German Translation Clarification

When it comes to translating your marketing material (websites, videos, brochures, manuals, etc.), it is important to be aware of stylistic preferences and dialects for the three main German markets: Germany, Austria, and German-speaking Switzerland. The Swiss and Austrian German dialects differ from High German not only in pronunciation but also in vocabulary and word… Continue reading German Translation Clarification

Why You Need a Language Professional for Your International Marketing Plan

Having an international marketing plan in only one language could severely limit the reach of your brand. For example, both domestically and abroad, there are nearly half a billion people who speak Spanish. Think of all the customers who could be served by utilizing the services of a language professional for your international marketing plan.… Continue reading Why You Need a Language Professional for Your International Marketing Plan

10 Steps to Successful Global Expansion

To start global expansion overseas, it’s first important to start at home. You must be willing to dedicate manpower and money for these fundamentals … and to adapt to what works abroad. Read on to learn the 10 key steps we’ve identified as essential to your business success. Evaluate Your Names and Slogans in Other… Continue reading 10 Steps to Successful Global Expansion

Key Issues in Marketing Globally

Global marketing ands Globalization used to be important to only large, multi-national companies. But with rapid advances in communication technologies, global marketing communications are relevant to many businesses around the world. Whether you are in the beginning stages of expanding or an experienced expat, targeting a global audience is a nuanced and important aspect of… Continue reading Key Issues in Marketing Globally

Culture Cues for German Business

This article from Auerbach International presents some Do’s and Don’ts to help expand your business. German Business Culture and Language There are many opportunities to expand your business into Germany. However, to succeed, you must know the differences in business culture between Germany and the US. You can fall into some definite traps if you… Continue reading Culture Cues for German Business

Newsletter – April 2016

This Month’s Featured Video ROLE OF NATIVE SPEAKERS IN TRANSLATION      SEE MORE VIDEOS HERE Many companies assume that they can rely on overseas distributors or in-house native speakers to translate documentation or localize website content. That can work if done correctly, but usually the process isn’t. People don’t appreciate how difficult translations can… Continue reading Newsletter – April 2016

Language Myths and Realities, Part 4: Layouts & Misused Words

This article is the fourth in a series to expose some common myths about rendering languages. Part 1 discussed faulty assumptions about Localizing your Website as well as the Misuse of Volunteer Translators. Part 2 discussed the Misuse of Translation Software and Reliance on Overseas Distributors or Sales Agents. Part 3 discussed problems using Native… Continue reading Language Myths and Realities, Part 4: Layouts & Misused Words

What Works Here May Not Work There

To celebrate our 25th year in business, we are pleased to share with you our Top 25 Language Tips, hard won through experience.  Here is Tip #7, plus another example of a successful project for one of our clients. Other cultures:  What works here may not work there. When preparing promotional materials for use in… Continue reading What Works Here May Not Work There

Chinese: Why you can’t translate into Mandarin

Understanding How Politics Divides the Chinese Markets Why You Can’t Translate into Mandarin Unlike alphabetic languages whose letters represent distinct sounds, Chinese is written in characters. Foreigners must learn the writing, the meaning and the pronunciation of each character individually. Mandarin, Cantonese, Fukienese, Shanghaiese and hundreds of other dialects are spoken pronunciations of individual characters.… Continue reading Chinese: Why you can’t translate into Mandarin