Popular Localization Myths You Should not Believe

Myths about localization make it difficult for companies from attaining their full potential in international markets. The majority of such tales are based on a lack of knowledge and the still-held idea that languages have no impact on business performance. Brands can offer more value to the table and consolidate relationships by communicating in various languages with foreign customers, workers, and business partners. Let us understand a few popular allegories about localization and what organizations need to do to eliminate them. 

# Translation and Localization are the same things

One of the most common localization misconceptions stems from a lack of awareness of the distinctions between translation and localization. While translation is the foundation of a localization project, it also encompasses various activities to adapt content and product information to specific markets. When it comes to international markets, a literal translation of your website, app, or customer service best practices is not adequate. Furthermore, it does not offer a positive user experience, which might lead to mistrust of customers. As a brand, you must overcome linguistic barriers and cultural gaps that may prevent people from responding to your messages. Beyond translation, localization services focus on all of the technical aspects and cultural insights that can help your brand adapt to any market. 

# Google Translate can help you save money on translations

Many people believe Google Translate is the perfect solution for reducing translation expenses, so it must be included in a list of localization myths. This free service is excellent for fast translations but not for localization projects. Google is the first to concede that its software cannot completely replace human translation. As a result, you should avoid using it to translate online material, newsletters, business communications, software, or any other writing that represents your company. When your messaging does not make sense, you run the danger of alienating your audience. They may see your gaffe as disrespect for their culture and language. It is a risk you should not take, especially if you are fresh to the market. While it may appear to be a wise strategy to conserve money, this option might cost you a lot in the long term.

# Localization isn't necessary for English-Speaking Brands

English is still the global business language for many countries, but just one in every four people can communicate effectively. Brands cannot expand abroad unless they are adequately localized. Online customers rarely or never buy from websites that are available only in English, according to 60 percent of respondents. Because individuals need to comprehend what they are buying, they want information in their local languages. Companies can deliver products and services in languages that their clients are familiar with, through localization. Localization improves the overall customer experience by fostering trust and encouraging participation.

# Bilinguals are the Best Translators

Bilingual people are not necessarily translators, so do not expect your multilingual employees to immediately become specialists in both languages. Their industrial knowledge could be beneficial to the localization endeavour. However, translating your material for business objectives is a significant duty, and your team may feel overwhelmed by this new task. Translators and localization experts gain critical language abilities to select the most appropriate terms for any communication situation. They are not only fluent in their native and second languages, but they are also well-versed in the cultural distinctions that exist between countries and areas.

# CAT Tools are not a necessity

Some people believe that software and translation tools do not belong in the language service industry, unlike those who trust a free service to build their business. This is another translation myth that business decision-makers should avoid. The language industry has progressed from printed dictionaries to one-sentence translators. The use of computer-assisted translation is beneficial in a variety of ways. CAT tools help speed up the translation process and guarantee that all translations are consistent.

Conclusion

The language services industry keeps the world's economy churning. Companies must communicate in a variety of languages, which raises the demand for language services. The sooner you grasp how translation and localization assist global businesses, the easier it will be to select the best translation services for your company.

Looking for a reliable translation service provider? Look no further. Lingual Consultancy provides you with the best quality translations. We provide you quality in return for your trust! With a pool of more than 16000 translators/interpreters/voice artists/transcribers across the globe, we provide localization services in the industry in more than 250 languages.

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