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Industries that VR & AR Technology Could Transform With the Aid of Localization
14/11/2023

Industries that VR & AR Technology Could Transform With the Aid of Localization

Posted on | by Jacqueline De Marco | Leave a Comment on Industries that VR & AR Technology Could Transform With the Aid of Localization

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are getting a lot of buzz these days and for good reason. This exciting technology can be applied to many industries. Because of its potential and VR headset adoption rate, more industries are taking advantage of this technology’s benefits than ever before.

While many people are interested in the potential applications of AR and VR in the entertainment space since that industry is so consumer centric, we want to take a look at the other types of companies that stand to benefit from AR and VR technology and how localization can help aid the adoption of both. Here are a few applications to keep an eye on.

Healthcare & Mental Health

The healthcare industry is arguably one of the most exciting industries for VR to make an impact on. From improving surgical efficiency to simulating health conditions so doctors can have more empathy to helping patients decrease pain, VR has the potential to majorly improve the healthcare industry. There are also advances being made in the mental health space thanks to Virtual Reality Experience, which is a treatment that is showing promising results in having positive effects on patients and providing a calming effect on patients’ minds.

Education

Education tends to be slow at adapting to new technologies because of how bureaucratic their acquisition processes can be, but even so, some institutions are taking notice and venturing into the space. Because VR is attractive to young students, it is quickly becoming an integral part of field trips, educational games, and other learning experiences.

As students progress and pursue higher education, VR can also make an impact. For example, medical students can use VR to simulate surgeries so they can learn and practice in a safe environment. When using VR, students can make mistakes that they can learn from without having to worry about the very dangerous results that could occur if they made mistakes on a real patient while learning.

Not to mention, VR is really making a splash in the field of e-learning, which can benefit students of all ages.

A great example of how AR is contributing in education environments is the medicine program at Case Western Reserve University. They are able to project an image of the human body that they can interact with through the use of HoloLens glasses.

Employee Training & Recruitment

Businesses who are looking to improve their recruitment and training processes can find that VR can help them make progress. When recruiting new employees, they can use VR to assess an applicant’s skills, without requiring them to come to an office in-person to interview. With more and more companies hiring remotely, VR can bridge a gap that would be difficult to fill otherwise. Once they hire an employee, they can also use VR to train them in a safe environment. This is especially helpful for very hands-on roles where technical training is required and where safety issues are a concern.

Retail & Sales

From training to the sales floor, retailers can benefit from embracing VR and AR. For example, through VR, employees can interact with products and can learn about them in a way that is superior to just reading about them. AR can also be used to show customers what a product would look like in their home, making it easier for them to visualize how a potential purchase would impact their daily lives.

How Localization Comes Into Play

The key to VR’s success in all these different industries and spaces is the immersive experience this technology provides. That being said, for it to be successful, this immersion has to be accompanied by “localized worlds”, where all the speech audio is in a language the user understands. If visual cues or prompts include text, these elements also need to be translated. Otherwise, the user will find herself in a world they can’t make sense of, the immersive experience will be shattered, and the ultimate goal (whether it’s learning a skill, healing trauma, or just disconnecting from the real world and getting some entertainment) won’t be achieved.

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Announcing Terra’s Reforestation Initiative to Offset Carbon Emissions 
09/11/2023

Announcing Terra’s Forestation Initiative to Offset Carbon Emissions

Posted on | by Litzaqueline Briceño | Leave a Comment on Announcing Terra’s Forestation Initiative to Offset Carbon Emissions

At Terra, we take a global approach to work. While our operations are 100% remote, members of our team travel around the world to attend conferences, meetings, and networking events. It’s important for us to take steps to reconcile the benefits of business development through travel with the impact it makes on the environment. We know that compensation does not justify environmental degradation but is a way to increase the sustainability of business activities while creating new opportunities for nature development and conservation.  

One step Terra is taking towards climate compensation is to make conscious contributions to projects that capture greenhouse gases at a level equivalent to the emissions we cause. 

