With the large numbers of Spanish and English speakers around the world, creating accessibility and inclusivity between the two languages is imperative to reach the largest audience you can. A great Spanish to English translation can bring these audiences together and widen the base of your brand. Don’t overlook this great opportunity.
A Quick Look at Global Numbers
Before we talk about translation and the benefits of reaching both an English and a Spanish-speaking audience, let’s take a look at some worldwide numbers. Babbel gives us some great information on language and who is speaking what where. For instance:
- Spanish is the second most spoken language worldwide, coming in only behind Chinese. There are over 450 million native Spanish speakers around the globe, and around 75 million people speak Spanish as a second language.
- Spanish is the third most studied language in the world. Only English and French come in ahead.
- English is the third most spoken language around the world, with around 360 million native speakers.
- Spanish is the most studied language in the US, which is now the second-largest Spanish-speaking country in the world. The US has over 43 million native Spanish speakers and 12 million bilingual Spanish/English speakers.
Spanish to English Translation
Clearly, there is a reason to reach both English and Spanish speakers. Though many people do speak both languages, many people know only one. However, they may be living in an area where both languages are used. Translating your material from Spanish to English can be a great move within your brand.
Translation does not have to solely be in a business or marketing sense, either. By having your material accessible in both languages, you provide opportunities to connect communities and improve interactions. Because there are so many people speaking these languages worldwide, a cross-over in translation can be huge in creating that global community many of us are seeking.
The Importance of Translation
We think it’s a smart idea to have your work translated from Spanish to English and English to Spanish. We know that people tend to accept material in their own language better than in another, which is especially true of the written word. Even simple marketing labels and packaging are more appealing when they’re in your own language.
Think about the simple experience of shopping. If your packaging is in English only, is a Spanish-only speaker going to pass it by? Maybe so, but if the label is also in Spanish, they may give it another look. and translation goes far beyond packaging.
Let’s step into the world of eCommerce. When you have a website or blog, wouldn’t you love to make it more accessible to a global community? Having Spanish to English translations and the other way around is a great way to provide inclusivity, accessibility, and broaden the reach of your audience. Spanish and English are one of the most commonly translated languages from one to the other.
Another great example on a smaller scale is within your small business. Think about the math tutor a child from a Spanish-speaking family is going to. When that tutor has their forms and materials in Spanish as well as English, it makes it easier for the family to know what is going on. Or maybe you are opening a restaurant in an area with many English and Spanish speakers. Wouldn’t it benefit you to have your menu in both languages?
A translator can help in every one of these scenarios and more.
What about Spanish to English google translate?
It may be tempting to use google translate for your translations. However, this could get you into trouble. Sure, it’s great for a few small things or learning vocabulary. The problem, however, is that google translate is a very literal translation, and this has its own set of problems.
Literal translation, as the article, Literal Translation – Avoid its Pitfalls, shares with us, is word for word meanings and can lose much of the meaning. You’ve heard the phrase, lost in translation, right? Sure, some things translate easily, like “Where is the toilet?”, but most things lose their nuances, their subtleties, and their language charm. Again, if you are trying to figure out a short message, google translate can work. But when it comes to translating a personal message, directions, or anything of substance, try to stay away from literal translation. Humans are much, much better.
A Skilled Translator’s Expertise
When you want your documents and written work translated from Spanish to English or English to Spanish, your best bet is working with a skilled translator. This translator should be fluent in both languages, regardless of which one is the native language. Fluency is key rather than just a working knowledge. How well your translations are received will depend on how natural they sound.
For instance, Fluentu.com shares some differences between the two languages, like the fact that Spanish nouns have a gender and English ones don’t. Another difference is that adjectives come after the noun in Spanish. These are the things that google translate can’t deliver, but a fluent translator can.
Along with a natural fluency, a good translator will have a cultural knowledge to make the translations work well, too. They may incorporate appropriate slang and subtle nuances to make the translation sound natural and organic. However, they know not to take any liberties that will change the original meaning at all. It’s most important that the translation is true to the original. Ultimately, the message stays the same, the voice and tone stay the same, and the only real difference is the language.
Other Skills of a Good Translator
We know that it’s all-important for a Spanish to English translator to have an ultimate command of both languages to maintain meaning and voice in a translation. There are also some other skills that are important when it comes to translating.
- Appreciation of culture – We touched on this earlier, but because language and culture are closely tied, knowing both the English and Spanish cultures will help a translator offer the best work.
- Willingness to research – Sometimes a translator needs to dig deep and research to create the best and most accurate translation. A good translator will have and utilize these skills.
- Attention to detail – This is a crucial skill in any translation project. Words can seem similar but have very different meanings. Not only do the small details need to be acknowledged, but so does the big picture for the most accurate translation. The context will often play into translation along with that attention to detail, and a good translator will be aware and attuned to these components.
- Sticking to the project parameters and being a team member – A translator also has to be a professional. This means sticking to timelines and check-ins. It means asking when there’s a question and relaying concerns. Working as a team will produce the best translation.
Marketing benefits and tips for Spanish to English translations
Even though many Spanish speakers, especially in the US, speak English as well, it spreads cultural relevance to have your content in both languages. For instance, an ad that is in both languages may bring more potential customers in than a single language ad.
Benefits:
Translation can break down barriers and include more people. Don’t be afraid to step outside and include some other global communities in your marketing endeavors.
Though many Spanish and English speakers are bilingual, most are more comfortable in one language or another. It’s a kind gesture to offer your material in both languages to include both populations while making them comfortable. It will speak well of your brand.
Tips:
However, in your translation, make sure you’re aware of your target audience. A younger person will speak differently than their grandparents do; we see this in almost every language. So if you are marketing video games, your translation will be different than if you’re marketing insurance.
Another key is to make sure that your translators are well-versed in the Spanish or English dialect you need. Each language has many dialects, and this can impact your translation. For instance, you may need to use Latin American Spanish, Caribbean Spanish, Castillan, or any number of other dialects. As far as English goes, you could run into American English, UK English, Australian English, the list goes on here, too. So make sure your translator is comfortable in both dialects you need for Spanish to English.
We also recommend using a translator with experience in your content. If you want to translate a blog or website, look for someone who has done this before. On the other hand, if you are looking to translate a book or medical documents, search for this experience. Most translators are not one-size-fits-all.
Finding a Pro Spanish to English Translator
You’re ready to work on translation, so you just need that translator! You’re at the right place. Bunny Studio has a number of top-notch professional translators ready to take on your projects. Some benefits of working with a translation service like us are that you know what you’re getting and we do take your happiness and satisfaction into account. If you aren’t pleased with your final project, we’ll make it right or offer your money back.
Through working with a translation service like Bunny Studio, you know the translators are professionals with extensive experience, language knowledge, and cultural knowledge. We have checked their backgrounds and keep up with their current performance. Clients leave reviews so you see how others value their work.
Some Final Thoughts On Spanish to English Translation
This is a great move. To have your content in Spanish and English opens up your target audience, lays out a global welcome mat, and puts your content in more hands. These two languages are spoken by a large part of the world, and you’ll see your customer base increase when you translate your content.
We’d love to help you hire a translator at Bunny Studio. Our pros are outstanding in their field and passionate about what they do.
