one of the most requested translations in the UK and worldwide!

Most businesses think there is no need for professional French translation services. After all, a massive 45% of English words are of French origin. Yet despite the similarities between both languages, French translation fails are more common than you’d think.

With many individuals and businesses seeking English to French translation services (and many making mistakes), we are here to offer advice from our qualified French linguists. Here are ten tips to help ensure that your English translation to French is accurate and professional.

1. Compare Both Texts

Many people are so focused on doing an accurate French translation that they neglect the English version of their content. However, the worst thing to do is to ignore your original text, particularly important fragments that explain necessary details.

Therefore, our first tip is always to compare! You can improve the quality of your English to French translation dramatically by comparing both texts. A French translation services provider will always assess each segment of translated material against the original. This helps ensure that the translated version not only makes sense – it replicates the intended meaning.

2. Avoid Preposition Traps

Prepositions are placed before nouns and indicate time, place, and location. The majority of prepositions typically depend on a noun or a verb. Always translate the prepositions and nouns together when you perform an English to French translation. Translating them independently often loses meaning, as with word-for-word machine French translation services.

3. Reread Your French Translation

Agencies offering professional French translation services know that the best translation has been read several times. Your English to French translation should sound harmonious and clear to the readers. Reading sentences out loud can highlight any mistakes or incoherent speeches so they can be corrected before publishing.

4. Focus on the Original Language

When performing an English to French translation, you shouldn’t allow the differences between languages to affect your work. Translating is all about balancing two languages, ensuring that the message in one isn’t lost in the other. This means focusing on the original text without altering the content, which professional French translation services can help you with.

5. Pay Attention to Punctuation

If you’re performing your translation yourself, don’t assume that just because the same alphabet is used, there are the same rules on punctuation. All languages have their own punctuation uses. For instance, English capitalises the names of foreign languages, while French does not.

These rules must be considered when conducting a translation from English to French. Minor changes might be overlooked but are crucial for ensuring professional results. Companies offering French translation services understand these unique rules and are attentive to a language’s peculiar features, but individuals performing their own translations should take care.

6. Be Cautious of False Friends

English and French have both evolved from Latin. Due to this, both languages have overlapping vocabularies. For example, “absence”, “brilliant”, and “champagne” all mean the same in both languages. However, French and English also contain words in their vocabularies that appear similar but have wholly different meanings.

For instance, the word “pain” in English means discomfort or soreness, while in the French language, “pain” means “bread”. Linguists call these terms false friends because they can result in substantial English to French translation errors. When you see a word in French similar to English, don’t assume its meaning! And when it comes to important documents (such as financial statements or legal documents), always invest in professional French translation services.

7. Understand French Formality Levels

Undergoing a French to English translation will highlight the various levels of formality in both languages. Peers and close friends get addressed differently than professors, customers or strangers in French, for example. When using professional French translation services, the agency will create a translation glossary or guide to help ensure consistency.

8. Consider Grammatical Differences

Grammar is one of the major complexities when conducting a French to English translation or vice versa. The French language has gendered nouns that can change according to the speaker. There are also different agreement rules for adjectives and verbs, along with the varying punctuation rules we have already covered.

The best way to manage the differences in both languages is to hire a professional French translation services provider. A native French translation company will have a greater command of the French language. Otherwise, you have a lot of grammar rules to learn!

9. Account for Text Expansion

Not every language has the same length; some languages are shorter, while others are longer. When it comes to English to French translation, you can expect your sentences to expand by around 18%. On the converse, your text shrinks by this amount when translating from French to English.

The length of your content may seem trivial, but all providers of French translation services know it is an essential consideration. The expanded text can affect your document’s layout significantly! Be prepared to reformat your document or use shorter sentences while retaining the original message. Pay particular care to social media translations, which are often restricted by a strict character limit.

10. Choose the Right French Dialect

The French language is the official language of over 25 nations. These nations are spread over five continents, with every country having its own variation or dialect. The most notable differences are in the pronunciation of words, but there are also differences in formalities, grammar, and slang words.

It is essential to consider these cultural differences when you undergo a French translation. Using the correct version ensures your target audience can understand your English to French translation. The best way to avoid this is to have an audience profile with language or region preferences. If you’re still struggling, professional French translation services are advisable.

English to French Translation You Can Trust

If you’re struggling with your English to French translation even with these tips, call on the professionals. We are a leading translation agency offering high-quality French translation services in all industries and technicalities. No matter your requirements, our professional team of French translators can help you with your project.

Our company is member of the Association of Translation Companies in England and SDL LSP Partner Programme. If you have a document you need to translate, please contact our project managers today. Alternatively, click here to get a quote for your project and we will be in touch shortly.

The Portuguese language is the sixth most spoken language worldwide! However, not all spoken Portuguese is the same. There are two primary variations of the language: Brazilian Portuguese and European Portuguese (spoken primarily in Portugal). The Brazil language and the Portugal language have several differences that must be understood by anyone needing a Portuguese translation.

In this article, you will discover the main differences and similarities between European Portuguese and Brazilian Portuguese. We also offer advice if you’re looking for professional Portuguese translation services to ensure you receive accurate and high-quality results.

