The Power of Spanish Translation for Nonprofits

Posted On February 28, 2024By TranspanishIn Spanish Translation, Translation Buyers/ No Comments

In an increasingly interconnected world, where diversity is celebrated and inclusion is paramount, nonprofit organizations are recognizing the importance of effective communication to engage with diverse communities, including the Hispanic community. One significant aspect of this communication strategy is the use of Spanish translation services, as Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages. This post explores the multifaceted reasons why nonprofits should invest in translating their materials into Spanish when trying to reach out to the Hispanic community.

Bridging the Language Gap: The Hispanic Community and Nonprofits

The Hispanic community represents a significant and growing demographic in many countries, including the United States. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Hispanic population in the U.S. reached 62.1 million in 2020. Many within this community rely on Spanish as their primary language. By providing Spanish translation services, nonprofits bridge the communication gap, ensuring essential information and resources reach this significant population segment.

Why Spanish Translation Matters for Nonprofits

Enhanced Accessibility: Spanish translation makes your nonprofit’s services and resources accessible to Spanish speakers, breaking down language barriers that can hinder those seeking help. This leads to a broader, more inclusive reach, maximizing the potential impact of your organization.
Building Trust and Rapport: Offering services in someone’s native language shows respect and consideration for their cultural background. This fosters a sense of trust and openness, making individuals and communities more receptive to your nonprofit’s message and services.
Improved Communication and Understanding: Accurate Spanish translations prevent misunderstandings, particularly when dealing with complex or sensitive information. Effective communication is vital for nonprofit success, whether it’s providing support, educating communities, or advocating for a cause.
Increased Visibility and Reach: Translating your website, marketing materials, and other outreach efforts into Spanish expands your nonprofit’s visibility. This allows you to connect with a broader audience, leading to increased engagement, potential supporters, and ultimately furthering your mission.
Commitment to Cultural Sensitivity: Providing Spanish translation services demonstrates a commitment to diversity and inclusion. It shows an understanding that your nonprofit values the cultural nuances of the communities you serve, leading to more meaningful and impactful relationships.

Secure Grants with Spanish Translation

Align with grant criteria: Many grants, particularly humanitarian grants, prioritize organizations serving diverse populations. Providing materials in Spanish showcases your commitment to reaching and supporting these communities, increasing your chances of qualifying.
Demonstrate inclusivity: Grants often seek to fund organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Offering Spanish translation demonstrates your dedication to these values, appealing to grantors seeking impactful partners.

Key Areas Where Spanish Translation is Essential

Healthcare Information: Accurate translation of medical information, consent forms, and educational materials is crucial for Spanish-speaking patients. This ensures they make informed decisions about their health and receive appropriate care.
Educational Resources: Translating educational materials, workshops, and training programs empowers Spanish-speaking communities. It grants them access to essential knowledge, skills development, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Legal and Advocacy Support: Spanish translation of legal documents, advocacy materials, and information regarding rights ensures that Spanish speakers understand their legal options and can access crucial support systems.
Disaster Relief and Crisis Response: During crisis situations, timely and accurate translation of emergency information, instructions, and support resources can be lifesaving for Spanish-speaking populations.
Fundraising and Donor Outreach: Translating fundraising materials and donor communications expands your potential donor pool and fosters stronger relationships with Spanish-speaking supporters.

How to Implement Spanish Translation Services

Partner with Professional Translation Agencies: Choose agencies specializing in nonprofit translation services with experience in your field. They understand the nuances of humanitarian language and can provide culturally sensitive translations.
Utilize Technology: Translation software and tools offer quick solutions for basic communication. Combine these with professional translations for critical documents and outreach materials. Reminder: Always have machine translations reviewed by a professional translator.
Train Bilingual Staff and Volunteers: Invest in language training for staff and volunteers who interact with Spanish-speaking communities. Even basic conversational Spanish can improve communication and build trust.

Incorporating Spanish translation services is an investment in the heart of your nonprofit’s mission. By transcending language barriers, you expand your reach, increase the effectiveness of your services, and demonstrate a genuine commitment to the communities you serve. Embracing the power of Spanish translation unlocks a world of possibilities, allowing you to amplify your impact and create a more inclusive and compassionate world.

Transpanish understands the transformative power of nonprofits to create positive change. That’s why we offer exceptional nonprofit translation services, ensuring your message of hope and progress reaches diverse communities. Our commitment to accuracy and cultural sensitivity supports your mission. Contact us today to learn about our special nonprofit discounts.

The Crucial Role of Style Guides and Glossaries in the Translation Industry

Posted On November 15, 2023By TranspanishIn Tips for Translators, Translation Buyers/ 1 No Comments

In the rapidly expanding global landscape, effective communication has become the cornerstone of successful business operations. With the rise in international interactions and cross-cultural collaborations, the demand for translation services has grown exponentially. Amidst this evolution, the creation of a well-defined style guide and a comprehensive glossary has emerged as a crucial asset in the translation industry.

What is a Style Guide?

