{"id":180235,"date":"2020-10-29T17:26:18","date_gmt":"2020-10-29T17:26:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.motionpoint.com\/?post_type=resources&#038;p=180235"},"modified":"2025-05-20T14:55:09","modified_gmt":"2025-05-20T18:55:09","slug":"difference-between-traditional-translation-localization-transcreation","status":"publish","type":"resources","link":"https:\/\/www.motionpoint.com\/resources\/difference-between-traditional-translation-localization-transcreation\/","title":{"rendered":"Transliteration, Transcreation, Translation, and Localization: The Key Differences"},"template":"","class_list":["post-180235","resources","type-resources","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":{"seo_video_embed_id":"","seo_social_image":{"ID":180236,"id":180236,"title":"different-translation-type","filename":"different-translation-type.png","filesize":127823,"url":"https:\/\/www.motionpoint.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/different-translation-type.png","link":"https:\/\/www.motionpoint.com\/resources\/difference-between-traditional-translation-localization-transcreation\/different-translation-type\/","alt":"","author":"2","description":"","caption":"","name":"different-translation-type","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":180235,"date":"2020-10-29 17:24:16","modified":"2020-10-29 17:24:16","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/png","type":"image","subtype":"png","icon":"https:\/\/www.motionpoint.com\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":1015,"height":502,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/www.motionpoint.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/different-translation-type-150x150.png","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":150,"medium":"https:\/\/www.motionpoint.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/different-translation-type-300x148.png","medium-width":300,"medium-height":148,"medium_large":"https:\/\/www.motionpoint.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/different-translation-type-768x380.png","medium_large-width":768,"medium_large-height":380,"large":"https:\/\/www.motionpoint.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/different-translation-type.png","large-width":1015,"large-height":502,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/www.motionpoint.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/different-translation-type.png","1536x1536-width":1015,"1536x1536-height":502,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/www.motionpoint.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/different-translation-type.png","2048x2048-width":1015,"2048x2048-height":502}},"seo_hero_image":{"ID":180237,"id":180237,"title":"translation-localization--transcreation","filename":"translation-localization-transcreation.jpg","filesize":62498,"url":"https:\/\/www.motionpoint.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/translation-localization-transcreation.jpg","link":"https:\/\/www.motionpoint.com\/resources\/difference-between-traditional-translation-localization-transcreation\/translation-localization-transcreation\/","alt":"","author":"2","description":"","caption":"","name":"translation-localization-transcreation","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":180235,"date":"2020-10-29 17:24:29","modified":"2020-10-29 17:24:29","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","type":"image","subtype":"jpeg","icon":"https:\/\/www.motionpoint.com\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":2000,"height":768,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/www.motionpoint.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/translation-localization-transcreation-150x150.jpg","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":150,"medium":"https:\/\/www.motionpoint.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/translation-localization-transcreation-300x115.jpg","medium-width":300,"medium-height":115,"medium_large":"https:\/\/www.motionpoint.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/translation-localization-transcreation-768x295.jpg","medium_large-width":768,"medium_large-height":295,"large":"https:\/\/www.motionpoint.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/translation-localization-transcreation-1024x393.jpg","large-width":1024,"large-height":393,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/www.motionpoint.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/translation-localization-transcreation-1536x590.jpg","1536x1536-width":1536,"1536x1536-height":590,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/www.motionpoint.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/translation-localization-transcreation.jpg","2048x2048-width":2000,"2048x2048-height":768}},"hero_header_text":"What\u2019s the difference between traditional translation, localization, transcreation and transliteration?","hero_sub_header_text":"Discover the different types of translation\u2014and learn which ones your multilingual content needs most.","intro_header_text":"Degrees of Translation","intro_content_text":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Most people consider the word \u201ctranslation\u201d to mean something\u202ffairly straightforward.\u202fIt\u2019s\u202fthe process of converting text from one language into another, <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">but is translation the same as localization?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Well, not exactly. That definition only tells part of the story. Translation, like language itself, is more art than science. Depending on your industry and target market, word-for-word translation may not be the best choice.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Your business goals and budget also matter. <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">So, which website translation method is best for global businesses? Consider these four approaches as you move forward with your website translation and localization strategy:<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Translation<\/li>\n<li>Localization<\/li>\n<li>Transliteration<\/li>\n<li>Transcreation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Each approach has its own unique benefits and drawbacks. These translation methods <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">for websites<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> can help you reach foreign markets<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> and improve multilingual SEO<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. They can also support<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> international customers and increase conversion rates<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. This way, you can stay competitive online.\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For companies going global in certain industries, such as pharmaceutical or manufacturing, translation <a href=\"https:\/\/credevo.com\/articles\/2023\/02\/25\/importance-of-precise-translation-in-regulatory-affairs\/\">may be required by law<\/a><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. Read on to gain insights into each, and which approach\u2014or combination of approaches\u2014is best for your growing brand.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","content_header_1":"Translation","content_block_1":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Content translation for websites means changing your website\u2019s text from one language to another. For example, you might start with English. Then, you rewrite it in the language your audience speaks, like Spanish, Chinese, or French. This helps local customers understand and use your website better.