Our Services and Solutions

Multi-Language Websites

What is a "multi-language" website?

Multi-language websites are designed to use two or more languages, often including English and one or more other languages. They typically involve two key features:

  • They enable translators to easily add translations for common words and phrases in the "chrome" of the website. For example, they can change the navigation labels, copyright statement, and other information architecture into another language.
  • Multi-language websites support adding content for specific languages. This might include blog posts, articles, store products, and SEO-tag content.

What sorts of multi-language websites has Five Q produced?

Five Q has developed a number of multi-language websites, including but not limited to websites in Spanish, French, Dutch, and Polish.

Can you automate translation?

In some cases you can, but it rarely works well, especially in a ministry or non-profit context. There are enough nuances in languages that it is best to have a native speaker to do the translation. This ensures key thoughts are presented correctly in that language's vernacular.

How does a multi-language website drive results?

If your goal to reach a non-English-speaking audience, a multi-language website is a must to ensure that your content is properly delivered and to maintain your branding.

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Keys to Collaboration

  • Develop a translation strategy.

    Have a plan upfront for translating your content and double checking/reviewing the translations as needed. You will want to have a procedure in place for proofreading your translations and making adjustments after the translations are live on the web.

    Understand unicode and character encoding.

    Unicode is a technology to "encode" written language in a way that computers can understand. It supports every written language known, and is essential to multi-language websites particularly for languages that use characters instead of letters.

    One website or many?

    Do you need a single website that supports multiple languages, or multiple websites that target individual languages? This answer makes a difference in cost, performance, and usability for your website(s) so discuss the implications of both options with your internal management and website development teams.

    i18n = Internationalization, l10n = localization

    Internationalization and localization are terms thrown around when developing multi-language websites. There are 18 letters between the "I" and "N" in "internationalization", so it is shortened to "i18n". Likewise, there are 10 letters between the "L" and "N" in "localization".

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