Blog – News and language tips

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.

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.

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!

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?

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 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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.