TN has experienced the same in translating materials. In addition to our lingo and cultural nuances surrounding concepts like independence, self-determination, etc., we learned that there are many Latino cultures and languages and they are different. We were advised to work with a bi-lingual person from specific communities to develop a written flyer conveying the message we wanted to distribute – so not a word for word or document translation.

We also use a state translation service that offers translation for many language.

Aaron, we are also interested in the manual you are developing.

 

 

Wanda Willis

Executive Director

TN Council on Developmental Disabilities

615-253-5369

 

 

 

 

Very helpful, Aaron. I share your concern that even the best translations need explanation of our terms, context, etc. We are pretty wonky, and some cultures don’t operate around things like “independence” as being a strong core value, as they are more inter-dependent. I am eager to see your style guide when it’s ready. Please post to the full group.

 

Best wishes,
Beth

 

 

Hi Beth, the CA Council has done a lot of work on translations and the reality is even paid translators get it wrong, forget autotranslators.  Our terms are too nuanced, too specific for direct translation.  CA has 15 threshold languages and, imagine my surprise at a Russian family’s anger when our materials promoting the Self-Determination pilot program meant we wanted to make their child fly a plane.  “Why do you think my child has a plane?  Why do you think he should fly a plane?” What does integration, inclusion, and independence mean?  We’re working on a style guide this year for DD programs/terms, with Spanish first.  Hope to branch out to other languages after that.  Will be glad to share this with all as a resource for you when complete.  Maybe other states are further along?  Best, Aaron

 

 

Hi all,

We are developing a new website and are wondering about language translation, particularly Spanish. Have any of you done research with groups who speak other languages on whether the language plug-ins you can buy for websites are accurate enough and culturally appropriate? My very limited experience with Facebook translation is that it’s pretty bad/inaccurate. But we are also worried that if we translate the entire site into Spanish, the maintenance every time we make a small change would be hard (we don’t have any competent Spanish-speakers in our office so would have to contract out for the translation). How have other states handled this? Any best practice tips?

Thanks!
Beth