Blog – News and language tips

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.

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.

_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.

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!

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!

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.

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?

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.

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.

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

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?

As a responsible person, you keep a close eye on the cost of your translations and you do not want to waste any time. Bingo, you are not alone! We are also fond of smooth and cost-effective translation processes. These three tips will help you get even more out of your translation budget.