Differences in Portuguese Accents & Pronunciation

Although both European Portuguese and Brazilian Portuguese use the same vocabulary and grammatical rules, cultures and traditions helped to create nuances of accents and pronunciations for this language. Therefore, the Brazil language and the Portugal language variants sound different. In fact, accents and pronunciation are the main discrepancies between the two dialects.

The Portuguese language spoken by Brazilians is considered easier to learn and understand, and many agree that Brazilian Portuguese creates a more pleasant sound. On the other hand, European Portuguese sounds less understandable to new learners. The nuances of the language often require the help of Portuguese translation services, especially for those needing translations for professional use in the business world.

Despite these differences, Brazilian and European Portuguese speakers can communicate and understand each other well; the languages are “mutually intelligible”. But this doesn’t mean you translate the same thing for both audiences! Audiences always respond better when you translate using their version of the language, considering their accents, regional variants, and cultural preferences.

Translations into Brazilian and European Portuguese

If you need professional English to Portuguese translation, it is advisable to appoint a professional translation agency. Translating to Brazilian and European Portuguese could be tricky and requires much experience with the language. The spelling of the words is entirely different to the English vocabulary, and the same applies to the pronunciation of some vowels and consonants.

Moreover, hiring a Portuguese translation agency is even more beneficial if you do not know the context and culture. Translators understand the nuances of the Brazil language and the Portugal language, helping ensure you use the right words, phrases, accents, and pronunciation for your target customers.

Reasons for Portuguese Translation Services

You might need to translate into Brazilian or European Portuguese for many reasons. Are you creating a new website for people that speak the Portuguese language? Do you need to develop a great marketing strategy for your worldwide business? Are you a company that frequently works with a business partner that speaks the Portuguese language?

Whether you need a translation from English to Portuguese or vice versa, it is always essential to consider precisely where you want to sell and expand your business. As mentioned above, the Portugal language and the Brazil language variants are distinct, and each has its nuances derived from different histories and cultures.

Choosing the right Portuguese translation agency helps create spot-on content. This is especially true if your content is adapted for consumers based in Portugal, Brazil or both. Surprisingly, a website in Portuguese won’t be the same for these countries. Words, idioms and grammar will be adjusted to reach consumers in Brazil and Europe, which professional translation services can ensure.

European Portuguese or Brazilian Portuguese

As discussed above, there are many differences between European Portuguese and Brazilian Portuguese. Choosing the variant of the language depends on many factors, such as future aspirations, goals, and personal decisions.

For example, suppose your business is based in North America. In that case, you might prefer to focus on the Brazil language variant to target customers in South America or those that have immigrated to the US. On the other hand, if you’re looking to expand business across Europe, then the Portugal language variant is preferred.

Whether you want to create a strong marketing strategy, translate a book, or make a Portuguese website, a professional Portuguese translation agency can help you make the right language choice based on your target audience. There are many professional translation agencies with professional translators translating content for the right market.

Portuguese Localisation vs Translation

If your goal is to create content for your consumers worldwide, choosing the right Portuguese translation agency to work with is essential. Portuguese translation services are fundamental tools for improving a marketing strategy for any business. Your translator can help you decide between the Brazil language and Portugal language variants to create the most impact.

Although machine translation is available online for free, human translation is natural and creative. Creative translation is more effective and eye-catching. Focusing on the customers’ needs is always the main objective of a business. The same is the ability to deliver emotions with words, such as poems, books and articles.

Reputable translation agencies also offer professional localisation services. Localisation is the process of translation that also considers the culture and traditions of a country. It is necessary when translating the Portuguese language because it always considers the nuances of cultures and traditions, whether you’re translating to Brazilian or European Portuguese.

Our Professional Portuguese Translation Services

The Portugal language and the Brazil language – while both variants of Portuguese – are defined by different cultures and traditions. Brazilian and European Portuguese has differences in accents and pronunciation. It is always fascinating to understand how history, culture, and traditions contribute to creating many nuances of the same language.

When you translate to Portuguese, choosing the correct version of the language is crucial for success in your new market. Moreover, choosing the right Portuguese translation services will help to create words designed for your customers with guaranteed accuracy and precision.

Renaissance Translations has a network of over 5000 professional translators, and we are members of the Association of Translation Companies in England. Our agency can offer high-quality translation at very competitive rates, regardless of whether you require a Brazilian or European Portuguese translation. Get in touch with our team to discuss your project today!

Several Chinese summer festivals take place every year. If you are travelling to the country this summer, keep your eye out for these events. And in preparation, why not learn some must know words and phrases? Getting up to date on must know words will help you communicate with the people you encounter and get an authentic feel for the Chinese culture.

This article reviews the Chinese words you should get to know on your trip and highlights some of the best festivals worth attending.

What Chinese Summer Festivals Should I Attend?

