Email translation can be a trouble spot for many companies transacting business internationally. Communication is the lifeline of any business relationship, but when the involved parties speak different languages, the interaction can become problematic. In today’s fast-paced business environment, email has become ubiquitous as a form of instant information exchange. Accurate, effective translation can become problematic, however, thanks to this high-speed approach. Here are some important considerations if your company uses email to communicate with overseas clients.
Electronic Communication Challenges between Languages
Email has become the dominant means of quick communication between businesses today, but important meaning and context can literally be lost in translation between languages. This is even more of a problem when transacting business with clients around the globe, as time differences often make real-time communication difficult. American business people rely on email for time-sensitive information exchange, but if translations aren’t sufficient, one or both parties may be left lacking important data, or worse, interpret information inaccurately.
Translating Informal Written Communication
For those companies that are new to international commerce, machine translation of email exchanges may be tempting, especially when offered for free through your search engine. After all, they’re quick, casual communications, not important legal documents. If your communication is with a friend or family member, that may be an effective approach. For any communication with a customer or potential client, however, you may be asking for trouble. A bad translation can send the wrong message in more ways than one, making your company appear careless and unwilling to spend the time and money for a professional translator. You may inadvertently communicate inaccurate information or violate important contextual customs.
Alternative Communication Strategies
If time-sensitive information must be exchanged with an overseas client, a phone conversation with a live translator may be the best way to approach the situation. Although time differences may have to be overcome, a real-time, translated exchange of information will allow both parties to clarify and ask questions in the moment. The alternative is contacting your translation services provider for rapid response email translation. Although some businesses are unable to manage the logistics of having every email exchange translated, you may discover that it’s better than risking critical misinterpretation.
Verbatim Solutions offers an entire suite of translation and localization services to meet every customer’s needs. Their fast turnaround time and high-quality service provides the peace of mind that critical information won’t get lost in the email shuffle. Verbatim Solutions also offers professional telephonic interpreting services, when you simply can’t wait to for an email translation.
