Blog – News and language tips

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.

Translating legal texts is always risky business: loss of meaning, ambiguity, and misinterpretation lurk around the corner constantly. Risk awareness and risk management are of the utmost importance. Therefore, a good legal translation partner is vital for businesses and organisations that want to avoid a myriad of problems, such as financial losses, legal issues, ambiguous contractual clauses, etc.

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.

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.

Not every translation assignment is straightforward. Annual reports, for example, come with their own set of challenges. Financial terms must be conveyed with absolute precision. Deadlines must be met to the letter. Specialist jargon must be applied consistently. Sensitive data must be handled securely. Each annual report is a unique puzzle that demands precision, speed and discretion.

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.

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.

Search engine optimisation - or SEO for short - has never followed set rules. On the contrary: the rules of the game are constantly changing under the influence of technological developments as well as user expectations. Those who want to score online need to offer relevant information in a variety of formats, adapted to the cultural context and with a trust factor – and all this across language borders.

Yet another challenge is due for 2025: search engines increasingly answer user queries with AI-generated summaries. These are so good that people often don’t need to click through to other websites anymore.

The key question is: how do you get your content into that smart AI summary? So, here they are: 3 SEO tips for 2025, to ensure you stay visible on the web in the future!

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?

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!

Do you create video material for your business? You’ll know how powerful the right voice can be to really drive home your message for your target audience. In this blog post, we will show you what to look out for when choosing a voice-over. With practical tips, we will help you find the perfect voice, deliver a convincing message and highlight your brand in an authentic way.

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.

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?

Delivering a top-quality translation for every client is what we at ELAN Languages aim for every day. That’s why we always select a native translator who is completely familiar with your industry. Do you often use terms specific to your business or sector? Then it is crucial that these are translated properly every time. A terminology list provides important guidance in this regard. For you and for our translators.

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.

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.

ELAN Languages has acquired Übersetzungsbüro Lingua-World, a reputable translation and interpreting agency headquartered in Cologne, with 12 other offices across Germany...

When you want to have a text translated, the price question always comes up first. How is this calculated; per character, per word, or per line? It’s an easy decision to make.