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Website Globalization and
E-Business Brazil
The Website Globalization and E-Business Series includes a series of brief reports on country-specific
website globalization and e-business topics. The series includes:
• China • Russia
• Japan • Argentina
• Germany • France
• US Hispanic Market • United Kingdom
• Brazil • United Arab Emirates
• India
This series of reports is meant to be a primer on e-Business as well as a collection of language, culture
and website globalization facts by country. These reports are by no means a complete coverage of
these topics. For more comprehensive or customized reports on country-specific Website Globalization
and E-Business topics, please email mspethman@globalizationpartners.com.
No material contained in this report may be reproduced in whole or in part without prior written
permission of Globalization Partners International. The information contained in this White Paper has
been obtained from sources we believe to be reliable, but neither its completeness nor accuracy can
be guaranteed.
© Copyright 2008 - 2012 Globalization Partners International. All rights reserved.
® All Trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
The Website Globalization and E-Business Brazil All graphics used in this report were provided by Flikr, Google Images and other free internet resources
paper was researched and written by: for pictures.
Martin Spethman
Managing Partner Globalization Partners International helps companies communicate and conduct business in any
Globalization Partners International language and in any locale by providing an array of globalization services including:
mspethman@globalizationpartners.com
Phone: 866-272-5874 • Translation
• Multilingual Desktop Publishing
Nitish Singh, PhD, • Software Internationalization & Localization
Author of “The Culturally Customized Website”, • Website Internationalization & Localization
“Localization Strategies for Global E-Business”, • Software and Website Testing
and Assistant Professor of International Business, • Interpretation (Telephonic, Consecutive, Simultaneous)
Boeing Institute of International Business, John • Globalization Consulting
Cook School of Business, Saint Louis University. • SEO (Global Search Engine Marketing)
singhn2@slu.edu
Phone: 314-977-7604 To learn more about Globalization Partners International, please visit us at blog.globalizationpartners.com.
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2. I. Market Introduction and Stats
Stats/Source Online Activities Fast Facts Numbers
Usage Statistics • 75.9 million or 37.4% General Stats GDP $ 2,090,314 (IMF 2010)
of the population (as of
2010, according to GDP Growth 7.5% (www.cia.gov 2010)
internetworldstats.com/
Population 192.3 (Wikipedia, July 2, 2011)
top20.htm)
Population Growth 2.75% (Cia World Factbook, 2010)
Top Web • Google.com.br
Applications • Facebook.com
Internet Internet population 75.982 million (www.cia.gov 2009)
(www.alexa.com/
• Google.com
topsites/countries/ • YouTube.com Future Internet Population Estimates 9% Growth Rate
BR 2011) • Uol.com.br
• Live.com (Windows Live) Summary Sheet has been compiled through the use of sources from academia
Top Brazil Online • www.americanas.com.br
Marketplaces • www.livrariasaraiva.com.br
• www.webmotors.com
L Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world and seventh largest in terms of internet usage
• www.marketplace.com.br (internetworldstats.com, 2011)
• www.mercadolivre.com.br
The Brazilian Online Consumer
L Brazil is a federative republic consisting of 26 states and a federal district called Brazilla,which is
the capital. (www.eiu.com, 2011)
L The majority of internet users in Brazil are from the upper and upper-middle classes.
L In late 2011, Brazil proposed a pan-South American broadband network, to bring down per-user cost
access to the Internet. (www.engadget.com)
L The retail sector of Brazil is considered the largest in Latin America and has continued to expand
rapidly since 2004. (www.eiu.com, 2011)
L Television is the most popular type of media in Brazil as it is less expensive than other types of
media, including magazines and newspapers. Television viewing is considered a leisure activity.
Brazil has the third largest television market in the world. (euromonitor, 2011)
L The government has been working on digital inclusion programs such as funding internet cafés to
help the lower income groups gain access to the internet.