The Motivation 

At first, our focus was on internal communications to raise awareness within our team, which consisted of recommendations for the conscious use of energy and resources. Additionally, as part of the Terra Cares program, we reached out to Sustentabilidad Sin Fronteras, a non-profit environmental association, and translated their website and their annual report. 

This year, we wanted to take it a little further. We were interested in taking actions that would have a positive environmental impact and looked at environmental protection non-profits that would help us in our mission to compensate Terra’s carbon footprint. Before we knew it, the project was right in front of us, and we hadn’t seen it. We knew that we wanted to support an initiative that would help us move the needle with climate change. Daniel Ilari, the father of our CEO, Marina Ilari, happened to be working on an eco park project called “Vida libre” in Venado Tuerto, Argentina, her hometown. His work inspired us to do something in collaboration with that project. 

What is the “Vida libre” Eco Park Project?  

It is a private initiative led by Daniel. He is an agricultural engineer and he had this idea for a long time, but it wasn’t until a few years ago that he actively started working on it. This is a massive project that will be executed on a piece of land that has 60 hectares and will be divided into four main areas—a recreational area, a production area, a nature reserve, and a small forest. The hope is for this park to become a great spot for a family outing, where kids can play, walk on pathways, and get an overlook of the place from watchtowers. 

Honoring our Roots 

It was exciting to collaborate on a project of high environmental impact in the city where Terra was born. Beatriz Cirera founded the company in this beautiful city and dreamed about growing the family business there.  

According to the estimates calculated during the first semester of this year, we needed to plant 550 trees to compensate for our carbon footprint. As serendipity would have it, after scheduling and rescheduling the planting several times due to weather conditions, the activity finally took place on International Translation Day, September 30. Local volunteers planted a total of 518 trees and we have plans to continue working on this project. The trees are now between six and eight inches tall, in 12 years, we will start to see a young forest.  

This project had a substantial impact on Daniel. “It means a lot and it is truly beautiful, because I know what this will pass on to my children,” Daniel said, “I’m 64 years old, and these trees will have grown in 12 years. Matías and Marcos, my two sons, have been helping me for a long time. We have planted willows and some canes in the entrance to the park. We are able to have the entire area wooded with various trees thanks to Marina’s collaboration.” 


Marina, is very eager to visit the site in the future, “I have not had the chance to go back to my hometown in many years, so it would be extra special to see Terra’s contribution to the area!” 

In the future, we plan to participate every year in a project that has a positive environmental impact and we’re already considering different options for 2024.

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What’s Terra’s Project Manager Selection Criteria
01/11/2023

What’s Terra’s Project Manager Selection Criteria?

Posted on | by Jacqueline De Marco | Leave a Comment on What’s Terra’s Project Manager Selection Criteria?

In our industry, project management consists of managing resources such as time, budget, technology, and people in a strategic and efficient way so that a translation or localization project is successful. The main goal of project management is to ensure that all tasks are completed in a timely manner and that clients receive quality deliverables. With project management in place, quality control measures can be applied to each project, ensuring that clients receive error-free translations that accurately reflect their needs.

Project managers bring huge value to the table as they combine superb analytical skills to anticipate and prevent any issues that may arise with excellent coordination and communication skills. They have the client’s best interest at heart and do everything within their power to make a project successful. By providing consistency and structure throughout a translation project, project management from start to finish contributes majorly to the success of the services provided by the language service industry.

Because project managers play such an important role in the translation industry, let’s take a closer look at how we select the right project managers at Terra.

How We Select Project Managers

At Terra, we choose project managers according to the specific needs and nature of the projects and accounts they will be working on. We work with both translation project managers and localization project managers. The latter of which are specifically focused on the management of multilingual localization projects done by culturally diverse linguistic teams.

