It's no secret that technology and even social media run our society. We can't go anywhere without some tablet or device to refer to or communicate through at any point during the day. Since we now rely on this type of technology to communicate, our language and how we communicate to others has changed, hasn't it? Many of us often overlook when someone emails or texts us without proper punctuation, capitalization, or even shorthand abbreviations and acronyms. However, some still believe that language is still important. Do you still judge those who don't use proper grammar and punctuation? Has our digital society and age run language obsolete?
Translation and Localization. How do you think technology and our "social speak" has changed the world of translation and localization? Translators and localization teams have been faced with the challenge of translating and localizing shorthand language, acronyms, which, of course, vary between languages, cultures, and communities, and even digital terminology and phrases.
For example, let's look at the most basic, widespread acronym used throughout the digital and social worlds: LOL, which means "Laugh Out Loud". Obviously this is what the term is in English...but is "LOL" used in the same form in Spanish, French or German? No. So when translating or localizing a transcript, text string, email correspondence, or even G-chat or Skype conversation, the chances of coming across shorthand language and acronyms is pretty good...even in the world of business. Therefore, translators and localization teams have really struggled with properly translating these terms and phrases to accurately depict what is going on in the conversation.
Body Language: What Does it Mean? When we think of language, the first thing that comes to mind is our own language we speak. We think of a certain dialect or dialogue, vocabulary, and the language we were raised to speak. But what about body language? Body language is just as important as the language we speak. In fact, we might even rely on body language to help us "translate" what a person is thinking or feeling, which is a visual representation of "language" and can even help us when words simply won't do.
In the world of business, most sales and customer service representatives would agree that body language is incredibly crucial when working with customers or closing deals. In fact, body language can even play a crucial role in landing a new job in an interview, getting that promotion, or even help leaders carry themselves in a manner that allows team members to feel like they can approach them.
However, if we aren't careful, our body language can kill our image, as well as set up a poor first impression when working with others. Our body language and even our tone and what we say can all be easily misinterpreted if we aren't careful. It's important to establish a reputation, a rapport, or a comfort level in the language used with customers. Of course, this can vary between industry and business, but setting a consistent style and tone with customers can really help avoid misusing or misinterpreting body language. This is especially important to keep in mind for professionals traveling to other countries or working with various cultures. A phrase or tone in one culture may be seen as offensive or negative in another.
I've personally always found in working with a diverse client and customer base in both my professional, and even personal, environments to avoid using the word "you", either in the phone, text or email. "You" can be accusatory which can send an incorrect message, especially when communicating via email. For example, instead of typing an email that reads, "You need to take the time to review this so we can move this project along", how about rephrasing to, "It is of the utmost importance that this document be reviewed as soon as possible in order to avoid schedule delays. I'd be more than happy to help, if needed." Which sounds better to you?
Did you know that 72% of people prefer texting to calling today? Why is that? Some reasons may be because texting gives us the convenience to respond when we are able to. Another common reason is that it gives us a chance to think and craft an answer before responding. It's important to remember when conducting any message is that how it sounds to us may not always mean it will be received in the same way. The beauty of communicating via email, chat or text is that it gives us an opportunity to think before we hit "send".
Content Marketing and Grammar. Going back to an earlier question at the beginning of this blog, do you still judge those who don't use proper punctuation and grammar in an email, text, presentation, or social media post? Interestingly, the world of content marketing is beginning to believe it's okay to "break the rules" now and again when publishing or posting marketing or web copy. On the other hand, there are still those firm believers and those who stand behind the use of proper language and who still might judge those professionals or organizations whose copy or written communication is riddled with errors. This often gives the appearance of lack of education or unprofessionalism.
However, some content marketers believe that how we speak is different than how we write. While this is certainly true, it's almost that technology and the mediums in which we write or communicate to one another gives us a free pass to using shorthand, acronyms, or avoiding the use of capital letters and punctuation, because who has time? What do you think?
All in all, regardless of which type of language you "translate", whether it is French, German, Italian, Spanish, digital phraseology and terminology, or body language, it all counts, and today is for you.
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