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3. II. Brazil Culture and the Online Consumer
Cultural Values Brazil Culture and Values
Collectivism: This value indicates how closely a
society is knit. In collectivist cultures like Brazil, the Although known as a popular tourist destination, Brazil is the “B” in “BRIC,” which stands for Brazil,
needs, values and goals of the family and societal Russian, India and China (four of the globe’s largest emerging economies.) China is Brazil’s largest
unit take precedence over individual goals. Group export market, followed by the USA.
consciousness and family are major values that guide
people’s behavior. Brazil has an extremely diverse mix of cultural values, heavily mixed by Portuguese, African and Native
Power Distance: This is a belief in authority and American culture. In the last two centuries, the culture was also influenced by an influx of German,
hierarchy (high power distance). Cultures like Brazil Italian, Spanish Japanese and Arab immigration. Language and religion are dominated by Portuguese
that are high on power distance accept power and influences.
hierarchy in society and are low on egalitarianism. In
such cultures, less powerful citizens are accepting of Since about 99% of Brazil’s population speaks Portuguese, this is one of the strongest unifying
unequal power distribution in society. influences in Brazilian culture. Brazilian Portuguese is a variant of European Portuguese, which is
Uncertainty Avoidance: This is the importance of spoken by substantially fewer people.
predictability, structure, and order (high uncertainty
avoidance), versus a willingness for risk-taking and Brazilian culture has received worldwide attention in areas like architecture, visual arts and cinema.
an acceptance of ambiguity and limited structure Television plays a key role in Brazilian popular culture, with telenovelas being considered a significant
(low uncertainty avoidance.) People from cultures element in national identity and unity.
high on uncertainty avoidance like Brazil tend to have
low tolerance for uncertainty and avoid ambiguous Brazil is ranked as high in “Traditional Values” and relatively balanced between “Survival” and “Self-
situations. Conflict and competition as threatening. Expression values” according to the cultural map of the world based on the World Values Survey.
Security is valued over adventure and risk.
Masculinity-Femininity: This is a belief in
achievement and ambition (masculine), versus a belief Insights into Brazilian Consumer Values:
in nurturing and caring for others (feminine). Masculine
cultures like Brazil value achievement orientation, L Vanity: Brazilians put high on appearance. Looking good is an integral and important aspect of their
material possessions and success. culture. (Euromonitor, 2011)
High-Low Context: To communicate effectively
across cultures, the correct level of context must be L National Goods: Whenever possible, Brazilians prefer to purchase products made within their
determined. This context can be labeled as high or own country. (TGI, 2011)
low on a sliding scale. High context societies, like
Brazil, have close connections among group members. L Frugality: Brazilians enjoy saving money for larger purchases, such as a house. Therefore, they
Everyone has a similar, intrinsic knowledge-base. often look for a deal when purchasing other items. (TGI, 2011)
There is little information that is explicit. High context
cultures use more symbols and nonverbal clues
to communicate, with meaning embedded in the Brazilian Consumer Decision Making:
situational context.
€ Women: The decision-making power of women in Brazil has increased which has resulted in many
(Hofstede, Geert. Culture’s Consequences, Comparing Values, companies tailoring products and services to the interests and needs of this new group. (Euromonitor, 2011)
Behaviors, Institutions, and Organizations Across Nations
Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, 2001)
€ Generosity: 80% of Brazilian consumers prefer brands that support good causes, compared to
62% of global consumers. (trendwatching .com 2011)
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4. II. Brazil Culture and the Online Consumer
Demographics Definitions Brazilian Consumer Segments:
Ì Geographics: The geographical
distribution of the market being Market segmentation is an exercise in carefully identifying profitable and accessible consumer
analyzed. The criteria used to segment segments based on socio-demographics, geographics, and psychographics. Segmentation is unique to
these consumers can be country, region,
each company and product. Some general insights into the Brazilian consumer segments have been
town, etc. For example, consumers can
be segmented by residence or work. divided into demographic and specific consumer segments.
(about.com)
Ì Psychographics: The criteria used to ” Tweenagers: These consumers are between the ages of 10 – 13 and are the most profitable for
segment consumers based on lifestyle, marketers as they have substantial purchasing power. They are highly influenced by the media
attitudes, personality, buying motives,
and very loyal to brand names. In addition, they are interested in a wide variety of products which
and/or extent of product usage.
(about.com) include leisure, electronics, fashion and cosmetics.
” Teenagers: This consumer segment is between 14 – 19 year old and represents one of the largest
groups in Brazilian Society. They are responsible for purchases equaling more than $34 million
dollars per year. Teenagers are extremely loyal to brand names and have a strong influence on
purchasing decisions of their families and parents. They are primarily interested in technology, and
products/services to enhance appearance.