The Qualifications We Look For

There are key qualifications we look for when choosing a project manager. To start, our project managers hold a university diploma in translation, communication, or project management. In order to be selected as a project manager, candidates must have excellent communication and time-management skills, proficiency level in English and another language, with a complete mastery of CAT tools. Our project managers must also be technologically savvy and have a multicultural vision of the localization industry.

In this blog post, we list the 6 must-have skills for project managers if you want more insight into the types of qualifications we look for.

Recruitment and Selection

We have a rigorous recruitment and selection process that helps us find the right candidates. This process includes a technical project management test, a language proficiency test, and several rounds of interviews with our human resources and operations representatives. Additionally, each potential project manager must complete a psycho-technical test aimed at determining the work style of the candidate so we can help determine if they are the right fit for our company’s culture.

When recruiting PMs for specific projects, Terra’s HR team interviews candidates and evaluates their strengths, as well as their compatibility with Terra’s and the clients’ work ethics, values, and cultures. The intention of these efforts is always to minimize staff rotation and to give the client confidence that candidates will integrate seamlessly with their own internal team. We also use the enneagram model to determine the best strategies so the new team member can reach maximum potential within the existing team.

At Terra, we believe in promoting a safe space for neurodiversity by recognizing people’s individual skills and talents and supporting their differences and needs. We also encourage flexibility, clear communication, and the customization of the work environment for each collaborator’s needs.

The Takeaway

Project management is an essential part of the translation industry, as it helps ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget. Because project managers play such a critical role in what we do at Terra, we have a thorough hiring process and strong qualifications we look for when choosing a new project manager to join our team. That way, we can ensure our clients enjoy the best possible experience when working with us.

Do CAT Tools Have a B-Side 
24/10/2023

Do CAT Tools Have a B-Side? 

Posted on | by Jacqueline De Marco | Leave a Comment on Do CAT Tools Have a B-Side? 

If we wanted to describe the localization landscape, we would certainly talk about languages, communication needs, clients, and vendors. However, it would never be complete without considering the technology that makes localization possible globally, at any time, 365 days a year. Computer Assisted Translation (CAT) tools and Translation Management Systems (TMS) have become powerful assets in the industry, adding value to workflows in many different ways. They automate and manage crucial processes, like payments, vendor information, or allocation, while also providing quality features for translation, such as translation memories, term bases, or quality control tools. 

However, despite their indisputable value, using CAT tools has other implications that need to be taken into account when analyzing localization workflows and projects. 

Reluctance 

Project Managers (PMs) may have to deal with reluctance from some vendors or clients that don’t use CAT tools. Misconceptions about tools being a threat to translators’ jobs are somewhat frequent, or people may wrongly mistake them for auto-translation tools. The use of CAT tools can jeopardize the relationship with the reluctant party, and PMs may need to assess if the tool is a necessary piece of the process or discuss other possible options. 

Training and Specialization 

As useful and productive as they can be, it’s also true that in order to use CAT tools efficiently, users need a certain degree of training. This reduces potential issues and allows users to take the best advantage of all the resources CAT tools offer. In terms of feasible project allocation, PMs teams need solid supplier bases that are trained in translation tools. 

Creativity and Transcreation 

CAT tools are most likely to be inefficient in very creative projects, such as transcreation or localization of products or brands. This is because CAT tools offer a bilingual environment where the source text is displayed in consecutive rows so that users can export a translated text with an identical layout as the source text. But sometimes transcreating a marketing campaign implies changing completely the word order, the amount of text, or even the graphic design of a document or product, so CAT tools won’t be necessarily helpful in these scenarios. 

Natura Brasil.
Natura Argentina.
Big Brain Academy, Nintendo Japan landing page. 
Big Brain Academy, Nintendo Brasil landing page.

Row Focus 

Because of the above-mentioned row-organized work environment, CAT tools can make linguists focus on isolated sentences (rows), and not consider the sentence in its context. Furthermore, propagation of repetitions and 100 percent matches may also pass for approved content, without further review. The isolation of sentences may become an issue for creative or literary texts, where translation is not always straightforward and word and sentence order may even be changed. Yet it’s possible to counter it with specialized translators, thorough in-context reviews, and editing steps. 

