Website Translation TipsWebsite translation is both similar to and different from traditional document translation. For a translator that has never translated a website, or is relatively new to translating HTML documents, it's the differences that can cause a few headaches, especially if the translator isn't too sure of what to expect to begin with.
First of all, the similarities. Website translation is first and foremost translation. Usually a webpage contains a block or two of words, and it is the translators job to get the meaning across in whatever language the client requests. Unfortunately, this is about where the similarities stop. The first major difference between regular document translation and web translation is that webpages are usually HTML files. If a client gives a translator a bunch of HTML files and asks him/her to translate them, it is up to the translator to figure out what part of the file is the HTML and what part is the actual text to be translated. In addition to the above, it is important for a translator to know what kind of links should be used throughout the pages. There are two different types of links that are commonly used on webpages, usually referred to as relative links or absolute links. I'm not going to get into the difference here, but it is important to know the difference and know which one the client wants you to use. Usually you'll just use whatever the client has already used in the original translation, but it can be different. Another thing to keep in mind when translating a webpage is that images with text in them need to be dealt with separately if the client wants them translated. Sometimes there may not be very many images and the client won't want them translated. If the client does want you to translate them, however, you'll have to find someone with a photo program like Photoshop so that the pictures can be manipulated the right way. Using the built-in Paint program isn't going to cut it. Sometimes, the client that has requested the translation might not know anything about HTML or webpages or how they work, and so your questions might have to be referred to the person in charge of doing the original website. All in all, while website translation might contain a few more things you'll need to worry about than straight document translation, good communication with the client can definitely lead to a good experience for both the translator and the client. Check out my website translation services if you're in need of a good website translator.
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