” Studying Age: This consumer segment is between 18 – 22 years old. Although, the level of
disposable income varies between students who continue to live at home and those who attend
college away from home, both groups have similar interests. Furthermore, this population
represents 8-9% of the total population of Brazil. They are interested in leisure and technology
products, as well as services and products that will help them to attain their education.
” Young Adults: This consumer segment is between 23 – 29 and usually has just started their first
job and beginning their independent lifestyle. The primary purchasing interests of this segment
are household items, furniture, electrical appliances, as well as leisure and technology items. In
addition, young adults usually explore and develop new interests and enjoy going out with friends
to the movies, clubs and pubs.
” Middle-Aged Adults: This consumer segment is aged 30 – 59 years old and usually has children.
Their purchasing is usually focused on the family, which include food, travel, leisure and technology.
This group is also focused on appearance and will spend income on products and services designed
for enhancing beauty.
” Baby Boomers: These consumers are between the 40 – 59 years old. They are settled into life,
occupy key jobs, might still be supporting a family and children, and are attempting to keep up
with technology trends in order to maintain their job. They are interested in technology, continuing
education courses for career advancement and business-related travel. Also, they are interested in
financial planning and healthcare.
” Pensioners: This consumer segment is 60 years and older and is the fastest growing segment.
They prefer traditional forms of payment, namely cash. Approximately 25% are responsible for
maintaining a household and 68% decide on what to purchase for the family. Pensioners consider
shopping to be a leisure activity and like to spend their time making choices.
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5. III. The Brazilian Portuguese Language
Language Facts/Tips Portuguese is considered a Romance language like French and Italian. Brazilian Portuguese, a dialect,
Ì Diacritics: These marks, placed above is the official language of Brazil and is spoken by 154 million people. (answers.com, 2008) Brazilian
or below letters usually represent vowel Portuguese has been influenced by the languages that it displaced in Brazil, primarily in terms of
sounds or other modifiers. vocabulary, but also in the phonology and grammar. There are words that are used today in Brazilian
Portuguese that originated from the Tupi-guarani and Yoruba languages.
Ì Verb Tense: There are several verb
tenses in Brazilian Portuguese that differ
from European Portuguese including você
and seu.
Ì Pronouns: The use of pronouns in
Brazilian Portuguese is different than
those of European Portuguese and the
usage depends on the sentence and the
use of possessive pronouns.
Portuguese Pronouns
European Brazilian Portuguese
Portuguese
Eu Canto Eu canto
Tu cantas Você canto Unlike other Romance languages, Portuguese has maintained the stressed vowels of Vulgar Latin
Ele (a) canta Ele (a) canta which make it unique. In addition, Brazilian Portuguese is written using the Latin alphabet and utilizes
Nós cantamos Nós cantamos
several accent marks. These include the circumflex accent, the grave accent, the tilde, the cedilla and
the dieresis mark. There are also spelling differences between European and Brazilian Portuguese.
Vós cantais Vocês cantam
Some examples of the differences in spelling and writing varieties are:
Eles(as) cantam Eles (as) cantam
Possessive Pronouns Possessive Pronouns Brazilian Portuguese Translation
Teu livro Your book Anómíno Anômíno Anonymous
Seu livro Your /hi/her book Facto Fato Fact
O livro dele His book Ideía Idéia Idea
O livro dela Her book Direcção Direção Direction
O livro deles Their (masc.) book Óptimo Ótimo Great
O livro delas Their (fem.) book Frequente Freqüente Frequent
Voo Vôo flight
Quick Facts on Brazilian Portuguese
• Brazilian Portuguese Writing System • Brazilian Portuguese Translation Services
• The Brazilian Portuguese Language • Brazilian Portuguese Website Translation
• Brazilian Portuguese Document Translation • English to Portuguese Translation
• Brazilian Portuguese Localization
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6. IV. Website Globalization
Whether you are trying to launch a multilingual website in order to expand the markets for your
products and services, or you are trying to increase your company’s global operational efficiencies by
developing multilingual extranets and intranets, Website Globalization is a requirement to make either
a reality. In order to enable your web presence to communicate, conduct and complete international
e-Business, you need to translate (globalize) your website.
Website translation is also known as “Website Globalization”. In order to truly “translate” a website
into other languages you may need both Internationalization (I18n) and Localization (L10n) services.
+
Internationalization (I18n) involves enabling the backend of a website to handle different
languages, character sets, currencies, submit form data, site search capabilities, etc… and involves
understanding what database and content management systems you are using to author, store and
publish your site’s content.