Analytical Automation 

Analytical and information-based processes include automation, but this doesn’t imply ignoring the scenarios where frequent workflows or tools may not be the best solution. A broader scope for examining translation projects helps the management team to consider all the options available and choose collaboratively the one that best suits each localization need. 

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The Road to Global Success_ The 5-Step Journey of Video Game Localization
17/10/2023

The Road to Global Success: The 5-Step Journey of Video Game Localization

Posted on | by Jacqueline De Marco | Leave a Comment on The Road to Global Success: The 5-Step Journey of Video Game Localization

In the ever-expanding world of gaming, video game localization has become a crucial component for achieving global success. With a strong localization strategy, game developers can bridge the gap between different languages, cultures, and markets, providing players with an immersive and engaging experience no matter where they are in the world. However, taking a game from one language to another is no easy feat. It requires a strategic approach that involves careful planning and execution across every aspect of the game’s development.

Let’s walk through the 5-step journey for video game localization that can provide developers with a roadmap towards achieving global success.

Globalization

This first stage typically falls under the jurisdiction of the developers, publishers, or experts/consultants they hire to analyze market viability, who must carefully study the possible markets in which the game will be sold, advertising tactics, legal issues, and various other factors. In this way, they can gear the gaming content and marketing approach towards the specific cultural and linguistic preferences and needs of these different markets. The goal of globalization is to make the game appealing to as wide a range of international consumers as possible and to gain a competitive advantage in the global marketplace.

Internationalization

The next step is internationalization. Here the game is analyzed carefully to determine the best approach for translating it into different languages. During this phase, the files are prepared and any potential issues are taken into account. For example, the team will look out for character limits that could affect certain languages and check if all fonts support special characters. This level of attention to detail is essential to ensure that the localization stage goes as smoothly as possible.

Localization

Once the globalization and internationalization steps are finished, it’s time to move on to localization. This is where the actual translation happens. The video game’s texts are extracted, translated into the necessary languages, and then imported back into the game. However, not all elements of a video game can be directly translated—sometimes, transcreation and culturalization are needed. This is especially important when it comes to story, characters, and tone, and involves adapting the content to fit the cultural nuances and expectations of the target audience. It can be a challenging process, but one that’s absolutely essential for successful video game localization.

Localization Quality Assurance

After completing the translation process of a video game, the localized game enters into the last step which is known as LQA (localization quality assurance). The objective of LQA is to test the overall quality of the translation and how well it fits with the game in context. This stage is crucial as it can be the determining factor in providing a seamless gameplay experience for the players. LQA comprises three essential elements: linguistic, visual, and functional QA. Who performs this step may vary, as sometimes game translators are responsible for this stage, while other times the concerned company can have an in-house team in charge of this or outsource it to a third party.

Testing

At this stage, a tester, who is not the translator, tries out the game, which usually takes the shape of playing the game and searching for various issues and bugs, which could be anything from cut-off text to poorly functioning design features. This thorough testing ensures the final product is not only free from linguistic errors but also runs smoothly for a seamless and enjoyable gaming experience. Testing is typically done by a testing company or an individual hired for the task.

The Takeaway

The road to global success for video game companies is a challenging but rewarding journey. By following these five essential steps, video game developers can effectively adapt their games to different cultures and languages, creating a more inclusive environment for gamers worldwide. As the industry continues to grow and diversify, proper localization will remain a critical element of success, helping video game companies to reach new heights of achievement and global recognition.

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10/10/2023

Terra’s Wellness Program: Prioritizing Well-Being for a Thriving Workforce

Posted on | by Jacqueline De Marco | Leave a Comment on Terra’s Wellness Program: Prioritizing Well-Being for a Thriving Workforce

At Terra, the health and well-being of those who work with us are a top priority when it comes to talent management. Although we have placed great emphasis on wellness since the foundation of the company, with the accelerated growth we experienced in 2021 and with new perspectives gained during the pandemic, we created the Wellness Program to provide a comprehensive response to various staff needs.