A style guide, in a broader context beyond translation, is a set of standards and rules for writing and designing documents, content, or communications to ensure consistency and clarity. Style guides are commonly used in various fields, such as journalism, academia, publishing, and business. They help establish a uniform and recognizable style for a particular organization, publication, or brand.

How to Create a Style Guide

Creating a comprehensive style guide requires careful planning and attention to detail. Below are the key steps to develop an effective style guide in the translation industry:

Define the Target Audience and Purpose
Understand the specific requirements of the target audience and the intended purpose of the translated content. This knowledge will guide the choice of tone, style, and terminology in the style guide. Example: In Spanish, the choice of addressing people can vary significantly based on factors such as formality, politeness, and the relationship between the speaker and the audience. This difference is often reflected in the use of “tú” (informal) and “usted” (formal) forms of address. Understanding the specific requirements of the target audience and the intended purpose of the translated content is crucial in choosing between the “tú” and “usted” forms, and this consideration is something that would be included in the Style Guide.

Standardize Formatting and Linguistic Choices
Establish guidelines for grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure to maintain consistency across all translated materials. Determine the preferred writing style and tone that aligns with the brand’s identity and resonates with the target audience. For example, while English uses a point to indicate the decimal place, Spanish uses a comma. However, a company may prefer to use a point instead of a comma, and this preference should be clearly indicated in the style guide.

Incorporate Industry-Specific Terminology
Identify and include industry-specific terminology relevant to the content being translated. Ensure that the style guide accommodates the nuances and specialized vocabulary unique to the particular industry or field. This should be incorporated into the glossary.

Document and Update Regularly
Document the style guide comprehensively, making it easily accessible to all translators and stakeholders involved in the translation process. Regularly review and update the style guide to incorporate any changes in industry standards, linguistic trends, or brand guidelines.

What is a Glossary?

In translation, a glossary is a curated list of terms and their corresponding translations, often accompanied by definitions or contextual explanations. This tool serves as a reference guide for translators, ensuring consistency in the translation of key terminology across various documents or projects. A translation glossary is particularly valuable in specialized or technical fields, where precision in language is crucial. It helps maintain accuracy, coherence, and alignment with the specific language and terminology preferences of the client, contributing to the overall quality of translated content.

How to Create a Glossary

Developing a comprehensive glossary requires meticulous research and a thorough understanding of the terminology associated with the content. Follow these steps to create an effective glossary for the translation industry:

Compile Key Terms and Phrases
Identify the key terms, phrases, and specialized vocabulary relevant to the industry or subject matter. Gather these terms from reliable sources, subject matter experts, and existing translated materials to ensure accuracy and relevance. This is usually done in collaboration with the client.
Collaborate with Clients
Work closely with your clients to understand their unique terminology preferences. Collect glossary information from them, including industry-specific terms, product names, and any other terminology critical to their content.

Provide Context and Definitions
Offer contextual explanations and definitions for each term in the glossary to aid translators in understanding the appropriate usage and nuances of the terms. Include examples and usage scenarios to provide a clear understanding of how each term should be applied within the translated context. Ensure that the definition is easily understandable for translators. Include links to materials that can be consulted to provide more context. Use visual aids such as diagrams, charts, or images to illustrate concepts, especially in technical or specialized fields where visual representation can enhance understanding..

Categorize and Organize
Categorize the terms in the glossary based on their relevance and application within the content. Organize the glossary in a user-friendly format that allows for easy navigation and quick reference during the translation process.

Specify Particular Meanings
Some terms may have multiple meanings depending on context. Clearly specify the intended meaning for each term in the glossary to avoid confusion.

Include Variations
Account for variations in spelling or usage. For example, if a term can be spelled differently in different regions, include both variations in the glossary.

Verify and Update Regularly
Verify the accuracy and relevance of the terms in the glossary regularly, especially when new terminology emerges or when industry standards change. Update the glossary to reflect any modifications or additions to the terminology to ensure its continued applicability and usefulness.

Best Practices for Implementing and Maintaining Style Guides and Glossaries

Training and Onboarding
Provide comprehensive training and onboarding sessions to familiarize translators and stakeholders with the contents and usage of the style guide and glossary.

Feedback and Iterative Improvement
Encourage continuous feedback from translators and editors to identify any challenges or inconsistencies in the style guide and glossary. Use this feedback to make iterative improvements and updates to enhance their effectiveness.

Regular Revisions and Updates
Conduct regular revisions and updates to the style guide and glossary to incorporate changes in language trends, industry standards, and brand guidelines.

Collaborative Approach
Foster a collaborative approach among translators, editors, and project managers to ensure that the style guide and glossary are collectively understood and adhered to during the translation process.

Integration with Technology
Leverage technology to integrate the style guide and glossary into translation management systems or CAT (Computer-Assisted Translation) tools to facilitate easy access and streamline the translation workflow.

Conclusion

In the translation industry, the creation of a comprehensive style guide and glossary is not only a necessity but also a strategic investment in ensuring the accuracy, consistency, and cultural relevance of translated content. By adhering to the best practices outlined above and recognizing the pivotal role of these assets, translation service providers can elevate the quality of their services, foster effective communication across diverse cultures, and establish a strong foundation for successful global interactions.

