How Do You Say...?

 In this issue:

• What To Translate First, An HR Perspective.
• You Call It
  
• Kudos
  
• About Us
  

This month's article focuses on helping HR managers decide how to prioritize translation projects.

Important note!
Last month we sent out two versions of HDYS, one with the "You Call It" section on it, where readers voted on the upcoming month's article and one version without it. We wanted to test your interest on the section... and it was good ! (according to Marcos our newsletter director). Last month's subject with the most votes is today's article, so don't forget to vote for May's article in the "You Call It" section below.

President & C.E.O.
Galindo Publicidad, Inc.
TEL 954.255.5620  1.800.572.9446 
FAX 954.255.5615
email: mgalindo@translationsandmore.com

Many of you are directly involved in deciding which documents get translated in your company and which documents don't, and sometimes it's not a quick or easy decision to make. You have a tough job, especially if you are involved with the Human Resources department.

Having to select between translating an employee newsletter, benefits information, safety procedures, employee handbooks, automated voice response systems, etc, etc... is not an easy task. What do you prioritize and how do you allocate a limited budget?

Here are some suggestions...

You can't go wrong if you focus on the most important assets of your company first, your employees. Without them there is no company; they should be your main priority.

Help them understand company policies, expectations, and procedures. Show you care about your employees (especially in these unstable times) by dedicating time and resources to get these translations done right. You and your company will directly benefit from it.

We have seen through our years of experience, dealing with foreign-language-speaking individuals and despite differences in education and social upbringing, that the majority of foreign-born nationals and speakers of other languages appreciate their employers' sincere efforts to communicate in a more effective way--for the benefit of all involved, and not only for politically correct reasons.

Like any item in the budget, translations of HR materials need some type of explanation/justification.

Here are some supporting facts:

• The constantly evolving workforce. Times have not been changing, people have: new faces, all races, new attitudes, more flexibility and more tolerance requirements. This translates into more cultural competence, and more cultural competence means more internal cooperation between employees, enhanced service for the customer, improved worker productivity, and yes, more profits.



• Translations can save lives. Are lives in danger when safety measures are not taken because of a lack of language command? How do you protect your organization from accidents and lawsuits that can be avoided because a worker did not fully understand the written instructions? The choice to only hire native-English speakers is not a real choice for many locations in the country anymore. Therefore, you should be prepared to handle new requests and new needs properly. Do not wait until an accident happens.



• It's an authentic employee morale booster. Organizations may spend a great deal of time trying to identify things to do to improve morale after a major organizational change. Translating the right materials shows a genuine effort to be as fair as possible before your workforce. Think of the goodwill you will generate.

In a nutshell, translating materials that affect all employees generates a positive attitude towards the company. It can save lives, prevent accidents, and increase employee morale pronto!

What do you think? Email me

See you next month...

Martha.


Key Tip

If you decide to translate an employee manual, try to mirror the English version in terms of look and feel. Do not be tempted to change the quality of the paper, the cover, or the binding--this could backfire. You must act fairly to be perceived as such. And here is a place where all your effort can go to the wastebasket. Keep it even or adiós dinero!

You Call It

I would like your help in selecting which topics interest you more. Below are three potential options for next month's article. Just click on the title you would like to know more about and your vote will be recorded automatically. The title with the most votes becomes next month's HDYS article.

     Does Humor Work to Attract the Hispanic Consumer?

     Will a Federal Foreign-Language Policy Help Your Business?

     Work Related Accidents and Foreign Languages. Is There a Correlation?

Kudos

Randy's response to March's article on Hispanic word of mouth marketing.

"Your article on translating and word of mouth among Hispanics is so true! Just one satisfied Hispanic client has brought us many new clients. We learn from your insight and forward your newsletter. Keep up the good work!"

Randy Nathan Esq.

About Us

Galindo Publicidad, Inc. (GPI), Specializes in translating English business-related materials into and from Spanish and Portuguese, while also providing translations in German, French, Italian, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and Russian.

Using its select network of native professionals, GPI guarantees linguistically accurate, reliable, and confidential translations performed with sensitivity and cultural respect.

Galindo Publicidad, Inc., winner of multiple awards, has been selected twice as a Florida 100 company, a top honor recognizing rapidly growing, privately owned companies in the state of Florida.

Copyright © 2002 Galindo Publicidad, Inc.
All rights reserved (but feel free to forward on to others who you think may find it useful).

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