The health crisis we experienced worldwide with COVID made it evident that for operations to work and people to prosper, professionals must enjoy good health. Taking into account that professionals spend a considerable percentage of their time at work, companies are increasingly interested in providing tools to improve overall well-being.

With a strong emphasis on physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being, our program is designed to address the diverse needs of our team, fostering a positive work environment and supporting individual growth.

Here’s a closer look at our wellness program.

What “Well-Being” Means at Terra

At Terra, we are dedicated to cultivating a culture of corporate well-being through a comprehensive action plan. We recognize that well-being encompasses four essential perspectives: physical, mental, emotional, and social. Our goal is to prioritize each of these perspectives through strategic initiatives that enhance the overall quality of life for our people.

Through our wellness program, we aim to achieve several key objectives. While the benefits of a well-being plan are diverse and sometimes unforeseen, our primary focus is on the following:

  • Reinforcing our interpersonal relationships
  • Establishing spaces for constructive dialogue
  • Sharing practices and spaces with colleagues from other areas
  • Preventing work-related stress and maintaining an excellent work environment
  • Strengthening the spirit of teamwork and our sense of belonging
  • Reinforcing the concept of self-awareness and self-care

Examples of Initiatives within the Wellness Program

The actions planned by our Human Resources department are driven by a holistic perspective of overall well-being. Our dynamic wellness plan evolves annually to cater to the specific needs of our teams. Here are some examples of the initiatives we implement:

Terra's Wellness Program Prioritizing Well-Being for a Thriving Workforce
  • Weekly active breaks: These engaging sessions include activities like stretching and mindfulness. We also share resources such as informative articles on physical and emotional health through various communication channels.
  • Coaching and one-on-one conversations: The members of our Human Resources team who are mental health professionals provide coaching sessions and personalized discussions to support the well-being of our team.
  • Work climate meetings: Individual interviews and team-specific meetings are conducted to discuss and enhance the work climate, fostering a positive and inclusive environment.
  • Workshops on Emotional Intelligence and Team Building: We offer optional workshops that focus on developing emotional intelligence and strengthening teamwork among our team.
  • Diversity and inclusion: To consolidate a safe space where everyone can be their authentic selves, we have established a Diversity Policy. This policy encourages free expression through different communication channels.
  • Annual meetings: Whether conducted virtually or in person, these meetings serve as opportunities to strengthen bonds and nurture a sense of teamwork.
  • Coworking space: While Terra operates completely remotely, in 2022 Palermo Studio opened its doors to offer a coworking space where people from different teams can meet and enjoy each other’s company while working.
  • Flexible working hours: We understand the importance of personal and family well-being. Therefore, we offer flexible working hours to accommodate personal or family medical issues and to support parents with school-age children.
  • Personal days and birthdays off: Our team has access to personal days to attend to personal matters when needed. Additionally, if their birthday falls on a working day, they can enjoy a day off to celebrate.
  • Social commitment: Through our Terra Cares program, team members can suggest non-governmental organizations (NGOs) whose mission aligns with their beliefs. We provide pro bono translation services to these NGOs, and our team has the opportunity to contribute as project managers, translators, editors, and more.

Our initiatives may vary from year to year, but the underlying principle of prioritizing well-being remains constant in all actions facilitated by our Human Resources team.

The Takeaway

Terra’s Wellness Program demonstrates our commitment to the well-being of our team. By addressing physical, mental, emotional, and social aspects of well-being, Terra creates a supportive and thriving work environment. As the program evolves each year to cater to changing needs, Terra’s dedication to our team’s well-being remains unwavering. By investing in the wellness of our team we hope to set the stage for mutual growth, engagement, and fulfillment within the organization.

