International companies derive two-thirds of their revenue from foreign markets, which is why skilled translation services have never been more important to international business than they are today
English is often referred to as the international language of the business world, but many companies are unwilling to give up their native languages for business purposes. Industrial nations like China, Japan, and the Arab states are all fighting for their share of the global market, and these nations have very strong cultures embedded into their native languages. To give up those native languages and to yield to English as their primary business language would mean to abandon part of their culture. Even though English is taught in many countries as a second language, the general public in such countries does not easily understand advertising campaigns in English. Consequently, it is vital that companies employ translation service companies for agreements, transactions, and advertising campaigns.
It is essential that qualified translators understand the cultures of the languages in which they work, and the most accurate translations reflect such knowledge. Here is a simple example. We’re all familiar with the expression “It’s raining cats and dogs.” Translating this phrase into any other language word for word will never capture the true meaning of the phrase. A well-qualified translator is aware of this and translates this phrase into a foreign language in a way that maintains its essential, figurative meaning.
Marketing campaigns pose a different challenge to the translator. The target group in promotional campaigns, particularly in the music, electronics, and clothing industry, are often young customers who have their “own” language, a culture within a culture so to speak. Capturing the essence of this new language and appealing to this theses target groups is essential to successful marketing strategies.
Aside from cultural and linguistic nuances, doing business with a foreign company requires extensive knowledge of that company’s particular national rules, laws, and regulations, so legal translation services for international transactions are a key contribution of translation services. Companies don’t want to enter into contracts without having a clear understanding of specific terms. Errors, or details lost through unprofessional translation, can prove very costly to both parties involved in a transaction. Lawsuits can be the unpleasant end result of poor translation performance.
Businesses, too, want to project their own culture when working internationally. Projecting a certain image is a key part of what a company is all about, and that helps to determine how marketing campaigns will be structured. Translators absolutely must capture the important
details and key concepts that make it clear to others what is most important to a particular company. Professional translation services are in many ways the backbone of international business. Without translations, especially legal translations, global transactions would not be possible. Employing a reputable service is the best investment for businesses trying to enter the global market, or for companies that want to maintain or expand their current market share.
International interactions between companies continue to grow exponentially as more and more companies choose to engage in international markets. Companies that want to stay competitive and grow their business must adapt to the new normal of business transactions. Professional translation services are, therefore, key to increasing market shares and customer bases, both short- and long-term.
