Global Connections: A Podcast Featuring Translation Topics for Business

When most people think of technical translations, they probably imagine highly complicated alphanumeric codes and algorithms that only a Ph.D. or rocket scientist could decipher. But many industries require technical translations for various scientific, medical, industrial, engineering, and manufacturing documents.  Technical documents contain specific information about the chosen subject. They take many forms such as operator guides, instruction manuals, research journals, user interfaces, safety data sheets, and even decals and labeling. We discuss this and more in this week's episode.

Is your latest medical translation project healthy? What do healthy healthcare translations look like when completed? Take a moment to think about how much is at stake when translated medical communications are confusing or misunderstood. When innocent consumers will bear the consequences of a bad medical translation, healthcare companies should review their documents and publications in a medical translation checkup. We dig deeper in this week's episode of Global Connections

For small and large businesses, cutting costs is a continuous effort to protect and enhance profitability. But some things are too vital to fall under the axe, and one of those is the services of a certified translator.  While you may be tempted to cut costs by using the skills of an employee or friend who speaks multiple languages over hiring the services of a certified translator, this is a terrible mistake.  We'll discuss why in this week's episode.

Basic business marketing principles that apply in other industries also apply in health-related industries. Things like market research, strategic planning, budgeting, branding, media, and public relations opportunities are all equally important.   However, when your marketing messages must be translated into the languages of your target audiences, accurate healthcare translations are vital to communicating effectively. We'll discuss on this week's episode.

European markets are big drivers of demand for translation services, and German is a highly sought after language for translation. Germany is one of the leading economic powerhouses in Europe, especially for industries like engineering and manufacturing of automotive products, heavy machinery, electronics, and more. In this week's episode, we'll give you some things to consider if you're translating to German.

The business world is full of professionals with different backgrounds, languages, and behaviors. It is full of interaction, and especially so in a digital world. Much emphasis is placed on translating customer-facing documents, but we often forget that internal documentation is just as important. A solid company starts from the inside out, so make sure your corporate document translations are as accurate as your external documents.

When entering a market outside of the United States, you can't just translate documents word for word. Content localization is also vitally important. According to the Globalization and Localization Association (GALA), “Localization is the process of adapting a product or content to a specific locale or market.” Translation, transcreation, and localization are a connected process. We'll discuss this on this week's episode.

When going global, companies in the chemical industry need to ensure they’re taking steps to ensure clarity and accuracy in their translation projects. Because of the nature of chemicals, any inaccuracy in their translation can be life-threatening to the people that handle and use them. This need for clear and precise translation makes it imperative for companies to work closely with a trusted translation partner. In this episode, we'll tell you everything you need to know about chemical translation services.

The language that the British and Americans share is easily understood by each group, but each country has its own particular variations, just as each observes different customs. In this episode, explore some of the significant areas where differences occur, and how that poses a challenge for translators. 

Finding the right document translation partner requires asking the right document translation questions. International Language Services is a world-renowned language translation provider, and we often hear the same document translation questions from companies. In this episode, we provide answers to the top three. 

Using a free online translator is like playing the game of telephone, but with a robot. To see how online translators can make content lose meaning, try pasting some text into Google Translate, then translating that text back to English. Your original text will have a different context or meaning. This becomes more true as the length and complexity of your text increases. The best translation providers utilize translation management software to manage projects with efficiency, cut down on your costs, and ensure that your target audience receives consistent, clear messaging.

Good language translation is often more involved than many manufacturers initially realize. Don’t discover this the hard way. When your manufacturing business is ready for a new product launch or plans to enter a new market, contract with a professional translation services provider that stands behind the quality of its work and provides top-notch customer service and guidance. 

Technical translations are used in a number of industries including medical, engineering, scientific, and manufacturing. To translate technical terms, one needs to be precise and accurate. The smallest variation in meaning, especially when translated into other languages, could be disastrous. 

Global events have an impact on translation needs, especially for manufacturing companies in industries such as agriculture, construction, automotive, custom machinery, medical devices, chemicals, food production, consumer goods, and more. For highly regulated industries, like medical device manufacturing, or firms with widely dispersed employees and customers, global events can have an even bigger impact, making a reliable translation partner vital to your responsiveness.

What can chopsticks teach you about choosing the wrong translation services? This podcast from ILS highlights the importance of performing due diligence to prepare for translations and the consequences of glossing over vital translation concerns.