Cultural Sensitivity in Translation: Why It Matters

[email protected]Agnew Blog, Agnew Multilingual, Linguistics, Translation

Today’s world is more globalized than ever, so cultural sensitivity in translation is very important. This is not just about changing words from one language to another; it involves getting the right meaning, intention, and context across in a way that will be understood by people with different cultural norms and values from those we live within. 


There are several reasons why this matters:

Enhancing Communication and Comprehension

Through cultural sensitivity, translations ensure messages are conveyed accurately and appropriately, enhancing understanding and communication. Words or phrases may carry different meanings in various cultures. For instance, jokes, proverbs, and slang expressions do not always have direct equivalents in other languages, so they require some knowledge about what would work best within these other cultures. According to the Common Sense Advisory, 75% of people will be more likely to buy if the information is in their own language, thus underlining the importance of translations that consider cultural factors.

Avoiding Misunderstandings and Offences

One translation mistake can cause a lot of trouble and brand damage; therefore, being correct and attentive in such a process is necessary. There are countless ways in which an incorrect or insensitive translation may lead to misunderstanding or even insult across different cultures, resulting in negative perceptions about the individuals or organizations responsible for them. When dealing with people from other countries, it becomes apparent that what seems innocuous here might be taken as offensive there. This means that if we wish our words and actions not to give offense wherever possible, they must also show knowledge concerning how things may appear within diverse cultural settings.

Building Trust and Credibility

People have stated that they trust brands that appreciate their cultural backgrounds. When a brand shows that it understands the audience through translations sensitive to culture, it gains more trust and credibility. CSA Research reported that 65% prefer reading in their own languages, even if the quality is poor. The study serves as a reminder that connection can only be made strong when people acknowledge where each other comes from.

Increasing Market Reach And Engagement

Cultural sensitivity opens up different business markets while helping them engage with their clients more effectively. Companies can speak to their clients deeply by molding content by local customs, traditions, and values. Engagement is not the only thing that goes high; conversion rates go up, too. The International Data Corporation (IDC) says that revenue grows almost twofold for enterprises that emphasize this kind of translation compared to those that do not.

Enhancing Brand Loyalty

Brand loyalty is improved through translations that are sensitive to culture. When consumers feel like a business understands them well and appreciates who they are, it’s easy for them to stick around. This attachment should be maintained because companies cannot succeed or grow without it. What shows consumers that their unique cultural identities matter most when marketing campaigns, customer service delivery points, product information sheets, and other materials are localized?

How Agnew Multilingual Handles Cultural Sensitivity In Translations

  1. Employ Native Translators: We make use of translators whose native language is the desired one and who also understand the target culture well
  2. Study The Culture: We carry out extensive research about local customs, traditions, values etc., so that you may comprehend them better
  3. What To Localize: We have a full plan for adapting materials to different cultures
  4. Consult Cultural Experts: We employ people who can help ensure that what has been written down does not end up being offensive when translated because of its cultural context
  5. Response and Testing: We collect opinions from original speakers and try out translated texts in environments where they will be used most frequently.

Summary

In translation, being culturally sensitive means being faithful to the language and the various aspects of communication embedded in a culture. Companies that value this achieve effective communication, build trust, expand their customer base, and maintain brand loyalty. Such elements are critical in any successful global enterprise. Thus, it is more than advisable for an organization seeking international success through translations done with sensitivity towards other cultures because failure could mean otherwise.

Reach out to us to ask how we can help you with multilingual translation for your business: https://www.agnew.com/contact-us/