Blog – News and language tips

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.

_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.

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.

Do you want to be able to manage your translations in absolute comfort? Would you like to get quick answers to all your practical translation questions? Then give the very user-friendly MyTranslation a try.

Your social media updates, an email to a foreign-language colleague or that final caption in your brochure...

Do you urgently need a short text of no more than 100 words translated during office hours? Or would you like your own translation to be proofread?

ELAN Languages is the right place to be for all your professional translations. But did you know that we can also help you with all your other language questions? From copywriting to desktop publishing to subtitling: we have the solution for every language-related need. Whatever your request, these services will help your business move forward:

Considering machine translation for your text? While technology has advanced, automated translations are not without their imperfections. Correcting these inaccuracies often demands significant time and effort. Remember, refining machine translations is a specialized skill, essential for achieving precision and nuance.

Are you planning a meeting or conference with non-native speakers? Make them more efficient by using interpreters. That’s always a good idea! Another one is to draw up a smart plan of action in advance – that way, you’re absolutely sure that your interpreting flows freely. These five tips will help you do just that. Because, “to be prepared is half the victory”.