In today’s globalized world, it is essential for businesses to have an online presence. With the internet, it is easier than ever to reach a worldwide audience. However, to do so effectively, it is crucial to consider the impact of translation on search engine optimization (SEO) and website traffic.
This piece addresses how translation can impact SEO and website traffic and offers tips for businesses to optimize their translated content. Teneo Linguistics Company (TLC) can play a significant role in implementing a successful multilingual SEO project.
SEO is a set of processes aimed at improving a company’s website visibility in search engines. The higher a website ranks in the SERPs (search engine results pages), the more likely it is to receive traffic from search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo. SEO is essential for businesses as it can increase their visibility, credibility, and their revenue.
TLC offers professional website localization services. Most web users prefer to search and browse websites in their own native language. But it’s not just about creating another language version of a company’s existing website but rather a version of the content that considers cultural context and target audience, stylistic issues, legality, multilingual SEO, adaptation to the local market, planning for space issues, and ongoing updates to the website.
Another factor to consider is the quality of the translation. Poorly translated content can negatively affect SEO and website traffic.
Search engines like Google use algorithms to determine the relevance and quality of website content. If the translation is of low quality, it can affect the website’s credibility, which can result in a lower ranking in the SERPs.
TLC is ISO 17100 certified, which is specific to the translation services industry. It provides the requirements for the core processes, resources, and other aspects of delivering quality translation services. When a company reaches this ISO certification, they have proven they offer reliable, consistent translations. TLC’s translation process is established and holds up to even the finest scrutiny.
To perfect translated content for SEO and website traffic, businesses can follow these tips:
Hire professional translators: Professional translators have the ability and experience to ensure that the translation is accurate, relevant, and of high quality.
Conduct keyword research: Businesses should conduct keyword research in the target language to identify relevant keywords and phrases to include in their translated content.
Adapt the content to the target culture: Translating content is not enough. Businesses should adapt their content to the target culture to ensure that it resonates with the local audience.
Use hreflang tags: Hreflang tags tell search engines which language version of a page to serve to users based on their location and language preferences. This can improve the visibility of the translated content in the SERPs.
By following the tips outlined above, businesses can improve the visibility of their translated content and increase their website traffic from non-English-speaking countries. However, it’s important to leave it to professionals like TLC to ensure a company doesn’t see a negative impact from inaccurate or unreliable translations.
Don’t miss out on valuable website traffic simply because your content isn’t presented in other languages. Learn how TLC can assist your company by visiting www.tlctranslation.com.
Mistakes happen. But when it comes to advertising in other countries, mistakes can be costly. That’s why it is extremely important to hire a reputable language services provider for culturally-accurate translations.
This piece will take a look at some funny, yet tragic, advertising translation fails that happened to higher-profile brands.
Ford’s “Every car has a high-quality corpse” slogan
After making the decision to expand to Belgium, Ford Motor Company began an ad campaign in Dutch.
What was supposed to be, “Every car has a high-quality body,” actually translated to “Every car has a high-quality corpse.”
KFC’s “Eat your fingers off” slogan
Kentucky Fried Chicken created an advertisement in China that was supposed to promote their “Finger lickin’ good” slogan. However, due to a mistranslation with the Mandarin, the slogan read as “Eat your fingers off” — not quite the appetizing message.
Fortunately for KFC, the branding in China was small enough that the company was able to recover from the mistake.
Pepsi’s “bring your ancestors back to life”
Running an ad campaign in China, Pepsi inadvertently mistranslated its “Come alive with Pepsi” to say “Pepsi will bring your ancestors back from the grave.”
Definitely a bold commitment.
Dairy association’s “Are you lactating?” ad
Most English speakers know the American Dairy Association’s catchy slogan, “Got Milk?” But when the organization decided to do a campaign in Mexico, that wasn’t the phrase that went out.
The literal translation of “got milk” in Spanish is “are you lactating?” Thankfully, the message was caught very early in the process and adjusted.
Coors “You will suffer from diarrhea”
In the early 1980s, Coors started an ad campaign with the slogan, “Turn it loose!” This proved difficult to translate into Spanish.
The phrase translated is actually the slang term for “get diarrhea” in Spanish – not an ideal combination. In full, the tagline translated into “You will suffer from diarrhea!” Oops.
Teneo Linguistic Company’s marketing and transcreation services ensure messaging is accurate and culturally appropriate. Marketing translation is almost always more transcreation than direct translation. A translator will likely need to localize phrases and words within. This will make sure a company delivers the right meaning to the intended audience.
