Blog – News and language tips

Our health might just be our most precious gift. Which is why accurate medical translations are of the utmost importance, as they can have a direct impact on someone’s well-being. Over the past few months, we have rolled out our ELAN AI Bridge and are fully embracing the newest technological feats. However, we remain convinced that AI works best when there is a human in the loop, and nowhere is this more important than in the medical field. We spoke with two of our internal medical proofreaders, Anja Thys (English proofreader) and Kim Hoebrechts (Dutch proofreader) about how they approach their medical translations.

In many organisations, translation still happens outside the workflow. Content is copied between systems, files are exported and re-uploaded, and teams spend time managing versions instead of moving projects forward. This slows everything down. The challenge is rarely the translation itself but rather the fact that systems don't talk to each other.

In 2019, Nissan Motor Company paid a $15 million fine to settle charges with U.S. regulators. While the core issue revolved around underreporting of executive compensation and fraudulent practices, part of the regulatory scrutiny focused on discrepancies in the translations of financial documents.

This month, we’ve been highlighting legal translations in all their facets: the risks, the expertise required, how the rules differ from country to country, the major pitfalls, how technology can help experienced translators, etc. Sure, it’s been interesting to read, but haven’t we blown it out of proportion? Are the actual consequences really that bad? The answers are simple: no and yes, respectively.

What is the state of artificial intelligence (AI) today and how can ELAN Languages’ tailored solutions help organisations that want to break through internationally via their content? We asked Jourik Ciesielski, Chief Technology Officer at ELAN Languages and founder of the company C-Jay International.

Imagine this: two months ago, you translated a large file into French using an automated translation tool. Afterwards, you supplemented the text with the right terminology, dotted the stylistic i’s, and aligned the document with your corporate identity.

After a final round of feedback, everything was in order and your translation was validated.

International markets open doors to growth. But those who want to convince those international markets need to do so in multiple languages. Your products, services, and brand stories must have equal impact in every language. At the same time, the clock is ticking mercilessly: time, budget and resources for translations are limited. So the key question for any entrepreneur is: how do you combine speed and quality without derailing your budget or diluting your multilingual message? Our answer: by coupling the power of artificial intelligence (AI) with human expertise. You can read how that works here.

Simultaneous and consecutive interpreting – these remain the most popular methods in which most companies place their trust for international communication. But what if you're looking for a more practical or budget-friendly alternative? In that case, whispered interpreters, relay interpreters or conversational interpreters can offer a fitting solution.

_Oh yes_, summer has arrived. Time to pack your bags, soak up the sun and enjoy a well-earned holiday. Finally relaxing under your parasol? Feel free to entertain your friends and family with one of our language facts: “Do you know where 'bikini' comes from? Once upon a time, …” Score! You’re welcome, and have a great summer!

Ready to conquer new markets with your online shop? Carefully considering your approach is key, which is exactly where things tend to go wrong. Language proves to be a stumbling block more often than one might think. You won't reach international customers with a simple translation of your homepage or product descriptions.

In order to truly connect and sell across borders, you’ll need a smart translation strategy. One that takes cultural and technical differences into account, on top of linguistic accuracy.

Picture this: you notice that your new promotional video on your website is reaching your target audience. Mission accomplished! Or is it? Because what if (potential) clients cannot listen to the sound of your video due to certain circumstances? Without subtitles, they miss the message and you lose them... This is one of the many opportunities that you might miss, without even realising it. Because did you know that worldwide, one out of four people deal with a (temporary) disability? And thus may struggle to understand your message?

Your organisation will soon be conducting a multilingual meeting. You do see the benefit of interpreters, but how many do you actually need? Is one interpreter per language enough? Or are there interpreters who can interpret into multiple languages? In this blog post, we will help you decide how many interpreters you need to turn your assignment into a resounding success.

Do you address your international audiences in English? You are not the only one. On the contrary. Many companies assume that everyone speaks English. Their reasoning goes something like this: "If we offer our content on the website, on social media and in leaflets in English, we're home safe." Sounds reasonable enough, but it doesn’t stand up to scrutiny. After all, language is much more than a means of conveying WHAT you have to say. It also affects HOW your message is received, interpreted and assessed.

The connection forged with your target audience through your brand, your story, and your products and services is primarily emotional; a bond that is easier to build in their mother tongue. A foreign language, however familiar, speaks to us on a more rational level - leaving our emotions less affected. Just one reason why you want to translate your content to the languages of your target audience. But there are four more reasons. Explore them here!

Wondering how to prepare for an international trade fair or looking for tips for successful trade fair participation? To truly stand out, you need more than just an eye-catching booth. Incorporating multilingual marketing materials, professional interpreting services, and cultural awareness training can help you forge deeper international connections. Below are 10 best practices for trade fair exhibitors, designed to power your success at any event, anywhere in the world.

Small, large. Simple, complex. Not every translation assignment is the same. Take, for example, a website in 16 languages or the translation of a massive annual report in PDF. Try finding the right translators for those 16 languages. And who will ensure that your translated PDF has the same layout as the original file?

If you want to increase your commercial opportunities across the language border or abroad, a multilingual website is indispensable. Did you know, for instance, that 90% of consumers only buy from an online store if it is available in their own language?

Your new catalogue is almost ready - only the translation remains. Would you like the final product to convince your (potential) customers and not come across as a hastily translated text? We are happy to give you three golden tips. You will notice that the translation of your catalogue will be so much smoother and more economical.

Whether it’s a brochure, annual report or manual, PDF files can be challenging to translate – especially when you need to maintain the original layout.

A promotional video on Facebook, a video presentation for a trade fair, a clip on your website with instructions ... Nowadays, communication is about more than just texts.