Localization (L10n) involves translating and localizing the front end of your website into different
languages ensuring all content (text and graphics) is translated in an accurate and culturally correct
manner.
The next two pages detail the steps that may be performed in a typical website globalization project.
The tables list the team members, tasks and standard quality assurance steps utilized in translating
a website.
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7. IV. Website Globalization
Subject Matter Cultural Translation,
Source File Project Glossary Localization of
Training and Correctness Editing and
Review Kick-Off Development all Graphics
Research Assessment Proofreading
GO!
• Account Manager • Account Manager • Project Manager • Project Manager • Project Manager • Project Manager • Project Manager
• Project Manager • Project Manager • Lead Translators • Lead Translators • Lead Translators • Lead Translators • Lead Translators
• Localization Engineers • Lead Translators • Editors & Copy Writers • Editors & Copy Writers • Editors & Copy Writers • Editors & Copy Writers • Editors & Copy Writers
Team
• Internationalization Engineers • Localization Engineers • Desktop Publishers
• Web CMS Specialists • Internationalization Engineers • Localization Engineers
• Web Designers • Web CMS Specialists • Web Designers
• Web Developers • Web Designers
• Global SEM Specialists • Web Developers
• Global SEM Specialists
• Companies wanting to translate • A Project “Kick-Off” includes • A Globalization Services • Translation teams develop • Before the actual translation • Translation is performed • All embedded translatable
their website put together all of and confirms the following: Team (GST) will review/study and maintains client specific begins, the source web by a base translation/copy text commonly found in
the source files from their site any reference materials glossaries leveraging any content and overall site writing team, and editing/ navigation buttons, web art
(called a”Localization Kit”) for a
9 The project team provided, including source existing client glossaries design and feature set proofreading by a second and other web graphics are
globalization services provider
to analyze. 9 Project schedules files, demos and general and the latest industry- is reviewed for basic linguistic team. pulled from graphics and
• The files are prepared in order 9 Project specifications client information. specific dictionaries. cultural correctness and translated using the standard
to utilize a translation memory 9 Workflow requirements customizations that may • All translations are completed translation workflow.
tool workflow and preserve Communication • In addition, there may be be required. by human translators,
Tasks
9
any mark-up/formatting code channels client-specific training for utilizing translation • The translated text is then
in order to save time and costs translation teams related • An array of issues are memory technologies that incorporated into the
9 Review & approval
with desktop publishing the to the subject matter of reviewed ranging from the ensure an efficient and original graphic, adjusting as
language versions. opportunities
9 Review current the website. need to culturally customize consistent translation. required, to create a language
• A proposal is generated based on
graphics and adding or “localized” version of
an array of factors including word web authoring and
counts, localizable graphics, local phone numbers to the graphic.
publishing workflow.
target languages and any content comprehensive customization
management systems and of website features based on
workflows to be used. locale specific cultural values.
GPI follows a comprehensive,
customizable and fully
Assurance
documented Quality Control
Quality
Process. Each step in our
translation workflow includes
a series of checklist-based
quality audits to ensure the accuracy of the
translation and desktop publishing. Our client’s
QA and workflow processes can also be easily
Clients are given an opportunity to Clients are given an opportunity to
incorporated into our workflow. review and approve at several stages in review and approve at several stages in
the documentation translation process. the documentation translation process.
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8. IV. Website Globalization
Formatting of
Localization of Delivery Final Edits and SEO and Internet
Language QA / Testing
Multimedia to Client Archiving of Files Marketing
Documents
• Project Manager • Project Manager • Project Manager • Project Manager • Project Manager • Project Manager
• Lead Translators • Lead Translators • Lead Translators • Desktop Publishers • Lead Translators
• Editors & Copy Writers • Editors & Copy Writers • Editors & Copy Writers • Localization Engineers • Global SEM Specialists
• Desktop Publishers • Desktop Publishers • Localization Engineers
• Localization Engineers • Localization Engineers • Internationalization Engineers
• Web Designers • Web Designers • QA-Testers
• Web Developers • Web CMS Specialists
• Web Designers
• Web Developers
• Many websites have an array • Many websites incorporate various • GPI provides basic Online Localization • After the website and all components • Client provides any final comments for • GPI recommends the client plan on and
of linked documents which may multimedia components which may Quality Assurance (QA) as a standard have been localized, final draft sets of the translation and formatting. conduct some form of global internet
require localization. require localization. line item for all website projects. the source files in all target language marketing (IM) and/or search engine
versions are provided to the client. • Comments are incorporated and final marketing (SEM) in order to drive traffic
• Formatting or desktop publishing (DTP) • Multimedia must be analyzed • This QA checks the language versions websites and documents are produced. to your new language sites.
