Multiple language sites

Translate or not?

[hbird64]

How do you guys (and girls) handle a request to set up your site in another language on a foreign domain? The content of the site changes constantly and contains a lot of pages. Translate through a program, by humans or assign another webmaster?

Hbird64

[oilman]

It really depends on the what level of quality you are looking for. If you want to avoid any misunderstandings and so forth it it best to hire a professional translator to manage it for you. Translation tools are passable and getting better but I still wouldn't rely on them just yet.

[Rumbas]

I would translate by human / assign webmaster with out any doubt. You need good proof reading on all languages though.

If your selling it should be cost effective.

[bill]

I also agree that you need a human translation of your site. Also, you may need someone to handle customer service in the local language depending on the goods and/or services you are offering.

[Gorufu]

Also, you may need someone to handle customer service in the local language depending on the goods and/or services you are offering.

Bill I agree, this is often overlooked in foreign language web sites.

Poor translations should be avoided in both web pages and customer enquiries, bookings etc. This is very important if you are marketing a product or service that requires payment of money or a fee. Misunderstandings can be very confusing and costly.

If someone is visiting a website with pages in their native language, they generally feel more comfortable sending email, bookings etc in that language rather than your native language. Your foreign language pages gives a potential customer the impression that you are capable of handling enquiries in their language.

When I added Japanese language pages to my site all the email replies and bookings were in Japanese. Fortunately I employ a native Japanese person and she handles all the Japanese email enquiries and bookings.