Translation/Localisation

We translate English to and from the languages of the world. Read more about languages »

The range of subjects that need to be translated is as wide as life itself. Translators must fully understand the subject matter to be able to write about it into their own language, therefore, we have a wide range of specialists – Topic Targeted Translators™ - for each language. Each is a specialist in a subject area such as medical, technical electronic, technical mechanical, technical GPS, copywriting etc. The strength and depth of the Blue South team of Topic Targeted Translators™ means that we can confidently undertake translations for a very wide range of subjects. More>> 

Multi-lingual projects

Need a set of 6 different documents in 15 languages but with slight variations between the source text for each language, all to be typeset? Or how about 150,000 words into 8 languages, comprising software strings, help files and other documentation, again, with differing source material for each language? Such projects are are typical of our everyday business translations at Blue South.

No matter how big or complex the project, our project management procedures can handle it. More about project management>>  Guided by our Q-base certified Operations Manual, Blue South project managers have proven experience of handling large and complex projects for leading New Zealand businesses.

Localisation

Language translation is a large part of localisation and we are able to assist companies who wish to go beyond translation and localise their documentation.

Localisation involves taking a product or service and making it linguistically and culturally appropriate to the target locale (country/region and language) where it will be used and sold and used. A successfully localised service or product is one that appears to have been developed within the local culture. Ideally a product or service is developed so that localisation is relatively easy to achieve - for example, by creating technical illustrations for manuals in which the text can easily be changed to another language and allowing some expansion room for this purpose. This enabling process is termed internationalization and an internationalised product or service is therefore easier to localise.

Non-linguistic issues involved in localisation include;

• changing product names to avoid unwanted associations in target languages.
• screen dialog boxes and field lengths may have to be altered; date, time and currency formats changed; delimiters for figures replaced; and icons and colors adapted.
• in the case of bi-directional languages (such as Arabic and Hebrew) and double-byte character sets (such as those for Chinese, Japanese and Korean), more extensive reprogramming may be required to ensure that localised text and numerals are displayed correctly on the target platforms.
• programs often have to be changed to conform to national and cultural norms.
• in multimedia applications, the color, size and shape of objects such as coins and notes, taxis, telephones and mailboxes, buses and ambulances, traditionally vary from country to country. Dress codes will vary, and symbols take on a new significance.
• business applications such as address databases and financial accounting packages have to be adapted to the procedures and conventions applicable in their new environments.

How do I get started?
To discuss your multi-lingual translation requirements call us on 03 349 2818 or Email Us

 

Translation/ Localisation