If you’re looking for website localisation services then don’t forget that you’ll also need to think about having your site localised. Localisation is the process of product translation and cultural adaptation allowing a company to adjust to the differences within distinct markets. Website localisation isn’t the same as straightforward translation because it involves a comprehensive analysis of the target culture in order to correctly adapt the company’s website.

Why is localisation an important aspect of website translation services?

Localisation is a vital way of recognising local sensitivities, avoiding conflict with local culture and habits, and addressing the needs and desires of local markets. A good website localisation specialist must take into account not only linguistic differences, but also the physical layout of the text, any business and cultural implications and the technical variations between regions. It is not simply enough just to translate website content – you must also think about how all the extralinguistic elements will impact the reader.

In addition to grammar and spelling, the localisation specialist or website translator may need to change graphics, currencies, dates, addresses and telephone numbers, colours etc. For example, visuals may both inspire or upset, since meanings differ across cultures. An image may be fine in Europe but not in Asia so you have to be very careful. Any mistake could cause embarrassment or discredit to your message, which is why localisation is such an important part of website translation services.

Don’t forget either that localisation doesn’t just involve translation between two languages, but often within the same language e.g. between British and American English (website localisation would become website localization!)

Why choose Veritas?

When offering website localisation services we only employ localisation specialists who are living in the native country, in order to ensure that they are completely up to date with cultural and linguistic developments in their area. We also ensure that all our specialists are qualified to at least degree level and have at least 5 years’ professional translation and localisation experience. Veritas will assign you an experienced and dedicated project manager who will advise and assist at every stage of the localisation process. We can liaise with your own web design team, and work within your content management system to ensure continuity between your different sites, as well as assisting with multilingual SEO. By liaising with your web team we will ensure that every part of the website is translated and localised to outstanding quality, and after translating we will enter the site and proofread everything before it goes live.

We’d like to know whether any of readers have had any experience of localisation… what challenges did you come across when dealing with audiences from overseas?

To find out more about our website localisation services, contact us now!