Translating your web

（Edited by freelance Chinese translator li – English to Chinese or Chinese to English translation services）

Considering that 43% of Internet users cannot read English, translating your web site into a foreign language is a powerful way to promote your business.
But getting your web site translated can be an expensive exercise. Rates can vary between 0.04 US$ and 0.12 US$ per source word, depending on target language, length and subject matter being translated.

However, translation is a must if you want to reach foreign Internet users, who actually make up a larger slice of your target market pie.
The following is a guide on how you can translate your web pages 'for free', or how visitors to your web site can translate your web pages themselves.

1) Finding partners
This is obviously the best solution - the optimum, using a latinism. Using a human translator guarantees authenticity.
Luckily there are many freelance translators 'eager' to find a partner, especially one who is a web designer. Most translators are aware that having their own web site can enhance their business success. They will often accept a plan for the creation or enhancement of their web site in exchange for the translation of yours.

Before you look for a suitable partner, consider which language you would like your web site translated into. By far, Spanish is the most widely spoken language on the Internet. However, if your web site is science-orientated, then translating into German is probably more effective.
I recommend you choose a freelance translator rather than go through an agency, as freelance translators are usually less demanding.
To find a partner, browse the following newsgroups:
sci.lang.translation sci.marketplace

2) Using online dictionaries
There are several web sites offering online dictionaries. Some of them allow you to copy their dictionary interface and place it on your web page. This is a good solution for foreign users who know English, but are not familiar with specific technical terms.
Adding a link or links to online dictionaries, will make it easier for users to look up certain terms and then return to your page.

Furthermore, an added feature such as an online dictionary is a great way to increase traffic to your site. Before adding a dictionary, consider which languages you wish to cater for. This is important if your web site has a lot of technical content and users need a quick and easy solution for looking up difficult terms and concepts.
I have provided a list of web sites below that offer such a service:
http://eurodic.ip.lu/cgi-bin/edicbin/EuroDicWWW.pl http://www.june29.com/IDP/IDPsearch.html http://www.logos.it/dictionary/owa/old_dictionary.sp?lg=EN http://www.langtolang.com/ http://www.allwords.com/

3) Using automated translators
In my humble opinion, using an automated translator is the absolute last resort! An automated translator today cannot accurately or effectively translate localised meanings, slang and grammar, but is acceptable if you only want to give your users a general idea of your web page's content.

Having a link to an automated translation service can also increase traffic to your web site. Unlike human translators, automated translators have the capacity to cater for multiple languages. In short, this is an affordable, all-round solution.
The most important developer of automated translators is surely SYSTRAN S.A. - http://www.systransoft.com
FreeTranslation.com - http://www.freetranslation.com allows you to copy its automated translator interface and place it on your web page.

Of course it is possible to use a combination of all of the above services - especially when your web site is large. Have your main pages translated by a human translator, and minor pages translated or available for translation by an online dictionary or automated translator service.
It is strategically important that the first page users see is translated (or a link to a translated version available). This will ensure that foreign users will feel compelled to stay and browse your entire web site.