In the Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) team’s own words, “The purpose of GAAD is to get everyone talking, thinking and learning about digital access and inclusion, and the more than one billion people with disabilities/impairments.”
As GAAD approaches on 16th May, it’s the ideal time to talk about something super important – how language translation is now tearing down digital walls, in addition to its traditional role of bridging conversations.
How Language Translation Professionals Have Become Digital Superheroes
Gone are the days when translators were just swapping “Bonjour” for “Hello”. Now, their remit has extended to ensuring the digital world’s your oyster too, no matter where you are, or what your needs might be.
Here’s how they contribute to making digital content accessible to all:
- Subtitles Sorted – Subtitles are game-changing for those with hearing impairments, enabling everyone to get the gist without pumping up the volume. Plus, they’re extra useful in noisy cafes or “shhh-don’t-talk” libraries.
- Audio Descriptions – Words paint pictures, describing every action, scene, and shiny sequin in videos. For this purpose, audio descriptions bring multimedia to life for the visually impaired, so no scene goes unseen.
- Transcriptions Translated – Turning spoken words into text isn’t just desirable, it’s essential for people with hearing difficulties, and those who just prefer reading at their own pace. And when this text crosses language barriers? It’s a party everyone’s invited to.
- Plain Language Provided – Sometimes, less is more. Using straightforward language makes text easier for everyone to read and ingest, especially when you’re juggling languages, or just need things to be as simple and straightforward as possible.
- Image Descriptions – Images that just says “image” aren’t helpful, to put it politely. This is why alt text is like an image whisperer telling you what’s there. Handy if you’re using screen readers. And translating this? Yes, please, for soaring up the search engine rankings abroad.
So, why not give some serious consideration to language translators if you’ve never thought about digital accessibility in these terms. At the end of the day, the digital world would be like a party without music without them – just not as fun.
At Accutranslate, our marketing-leading translation services are available to help with making every digital nook and cranny accessible. After all, inclusivity is the ultimate language we all speak fluently! Get in touch for more information and to ask any burning questions about digital language translation services for your business.