At Transpanish we utilize style guides and glossaries to enhance the precision and consistency of our translation and editing processes. This dual approach not only enhances the accuracy of translations but also streamlines the editing process, facilitating a cohesive and polished final product. By adhering to these resources, we maintain a high standard of quality and deliver content that aligns with the unique requirements and preferences of our clients.

If you’re interested in learning more about our services, please contact us today. We’d be happy to provide you with a free consultation.

Translation Agencies: Revolutionizing Healthcare Communication

Posted On October 23, 2023By TranspanishIn Spanish Translation, Translation Buyers, Translations/ No Comments

In the global healthcare landscape, effective communication is paramount for ensuring optimal patient care and well-being. However, the linguistic diversity within patient populations poses a significant challenge for healthcare providers. This is where translation agencies emerge as crucial allies, providing comprehensive language solutions to bridge the communication gap and facilitate the seamless translation of healthcare content. Let’s delve into the ways in which a translation agency can effectively assist in translating complex healthcare materials.

Understanding the Complexity of Healthcare Translation:

Healthcare translation involves a complex amalgamation of medical terminology, cultural sensitivity, and regulatory compliance. Translation agencies possess the expertise to navigate this intricate landscape, ensuring accurate and culturally nuanced translations of a wide array of healthcare materials, including medical records, patient education materials, pharmaceutical documentation, and regulatory compliance documents. By tapping into their pool of skilled translators and subject matter experts, language service providers ensure that every translation accurately reflects the medical nuances and cultural sensitivities specific to the target audience.

Ensuring Cultural Sensitivity and Language Proficiency:

Cultural nuances and language proficiency play a pivotal role in effective healthcare communication. Translation agencies leverage their cultural and linguistic expertise to ensure that healthcare content is not just translated accurately but also adapted to resonate with the cultural and linguistic preferences of the target audience. This approach fosters a deeper level of patient engagement, trust, and understanding, thereby enhancing the overall patient experience and promoting better health outcomes within diverse communities.

Navigating Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance:

Adherence to regulatory guidelines and maintaining quality standards is non-negotiable in the healthcare industry. Translation agencies play a critical role in ensuring that translated healthcare content complies with industry-specific regulations and meets the stringent quality benchmarks set by regulatory bodies. By implementing robust quality assurance measures, including meticulous proofreading, editing, and multiple rounds of review, these agencies guarantee the accuracy, consistency, and reliability of healthcare translations, safeguarding patient safety and upholding the credibility of healthcare providers.

Utilizing Advanced Translation Technology:

The integration of advanced translation technologies is instrumental in streamlining the healthcare translation process. Translation agencies leverage state-of-the-art translation management systems, computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools, and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of healthcare translations. These technological tools not only expedite the translation process but also ensure terminological consistency, linguistic precision, and cost-effective solutions, enabling healthcare providers to deliver timely and culturally relevant healthcare information to diverse linguistic communities.

Customizing Translation Solutions for Diverse Healthcare Needs:

Language service providers recognize the diverse communication needs of healthcare providers and offer customized translation solutions tailored to specific healthcare requirements. Whether it’s translating patient forms, medical reports, clinical trial documentation, or healthcare marketing materials, translation agencies employ a personalized approach to cater to the unique linguistic and cultural demands of the healthcare sector. By offering a comprehensive suite of translation services, including document translation, interpretation, localization, desktop publishing and multilingual marketing, translation agencies empower healthcare providers to communicate effectively and compassionately with patients, regardless of their language or cultural background.

Fostering Long-Term Collaborative Partnerships:

Language service providers prioritize building long-term collaborative partnerships with healthcare institutions, fostering trust, transparency, and open communication. By understanding the evolving translation needs of healthcare providers, these agencies offer dedicated account management, round-the-clock customer support, and continuous linguistic guidance to ensure seamless and effective healthcare communication. The cultivation of enduring partnerships enables translation agencies to serve as trusted advisors, offering strategic insights, customized language solutions, and proactive support to navigate the complexities of multilingual healthcare communication.

In an increasingly diverse and interconnected healthcare landscape, the role of translation agencies in facilitating effective communication cannot be overstated. By combining linguistic proficiency, cultural sensitivity, advanced technology, and a commitment to regulatory compliance, they serve as vital partners in enabling healthcare providers to transcend language barriers, deliver patient-centric care, and promote equitable access to healthcare information. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, translation agencies remain at the forefront of fostering inclusive and effective healthcare communication, ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes and the delivery of compassionate, culturally sensitive healthcare services on a global scale.

With over 20 years of experience in healthcare and medical translation, Transpanish is a trusted leader in the field. Our services extend beyond translation to include editing, proofreading, desktop publishing (DTP), and multilingual social media management, ensuring accurate and visually appealing healthcare communication. Contact us for a free consultation.

