The need for professional translation services is growing as globalization makes its way into more and more areas of life. Unlike document translation, which primarily requires knowledge of both source and target language, website translation and/or software translation also requires extensive knowledge of and familiarity with various user interfaces, the different graphics programs, and the terminology used in the original program and tech jargon in the target language – as well as the ability to ensure continuity and unity throughout.
Cultural and technological knowledge
Whereas document translation services in various fields, including legal, medical, financial, industrial, business and others, require extensive knowledge of the culture and the subject matter of the text, website and software translation services also require translation professionals to be skilled in the relevant type of programming.
User interfaces are modified in various ways to suit different cultures and geographic regions. Well-known platforms such as Waze, Google, and Windows and websites such as YouTube and Facebook maintain consistent design in each language version. Each of these user interfaces is customized for the relevant target country through surveys and studies intended to create user profiles for each culture.
In this way, each of these programs will function completely differently depending on the region, with extreme differences in user interfaces between the US, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
When a translator is entrusted with a program or website, the translator has to know the codes accepted in the target region, the text direction and concepts of that language, the implications of each work platform on the different interfaces, how the content should best be displayed, links between sites, and other technical elements.
Key points to focus on when translating a website or program
1. Text entry
Each user interface includes rubrics intended for entering and recording content in a way that ensures the best possible experience. The database might not be ready to store data in the language. That’s why a localization process that takes into consideration the types of characters entered, the text direction, the shape of the characters, etc., is a must.
2. Direction
Differences in text direction can affect website/program translation results. If no appropriate localization process is applied for the website/program, results can be problematic and lead to a failed translation.
3. Sorting
To ensure successful translation, it’s important for your system to support foreign text or create support for the target language.
4. Cultural differences
Different formats for quantities, numbers, dimensions, units of measure such as distance, currencies, time zones and other indicators must be considered when translating a website or program.
5. Special characters and Hebrew punctuation
Hebrew punctuation is different from regular characters. Search engines in different languages treat special characters differently; this issue requires special attention during translation.
When selecting a translator to handle a program or website, it’s critical to choose a professional with experience in the specific programming domain. For this reason, companies like Hever Translations can offer the best possible service, thanks to a team of translators with extensive knowledge and years of experience.