Why translation is important for inclusion
Language and translation play an important role in promoting inclusion and diversity in today’s global world. Businesses interact with people with a wide range of nationalities on a daily basis – whether that’s within their internal teams, or through interactions with customers and clients.
That’s why translation is one of the most important aspects – even where your business does not necessarily trade internationally. Language barriers can create significant communication hurdles, restrict access to services, and impact social integration for individuals who do not speak the same language. This means that key internal messages could be being missed, and a whole customer demographic made inaccessible where sales and marketing information isn’t available in their native language.
However, it’s not just about translating text into multiple languages to ensure inclusion. Taking a diverse approach to business also means understanding local culture and traditions to avoid any embarrassment or disrespect.
Ensuring a personalised experience
Translation and localisation can help bridge language barriers and promote inclusion by making information and services accessible to diverse populations.
An essential part of communication, translation ensures that communications are targeted to specific geographic regions and audiences, which is especially important when you’re marketing your product or service in multiple languages.
Translation involves converting written or spoken content from one language to another, while localisation adapts the content to the cultural and linguistic context of a specific region or audience. By using translation and localisation services, companies and organisations can communicate effectively with their customers, employees, and stakeholders regardless of their language background whilst ensuring messaging is culturally sensitive.
Using localisation on your social media campaigns, for example, ensures that the language used is personalised to each country. Tailoring content to create a more relevant message, or providing the option to view a webpage or online brochure in a different language, offers a more personalised experience.
Tailoring the conversation with interpreting
If you’re hosting a business meeting with delegates from a number of different companies, it’s important to consider translation and interpreting to be as inclusive as possible.
Providing the meeting agenda in their native language, and booking an interpreter to take part in the meeting will help to ensure everyone can follow the conversation and effective decisions can be made collectively.
Building a more inclusive workforce
HR teams looking to attract a more diverse talent pool of candidates to work within their businesses will also need to consider how language plays a key role in being an inclusive employer.
Translation is important because helps people who don’t speak English as their first language feel more valued within the workplace. Taking the time to provide induction material, site maps and key HR information in multiple languages provides a great welcome to the company and a feeling of recognition.
We’re here to help
Translation is a powerful tool for inclusion, and here at Eldon we’re ready to help with all your language needs. It allows businesses to reach new audiences, build their reputation as inclusive and open to other cultures, and ensures communication is clear and consistent.
If you’re looking for translation, localisation or interpreting support, then get in touch with our team today.