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Your website is brimming with translatable content, in obvious\u2014and not-so-obvious\u2014places. The most apparent content is the on-site static text used to describe or promote services and products, or to provide information to customers while in the conversion funnel (such as shipping information).<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Multimedia content such as images (featuring text), videos and PDFs are other fairly obvious media to translate, too.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">But your site contains hundreds\u2014if not thousands\u2014of strings of additional metadata text that only search engines can see. There are many phrases and resources that can be translated. These are kept in a content database. They are shown to customers in different ways.\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Not every customer sees all the content. However, it needs to be translated. This way, everyone can enjoy a fully immersive experience in their own language.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Finally, you probably have a wealth of omnichannel content that can help your sales and marketing efforts in new markets, such as:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Marketing campaign emails<\/li>\n<li>Order confirmation emails<\/li>\n<li>Brochures<\/li>\n<li>Catalogs<\/li>\n<li>Smartphone apps<\/li>\n<li>And more<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This material can also be translated to deliver a better customer experience for global audiences.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">There are several ways to approach translating the content, ranging from low-cost (and generally low-accuracy) software machine translation to pricier (but much better quality) human translation. Learn more about\u202f<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.motionpoint.com\/blog\/evaluating-the-pros-and-cons-of-human-and-machine-translation\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">the differences between machine and human translation<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Companies that are worried about translation costs might be tempted to mitigate their investment by using\u202f<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.motionpoint.com\/blog\/translation-workflow-the-need-to-know-about-people-process\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">in-house solutions<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, even going so far as to use\u202f<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.motionpoint.com\/blog\/amateur-translations-are-bad-for-your-brand\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">non-translators<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. These approaches are far riskier in the long-run because of their lack of experience or technical expertise in the nuances of website translation.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","content_header_2":"Translation vs. Localization \u2013 What\u2019s the Difference? ","content_block_2":"<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW72256282 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW72256282 BCX8\">Website translation services convert text from one language to another. <\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW72256282 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW72256282 BCX8\">Localization goes beyond word-for-word conversion and aims to create cultural relevance. By using these\u202fregionally preferred\u202ftranslations, you can generate more interest and engagement among customers.\u202f<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW72256282 BCX8\">You\u2019re<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW72256282 BCX8\">\u202fnot only literally speaking their language\u2014<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW72256282 BCX8\">you\u2019re<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW72256282 BCX8\">\u202ftalking like a local.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW72256282 BCX8\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<figure style=\"text-align: center;\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.motionpoint.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Popcorn-Different-Translation.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"100%\" \/><\/figure>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Using region-specific terms can\u202f<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.motionpoint.com\/blog\/how-motionpoint-handles-localization-and-customization\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">boost SEO<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u202fby matching terms customers use in local search engines, too.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.motionpoint.com\/blog\/strike-the-right-balance-with-web-content-translations-across-all-markets\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202fAn 80\/20 split<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u202fis the best balance of translation and localization.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Localization processes go beyond word choice. You can also apply it to how your website presents information, how you design it, or even how it functions. You can\u2014and should\u2014adjust elements like currency, payment options, and product sizes to fit local standards whenever possible. If local company contact information is available, it should be clearly presented to users as well.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Customizing on-site imagery or running promotional campaigns that reflect regional culture, holidays or sensibilities is another way to localize content. This builds brand credibility and trust.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Even the functional ability to accommodate non-Latin scripts\u2014such as Chinese, Arabic or Russian\u2014in name and address forms will positively impact the user experience, and conversions.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Statistics Highlighting the Importance of Localization:<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Revenue Growth: Businesses investing in translation are 1.5 times more likely to see an increase in international sales revenue. <\/span><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/pulse\/numbers-impact-translation-business-success-fady-bishay-ybrvf\/0\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/pulse\/numbers-impact-translation-business-success-fady-bishay-ybrvf\/0<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Campaign Performance: Localized campaigns outperform English-only campaigns <\/span><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/pulse\/numbers-impact-translation-business-success-fady-bishay-ybrvf\/\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">by 86%<\/span><\/b><\/a><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0 in both click-throughs and conversions.<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","content_header_3":"When to Use Transliteration","content_block_3":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Translation is the conversion of content from one language to another.\u202f<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.motionpoint.com\/blog\/whats-your-brand-transliteration-strategy\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Transliteration<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u202fis the conversion of written content from one writing system to another.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Instead of <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">translating content word-for-word<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, transliteration relies on phonetic elements from the original word to recreate the sound in another language without rendering meaning. With some creativity, however, transliterations can use sound choices or wordplay to evoke certain meanings and qualities to local customers.