Translating keywords into other languages - is it possible?

Or do foreigners use their language some other way?

[rencke]

So, you've got yourself a nice list of prime keywords. And now you want to translate the site into other languages and optimize it. Is a professional translator all you need? Or does it take more?

A professional SEO-specialist told me his company was translating sites for his clients using nothing but professional translators and claimed they have good results. I somehow find that hard to believe. Languages and all their words are there to describe concepts and ideas. Do people in all countries really express themselves in a fashion so similar that it can be translated straight off? Or do you need a good keyword database for each language, that you are interested in?

Until someone can prove me wrong, I say that you need foreign keywords that are not just translations straight off, but based on what people around the world actually put into their search engines. Does anyone want to try?

[spiky]

I'm sure your point is valid. Even the differences between US and UK English can make all the difference to how a site is regarded by different populations. Local dialect and phrase usage are all important.

[PAG]

Your absolutely right Rencke,
We are a SEO firm based in Montreal, Canada so we have to deal on a daily bases with both French and English language. I can tell you that there are no known translation tools able to compete with good old multi language HUMAN translator. Especially when you are looking for very specific KW.
But whether is in English, French, Spanish or any other languages the start point will be Are your customer looking for this particular KW? Otherwise all your efforts are vain.
PAG