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How Professional Translation Protects Your Business from Legal Pitfalls
03/10/2023

How Professional Translation Protects Your Business from Legal Pitfalls 

Posted on | by Jacqueline De Marco | Leave a Comment on How Professional Translation Protects Your Business from Legal Pitfalls 

In today’s globalized world, businesses often encounter diverse workforces with employees who speak different languages. To maintain a safe and inclusive workplace, it’s crucial for companies to ensure that their safety materials are accessible to all employees. This means translating safety documents into their native languages. Even if your team has operated effectively with materials in English, offering translations can significantly enhance the message’s effectiveness and protect your business from potential legal pitfalls. 

Let’s examine a few considerations to keep top of mind when you start to translate safety documents.  

Understanding Legal Requirements 

Federal laws in the United States mandate the translation of “vital documents” into an audience’s native language. These laws, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Executive Order 13166, aim to prevent national origin discrimination and language-based disparities. The Department of Justice further defines a document as vital if it contains information critical for obtaining federal services or benefits or if it is required by law. This encompasses various forms, policies, informational materials, and outreach content. 

It’s important to recognize that someone’s residency in a foreign country doesn’t guarantee complete comprehension of technical or complex information presented in that language. By ensuring all vital documents are available in a language they fully understand, businesses can guarantee equal access to information, prevent language barriers, and avoid potential fines for non-compliance with federal law. Moreover, providing access to translated materials fosters an inclusive environment and protects businesses from discrimination lawsuits. 

Determining What to Translate 

Deciding which safety documents to translate can be tailored to each business’s specific needs. Companies should start by identifying key operational pain points and the crucial safety information that workers must comprehend. Consider the tasks employees perform and the risks and hazards associated with their roles. Including visual aids like flow charts, diagrams, illustrations, equipment photos, and maps can enhance the clarity and comprehension of procedures, especially emergency protocols. 

Translating all safety procedures, employee guidelines, and corporate policies into employees’ native languages contributes to the company’s reputation for prioritizing safety and inclusivity. By demonstrating care and consideration for employees’ needs, businesses build trust and foster a positive work environment. 

The Benefits of Translation 

Investing in professional translation for safety manuals yields numerous benefits. First and foremost, it helps prevent accidents and injuries, safeguarding employees’ well-being. When employees fully understand safety protocols and proper equipment usage, the likelihood of mishaps decreases significantly. 

Moreover, translating safety materials protects businesses from potential lawsuits and fines resulting from non-compliance with federal laws. By taking proactive steps to offer equal accessibility to all employees, companies shield themselves from discrimination claims and ensure their policies are fair and inclusive. 

In this globalized era, embracing professional translation is not just a legal requirement but also a strategic move that bolsters the long-term success and sustainability of any business. 

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Terra Recognized as a Great Place to Work Across Borders 
26/09/2023

Terra Recognized as a Great Place to Work Across Borders 

Posted on | by Jacqueline De Marco | Leave a Comment on Terra Recognized as a Great Place to Work Across Borders 

Recently, Terra was recognized as a Great Place to Work across borders due to our efforts to create an outstanding employee experience in the U.S., Spain, and Argentina. The Great Place to Work (GPTW) Certification is a recognition and verification process for companies that want to showcase their exceptional workplace culture. 


What makes this certification unique is that it relies on both employee feedback and independent analysis to determine a company’s scores. This means that job seekers can trust the certification as a reliable indicator of companies that truly provide a positive and outstanding corporate culture. 

 
We spoke with Natalia Quintás, our Chief People Officer and head of the HR department, for her insight on what it means to Terra to earn this certification. 

Why We Pursue GPTW Certification 

The GPTW model allows us to assess the vital aspects of the organizational culture we’d like to foster at Terra, which is based on values and the well-being of our team. It is a global model that evaluates the same aspects with the same system in every country. For us, this is useful because it provides us with invaluable information and indicators that can be analyzed in depth and compared to make the best decisions for our teammates around the world. 