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Transliteration often occurs when companies expand into markets where the preferred language doesn\u2019t use non-Latin alphabets, such as China, Japan, South Korea, Russia or MENA markets. For instance, when auto maker BMW expanded into China, it transliterated its brand name to <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u5b9d<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u9a6c<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> (b<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u01ce<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">om<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u01ce<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">). In Chinese, this means \u201ctreasure horse,\u201d which evokes the brand\u2019s spirit of luxury and reliability.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Localizing content such as<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> your brand name, as well as product names and slogans associated with your brand image, should be a key part of your global branding strategy. Depending on the market, it also might be required by law.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","content_header_4":"What is Transcreation?","content_block_4":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Transcreation is \u201ccreative translation,\u201d in which a message is adapted from one language to another not necessarily word-for-word, but by preserving intent, context and tone. This is <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">web<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> translation at its most artful.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Transcreation is most commonly used for marketing materials. Brand slogans, advertising copy and other wordsmithed, nuanced content requires more than conventional translation to deliver the same impact in other languages. Skilled linguists must recreate the messaging\u2019s wordplay, wit and intent.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Transcreation is sometimes also necessary for markets that use the same language. Due to cultural references or local sensitivities, the content\u2019s message must be recreated in ways that still resonate with local customers. For instance, in the 1990\u2019s, British telecommunications company Orange UK ran into trouble with their slogan, \u201cThe future\u2019s bright\u2026 The future\u2019s Orange,\u201d when it expanded into Northern Ireland. There, orange is a symbol of Protestantism, a hot-button topic for an Irish Catholic population still dealing with sectarian violence at the time.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Great transcreations require a combination of linguistic expertise and marketing creativity, which means it can be pricey. Consider reserving it for marketing materials that need to be brand-perfect or culturally sensitive. If appropriate, use it as part of your global digital marketing strategy.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","content_header_5":"Choosing the Right Translation Approach for Your Business ","content_block_5":"<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW251845104 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW251845104 BCX8\">If <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW251845104 BCX8\">you\u2019re<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW251845104 BCX8\"> looking to <\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW251845104 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW251845104 BCX8\">expand globally<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW251845104 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW251845104 BCX8\">, but <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW251845104 BCX8\">you\u2019re<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW251845104 BCX8\"> not sure what types of translation you need, use this chart to <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW251845104 BCX8\">determine<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW251845104 BCX8\"> which combination best serves your business needs.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW251845104 BCX8\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<figure style=\"text-align: center;\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.motionpoint.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Translation-Decision-Tree_SEO.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"100%\" \/><\/figure>\n","content_section_6":"","content_header_6":"Trust the Experts in the Translation and Localization Industry ","content_block_6":"<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Now that you understand the difference between translation, localization, transliteration, and transcreation, the next step is finding a digital-first translation agency that gets it done right.<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You need the expertise and technology to master the localization of your website and global marketing content. MotionPoint\u2019s translators are professional linguists, subject-matter experts, and brand mavens that can help you achieve the best balance of translation approaches.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Other vendors say you need translation, localization, transliteration or transcreation, but are vague about how they define those terms, and how they deliver the right translation approach to suit your needs. MotionPoint\u2019s translation teams are knowledgeable and straightforward, and will help you strike the right balance that matches your goals and budget. No matter what your needs, MotionPoint has the right\u202f<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.motionpoint.com\/website-localization-services\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">website localization services<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u202ffor you.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","content_header_7":"","content_block_7":"","content_header_8":"","content_block_8":"","content_header_9":"","content_block_9":"","meta_title":"Difference Between Translation, Localization, Transcreation, and Transliteration","meta_description":"Discover the different types of translation\u2014and learn which ones your multilingual content needs most.","meta_keywords":"localization translation, define transcreation, translation vs transliteration, another word for recreate, discover the difference slogan, translation difference, define transliteration, whats translation, terrific translate, brand localization, what is meant by global localization, localization services definition, bright translate, straightforward translate, probably not translate, transliteration online, ireland chinese translation, transcreation agency, need of translation, localization meaning, localized meaning in english, evoke translation, transliteration definition, global customers definition, brand name translation, bmw meaning english, another word for traditional, consider it done slogan","translate_this_resources":"YES","content_header_10":"","content_block_10":"","content_header_11":"","content_block_11":"","content_header_12":"","content_block_12":"","content_header_13":"","content_block_13":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.motionpoint.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/resources\/180235","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.motionpoint.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/resources"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.motionpoint.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/resources"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.motionpoint.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=180235"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}