of these documents includes formatting individually for numerous items. These of your site under selected browser-OS • Client may review and approve all web
the target language documentation to items range from determining word combination for any cosmetic or content for both translation accuracy • GPI ensures the client’s Translation • This may include global search engine
match the original source documents counts in screen text, audio scripts and linguistic issues, and will help identity and design correctness. Memories and Glossaries are updated optimization of the localized web
in terms of layout, fonts, graphics, and graphics, to the analysis of the types of basic functionality issues as well. with any final linguistic changes and content, submission of pages to key
overall design. assets and how they were digitized and • Another round of QA is performed once the final project folder, including all country (locale) search engines and
included in your multimedia. • Typically all testing is client-driven and language versions of a website are in source files are securely stored for pay-per-click marketing campaigns
• Adobe PDF’s can be created and GPI’s professionals can work side by their final hosting environment future revisions if required. through services like Google AdWords
optimized for screen or print and linked • All multimedia can be localized and side with your expert users to perform or Overture.
off of the new website. tested to play in any target languages. Internationalization (I18N), Localization
(L10N) and/or Functionality Testing,
onsite or offsite.
Clients are given an opportunity to review and Clients are given an opportunity to review and
approve at several stages in the documentation approve at several stages in the documentation
translation process. translation process.
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9. V. Brazilian Cultural Correctness
and Web Customization
Cultural Customization: Key Issues
The basis for cultural customization of websites is a theoretically-sound, empirically-validated
framework built on five unique cultural values that account for similarities and differences across
global cultures. Research studies indicate that attitude towards websites, interactivity and
usability of web sites, as well as purchase intentions at web sites are enhanced when sites
are congruent with the target customers’ cultural predispositions.
The cultural customization framework is drawn from established research and is based on five unique
values: Individualism-Collectivism, Power Distance, Uncertainty Avoidance, Masculinity-Femininity,
and Low-High Context. (See page 4 of this report)
These five predominant country cultural values can be represented in comparison to other countries
using the maps below:
Masculinity - Femininity vs. Uncertainty Avoidance Power Distance vs. Individualism - Collec vism
100 100
Ì Brazil
Individualism - Collec vism Index
Uncertainty Avoidance Index
50 50 Ì Brazil
Masculinity - Femininity Index Power Distance Index
0 0
0 50 100 0 50 100
Arab World Argen na Australia Austria Brazil Arab World Argen na Australia Austria Belgium
Canada Chile China Colombia Costa Rica Brazil Canada Chile China Colombia
Czech Republic Czech Republic Denmark East Africa Ecuador Colombia Costa Rica Czech Republic Denmark East Africa
El Salvador Finland France Germany Greece El Salvador Finland France Germany Guatemala
Guatemala Hong Kong Hungary India Indonesia Hungary Hong Kong India Indonesia Ireland
Iran Ireland Israel Italy Jamaica Iran Israel Italy Jamaica Japan
Japan Malaysia Mexico Netherlands New Zealand Malaysia Mexico Netherlands New Zealand Norway
Norway Pakistan Panama Peru Philippines Pakistan Panama Peru Philippines Poland
Poland Portugal Russia Singapore South Africa Portugal Russia Singapore South Africa South Korea
South Korea Spain Sweden Switzerland Taiwan Spain Sweden Switzerland Taiwan Turkey
Thailand Turkey U.S. Hispanic Market United Arab Emirates United Kingdom U.S. Hispanic Market United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay
United States Uruguay Venezuela West Africa Venezuela West Africa
Cultural Maps for Brazil
Tables and section based on the book, “The Culturally Customized Website: Customizing Web Sites for the Global Marketplace” – by Nitish Singh and Arun Pereira. Cultural maps are from
Hofstede, Geert. Culture’s Consequences, Comparing Values, Behaviors, Institutions, and Organization Across Nations Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, 2001)
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10. V. Brazilian Cultural Correctness
and Web Customization
The Cultural Customization Scorecard
Once we have identified the country’s predominant cultural values using the cultural maps, the next step is to evaluate the website on the relevant cultural
values. This can be done using the Cultural Customization Scorecard. The scorecard is produced by analyzing the site on the features that conform to the
cultural values of that market The cultural values for Brazil are Collectivism, Masculinity, High Context, Power Distance and Uncertainty Avoidance. These
are carefully derived based on the cultural distinctions that are meaningful to the members of a given society.