In the last three years, Terra grew both in the complexity of the business and the size of the team. We now employ people of 27 different nationalities. “As we keep growing and incorporating more and more diversity, transmitting our culture and values so that everyone embraces them becomes a top priority and a great endeavor,” Natalia explained, “This inspires us to up our game in terms of internal policies and processes, not only within the HR department but in the management of the people in different sectors as well.” For example, our operations leaders faced new and bigger challenges guiding their teams and the other departments stepped up to the plate to provide them with the support needed. 

Applying in Three Regions 

This year, we decided to expand our business operations to Spain. Now, with three strong hubs in terms of operations and concentration of talent, we saw the need to have more detailed information to gauge what is happening with our people in each of these hubs, but also to be more aware of what is happening in the markets where we operate. For us, positioning our employer brand in each of these locations is crucial, and being able to be surveyed and measured in three distinct regions shows what Terra has really become—a global company. 

Recently, Terra was recognized as a Great Place to Work across borders due to our efforts to create an outstanding employee experience inthe U.S., Spain, and Argentina.

“Getting the three certifications is a very rewarding treat for our HR team and team leaders,” Natalia shared, “It is a huge accomplishment for us, and it shows the commitment we have to create action plans where the people and their wellbeing are at the center of everything.” We also know that it entails a great challenge, as it is a starting point to continue improving and thinking about the best interests of the team. However, it is not only the result of the work done by the HR department, but the individual contributions of every member of every department are key. The team spirit truly shows.

What We Learned 

“Every single statistic we get out of the survey is important to us,” Natalia said, “But still, knowing that 96 % of the people consider Terra a great place to work means the world to me. It speaks for itself.”

 
Other impressive statistical findings include: 
 

  • 99% of the people say they feel welcomed when they join the organization 
  • 98% of the people feel team members care about each other  
  • 97% of the people feel management promotes inclusive behaviors 
  • 97% of the people say they feel proud of working at Terra 
  • 96% of the people would recommend Terra to friends looking for a job 
  • 95% of the people think leaders are approachable and it is easy to talk to them 
  • 95% of the people feel it is a fun place to work 
  • 95% of the people say they can count on the help of other team members 

The Takeaway 

Terra Recognized as a Great Place to Work Across Borders - GPTW

According to Natalia, this certification measures credibility, pride, respect, fairness, and camaraderie in the three countries where our operations are centered, confirming that our cultural framework is consistent and strong in a multicultural context. This survey is the backbone of our strategic plan for human resources management. Gathering this much information allows us to truly listen to the different voices in our company and enables us to create action plans that have a meaningful impact on every individual who works with us. 

 
“I could not be prouder and more excited about obtaining the certification,” Marina Ilari, CEO of Terra, said, “For Terra, this means we are on the right path to providing a welcoming and safe work environment for everyone who interacts with our company. For our leadership team, it means we have more tools and more information to continue to do better and be better.”  

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Are You Using These Language & Accessibility Terms Correctly
19/09/2023

Are You Using These Language & Accessibility Terms Correctly?

Posted on | by Jacqueline De Marco | Leave a Comment on Are You Using These Language & Accessibility Terms Correctly?

There are a handful terms in particular that are frequently confused during conversations surrounding accessibility and inclusivity in regards to language. While these terms sound quite similar, their meanings are very different.

To make understanding them easier, we’re breaking down some key terms you need to know when it comes to making language more accessible.

Accessibility language or language of accessibility

The terms accessibility language and language of accessibility both refer to making sure that disabled individuals have the resources and accommodations they need to be able to participate fully in daily activities when it comes to language. This includes things like providing materials in accessible formats (such as braille or large print) or using sign language interpreters for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. These terms can also refer to being respectful and inclusive when discussing disability and accessibility, as well as avoiding using language that is stigmatizing or demeaning.

