Words are complex. They can have different meanings in the same language. To ensure that everyone grasps the meaning you intend can prove to be a challenge. However, the complexity of the word increases manifold when it is being translated to another language or languages. A company that is releasing its products in different countries understands the complexity that come with translating its marketing content while ensuring the meaning of the word remains the same in every language.

Providing information in a language and then getting it translated can sometimes prove disastrous if the meaning of the information changes across languages. This is where a glossary comes into play. Translating a marketing campaign into other, more complex languages can prove to be a challenge when it comes to finding words with the exact same meaning in other languages. This can be time-consuming and as a result, expensive.

Translations that require rework if the meaning of the original content changes with translation cost more. This is why a glossary is created to ensure the words with the same meanings are chosen to convey the essence of the text. As a result, a glossary can be used as a benchmark or reference point. A glossary is a document created to address language discrepancies. It simply includes a list of the terms crucial in the product’s original language and its translation into other languages.

It is created by the translator and approved by the company to ensure they are on the same page. If an exact word-to-word meaning is not available in a language, a phrase in other languages depicting the exact meaning of the word is used. This document ensures no rework is required after the initial translation, thereby ensuring that all the right words are used to convey the essence of the document and meet the quality standards.

Using a glossary has many benefits, especially when a deadline is approaching and a company needs to use multiple translators. By handing out glossaries of approved words and their translations, a company can ensure that quality standards are achieved every time. This also reduces the time that would otherwise be spent translating documents while ensuring consistency across all languages.

Usually, glossaries also include common mistakes translators make when using punctuation and formatting guidelines. These guidelines are company-specific, so there is a chance a translator can make this mistake if they are not pointed out. Another common characteristic of a glossary is the words that shouldn’t be translated and used the same way in all languages. This usually includes proper nouns.

Although glossaries are crucial to ensuring that translation standards are met across all languages, care should be taken to keep them concise. A lengthy and extensive glossary can actually increase the amount of time taken for translation, defeating the purpose of using one in the first place. A concise glossary will offer the benefits mentioned above.