Before we reveal the must know words and phrases for your visit to China, here is a closer look at some Chinese summer festivals you may want to attend:

• The Dragon Boat Festival: The Dragon Boat Festival happens on different dates in mid-June. The 2000-year-old tradition involves dragon boat races, health-related customs and the honouring of Qu Yuan, a Chinese poet and politician. It is customary to eat sticky rice dumplings during the celebration.
• Double Seventh Day: Also known as Chinese Valentine’s Day, Doble Seventh Day happens on the 7th day of the 7th month of the Chinese lunar calendar. It falls around mid-August and is based on a well-known story about a weaver girl and an ox herd. It is celebrated by giving gifts like flowers and chocolates and going on dates with romantic partners.

What are the Must Know Words? 

If you plan on visiting China to enjoy the summer festivals, familiarising yourself with the Chinese language is essential. Don’t worry, though – you don’t need to be fluent in Chinese! With our handy must know words and phrases, you’ll have a basic grasp of all words needed to enjoy the celebrations and festivities.

In the below sections, we provide the meaning of the Chinese words in English and their Chinese translation. If you are taking the trip, you may also want to learn some Chinese letters, but that’s a lesson for another day! Now, let’s suggest the must know words and phrases that will come in handy when you are at festivals and want to wish somebody well.

• Happy Holidays: It’s easy to see why “happy holidays” would be must know words during a celebration. The Chinese translation is pronounced “guonian hao” and can be used at all Chinese summer festivals.
• Wishing You Good Fortune: It’s customary in Chinese culture to wish each other good fortune during a celebration. This is expressed in the Chinese word “gongxifacai”, which means “wishing you prosperity and wealth”.
• May All Your Wishes Come True: These are other must know words you will want to get familiar with when you learn Chinese. The Chinese translation is “zhu xinxiang-shicheng”, a common phrase you’ll hear locals use during the festivities.
• Wishing You Good Health: Good health and Chinese culture go hand in hand. To wish someone wellness, say “jing shenti jiankang”. The literal translation of this phrase means “in good health or body”.

Four Must Know Chinese Foods

Chinese foods are other must know words for anyone attending Chinese summer festivals. After all, you will want to know what you are eating and ordering when you attend the celebrations. Some Chinese food-related terms you should get familiar with include:

• Dumplings: Dumplings are a Chinese culture classic! The word for them is “tangyuan”.
• Fish: Fish signifies surplus and wealth in Chinese culture. Unlike many of these must know words, it is also pretty simple to say in the Chinese language—the word is “yu”.
• Spring Rolls: When in China, you won’t want to miss out on a chance to eat authentic spring rolls. When asking for them in the Chinese language, say “chunjuan”.
• Fruit: Several fruits are popular in Chinese culture. These include tangerines (“juzi”), oranges (“chengzi”), and pomelo (“youzi”).

Seven Other Must Know Chinese Words

The above words and phrases are excellent knowledge when attending Chinese summer festivals. However, learning some more general Chinese terms is also beneficial to help you get around the country while on your travels. Here are seven examples to perfect before your holiday:

• Hello: It’s easy to see why hello is one of China’s must know words. There are at least thirteen different ways to say “hello” in Chinese, but the most basic and easiest to master before your trip is “ni hao”.
• No: In China, you may get offers from pushy cab drivers and salesmen. That’s why no is an essential word to learn. “Bu yao to” means “don’t want it” or “don’t need it”. The Chinese word “bu xie xie” is a little more polite and means “no thank you”.
• Right or Correct: Knowing how to say no in Chinese is helpful, but you must also learn to say yes! The word “dui” can substitute “yeah”, “right”, or “correct” in the Chinese language.
• Thank You: You will want to show people that you are polite. You can do so with the must know word “xie xie”, which means “thank you”. Place these words after you say “yes” to ask for something politely.
• Goodbye: To say goodbye in the Chinese language, say “zai jian”.
• Toilet: When you learn Chinese, you will definitely want to find out how to say toilet. It’s “cesuo”. If you really want to up your game, you can ask, “Where is the toilet?” by saying the phrase, “Cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ”.
• Excuse Me: China tends to have crowded streets. You will make your way around more easily if you are familiar with the term “dui bu qi”, which translates to “excuse me”.

 A Word About Chinese Letters

We are not going into Chinese letters in this article—the focus of this page is to cover the must know words and phrases for your next trip. However, we won’t leave you completely in the dark! Here are a few tips for understanding Chinese letters before you attend any Chinese summer festivals:

• Break Them Down: Chinese letters are made of components. If you break them down, they will be easier to understand.
• Understand Chinese Culture: Understanding Chinese culture can help with translation: Study Chinese culture to discover how Chinese letters evolved to aid your understanding.
• Practice Makes Perfect: You will learn Chinese letters better if you write them often. Concentrate on must know words to make communicating easier.

How Renaissance Translations Can Help

Attending any of the Chinese summer festivals will provide much fun! However, the Chinese language is not easy to master. You have your work cut out for you trying to perfect the pronunciation of these words before your summer holiday.

If you are struggling to understand any of these must know words and phrases, Renaissance Translations can provide professional Chinese translation services. We can assist you if you are trying to learn Chinese or need to communicate with Chinese speakers, whether it be for business or pleasure. Contact us for the assistance you need in the Chinese language, so you are sure to have a great trip to China.