A Guide to Translating Your Employee Handbook to Spanish

Posted On October 11, 2023By TranspanishIn Translation Buyers, Translations/ 1 No Comments

In today’s globalized world, businesses are increasingly diverse, with employees hailing from various linguistic backgrounds. To foster a more inclusive and productive workplace, many companies find it essential to translate their employee handbooks into multiple languages. Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages globally, making it a common choice for translation. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to effectively translate your employee handbook to Spanish, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and compliance.

Why Translate Your Employee Handbook to Spanish?

Before diving into the process of translation, it’s crucial to understand why translating your employee handbook to Spanish is essential. Here are some compelling reasons:

Inclusivity: Translating your employee handbook shows your commitment to inclusivity and diversity. It ensures that Spanish-speaking employees fully understand their rights, responsibilities, and the company’s policies.

Legal Compliance: In many regions, it may be legally required to provide employee documents in languages other than English if a significant portion of your workforce speaks another language. Failure to do so can result in legal consequences.

Clarity and Understanding: Clear communication is vital in any workplace. Translating your handbook into Spanish can enhance employee understanding and reduce misunderstandings.

Enhanced Engagement: When employees can access information in their preferred language, they are more likely to engage with the content and adhere to company policies.

Improved Productivity: Spanish-speaking employees will be more efficient and productive when they can easily comprehend company guidelines and expectations.

First Steps to Translate Your Handbook

Step 1: Gather Your Resources

Before you begin the translation process, gather all the necessary resources. These include:

The Employee Handbook: Ensure you have the most up-to-date version of your employee handbook in English. Review it to identify any outdated content or areas that may need revision before translation.

Budget: Determine your budget for the translation process. Professional translation services can vary in cost, depending on factors like the length and complexity of your handbook.

Timeline: Establish a timeline for the translation project. Keep in mind that quality translation takes time, so plan accordingly.

Target audience: Selecting the appropriate target audience for an employee handbook is a critical step in guaranteeing its effectiveness. The handbook should be customized to align with the specific needs and expectations of the intended audience, while also considering their literacy levels for clarity and relevance. Additionally, you should consider whether the handbook is designed for a particular country and demographic, such as US Hispanics.

Step 2: Choose the Right Translation Team

Selecting the right team to handle the translation is crucial. You have a few options:

In-House Translators: If your organization has in-house translators proficient in Spanish, this can be a cost-effective option. Ensure that they have experience with legal and HR terminology. Keep in mind that there is a difference between a person who speaks Spanish and a professional translator.

Professional Translation Services: Hiring a professional translation agency with expertise in employee handbook translation can provide high-quality results. Look for agencies with experience in your industry and human resources documents.

Freelance Translators: If you opt for freelance translators, ensure they have a strong track record in translating employee handbooks and legal documents. Check references and samples of their work. Keep in mind that the majority of language service providers or translation agencies provide a quality assurance process, guaranteeing high-quality results.

Step 3: Prepare for Translation

Before you begin translating your employee handbook, take the following steps to prepare the document:

Update Content: Review and update your handbook for any changes, ensuring that it reflects the current state of your company’s policies and practices. Remove any unnecessary jargon or ambiguous language.

Create a Glossary: If your company uses technical terms or industry-specific jargon, consider creating a glossary or offering the translation provider access to relevant materials, such as your website, brochures, or manuals. This will ensure the consistency of terminology in the translation.

Formatting: Ensure that your employee handbook’s formatting is translation-friendly. This means allowing sufficient space for text expansion, as Spanish often requires more words than English. Additionally, be aware that some translators or translation agencies may charge extra for formatting complex documents with images or for converting PDFs into a translatable format.

Step 4: Make sure your translation is correct

Hire Professional Translators: The first step is to ensure that you’ve hired professional and experienced translators or a reputable translation agency. Their credentials, experience, and references are essential.

Bilingual Proofreading: Have a bilingual, preferably native Spanish-speaking, person review the translated document. This person should be fluent in both languages and can compare the translated text with the original to check for accuracy, clarity, and cultural nuances. If the translation is done in-house have an external person review it, hiring a translation agency is a good decision as they have the expertise to review translations done by others.

Quality Assurance: Reputable translation agencies often have a quality assurance process. Make sure that your chosen translator or agency follows such a process to maintain quality.

Testing: If possible, have a group of Spanish-speaking employees review the translated handbook and provide feedback. They can identify any issues or questions they may have about the content.

Feedback Loop: Establish a feedback loop with your translation provider for revisions and improvements, if necessary.

Certified Translation: If your handbook requires certification, ensure that the translation is accompanied by a certificate of accuracy signed by the translator or agency and notarized if needed.

Step 5: Employee Handbook Distribution

After completing the translation process, it’s time to distribute the Spanish version of your employee handbook.

Announcement: Notify your Spanish-speaking employees about the availability of the translated handbook. Emphasize its importance and encourage them to read it.

Multiple Formats: Consider providing the handbook in multiple formats, such as printed copies, digital documents, and access on your company’s intranet.

Training: Offer training sessions or Q&A sessions to clarify any questions employees may have regarding the translated content.