The cultural values of interest for the Brazil are Collectivism, Masculinity, High Context, Power Distance and Uncertainty Avoidance. These are carefully
derived based on the cultural distinctions that are meaningful to the members of a given society. (For a detailed cultural analysis of your web site please
contact mspethman@globalizationpartners.com)
The Cultural Customization Scorecard™ - Brazil
Grading Scale:
Values Individualism Collectivism Uncertainty Power Masculinity Low High
Avoidance Distance Context Context > 90% Excellent Customization on Cultural Value
Cultural 70-89% Good Customization on Cultural Value
Scores
< 70% Poor Customization on Cultural Value
Cultural Customization (Examples)
 Collectivism: Brazil is a collectivist culture.
Websites may be culturally customized by
emphasizing collective themes like family and
community. For example, Häagen-Dazs has
a section entitled, “Imprensa” in which they
feature pictures of their customers enjoying
Häagen-Dazs at their own social gatherings.
 Masculinity – Femininity: Brazil is a
masculine culture. There are numerous
ways that masculinity can be depicted on a
website, including highlighting achievement
orientation, success, product durability, as
well as adventure and fun. For example,
Colgate has a colorful page that is dedicated
to their special promotions.
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11. V. Brazil Cultural Correctness
and Web Customization
 High-Low Context: When customizing a
site for a high-context culture like Brazil,
elements like harmony and aesthetics should
be considered.t For example, LG emphasizes
harmony on their website in their choice
of colors and images. Furthermore, on
their Brazilian website they have a special
multimedia section on “experience LG”.
This is an interactive section which enables
the user to choose different multimedia
commercials and advertisements, giving them
a unique experience.
 Power Distance: Brazil scores high on Power
Distance. Some ways to customize a site for
this value is to highlight awards and honors
that the company, its employees or brand has
received. For example, Colgate has a page
dedicated to their executive management
team containing a professional picture and
brief biography of each member.
 Uncertainty Avoidance: As Brazil is a very
risk-averse society, it is important to reduce
risk, anxiety and uncertainty that these
consumers might have shopping online. For
example, Motorola Brazil has the product
features of the phone clearly listed along
with a picture of the product so the consumer
knows exactly what they are buying. Stating
the company’s business practices and offering
online or live customer support are other ways
to build online shopping confidence.
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12. V. Brazil Cultural Correctness
and Web Customization
Web Site Customization Considerations
Symbols and Icons
There are many symbols and icons that carry special cultural meaning in Brazil. It is important to be aware of them to avoid inappropriate use
or cultural blunder.
Some examples:
L The Fig: This is a good luck sign that is made by placing the thumb
between the index and middle fingers while making a fist. It is also
considered a national symbol of Brazil.
L Handkerchiefs: In the Brazilian culture, handkerchiefs symbolize
grief and mourning, especially when given to a person.
L Bad Luck: It is considered bad luck to walk under a ladder. In
addition, it is considered bad luck to either cross paths with a black
cat or to see a black cat through the rungs of a ladder.
L Money: If a purse or wallet is left on the floor, the owner’s money will disappear. If sugar is put in
the cup before coffee or tea, the person will become rich. If lentils are eaten on January 1st, the
person will make good money throughout the next year.
L Vulgar Symbols: The O.K. sign made by a circle of the first finger and thumb is considered
a vulgar symbol.
Colors
In Brazil, certain colors carry specific meaning and symbolize aspects of their culture.
€ Purple: The color of mourning
€ Black: The color of mourning, grief or formality
€ Red: Strength, reliability, happiness and prosperity
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13. V. Brazil Cultural Correctness
and Web Customization
Spatial Orientation:
Spatial Orientation means how the web content is structured. According to Barber and Badre (1998), spatial orientation has a direct effect on website
usability because it effects the visual perception. The spatial orientation for Brazil needs to take into account the complex usage of accent marks so that
they are clearly displayed. They prefer a clear, concise navigation that clearly shows products. In addition, the navigation bars should be detailed, with “fly-
out” navigational menus. Both the top and left navigation panes should be utilized.
