To understand the skilled role our language designers play in the production of multilingual publications you have to know what happens when a piece of English text is translated into another language. The answer is usually that it grows – sometimes taking up as much as 30% more space. Of course in an ideal world the design and layout of a multilingual publication would allow for this but our language designers recognise that this is a luxury rather than the norm.
Our language designers work expertly with client-designed materials. They are there to ensure that, whatever the language, style and uniformity is maintained so that the finished pieces remain true to the original and recreate the influence and understanding intended at source. They are painstakingly careful – obsessive even – in their work, taking great care over how messaging sits around imagery and headlines every time a translated version is introduced – ensuring the layout gives the very best visual impact. They also understand the typographic subtleties of the translated language and make sure that every language version is correct for the intended reader.
Language designers know precisely how to maintain consistency across versions. It is a highly developed skill and one that ensures your translated message gets through, whatever culture the reader happens to be a part of – so language design means you can be sure that every element of a design is geared towards your target cultures.
The LanguageFlow software
To create a multilingual publication the English text first has to substituted with the language text so a like for like version is created. This process is automated using our very own custom-designed LanguageFlow software. This ensures that, before our language designers really get to work, the right text is both in the right place and in the right style. The automation provided by the LanguageFlow software means you can enjoy massive benefits when it comes to speed, accuracy and consistency. It also enables us to reduce costs dramatically – sometimes by as much as 60% in comparison to traditional design or ad agencies.