Feedback: Encourage employees to provide feedback on the translated handbook. This can help you identify areas for improvement in future translations.

Step 6: Ongoing Maintenance

Your commitment to clear communication shouldn’t end with the translation process. Employee handbooks are dynamic documents that require regular updates. Here’s how to keep the Spanish version updated:

1. Regular Reviews: Periodically review the Spanish version of your handbook to ensure that it remains accurate and up to date with any policy changes.

2. Feedback Loop: Maintain an ongoing feedback channel with employees who speak Spanish. They can provide valuable input on how to improve the clarity and usefulness of the translated content.

Legal Compliance: Stay informed about any changes in employment laws or regulations that may require updates to your employee handbook.

Professional Translation Services: Consider an ongoing partnership with a professional translation service. They can efficiently handle updates and revisions as needed.

How Can Transpanish Assist You with Your Handbook Translation?

Transpanish can be your trusted partner in translating your employee handbook. With a 20-year track record, a steadfast dedication to the Spanish language, HR-experienced translators, and an unwavering commitment to precision, our agency is the top choice for this critical task. We recognize the profound importance of your handbook within your organization, and our focus on accuracy, cultural nuance, and the intricacies of HR terminology ensures that the translated document resonates with your Spanish-speaking employees. By choosing our translation services, you’re not just ensuring precision and clarity; you’re also investing in a potent tool for promoting inclusivity, transparent communication, and legal compliance across your diverse workforce. Your trust in our expertise is a testament to the enhanced clarity and effectiveness of your employee handbook.

Request a Free Quote Today.

International Translation Day: Celebrating the Many Faces of Humanity

Posted On September 30, 2023By TranspanishIn Tips for Translators, Translation Buyers, Translations/ 1 No Comments

International Translation Day: Celebrating the Many Faces of Humanity

International Translation Day, celebrated annually on September 30th, is a time to recognize and appreciate the essential role that translation and translators play in bridging linguistic and cultural divides. This day also offers an opportunity to reflect on the evolving landscape of the translation industry and the current trends shaping the future of this profession.

Celebrating International Translation Day: A Brief History

International Translation Day is a tribute to St. Jerome, one of the most renowned translators in history. St. Jerome is best known for his translation of the Bible into Latin, known as the Vulgate, which became the standard Latin version of the Bible for over a millennium. His work laid the foundation for the study and practice of translation.

The Significance of International Translation Day

Recognizing Linguistic Diversity

In a globalized world, where communication transcends borders, translation becomes indispensable. It allows people from diverse linguistic backgrounds to understand and connect with each other. International Translation Day reminds us of the value of multilingualism and the need for effective translation.

Preserving and Sharing Culture

Translation plays a pivotal role in preserving and sharing cultural heritage. Literature, art, history, and scientific knowledge can be conveyed across languages, ensuring that the richness of one culture can be appreciated by others.

Business and Diplomacy

Translation is crucial in business and diplomacy. Companies expand their reach by translating marketing materials and product documentation, while diplomats rely on translators to facilitate international negotiations and communications.

Access to Information

In an era of digital information, translation allows people to access content in their native languages, whether it’s news, research papers, or educational materials. This fosters inclusivity and global knowledge sharing.

Human and Machine Collaboration

Translation technology, including machine translation (MT), continues to advance. However, human expertise remains irreplaceable in handling nuanced, context-dependent translations. The celebration of International Translation Day underscores the harmonious coexistence of human translators and translation technology.

Current Trends in Translation

As we celebrate International Translation Day, it’s essential to recognize the transformative trends shaping the translation industry:

Neural Machine Translation (NMT)

NMT models have revolutionized machine translation. They offer improved fluency and context awareness, making automated translation more reliable and natural sounding.

AI-Powered Translation Tools

Artificial intelligence (AI) is enhancing translation tools and CAT (Computer-Assisted Translation) software. AI-driven solutions assist human translators by suggesting translations, reducing repetitive tasks, and improving consistency.

Data Privacy and Security

With the increase in online translation services and the sharing of sensitive content, data privacy and security have become paramount. Translation service providers must prioritize protecting client data and complying with data protection regulations.

Specialized Domain Expertise

The demand for specialized translators with expertise in various fields, such as medical, legal. and technical, is on the rise. Translators who can understand industry-specific jargon are highly sought after.

Remote and Freelance Translation

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift toward remote work in the translation industry. Freelancers and remote translators now play a more significant role in providing translation services globally.

Post-Editing of Machine Translation

Post-editing, where human translators review and improve machine-generated translations, is becoming a common practice. It ensures the accuracy and contextuality of automated translations.

Global Content Localization

As companies expand internationally, they require content localization to resonate with diverse audiences. This goes beyond translation and includes adapting content culturally and contextually.

Sustainability and Ethical Translation

There is a growing emphasis on ethical considerations in translation, including sustainable practices, fair pay for translators, and the promotion of minority languages and cultures.

Continuous Learning

As the translation field evolves, continuous learning and professional development are crucial for translators to stay updated with the latest tools and trends.

