Claire Nicolas is a seasoned translation professional at MC2 with nearly 30 years of experience leading multilingual localization projects across more than 40 languages. She champions human expertise alongside AI, helping organizations build meaningful cross-cultural connections through accurate, culturally relevant communication.
Evolving Global Language Solutions
Translation and localization services used to be exclusively support services. Most materials were only translated when absolutely necessary. This included instructions for employees, contracts, and user manuals. While these projects still exist, the market has evolved over the years as companies try to create real connections and build trust with audiences in foreign countries, as well as in the U.S., speaking languages such as Spanish, Chinese, and Haitian Creole.
AI and automation tools have also revolutionized the market. They are used extensively, from searching for data about the initiator, its products/services, and the audience to exporting content for translation and finally translating it. However, these powerful tools cannot replace humans. The reason is simple: meaningful relationships are built on people, not machines.
Leading Cross-Cultural Communication
I have led numerous multilingual projects in various industries, encompassing over 40 languages, for major corporations, smaller companies, and both educated and non-educated audiences. My almost 30 years of experience have led me to understand this fundamental truth. No matter what you do, do it with integrity. Focus on listening to your clients, their audiences, and your own teams. Do everything with humility. There is no best way, only the best way for each specific case. Before implementing AI and automation, we must establish healthy communication with our clients and within our own teams.
I am strongly opposed to what major agencies do. They have a pool of linguists and post projects on their board for any linguist in their pool to take. It's whoever offers the best turnaround time and cost. Our goal, on the other hand, is to create solid teams that get to know our clients and use the best tools to leverage this learning curve. Humans always come first!
Balancing Technology and Accuracy
The issue is not balancing efficiency and technology with the need for culturally accurate localization. It's not an either-or situation, but rather a matter of leveraging technology and human expertise. Long-term success can only be achieved when powerful tools are rigorously maintained and overseen by experts. As in any industry, we cannot become lazy and trust machines to do our work.
Emerging Localization Industry Trends
We are living in a fascinating time, and I see two major trends in the translation and localization industry.
First, artificial intelligence can help us gather information more efficiently and consistently. When used properly, AI improves turnaround time, consistency, and accuracy. This gives us more time to find the best solution for each client and determine the best way to help them build meaningful relationships.
Second, platforms are multiplying exponentially. It’s a whole new ball game now, with not only Word documents and interpretation, but also graphic design, websites, e-learning platforms, videos, and animations. It’s interesting to note that some of these media (e.g., animations) contain few or no words. That's where localization becomes even more powerful. We can use our multicultural teams to adapt visuals and sounds for the target audience. This includes graphics, colors, music, sounds, and the software and applications used to localize the files. Everything must be considered.
Building Successful Language Careers
If I were to give advice to professionals pursuing a career in language services and cross-cultural communication, I would focus on three areas:
1. Like in any other industry, focus on integrity, a positive attitude, active listening, teamwork, and communication.
2. Use AI, but don't think AI. Stay curious to keep your passion alive. Learn, learn, always learn. And learn with humility.
3. Always remember that translation and localization go well beyond words. Focus on your client and audience when converting a message from one culture to another.
Evolving Global Language Solutions
Translation and localization services used to be exclusively support services. Most materials were only translated when absolutely necessary. This included instructions for employees, contracts, and user manuals. While these projects still exist, the market has evolved over the years as companies try to create real connections and build trust with audiences in foreign countries, as well as in the U.S., speaking languages such as Spanish, Chinese, and Haitian Creole.
AI and automation tools have also revolutionized the market. They are used extensively, from searching for data about the initiator, its products/services, and the audience to exporting content for translation and finally translating it. However, these powerful tools cannot replace humans. The reason is simple: meaningful relationships are built on people, not machines.
Leading Cross-Cultural Communication
I have led numerous multilingual projects in various industries, encompassing over 40 languages, for major corporations, smaller companies, and both educated and non-educated audiences. My almost 30 years of experience have led me to understand this fundamental truth. No matter what you do, do it with integrity. Focus on listening to your clients, their audiences, and your own teams. Do everything with humility. There is no best way, only the best way for each specific case. Before implementing AI and automation, we must establish healthy communication with our clients and within our own teams.
I am strongly opposed to what major agencies do. They have a pool of linguists and post projects on their board for any linguist in their pool to take. It's whoever offers the best turnaround time and cost. Our goal, on the other hand, is to create solid teams that get to know our clients and use the best tools to leverage this learning curve. Humans always come first!
Balancing Technology and Accuracy
The issue is not balancing efficiency and technology with the need for culturally accurate localization. It's not an either-or situation, but rather a matter of leveraging technology and human expertise. Long-term success can only be achieved when powerful tools are rigorously maintained and overseen by experts. As in any industry, we cannot become lazy and trust machines to do our work.
Emerging Localization Industry Trends
We are living in a fascinating time, and I see two major trends in the translation and localization industry.
-
Long-term success can only be achieved when powerful tools are rigorously maintained and overseen by experts.
First, artificial intelligence can help us gather information more efficiently and consistently. When used properly, AI improves turnaround time, consistency, and accuracy. This gives us more time to find the best solution for each client and determine the best way to help them build meaningful relationships.
Second, platforms are multiplying exponentially. It’s a whole new ball game now, with not only Word documents and interpretation, but also graphic design, websites, e-learning platforms, videos, and animations. It’s interesting to note that some of these media (e.g., animations) contain few or no words. That's where localization becomes even more powerful. We can use our multicultural teams to adapt visuals and sounds for the target audience. This includes graphics, colors, music, sounds, and the software and applications used to localize the files. Everything must be considered.
Building Successful Language Careers
If I were to give advice to professionals pursuing a career in language services and cross-cultural communication, I would focus on three areas:
1. Like in any other industry, focus on integrity, a positive attitude, active listening, teamwork, and communication.
2. Use AI, but don't think AI. Stay curious to keep your passion alive. Learn, learn, always learn. And learn with humility.
3. Always remember that translation and localization go well beyond words. Focus on your client and audience when converting a message from one culture to another.