Accessible language or plain language

Plain language is a way of communicating information that is clear, concise, and easy to understand. It is often used in written communications, such as documents and websites, to ensure that the intended audience can easily find and understand the information they need. A plain language approach involves using straightforward language, organizing information in a logical and clear manner, and avoiding jargon or technical terms that might be confusing to the reader. It is not the same as oversimplifying or talking down to the reader, but rather it is about presenting information in a way that is accessible to all readers, regardless of their education or background. Using plain language can help to ensure that important information is not missed or misunderstood, and can help to make complex information more accessible to a wider audience.

Language access

Language access is about ensuring that individuals who speak languages other than English (referred to as Limited English Proficient or LEP individuals) are able to access the same services and information as English speakers. This often involves providing translated written materials or hiring interpreters to facilitate spoken communication. Providing language access is important because it allows LEP individuals to fully participate in various activities, such as accessing healthcare, partaking in the educational system, and interacting with government agencies.

Inclusive language

Inclusive language is about using terms and expressions that are inclusive of LGBTQIA+ and minority individuals and that do not exclude or diminish them. This includes using language that is gender-neutral or non-sexist, as well as avoiding terms that are derogatory or stigmatizing. Using inclusive language is an important aspect of creating a more inclusive and equitable society, and it is essential for promoting respect and understanding among all members of our communities.

The Takeaway

Language and accessibility are key in our daily lives. Being aware of what each of us can do in these aspects can have a huge impact on someone else’s life. Professional translation services can help businesses and organizations reach their accessibility goals and can help them establish brand loyalty amongst their diverse customer base.

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How to Juggle Quality, Speed & Cost in Your Next Localization Project
12/09/2023

How to Juggle Quality, Speed & Cost in Your Next Localization Project

Posted on | by Jacqueline De Marco | Leave a Comment on How to Juggle Quality, Speed & Cost in Your Next Localization Project

In an ideal world we would always get what we want when we want it for the best price at the best possible quality. The localization industry is no exception to these expectations. Which is why it’s important to find a way to juggle quality, speed, and cost when planning a localization project.

Companies in need of localization services are always balancing these three important factors:

Quality

Quality is understandably a very sought-after quality in localization. The content that requires localization usually ends up in front of an end customer or user and it has the potential to generate more revenue for the company.

Presenting your audience with a high-quality product is more often than not the key to success within a market. In order to achieve quality, several steps need to be taken—from making sure you’re working with seasoned professionals, to working with the technology that reduces the chance for human error, to performing additional quality assurance steps.

In your pursuit of quality, you’ll quickly notice how quality impacts the two other factors you need to balance—speed and cost. When it comes to a quick desired turnaround, some things can’t be rushed and each step requires spending the appropriate amount of time on it to ensure quality. Achieving quality also involves choosing the right vendors, technology, and additional services, all of which can impact cost.

Speed

When it comes to turnaround times, your specific needs may vary. If you have an upcoming launch, you may have no choice but to meet a tight deadline. In this case, there are a few ways you could save time:

If, however, you’re not in a rush and have started analyzing your options with plenty of time, this won’t be a factor for you.

Cost

It’s very likely that you have a budget for your global growth strategy. Because of this, when contracting services, cost becomes a very important element.

If your budget is on the smaller side, omitting quality assurance steps will also allow you to cut down costs. The fewer people involved, the less expensive a localization project is. Who does the work also may affect your budget, as highly skilled professionals often have more expensive rates. If you’re looking for high-quality translations, we advise against employing a bilingual friend and skipping quality assurance steps.

Another cost-effective solution could be to use machine translation. Quality will most definitely be impacted by making this choice, but you can improve the quality of machine translated content with the help of post-editors who can make the necessary corrections to achieve a human-made translation level of quality.

The Takeaway

As we always say, localization shouldn’t be an afterthought. If global growth is in your business plans, think in advance what your priorities are so that these factors don’t weigh you down on your path to success.

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