On International Translation Day, we celebrate the past, present, and future of translation. The profession continues to evolve, driven by technology, globalization, and a commitment to breaking down language barriers. It reminds us that, in a world filled with diverse voices, translation is the bridge that connects us all, ensuring that knowledge and understanding transcend linguistic boundaries. So here’s to all the translators, linguists, and language enthusiasts who make our interconnected world a richer, more accessible place. Happy International Translation Day!

The Secret to Translating Canva Designs

Posted On September 24, 2021By TranspanishIn Spanish Translation, Tips for Translators, Translation Buyers/ 1 No Comments

Despite Canva’s popularity and user-friendly focus as a design tool, it has several limitations regarding multilingual practicality. So what should translators and customers be aware of when using it?

What Is Canva?

Canva is an incredibly useful graphic design platform with user-friendly templates and functionality that has become a popular cloud-based tool, with many free options. Its success has led to it being used in everything from social media posts and corporate logos to visual elements in documents and posters.

Canva does, however, have some limitations when translating or editing designs on the platform. This does not mean it cannot be done, as we illustrate in this guide.

What Problems Does Canva Pose for Translation?

A key issue for translators and editors to be aware of is being proficient in different software to make sure that documents can be worked on and supplied back to the client in the Canva platform or the supported formats.

For a good translation, maintaining the document format is often essential. While working on editable Word documents, for example, this is very simple, but challenges arise when working with non-editable documents like PDFs or PNGs. As a result, many translators request editable documents.

Editable PDFs do indeed exist and OCR technology can be used to extract editable text from non-editable documents in which text is the primary focus. You can read our guide to translating PDFs here.

Unfortunately, at present, Canva only allows non-editable download options, posing a potential barrier for the translation of these documents. You can check whether a PDF has been created using Canva by opening Adobe Acrobat Reader, then selecting Properties of the file to show details regarding the document’s creation.

Here, Canva will be listed under Application and PDF Producer. This means that the source document cannot be provided to a language service provider as it simply does not exist. However, it is possible to share Canva designs directly with language service providers via the Canva platform and use clever workarounds to bypass the limitations of the service.

How to Share a Canva Design

While Canva makes it impossible to share editable documents off the platform, it does have an in-built share function that is even available on the free version. Simply click on the Share button on the top of the page and enter the email address to which you would like to send the link. Or you may generate a shareable link of your design from inside the editor or on the homepage.

This means that designs can be requested from prospective clients or sent to language service providers. However, this does not overcome all of the limitations of the platform for translators as it does not allow for integration with software like CAT or spellcheck tools unless you use an add-in such as Grammarly. It is, therefore, important to pay attention to several factors when working on a Canva design.

Consider the Formatting Differences in Languages

Some languages use more words to express the same meaning than others. For example, a Spanish translation will have an approximately 20% higher word count than an English document, meaning that translators and designers will need to bear this in mind when working on Canva documents with regard to spacing.

It is also worth considering using different fonts in different languages as some that may be appropriate in one language may not be in another. It is important to hire a specialist that is not just aware of translation but also international formatting practices and requirements to ensure a natural document.

Translating Quote Graphics and Images with Text

If quote graphics are inserted into a document, perhaps as a non-editable Canva design, then the desktop publishing (DTP) specialist will need to create a similar design using Canva that looks good in the target language too. The same applies to any other text image being edited.

It is worth noting that when a design is shared via Canva, the source images are not shared so these should be sent to the translation agency or DTP specialist directly so they can be edited or used as a reference for design.

Make Sure the Document Is Proofread

It is crucial to proofread the final Canva design or document in case of any formatting issues or cut text. Naturally, the more adjustments between file types there are, the higher the risk is of errors being made. This is especially important when you translate a document using CAT tools such as SDL Trados and you copy the text from the translation file. In this case, the file used would be the PDF version downloaded directly from Canva.

When selecting a translation company to work on a Canva design or document, make sure that they include proofreading as this will be crucial for making sure your final document is error-free.

What Can Transpanish Do for You?

Transpanish has a team of DTP specialists and expert translators who can translate documents created using Canva and are able to overcome the current inherent limitations of the popular platform.

Hispanic Heritage Month: Communication Strategies

Posted On September 13, 2020By TranspanishIn Latinos, Mulilingual Digital Marketing, Spanish Translation, Translation Buyers/ 2 No Comments

From September 15 to October 15, the United States marks National Hispanic Heritage Month to celebrate the achievements of the Hispanic community along with its history and culture. Initially introduced as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968, it was expanded into Hispanic Heritage Month in 1988, with the start date of September 15 being chosen because this was when the Hispanic countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua declared their independence in 1821. Mexico and Chile also declared their independence in September, on September 16 and 18 respectively. While the date was chosen due to these events, it celebrates Hispanic heritage of all backgrounds.

What Is the Significance of Hispanic Heritage Month?

Since its foundation, Hispanic Heritage Month has regularly featured everything from parades to presidential addresses to mark the occasion, and as the Hispanic community in the United States grows, it is looking to become an ever more important event.

