Website Localization Services
The numbers
Let's start with a bit of number crunching. Some statisticians came to the conclusion that the world population was 6,706,993,152 last year. We think it's probably off the mark but we know it's a very large number.
The facts
We like numbers that are backed up by good data collection. How about 380 odd million internet users in Europe and 250 odd million in North America. And how about nearly 600 million in Asia. They're approximate figures but the sources are quantifiable as internet usage is measurable. Ok, it's probably no surprise to you that Asia tops the list. For most companies, overseas markets represent realistic opportunities to grow their activities. Asian businesses going west and Western businesses headed east. Globalization, Internationalization and Localization (also known as L10N), whichever term you wish to use - it's all about new opportunities. That means websites need to be localized to reach out to your target audiences and markets.
100% translation. 82% true.
Localized markets usually have very different cultures, languages, idioms and ways of communicating. Even North American and British markets require Localization. Even the very word 'Localization' can be replaced by 'Localisation' if the chosen market uses British English (BrE, BE, en-GB)*. Translations aren't always 100% accurate. They may make sense but they may be lacking in stylistic quality even if the translator is fluent in a non-native language. Accuracy rates can easily drop by approx 18% if a translator doesn't work into their mother tongue. We like to think it's a risk you're not willing to take. And it's why we only use translators working into their mother tongue.
Take the following saying:
"To make a mountain out of a molehill", we all know means to exaggerate. "Hij maakt van een mug een olifant" is the Dutch equivalent. Except it means to "make a mosquito an elephant". So a literal translation wouldn't make much sense.
Let's get tech
Our most common Localizations are ecommerce, community-based, commercial, personal, government portals and NGO websites.
And for markup and scripting we work with HTML, XHTML, SGML, XML, PHP, ASP, Flash, Javascript, CSS and other major languages.
TM good. MT bad.
And if you go with us, we use translation memory software. No, it isn't the sort of software found online that often produces non-sensical sentences, that's machine translation (MT) software. And it's fine for getting the gist of something but totally unsuitable for a professional grade translation. Translation Memory (TM) software on the other hand works with the translator. It's a costly aide but sophisticated in its application. When a new word, phrase or even paragraph is translated by the translator, it's stored in a database and the software automatically cross checks if it was translated previously - it means it doesn't have to risk being repeated inaccurately. It's highly accurate and efficient. It's also very useful for when you come back to us with revisions and updates. It makes business sense as it lowers the overall cost.
The right people
We select professional translators who are active in the translation community. All of our translators have a minimum of 3 years experience, a recognised university degree and have relevant coding and programming experience. We also set every applicant a test before they join us and we've worked it out that we turn away an average of 6 out of 10 applications.
If you need a quote - please send your source files to us and we will prepare a free (no obligation) estimate for you.
How to order
*en-GB is the language code for British English, defined by ISO standards and Internet standards.