Three Tips on Multilingual Packaging
by Chad Richardson
Multilingual packaging is an essential step in expanding your reach and making your company stand out among competitors. The power of the written word should not be underestimated. Customers want the chance to read the relevant information about your product in their language; they want to feel included in your consideration. The problem is, not just anybody can produce quality translated content. This one is a challenge that can’t be solved by Google Translate. Here a few key points on multilingual packaging and how you can make it work for you.
Consider Culture
Translation can be a messy business. The thousands of languages in the world represent thousands of cultures, all with unique ways of viewing life and language. You don’t want to offend anyone by misunderstanding their slang, colloquialisms, or idiomatic expressions. Always try to use a native speaker to translate the message you want to share, as simple or as in-depth as it may be.
Simplify
Too many words can be confusing and frustrating no matter what language you speak. Try to keep your packaging simple and rely more on the aspects of color, design, and symbols to get your message across. You may not have to translate every word to be understood. If you do, you may want to consider a multi-layer label like those found on medicine bottles or a sign indicating that multiple languages can be found inside. You could also tap into the ever-growing power of the online market by implementing a QR code that leads to a multilingual website.
Plan Ahead
It takes time and effort to translate anything. If you want high-quality content, it is going to require sincere effort and dedication. You will need a native speaker to read your message, translate it into culturally appropriate terms, and incorporate it into your design. Language is power, so you’ll want to make sure you get this one right.
Contact us today to see how we can help you translate your brand for everyone in your global community.
Related Articles
Why Generic Machine Translation Fails Enterprise Scale
Generic machine translation (MT) engines frequently fall short when enterprise teams attempt to deploy global content at scale because they fail to preserve specialized corporate tone or distinct target audience requirements. Standard MT outputs lack the direct controls needed to differentiate between communication intended for technical experts versus broad consumer bases, creating friction in international…
Why are CAT tools vital for enterprise cost control?
In a traditional localization workflow, every document – whether a product manual, marketing campaign, or legal contract – is treated as a completely new artifact. This leads to redundant expenditures, inconsistent brand voice, and long post-delivery revision cycles. CAT tools transform translation from a transactional expense into an accruing digital asset. By embedding these platforms…
E-Commerce Transcreation for Global Growth
Discover why deep cultural localization and e-commerce transcreation are essential for engaging the booming middle-class markets across Asia and beyond. Key Takeaways: The global consumer class has surpassed 4 billion, with Asia now holding a massive 50% share of the middle class. To capture market share in these emerging hubs, brands must pivot from generic,…
here
for you
We’d love to learn more about your translation and localization needs.