At present, 60 million Hispanic people are living in the United States, some 20% of the country’s population, a figure that is predicted to grow to 111 million by 2060, having already become the largest minority group in the country. This celebration is an invaluable and increasingly unignorable opportunity for content creators and businesses alike to show their support for the community and win over loyal Hispanic customers – the most brand-loyal group in the United States.

Hispanic Americans, however, are a diverse group, with family backgrounds coming from all over the Hispanic world and there being vast differences between Cubans in Florida, Puerto Ricans in New York, and Mexicans in California. The Hispanic heritage of the United States goes far beyond immigration, with many states once also being part of Mexico or the Spanish Empire, and some cities being predominantly Spanish speaking, like Miami where 70% of the population are native Spanish speakers.

The influence of Hispanic heritage on the United States is undeniable yet is an often overlooked part of the country, something that is going to become harder to ignore for those looking to succeed in everything from marketing to politics in the future of the United States.

What Is the Difference Between Hispanic and Latino?

While the terms Hispanic and Latino are often used interchangeably in the United States, they actually have very different meanings. Latino refers to someone from Latin America, including both Spanish and Portuguese speaking countries, due to them both being Latin-based languages. Meanwhile, Hispanic refers specifically to Spanish speakers.

While many often have a fixed view of what a Hispanic person looks like, the Hispanic community is incredibly diverse, including black and indigenous Hispanic people who are often overlooked in such definitions. They are both rather generalizing terms and a better approach still is to be aware of the unique cultures and heritage of each unique group.

What’s the Best Approach for Communication with the Hispanic Community?

The best approach for communicating with the Hispanic community is the same as for any group, which is to show respect and understanding. This means taking the time to show you understand them as a group and respecting the Spanish language and any traditions, while also being aware of the differences within the community. As such, it is best to use content that has been professionally translated and culturally adapted.

If machine translations are used, the use of which should be avoided, they should at least be proofread. Not doing so shows a disrespect that risks harming your relations and therefore your goals with the Hispanic community.

First, you should learn about the intricacies and issues in the Hispanic community, taking the time to research the group and plan what you want to say. Hiring someone to help out with this often-difficult process will have better results for both you and your consumers.

As part of content adaptation, it’s also worth adapting social media platforms for the Hispanic community, instead of using a mix of Spanish and English on the same platform and hoping that the poor-quality automatic translation tools will take care of the rest. Creating unique content will show respect for the community and that you value them as much as your English-speaking audience.

It’s not just about the language, it’s also about showing support and awareness in a way that some rival businesses may not, thus losing valuable customers. This is something Transpanish can help you out with, by providing natural and well-adapted content on social media platforms to ensure that you get the most engagement and success possible with your target community, and by providing you accurate Spanish translations for your documents and all types of texts.

US Hispanics, COVID-19 and Spanish language barrier

The impact of the Spanish Language as a factor in COVID-19 among US Hispanics

Posted On July 2, 2020By TranspanishIn Latinos, Spanish Language, Spanish Translation, Tips for Translators, Translation Buyers/ 2 1 Comment

The COVID-19 pandemic has shocked the world, leading to some half a million deaths worldwide (at the time of writing) and many more lives that are forever changed. In the course of its spread throughout the world, the virus has consistently shown to hit the most vulnerable hardest, whether that is due to the pandemic’s health or financial impacts.

Throughout the US, for example, the Hispanic community has found itself to be more affected than many in American society, leading some to question why this is the case. The answer is not simple and is one that is deeply rooted in the cultural and social conditions of the Hispanic community, American society, and the healthcare system.

Racial Disparities and Pre-Existing Health Conditions

To begin with, according to the CDC, American Indians, African Americans and Hispanics or Latinos are up to five times more likely to be hospitalized due to the novel coronavirus than non-Hispanic white Americans, highlighting the racial disparities in the US. One reason for this could be that these groups are typically poorer with less access to information due to language barriers. Another is that they often have higher rates of underlying health problems, such as Type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, which means they may be more severely affected and have worse outcomes upon coronavirus infection.

Cultural Conditions

There are also cultural conditions that could lead to the imbalanced impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Hispanic community, such as having more of an emphasis on physical contact and having larger families living together, possibly with a grandparent, which could increase the chances of infection. Latinos are also more likely to be working in roles in places like meatpacking plants and warehouses where they cannot socially isolate as easily as white Americans, with four out of five Latinos being essential workers. In some states, they may also potentially be more likely to live in apartments with more contact with other individuals. Similar patterns have been seen among poorer and more vulnerable groups around the world.

The Language Barrier

Of course, one also has to remember that many Hispanics in the US do not speak English as a first language and, therefore, could be more likely to feel less informed about important national measures to prevent infection as well as national measures to provide financial relief. When this lower level of information, already proven to have negative health and social outcomes, is combined with the US healthcare system, it seems almost inevitable that many in these communities will be left behind. Further to this, in the US healthcare system where health insurance is key, vulnerable people such as some in poorer Hispanic communities may lack sufficient insurance and therefore lack sufficient healthcare coverage, leading to poorer health outcomes.