Text Length:
When translating a document or website, it is important to take into account how the length of the text will change after translation. There are a variety of
reasons why text expansion occurs. Equivalent phrases in a target language may have more characters or words than in English, and some cultures prefer
using a more formal style than other cultures, avoiding abbreviations, for example. Additionally, for both documents and websites both line and page breaks
may be different in the localized version than in the English version. Finally, the layout of the document or website itself may change depending on the
direction of the text. For example, Arabic is a bi-directional language and is read right-to-left, which will not only switch the layout of the text, but also the
graphics, the tool bars, the navigation bars, and the binding of the book, etc... Similarly, some languages like Chinese and Japanese can be displayed either
in left-to-right character rows or vertical character columns, and the choice influences how document elements such as graphics, figures, tables, call outs,
etc. are arranged in the final document or webpage.
There can either be text expansion or compression when a document or website is translated from English into a target language. For example, Portuguese
can expand up to 35% when translated from English. With document localization, there are several steps that can be taken to help preserve the integrity of
the look and feel “layout” of the document. These include:
L Using a larger font in the original language, if it is expected the language will expand during translation. This will help to develop a better feel for the
final size of the document and how the document elements will be laid out relative to the text. If the text is expected to shrink, use a slightly smaller font
for the same reasons.
L Tables and graphics may need to be resized or changed. Some, like the vertical Chinese or Japanese layout, will require more finessing than others.
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14. VI. Internet and Search Engine Marketing
for Brazil
The key to promoting a website internationally is to create localized content, localized keywords,
register local domain names and then promote it through local search engines, affiliate marketing,
online and offline branding and positions.
A search engine marketing campaign for Brazil should be multi-dimensional, including not only
localized organic search content, but also localized pay-per-click campaign advertisements.
Furthermore, landing pages in Brazilian Portuguese can be a useful tool in an overall search engine
It is recommended that firms plan on and conduct some marketing strategy.
form of global search engine marketing (SEM) in order
to drive traffic to their new language sites.
This may include global search engine optimization of Long-term search engine marketing plans should Most Popular Search Engines
your localized Web content, submission of pages to
key country (locale) search engines, and a pay-per-click
include the use of keywords in both Brazilian (www.seowarrior.net/title-search-engines-
marketing campaigns through services like Google Portuguese and English. Brazilian Portuguese may in-south-america’s-biggest-country-brazil)
Adwords or Overture.
be the primary language of business in Brazil, Ì Google Brazil (http://Google.com.br)
For more information on Global SEM Services, see
www.globalizationpartners.com/SEM but many Brazilian internet users visit English Ì MSN (http://Br.MSN.com)
language websites for content. Ì Yahoo! (http://Br.Yahoo.com)
Ì Aonde (http://aonde.com)
Brazil Commerce Payment Options The top level domain in Brazil is .br. Other Ì Achei (http://www.achei.com.br)
Brazilians prefer to have multiple payment domains that are popular in Brazil are .com,
options when purchasing online. It is advisable .org, .net, .info, and .biz. It is advisable to have a local legal representative if a non-Brazilian company
to include credit card and Boleto (a local bank would like to obtain a local domain, such as .com.br. The domain needs to be registered at registro.br.
invoicing system), instead of the standard PayPal.
Ì Banco de Brazil
Ì Banco Itaú
Ì Caixa Econômica Federal
Ì Banco Bradesco
Ì ABN Amro Real
Ì Unibanco
Ì Santander Banespa
Ì Banca Safra
Ì HSBC
Ì Votorantim
Most Popular Brazil
Online Product Purchases
(www.nytimes.com/2011/11/10/
fashion/10iht-ronline.html)
Ì Home appliances
Ì Books/magazine & newspaper Americanas.com.br utilizes a layout that is easily navigated by utilizing the contrasting colors of red and white to separate the
subscriptions navigation panes from their commerce section. In addition, their commerce section clearly displays the items by type, – showing
a brief product description with price. Additional information is available, if the item is clicked on.
Ì Health/beauty/medicine products
Ì Computer products
Ì Consumer electronics References available upon request.