No matter how big or small a marketing translation project is, hiring an expert language services provider is vital to ensure top-notch translations. Get a quote today by visiting www.tlctranslation.com.
Optimizing a business process is an important part of a company and should be utilized when starting any new project. Because Teneo Linguistics Company has been in business for 15 years, we have developed and fine-tuned our internal process for working with new clients.
This process is called the “Five Ts” and ensures TLC customers have a smooth experience during translation or other language services projects. It consists of the following:
Touch: In our initial conversation, we learn about your language needs and how we can support your business. Together, we will see if we’re a good match.
Team: A hand-picked, experienced team will become acquainted with you and your project(s) to construct innovative ideas and solutions, and foster a meaningful partnership. We believe the best results come from strong partnerships focused on long-term success.
Tailor: We create a unique plan based on excellence and high performance specific to you. Your dedicated team will dive into our best practices and work collaboratively to finalize a formula that creates value for your company.
Translate: With our reliable quality, impeccable customer service, and tailored processes, we ensure your project is progressing in a timely manner, and exactly to the specifications we determined together.
Trust: We believe in doing the right thing, honesty, and transparency, and promise to honor that commitment to all customers and our community every day. We foster a culture of gratitude and appreciate every client and opportunity.
Having a strong business process in place has several benefits. This includes increased efficiency, better organization, a reduction in errors, improved customer focus, and more effective communication.
TLC offers a variety of customizable services that fit clients’ individual needs, in over 180 languages. The industries that TLC serves include:
TLC is a certified small, woman-owned business that has shaped its success by living the four core values of Excellence, Partnership, Integrity, and Gratitude.
Learn more about how TLC’s language services can support your company at www.tlctranslation.com.
Historical linguistics not only studies the history of languages, but also how languages change, and how they are related to one another. Jacob Grimm, of the Brothers Grimm, helped pave the way for historical linguistics.
The Brothers Grimm, born in 1785 and 1786, were German authors and academics who had passions for language and folklore. The two are considered among the most important German scholars of their time.
In 1816, Jacob and Wilhelm became librarians where they collected folklore and conducted literary research. The brothers had already begun writing their first collection of fairytales four years prior. Some of their more famous pieces include Cinderella, Snow White, Hansel and Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, and Rumpelstiltskin.
Between 1819 – 1837, Jacob began studying philosophy, working extensively on grammar. Jacob spoke for natural laws of sound change in various languages. He created bases for a method of research into relationships between languages and the development of meaning.
Jacob’s work on grammar had a huge influence on the study of linguistics. What resulted is known as Grimm’s Law or the First Germanic Sound Shift. This led to the creation of historical phonology as a separate discipline of historical linguistics. Grimm’s Law was a breakthrough in the science of linguistics.
In 1877, Karl Verner published Verner’s Law, a linguistic explanation of the exceptions to Grimm’s law. But Grimm’s Law first demonstrated the significant role that accent played in the linguistic change in Germanic languages.
Today, the most commonly studied areas of historical linguistics are:
• Etymology – the study of the reconstruction and origin of words.
• History tracing – recording the history of languages and grouping them into categories based on their similarities.
• Analyzing and describing multiple speech communities.
Grimm’s Law is important for historical linguistics because it demonstrates the principle that sound change is a regular phenomenon. It is not a random process affecting only some words, as had been thought previously.
To read more language blogs or learn more about Teneo Linguistics Company, visit www.tlctranslation.com.
In this digital age, many organizations are looking for quick solutions. Teneo Linguistics Company recognizes this and over the years has perfected its on-demand interpreting services.
Professional interpreting is a much-needed component of communication in today’s global marketplace. Whether a community event, a medical appointment, or a business interview, quick and professional interpreting services through TLC’s online system can be utilized by any company.
The platform allows customers to log in and schedule an interpreter for a face-to-face interpreting assignment or request immediate services over the telephone or via video.
Here’s a look at the benefits of each type of interpreting through the online portal:
• Video Remote Interpreting – The interpreting is done over a computer, tablet, or phone. This type of interpreting service is commonly used in the healthcare and corporate industries. It is beneficial in emergency situations due to its immediacy in connecting with an interpreter. VRI is typically more economical and ensures effective communication with the face-to-face factor.
