1. Translation: It’s a funny
business.
A SlideShare presentation from
Language I/O
www.languageio.com

2. Oops!
What does that
say?
Picture Source: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/blog/2011/11/24/lost-in-translation-our-top-20-photos/
Content is key. Allowing people to fully understand the content, is even more
crucial.
All food is guaranteed not to cause pregnancy, so what is this message up
above supposed to say, and am I missing out on vital information? If the
message did say what it’s supposed to, should I be looking for it in other areas
as well?
An error that seems silly may actually have not-so-silly effects…

3. If translation
mistakescan be
madeon small
projects, how
many, and how
bad can it
get, with big
projects?
There are errors that are kind
of cute…
And then there are technical
errors that aren’t so cute…
Picture Source: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/blog/2011/11/24/lost-in-translation-our-top-20-photos/

4. “Pepsiwillbringyourancestorsbackfromthedead.”
Sorry Pepsi lovers, it won’t. But, had the slogan been
translated correctly, you would have read: “Come alive with
the Pepsi Generation.” Much better! Though, not quite as
amusing…
Other notable goodies include:
• Denmark airline office: “We take your bags and send
them in all directions.”
• Switzerland menu: “Our wines leave you nothing to hope
for.”
• Italian translation: SchweppesTonic Water became
“SchweppesToilet Water.”
Translation Error Source: http://kaplaninternational.com/blog/how-not-to-translate-between-languages/
Lost: Correct
brand message
If found:We’ll
never
underestimate
the power of
translation again.

5. Translationmistakescanbeentertaining,butforthe
companiesaffectedbythem,they’renotsofunny.
Whydomistakeshappen? Becausetheworldof
translationcanseemconfusinganddaunting,butit
doesn’thaveto…

6. TenCommon
MythsAbout
Translation
Quality
CourtesyofNatalyKellyofSmartling:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nataly-kelly/ten-
common-myths-about-tr_b_3599644.html
 Bigger is always better.
 All I need is a translator.
 More translators will result in
better quality.
 Pitting one provider against
another keeps quality in
check.
 Getting a “back translation”
will ensure quality.
 Bilingual employees will
provide me with helpful
quality feedback.
 Translation quality control
works well.
 My source content has no
impact on quality.
 Technology should be
avoided.
 When you ask for a
“translation” you’ll get the
same thing from everyone.

7. But,you’restillnot100%
comfortablewiththetranslation
process.What now?
Myths busted!

8. Options in
Translation
Services
 MachineTranslation
 Cloud-BasedTranslation
 FullTranslation Service
When should you use one, or the other, or capitalize on all three?
Here’s a great breakdown on the pros and cons for each in different
situations: http://www.globalvis.com/options-in-translation-
services/

9. “It is important to
understand that
without language
no other social
institution can
function properly.”
ArticleSource:
http://EzineArticles.com/1036185
With translation…
 Our massive world becomes a small global village.
 Your business, products, and services become more
comprehensible and accessible to a larger audience.
 You can attract a global, diverse customer base.

10. Translation:
It can be a funny business, but
it can also lead to serious
business!
Languageio.com +1 (781) 990-1282
ask@linguistnow.com