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15. Resources
Search Engines
ß GuiaWeb ß Buscar ß Radaruol
www.guiaweb.com www.buscar.com.br www.radaruol.com.br
ß Aonde (Portugese) ß Busca Site ß Terra
www.aonde.com www.buscasite.com.br www.terra.com.br/busca
ß Argos ß DMOZ ß Todobr
www.argos.com.br dmoz.org/Regional/South_America/Brazil www.todobr.com.br
ß Boibaeo (Portugese) ß Gigabusca (Portugese) ß UOL
www.boibao.com.br www.gigabusca.com.br www.uol.com.br/erros/index.htm
ß Brazil Crawler ß Guiaweb ß Yahoo! Brazil
www.brazilcrawler.com www.guiaweb.com dir.yahoo.com/Regional/Countries/Brazil
ß Brazil Studies Guide ß Google Brazil ß Zarp
www.umich.edu/~port150 www.google.com.br www.zarp.net
ß Brazilis ß Ondeir
www.brazilis.com.br www.ondeir.com.br
ß Buscador ß Ondeachar
www.uol.com.br/busca www.ondeachar.com.br
ß Buscapique ß Ponteiro
www.buscapique.com/busqueda www.ponteiro.com
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16. Resources
Useful Links
ß Delta Translator ß U.S. State Department - Brazil ß Doing Business - Brazil
www.deltatranslator.com/delta/accents_.htm www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/35640.htm www.doingbusiness.org/
ß Orbilat: Brazilian Portuguese Grammar ß Economist.com, Country Briefings: Brazil ExploreEconomies/?economyid=28
www.orbilat.com/Languages/Portuguese- www.economist.com/countries/Brazil ß Brazil Internet Access Providers
Brazilian/Brazilian-Grammar.htm ß GSM World - Brazil herbison.com/iap_meta_list/
ß Languages on the Web: Brazilian Portuguese www.gsmworld.com/roaming/gsminfo/ iap_meta_list_br.html
www.lonweb.org/link-brasilian.htm cou_br.shtml ß Export.gov - Brazil Internet E-Commerce FAQ
ß Topics Magazine: Brazilian Superstitions ß Brazil: Virtual Tour www.export.gov/sellingonline/Internet_
www.topics-mag.com/internatl/superstitions/ www.v-brazil.com Environment/Brazil.asp
brazil.htm ß Top Web Application in Brazil ß Linked Words: Brazil SEO Marketing
ß Wikipedia: Brazilian Culture www.readwriteweb.com/archives/top_web_ www.linkedwords.com/local-search/local.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Brazil apps_in_brazil.php php?REQ=Brazil%20SEO%20internet%20
ß Brazil Search Engines ß Brazzil Magazine marketing
www.philb.com/cse/brazil.htm www.brazzil.com ß Sun Microsystems: Brazil Project
ß Internet World Stats - Brazil ß World Travel Guide: Brazil research.sun.com/brazil
www.internetworldstats.com/south.htm www.worldtravelguide.net/country/39/ ß Brazil Travel
ß Internet Law Library - Brazil country_guide/South-America/Brazil.html www.v-brazil.com/science/internet.html
www.lawmoose.com/index. ß World Newspapers - Brazil ß Wikipedia: Internet in Brazil
cfm?Action=SearchEngine. www.world-newspapers.com/brazil.html en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_in_Brazil
Search&New=Yes&CKS=WorldLaw ß Gringoes
ß Viva Brazil www.gringoes.com
www.vivabrazil.com ß Info Brazil
ß CIA World Factbook - Brazil www.infobrazil.com
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/ ß Busy Trade - Brazil
the-world-factbook/geos/br.html brazil.busytrade.com
ß InfoPlease - Brazil ß Brazil Facts
www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0107357.html brazil.busytrade.com
ß Lonely Planet - Brazil ß Portals of the World - Brazil
www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0107357.html www.loc.gov/rr/international/hispanic/brazil/
ß Geographia - Brazil brazil.html
www.geographia.com/brazil/ ß Country Studies - Brazil
ß The Library of Congress, Country countrystudies.us/brazil
Studies: Brazil ß Internet Public Library - Brazil
lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/brtoc.html www.ipl.org/div/news/browse/BR
ß BBC News, Country Profile: Brazil ß ICL - Brazil
news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/country_ www.servat.unibe.ch/icl/br__indx.html
profiles/1227110.stm
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