• Over-the-Phone Interpreting (OPI) – Another budget-friendly interpreting service that allows an organization to preschedule an interpreter through a telephone call. Since most people have their cell phones readily available, this is another option to connect to a professional interpreter quickly.
The platform also collects and records data any time it’s used. This gives an entity more flexibility and fast resources as they control their own customized page.
TLC management provides every new customer with a demonstration of the platform, complete with a PowerPoint, and answers questions along the way. While the platform streamlines the interpreting process, customers are never left to fend for themselves. Clients always have direct access to TLC employees.
This modern, cloud-based system enables us to deliver high-value and lower-cost service.
And while this platform is a great option for many customers, TLC also offers on-site interpreting as well. There are two types of on-site interpreting:
• Simultaneous Interpreting – The interpreter listens and renders the message in the target language simultaneously as the speaker is speaking. Simultaneous interpreting is suitable for conferences and/or large meetings. TLC also provides the needed specialized interpreting equipment.
• Consecutive Interpreting – The interpreter speaks after the source-language speaker has stopped speaking. This is suitable for business meetings, press conferences, educational settings, and small groups.
Learn more about TLC’s professional interpreting services by visiting www.tlctranslation.com.
Today is International Translation Day, which is celebrated each year on September 30th. This day honors the work of language professionals who play an important role in bringing nations together.
As the United Nations puts it: “Professional translation — including translation proper, interpretation, and terminology — is indispensable to preserving clarity, a positive climate, and productiveness in international public discourse and interpersonal communication.”
But why is International Translation Day celebrated on this particular day?
September 30th marks the feast of Saint Jerome who is known for translating the Bible into Latin. His translation of the Bible is still used to this day by the Catholic Church. It also set the standard 1,200 years later for the King James Version. In addition, he translated parts of the Hebrew Gospel into Greek.
St. Jerome was a priest in Northeastern Italy. He learned Latin in school and was fluent in Greek and Hebrew, which he picked up from his studies and travels. He is considered the Patron Saint of translators, librarians, and scholars.
St. Jerome passed away near Bethlehem on September 30, 420.
The United Nationals General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution proclaiming September 30th as International Translation Day on May 24, 2017. The International Federation of Translators as well as several other organizations advocated for the adoption of the resolution.
Those other organizations include the International Association of Conference Interpreters, Critical Link International, International Association of Professional Translators and Interpreters, Red T, and the World Association of Sign Language Interpreters.
In addition, International Translation Day promotes and celebrates multilingualism and how languages play a vital role in society.
The role of language professionals has become invaluable in connecting nations and fostering peace. Each year, a unifying theme is selected for International Translation Day. This year’s theme is “A World Without Barriers.”
Teneo Linguistics Company has thousands of professional and experienced linguists who are proficient in more than 180 languages. Today, TLC honors all of its hard-working language professionals and all translators and interpreters across the globe.
Linguistics is the scientific study of language, which first emerged in the late 18th century. Today, there are an estimated 5,300 linguists around the world.
Many have the belief that linguists are people who only speak and/or teach many different languages. And while most do, linguists focus more on the structure, use, and psychology of language.
Linguistics is about the nature of language and communication. It deals with both the study of languages as well as the search for common properties in all languages or large groups of languages.
The study of language dates back to the 5th century BC when Indian scholar Pānini recorded the rules of Sanskrit grammar. Additionally, ancient Greek citizens also studied language structure to build understanding and expression of criticism and philosophy.
In the late 18th century, the findings of British philologist and ancient Indian scholar Sir William Jones found commonalities between groupings of language. In 1788, a piece about his findings was published and is cited as the beginning of comparative linguistics.
By the early 19th century, linguistics was regarded as a field of study in psychology or biology. This established the foundation of mainstream Anglo-American linguistics.
In the early 20th century, linguistics became a study within social sciences following ideas by Swiss Linguist Ferdinand de Saussure.
Saussure laid the foundation for many developments in linguistics, which led to studying language as a semiotic system with several subfields.
The subfields of linguistics are:
Phonetics – the study of speech sounds in physical aspects.
Phonology – the analysis of speech sounds in cognitive aspects.
Syntax – the study of the formation of sentences.
Morphology – the study of the formation of words.
Pragmatics – the study of language use.
Semantics – the study of meanings.
Linguistics continues to be a growing field with an important impact on other fields such as philosophy, education, psychology, sociology, anthropology, computer science, and language teaching. Someone who studies linguistics can choose several career paths within these fields.
