Considering that 43% of Internet users cannot read English,
translating your web site into a foreign language is a powerful
way to promote your business.
But getting your web site translated can be an expensive
exercise. Rates can vary between 0.04 US$ and 0.12 US$ per
source word, depending on target language, length and subject
matter being translated.
However, translation is a must if you want to reach foreign
Internet users, who actually make up a larger slice of your
target market pie.
The following is a guide on how you can translate your web pages
'for free', or how visitors to your web site can translate your
web pages themselves.
1) Finding partners
This is obviously the best solution - the optimum, using a
latinism. Using a human translator guarantees authenticity.
Luckily there are many freelance translators 'eager' to find a
partner, especially one who is a web designer. Most translators
are aware that having their own web site can enhance their
business success. They will often accept a plan for the creation
or enhancement of their web site in exchange for the translation
of yours.
Before you look for a suitable partner, consider which language
you would like your web site translated into. By far, Spanish is
the most widely spoken language on the Internet. However, if
your web site is science-orientated, then translating into
German is probably more effective.
I recommend you choose a freelance translator rather than go
through an agency, as freelance translators are usually less
demanding.
To find a partner, browse the following newsgroups:
sci.lang.translation sci.lang.translation.marketplace
2) Using online dictionaries
There are several web sites offering online dictionaries. Some
of them allow you to copy their dictionary interface and place
it on your web page. This is a good solution for foreign users
who know English, but are not familiar with specific technical
terms.
Adding a link or links to online dictionaries, will make it
easier for users to look up certain terms and then return to
your page.
Furthermore, an added feature such as an online dictionary is a
great way to increase traffic to your site. Before adding a
dictionary, consider which languages you wish to cater for. This
is important if your web site has a lot of technical content and
users need a quick and easy solution for looking up difficult
terms and concepts.
I have provided a list of web sites below that offer such a
service:
http://eurodic.ip.lu/cgi-bin/edicbin/EuroDicWWW.pl
http://www.june29.com/IDP/IDPsearch.html
http://www.logos.it/dictionary/owa/old_dictionary.sp?lg=EN
http://www.langtolang.com/ http://www.allwords.com/
3) Using automated translators
In my humble opinion, using an automated translator is the
absolute last resort! An automated translator today cannot
accurately or effectively translate localised meanings, slang
and grammar, but is acceptable if you only want to give your
users a general idea of your web page's content.
Having a link to an automated translation service can also
increase traffic to your web site. Unlike human translators,
automated translators have the capacity to cater for multiple
languages. In short, this is an affordable, all-round solution.
The most important developer of automated translators is surely
SYSTRAN S.A. - http://www.systransoft.com
FreeTranslation.com - http://www.freetranslation.com allows you
to copy its automated translator interface and place it on your
web page.
Of course it is possible to use a combination of all of the
above services - especially when your web site is large. Have
your main pages translated by a human translator, and minor
pages translated or available for translation by an online
dictionary or automated translator service.
It is strategically important that the first page users see is
translated (or a link to a translated version available). This
will ensure that foreign users will feel compelled to stay and
browse your entire web site.
About the author:
Paolo Risso is the General Project Manager of a team of Spanish
and Italian free-lance translators. He is also the author of an
on-line English-Italian Technical IT Dictionary
(http://www.sententiae.it/asp/search.asp). Add our dictionary
interface to your web page: http://www.sententiae.it/link.html
