Glossary

Translation

Translation is the process of converting written or spoken content from one language into another while preserving its meaning, tone and intent. It enables individuals and organizations to communicate, share knowledge and conduct business across linguistic and cultural boundaries.

Description

Translation is at the foundation of global communication. It requires more than word substitution – translators interpret context, culture, tone and subject matter to ensure messages are understood as intended in every language.

Professional translation involves multiple steps: analyzing the source, translating content, editing, reviewing and performing Quality assurance. Specialized translators work across technical, legal, medical and creative fields to deliver precise, industry-relevant output. Technology now plays a key role. Translation memory (TM) systems store previously translated segments, improving speed and consistency. Terminology management tools ensure the correct use of brand and industry terms. Neural machine translation (NMT) and AI-assisted workflows accelerate delivery while human linguists maintain quality and nuance through post-editing. Modern translation connects directly with Content Management Systems (CMS) and Translation Management Systems (TMS) to support continuous localization – enabling companies to publish multilingual content at scale and speed.

Example use cases

  • Documentation: Product manuals, technical documentation and packaging.
  • Digital: Websites, marketing materials and social media.
  • Regulated: Legal, medical and financial content.
  • Software: Software interfaces and user experiences.
  • Learning: eLearning, multimedia and training materials.

Key benefits

Clarity
Accurately communicates meaning across languages.
Consistency
Maintains tone, terminology and brand voice.
Efficiency
Reduces time-to-market with translation memory and automation.
Quality
Combines technology with expert review for reliable outcomes.
Quality
Supports ongoing multilingual content creation and updates.

RWS perspective

Translation is central to RWS’s mission of helping the world understand and be understood. RWS delivers translation services that unite human linguistic expertise with advanced technology.

Through Trados, Language Weaver and integrated AI translation workflows, RWS provides accurate, secure and scalable multilingual solutions. Professional linguists and In-country review reviewers ensure every translation reflects cultural nuance, regulatory requirements and brand integrity. From quick-turn translations to complex global programs, RWS enables organizations to communicate clearly, consistently and confidently in every language.