Other languages

Most organisations would like to make their information available in languages other than English. But making choices about what to translate can be difficult.

If significant proportions of your intended audience read another language and do not read English, translation is definitely appropriate.

But effective translation is expensive. Our own conclusion is that translating everything into all languages is impractical and often a waste of resources that could be better spent on a more targeted approach.

As ever, the key is to know your audience. An approach that is based on the identification of the particular needs of your audience is most likely to be successful. Often the priority will be to address specific problems and increase access to services by explaining rights and sources of help in their mother tongue.

In many cases, direct translation is not enough. The audience for a translated leaflet will have a different cultural background and gaps in knowledge about UK institutions that can produce misunderstandings. If the funding can be found, it is definitely preferable to adapt information to the needs of this audience, rather than simply translate.

Before embarking on translation, it is important to research need and work closely with intermediaries and members of the target community to find out what is required in order to ensure that translated materials address real need.

‘Should it be available in other languages?’ looks at the practical considerations of translating information in more detail.