In addition to the career possibilities, linguistics is vital in improving communication between people, assisting in literacy efforts, and treating speech disorders. Every language is unique and linguistics helps people understand the world.
Teneo Linguistics Company works with thousands of professional linguists that are proficient in more than 170 languages. They are the backbone of the business. Each linguist at TLC is educated, experienced, has a strong work ethic, and is efficient.
Learn more about how TLC’s expert linguistics can assist in a company’s project by visiting www.tlctranslation.com.
Transcreation is the process of adapting a message from one language to another while ensuring its meaning is culturally appropriate for the target audience. Basically put, it’s an artistic interpretation of text rather than translating it precisely.
The term comes from the words “translation” and “creation,” but where is this process used most? Transcreation is typically considered when translating material for a global audience. It is most often used in marketing and advertising where creative messaging need adaptation. It is also utilized during the translation of art, like books.
While a translator still adjusts messaging to be culturally appropriate, transcreation is likely necessary for the adaptation of creative projects. Transcreation requires multiple skill sets — quality translation, copywriting, and copyediting.
Marketing translation is almost always more transcreation than direct translation. A translator has to localize phrases and words within the cultural and linguistic context to deliver the same meaning to the intended audience. This is just one of many reasons why human translators trump machine/online translators. A machine/online translator will not understand the context, emotion, and tone of certain messages and end up mistranslating the piece.
An example of marketing transcreation is a campaign that was done for the Apple iPods. Apple decided to transcreate its slogans in order to expand its reach globally.
But transcreation isn’t just used in marketing, it can be beneficial in other fields like entertainment, law, literature, and healthcare. And while it is not a familiar word to many, the term transcreation has been around since the 1960s and is an important technique that is far-reaching.
At Teneo Linguistics Company, expert linguists will be able to determine whether a project needs transcreation in order to move forward. And a company will be informed every step of the way. Learn more about how TLC can assist a business/organization or get a quote at www.tlctranslation.com.
Teneo Linguistics Company, LLC has been ranked by Best Startup Texas as one of the Top 22 Natural Language Processing companies in the state.
Best Startup Texas tracks more than 100,000 Texan startup companies and more than 500,000 people who have key positions within these companies. This information is then used to highlight organizations, founders, and top employees.
TLC was selected based on five areas — track record, executive leadership, market share, innovation, and ESG rating. TLC joins 21 other language services companies ranked in the piece from all around the state.
Hana Laurenzo is the founder and CEO of TLC and established the company in 2007. A recognized expert in her field, Hana has experience in providing language support to domestic and International businesses as well as government organizations.
TLC is located in Pantego, Texas, between Fort Worth and Arlington, and offers a variety of customizable language services to fit companies’ and organizations’ individual needs in more than 150 languages.
Core services include:
Translation
Interpreting
Transcription
Consulting
Website localization
Adaptation
Expert review
Media
Typesetting
Assessments
Staffing
Localization
Visit www.tlctranslation.com to learn more about TLC or to get a quote for language services.
With a significant increase of online and machine translators, professional language services providers are asked numerous questions regarding the work they do. From the whys to the hows, whats, and wheres, this piece will answer some of the more frequent questions that Teneo Linguistics Company (TLC) has received over the years.
Q: How long has TLC been providing professional language services?
A: Teneo Linguistics Company was established in 2007 and delivers high-quality, certified translation services in more than 150 languages for customers around the world. Quality is TLC’s highest priority.
Q: Why should a company use TLC for translation instead of using a company employee who speaks the language?
A: TLC uses vetted, qualified, and capable professionals from all around the world. The linguists utilized are far more proficient in the target language than that of a typical bilingual speaker.
Q: Is it a good idea for a business to use free online translation tools?
A: Free online translation tools will never be able to replace human translators. They do not take broader context and natural language into account and simply replace words with make-do translations selected based on statistical methods.
Q: A document needing translation must be kept confidential. What kind of safeguards does TLC employ?
A: All of TLC’s language professionals are bound by confidentiality agreements. In the process of handling sensitive documents, TLC uses standard security certificates, protocols, and secure systems to protect the information.
Q: What are the order delivery options?
A: All orders are delivered by email and include a digital copy of the translation bundle in PDF file format. TLC also offers hard-copy delivery options upon request.
TLC works with vetted, qualified, and capable language professionals and project managers work diligently with them to ensure quality delivery for each project. A quote for language services can be requested by visiting www.tlctranslation.com or by calling 817-441-9974.