The impact of the pandemic goes beyond health impacts, with the impact on the global economy being hard to ignore. Many have lost their jobs while many industries such as the service industry have been devastated, meaning many vulnerable workers have now seen their income reduced drastically. In fact, while 60% of Americans have lost income due to the coronavirus, this figure is 90% among Spanish-speaking Hispanics. The industries in which many Hispanics work in the US have been severely affected and when this is combined with less access to information regarding financial support due to language barriers, the pre-existing divisions in American society are widened.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the most vulnerable and most privileged in society and shown very real consequences of this division, as well as the importance of information and reduced language and social barriers to overcoming these difficulties. Addressing many of the issues that adversely affect the Hispanic community may be difficult but increasing access to information in Spanish would go a long way to helping the most vulnerable before moving on to tackling the social divisions in the US.

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Transpanish continues at full operation during the COVID-19 pandemic. For translation, proofreading and editing services, please contact us for a free quote and advice. We offer discounts for new clients and nonprofit organizations.

Free Resource provided by Transpanish: English – Spanish – Portuguese COVID-19 Glossary.

COVID-19 English Spanish Portuguese Glossary

New English-Spanish-Portuguese COVID-19 glossary

Posted On April 17, 2020By TranspanishIn Spanish Translation, Tips for Translators, Translation Buyers, Translations/ 3 No Comments

COVID-19 has spread worldwide with a global pandemic being declared, prompting countries around the world to declare emergencies and enact often unprecedented legislation and measures to fight the pandemic and limit harm.

As our understanding and the situation are rapidly developing, the relevant terminology being used is rapidly evolving too, leading to confusion in the media and challenges for translators when working on texts such as articles related to the novel coronavirus.

As a result, we have decided to build a glossary to assist translators, editors, those in the media and anyone else working in communication, to help them understand the correct terminology to use. With over 60 terms in English, Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese, we believe our glossary is the most comprehensive English-Spanish-Portuguese glossary on COVID-19 and the ongoing crisis.

We will continue to develop this glossary as the situation changes to be as up-to-date as possible. With the noticeable lack of clarity in the media about terms relating to the novel coronavirus pandemic, this glossary will hopefully make information in translations more streamlined and more accurate, helping to inform and fight the outbreak with the most reliable language possible.

It explains commonly confusing terms such as when to use surgical mask and when to use N95 respirator, the all-important differences between SARS-CoV-2, coronavirus and COVID-19 and what makes quarantine and isolation different.

This glossary is vital not only for accurate translation but also for reducing uncertainty and helping to disseminate reliable information. It will continue to be updated as the situation changes so be sure to visit it regularly.

Click here to access the glossary.

For translation, proofreading and editing services, please contact us for a free quote and advice.

Continuing at full operation during the COVID-19 pandemic

Posted On March 30, 2020By TranspanishIn Translation Buyers, Translations/ 1 No Comments

In a matter of months, COVID-19 has spread around the world with the WHO declaring it a pandemic. It is, of course, a scary and difficult time for many, including many businesses around the world that have had to suspend operation due to various lockdown laws limiting public life in this healthcare crisis. However, we are fortunately able to continue Transpanish and Transportuguese at full operation for the duration of the outbreak, working with our staff and clients to get through this difficult time together and supporting the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

Experienced in Remote Work

As an internet-based translation service, we have always worked remotely since our foundation over 16 years ago. This means that we can carry on operating as normal, with our freelance translators, editors, and proofreaders working safely from the comfort of their own homes, making sure they can continue to deliver the same high-quality work we have produced with our expertise in remote working. We also try to assign work fairly throughout our team of different freelancers so they can all keep receiving a steady workflow to prevent only a small group of translators from continuing to receive work.

While the international situation is changing with every passing day, we are more than able to carry on serving both new and existing clients with our translation and language services, including English, Portuguese and Spanish translation, proofreading, editing, desktop publishing (DTP) and multilingual social media management to continue communication in the native languages of your target audience. We believe that in difficult times like this, communication is more important than ever, as we explored in an earlier blog post, meaning that continuing to provide language services to facilitate communication is also more important than ever.

Doing Our Bit to Help Out

While we continue to promote the safety and wellbeing of our translators and freelancers by operating remotely and providing a steady flow of work, we also want to do what we can to support our clients. We understand that this is a difficult time for many clients who desperately need to communicate and may be facing difficulties with cash flow, new legal restrictions, lockdowns, and sudden staff losses and we aim to continue providing our best services to help all clients to continue. As always, we provide discounts to new clients and for large volumes of text.

We also plan to continue to support non-profit organizations with our special non-profit discounts. We aim to provide the best possible service and value to non-profit organizations as usual, helping to offer them excellence when they are in urgent need of COVID-19 communications.

Rest assured that we are here and happy to help by continuing to provide language services during this stressful time. We will get through it together.

NEW! Visit our recently published English – Spanish – Portuguese COVID-19 Glossary

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