I’m bilingual, like many other non-native English speakers. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned from speaking two languages, it’s that translating sentences word-for-word is a recipe for disaster.
Why? Because word order changes between languages — what comes first in one language might appear later in another, making a literal translation inaccurate. And then there’s the reader’s cultural context, which plays a huge role in shaping how they interpret a message.
If you want your copy to resonate with everyone, no matter their language, there are a few points you must consider. This article will break them down to help you create appropriate UX copy for a multilingual audience.
I’ll start by discussing the two main approaches for adapting content for a multilingual audience: translation and localization. What do they mean and how do they differ?
Translation
This involves converting text from one language to another. It’s a literal, word-for-word, or sentence-by-sentence approach that helps ensure that a text in one language can be understood in another.
However, it doesn’t account for important aspects like cultural differences, idiomatic expressions, and regional contexts. Take a figurative expression like “break a leg,” for instance. Its intended meaning (good luck, best wishes) is far removed from its literal meaning. You can imagine how confusing it would be for a reader who encounters only the literal translation.
In summary, translation aims to:
- Convey the same meaning in another language.
- Preserve meaning and ensure accuracy.
Localization
Localization involves adapting content to suit the target audience’s linguistic nuances and cultural contexts.
In addition to translating content, localization might also involve changing certain words, phrases, visuals, date formats, units of measurement, and even the content’s tone and style to fit the target audience’s expectations.
An example is using “color” for a US website and “colour” for a UK website.
In summary, localization aims to:
- Make content feel native to the target audience by adapting it contextually and culturally
- Enhance cultural relevance, usability, and user experience.
Ultimately, while translation focuses on language equivalence, localization is a more holistic approach. It adapts content culturally and contextually to suit the target audience.
If you want to ensure a holistic user experience, localization is the way to go. But how do you write the source text to make the translation or localization process smooth? Here are some useful tips to keep in mind:
10 Tips for writing UX copy for a multilingual audience
1. Choose simple words
Never use a longer word when a shorter one can suffice. For example, use “get” instead of “obtain”, and “buy” instead of “purchase”.
2. Keep sentences short
Short sentences are easier to read and translate. They hold the reader’s attention, making your copy more engaging and effective. Longer sentences, on the other hand, usually contain multiple concepts and require more mental effort to translate.
3. Choose active over passive voice
Active voice makes translation and localization easier as they have a simpler and more predictable structure. Take these two sentences for instance:
Active voice: Click this button.
Passive voice: This button has to be clicked by you.
Which of the sentences is faster and easier to understand?
4. Use less complex grammatical structures
Simple sentences are easier to process because they contain fewer clauses, making translation easier and more accurate. Here’s an example:
Complex sentence: If you would like to create an account, you need to enter your email, create a password, and agree to the terms and conditions before proceeding.
Simple sentence: To create an account, enter your email, choose a password, and agree to the terms and conditions.
5. Choose a more formal tone
While casual language might seem more friendly, it’s often culturally specific. Hence, it doesn’t translate well across different cultures. Here’s an example:
Casual language: Ready to dive in? Hit the sign-up button to get started.
Formal language: To register, click the “Sign-up” button.
The second sentence is more direct, making it easier to translate accurately across different cultures and languages.
6. Stay away from everyday expressions
Everyday expressions are usually culturally specific and can easily be misunderstood without proper context. For example, the British phrase “I’m knackered,” which refers to being tired, might confuse someone from a different region.
7. Avoid slang, idioms, and phrasal verbs (use direct verbs instead)
Slang, idioms, and phrasal verbs are usually culturally specific and as a result, do not translate well across different languages. Using direct verbs and clear language makes it easier for translators to convey your message accurately.
8. If you must use acronyms, explain them in the first reference
Acronyms may have different meanings in different cultures or contexts. By defining them, you can clarify the intended meaning and prevent misunderstandings.
9. Avoid jargon
Avoid jargon and technical terms if possible, as not everyone can understand them. However, if you must use them, explain them in the first reference. This helps to ensure accuracy during translation.
10. Minimize the use of ambiguous or undefined pronouns
It’s good practice to specify who or what you’re referring to in your sentences. Ambiguous pronouns like “it” and “they” can be confusing, especially if the antecedent isn’t clear. For example, instead of saying, “Click on it,” say “Click on the button”.
Wrapping up
One language isn’t enough to reach every member of your audience. Even within a single region, there can be diverse dialects, regional languages, or indigenous languages. That’s why you must write copy that works for a multilingual audience.
By following the tips covered in this article, you can create copy that translates well across various languages, making your product more inclusive and universally appealing.
How to write UX copy for a multilingual audience was originally published in UX Planet on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.