What’s the difference between traditional translation, localization, transcreation and transliteration?

Degrees of Translation

Most people consider the word “translation” to mean something fairly straightforward. It’s the process of converting text from one language into another, word-for-word, right.

Well, not exactly. That definition only tells part of the story. Translation, like language itself, is more art than science. Depending on your industry and target market, word-for-word translation may not be the best choice. 

Your business goals and budget also matter. Consider other methods to reach global customers online. You need to know about the four approaches to translation as you move forward with your website translation project: 

• Translation
• Localization
• Transliteration
• Transcreation

Each approach has its own unique benefits and drawbacks. These translation methods can help you reach foreign markets. They can also support your current global customers. This way, you can stay competitive online.  

For companies going global in certain industries, such as pharmaceutical or manufacturing, translation may be required by law. Read on to gain insights into each, and which approach—or combination of approaches—is best for your growing brand. 

Translation

Content translation for websites means changing your website’s text from one language to another. For example, you might start with English. Then, you rewrite it in the language your audience speaks, like Spanish, Chinese, or French. This helps local customers understand and use your website better.

Your website is brimming with translatable content, in obvious—and not-so-obvious—places. The most apparent content is the on-site static text used to describe or promote services and products, or to provide information to customers while in the conversion funnel (such as shipping information).

Multimedia content such as images (featuring text), videos and PDFs are other fairly obvious media to translate, too.

But your site contains hundreds—if not thousands—of strings of additional metadata text that only search engines can see. There are many phrases and resources that can be translated. These are kept in a content database. They are shown to customers in different ways.  

Not every customer sees all the content. However, it needs to be translated. This way, everyone can enjoy a fully immersive experience in their own language. 

Finally, you probably have a wealth of omnichannel content that can help your sales and marketing efforts in new markets, such as:

• Marketing campaign emails
• Order confirmation emails
• Brochures
• Catalogs
• Smartphone apps
• And more

This material can also be translated to deliver a terrific customer experience for global audiences.

There are several ways to approach translating the content, ranging from low-cost (and generally low-accuracy) software “machine” translation to pricier (but much better quality) human translation. Learn more about the differences between machine and human translation.

Companies that are worried about translation costs might be tempted to mitigate their investment by using in-house solutions, even going so far as to use non-translators. These approaches are far riskier in the long-run because of their lack of experience or technical expertise in the nuances of website translation.

Difference Between Translation and Localization

Localization goes beyond word-for-word conversion and aims to create cultural relevance. By using these regionally preferred translations, you can generate more interest and engagement among customers. You’re not only literally speaking their language—you’re talking like a local.

Using region-specific terms can boost SEO by matching terms customers use in local search engines, too. An 80/20 split is the best balance of translation and localization.

Localization processes go beyond word choice. You can also apply it to how your website presents information, how you design it, or even how it functions. You can—and should—adjust elements like currency, payment options, and product sizes to fit local standards whenever possible. If local company contact information is available, it should be clearly presented to users as well.

Customizing on-site imagery or running promotional campaigns that reflect regional culture, holidays or sensibilities is another way to localize content. This builds brand credibility and trust.

Even the functional ability to accommodate non-Latin scripts—such as Chinese, Arabic or Russian—in name and address forms will positively impact the user experience, and conversions.

When to Use Transliteration

Translation is the conversion of content from one language to another. Transliteration is the conversion of written content from one writing system to another.

Instead of translating the meaning of a word, transliteration relies on phonetic elements from the original word to recreate the sound in another language without rendering meaning. With some creativity, however, transliterations can use sound choices or wordplay to evoke certain meanings and qualities to local customers.

Transliteration often occurs when companies expand into markets where the preferred language doesn’t use non-Latin alphabets, such as China, Japan, South Korea, Russia or MENA markets. For instance, when auto maker BMW expanded into China, it transliterated its brand name to 宝马 (bǎomǎ). In Chinese, this means “treasure horse,” which evokes the brand’s spirit of luxury and reliability.

Localizing your brand name, as well as product names and slogans associated with your brand image, should be a key part of your global branding strategy. Depending on the market, it also might be required by law.

What is Transcreation?

Transcreation is “creative translation,” in which a message is adapted from one language to another not necessarily word-for-word, but by preserving intent, context and tone. This is translation at its most artful.

Transcreation is most commonly used for marketing materials. Brand slogans, advertising copy and other wordsmithed, nuanced content requires more than conventional translation to deliver the same impact in other languages. Skilled linguists must recreate the messaging’s wordplay, wit and intent.

Transcreation is sometimes also necessary for markets that use the same language. Due to cultural references or local sensitivities, the content’s message must be recreated in ways that still resonate with local customers. For instance, in the 1990’s, British telecommunications company Orange UK ran into trouble with their slogan, “The future’s bright… The future’s Orange,” when it expanded into Northern Ireland. There, orange is a symbol of Protestantism, a hot-button topic for an Irish Catholic population still dealing with sectarian violence at the time.

Great transcreations require a combination of linguistic expertise and marketing creativity, which means it can be pricey. Consider reserving it for marketing materials that need to be brand-perfect or culturally sensitive. If appropriate, use it as part of your global digital marketing strategy.

When to Use Translation or Localization

If you’re looking to serve global customers, but you’re not sure what types of translation you need, use this chart to determine which combination best serves your business needs.

Trust the Experts in the Translation and Localization Industry

Now that you have a better idea of what kinds of translation will meet your business needs, the next step is to find a digital-first translation agency that gets it done right.

You need the expertise and technology to master the localization of your website and global marketing content. MotionPoint’s translators are professional linguists, subject-matter experts, and brand mavens that can help you achieve the best balance of translation approaches.

Other vendors say you need translation, localization, transliteration or transcreation, but are vague about how they define those terms, and how they deliver the right translation approach to suit your needs. MotionPoint’s translation teams are knowledgeable and straightforward, and will help you strike the right balance that matches your goals and budget. No matter what your needs, MotionPoint has the right website localization services for you.