Why Is Multilingual Desktop Publishing Essential for Global Businesses?

Doing business around the world means making documents in many languages. But it is not enough to just translate the words. Materials also need to look right for other cultures. This process is called multilingual desktop publishing, or DTP.

When companies communicate around the world, their messages need changes to be clear for all. Things like layouts, fonts and images must feel right in each language. Design and Production (DTP) adapts documents to suit different places.

But going global isn't easy. Languages have distinct styles and rules vary by country. Directly translating may miss the mark. DTP fixes such issues so translation fully connects brands with customers everywhere. This article explains why DTP helps businesses share their message worldwide by handling localization.

Importance of DTP:

Advanced translation management systems (TMS) and computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools help streamline multilingual production through content control, consistent terminology, and using translation memory for cost savings (Multilingual)​

DTP involves adjusting graphical elements, formats, fonts, layouts etc to make documents culturally appropriate for target markets. But why is it so important?

There are several key reasons:

Different Languages Have Different Character Counts: The number of characters can vary significantly between languages.

For example, English text may require 30% more space when translated to Japanese or Korean. DTP ensures proper resizing and reformatting so everything fits nicely on layouts.

●   Cultural elements:

Graphical elements like logos, icons and images need reviewing for cultural sensitivity. Things acceptable in one culture may not work for others. DTP helps make suitable replacements.

●   Layout standards:

The way pages are set up and books are ordered varies between places. For example, Chinese and Japanese readers look at books from the back cover first. DTP changes layouts so materials follow the local tradition.

●   Typography norms:

Every culture favors certain fonts, sizes and styles that help people read easily. DTP uses the visuals best suited to each target audience.

●   Regulatory compliance:

Different countries require labels, packaging and signs to contain specific formats. These are for safety, legal reasons or easy use. DTP ensures documents meet the standards everywhere.

●   Localization of non-text elements:

Charts, tables with information and contact details need adjusting beyond just the words. DTP alters these parts to suit cultural norms and text requirements.

Importance of DTP for Technical Materials in China:

As the 2nd largest economy, many companies want to sell in China. But Chinese language structure is very different than English. 87% of non-English customers won’t buy products only in English.

Most documentation in engineering, manufacturing, medicine need reworking for Chinese users as their language has a very different flow compared to Latin languages.

DTP For Technical Documents:

DTP helps revamp page layouts, amend fonts sizes as per technical specs, modify charts and diagrams for intelligibility, rejig sections/chapters according to logical flow.

It ensures user comprehension which is not guaranteed by translation alone. This becomes a necessity for companies wanting to succeed in China's B2B landscape.

Benefits of Using DTP for Business:

As globalization rises and overseas markets develop, companies that ignore DTP risks losing user-friendliness and thus potential sales. With adapted layouts and graphics, technical documents attract and retain customer interest far better.

Based on a CSA Research study, 73% of consumers worldwide are more willing to make purchases from websites they can understand in their native language.

Businesses which outsource Multilingual Desktop Publishing to professionals like Transphere alongside language services gain a huge competitive edge in product localization. No longer is DTP a luxury - it is a fundamental business prerequisite for going global.

Transphere follows strict and standardized procedures that fit to each client's needs. They are also certified in Quality Management which means their systems and processes meet international standards for quality.

Conclusion:

In summary, multilingual DTP is vital because it provides the finishing touches critical for user-experience. While translation handles the language conversion, DTP finishes the job by optimizing documents visually and culturally for diverse regions. It enhances acceptability, engagement and achieves the true goal of localization - to make brands and products feel local.