Over the last few years, we have seen an increase in the number of clients requesting survey and report applications in multiple languages. Given the 24x7 "flat world" nature of the Internet, this is hardly surprising.
We have recently developed several survey applications that support languages ranging from Spanish and German to Chinese and Japanese . Indeed, we are seeing an increase in requests for systems that can support multiple languages.
The applications were built in such a way that launching additional languages is as easy as loading translations through an online translation tool. Although the initial cost of developing a language-capable web site is 20-25% higher than developing an English-only web site, this cost can be recouped when just one additional language is offered.
Survey
Below is a sample of a survey snippet in English and Japanese.
The sample shows how all elements of the survey presentation including the items, instructions and scale can be translated.
The sample shows how all elements of the survey presentation including the items, instructions and scale can be translated.
Report
Below is a sample of the reports in the two languages.
All parts of the report page have been translated: static information such as headings, page numbers and copyright information as well as dynamic elements such as results interpretation.
The online translation tool displays the text to be translated in English and has a text box for the translator to enter the translation. Because the translation tool is available online, it is very easy for the translator to refine/tweak translations as and when needed. Indeed, the translator can review the translations in real time allowing the translations to be read in context and so to be fine-tuned for tone as well as for how they fit on the web or printed page.
One, the language setting of the user’s web browser can be used to determine the language in which the survey is to be shown. So, in most cases the survey experience can be seamless from the end user’s point of view. The exception to this is the case when rater anonymity and confidentiality are important. In such situations, all surveys (and in particular the comments) must be collected in the same language. If this is not done, the comments could reveal the identity of the rater.
Two, the length of text can vary widely across languages and this should be taken into account when designing the report. Imagine trying to fit "All rights reserved" and "Todos los derechos reservados" in the same space. A related issue is report pagination, or, how to avoid page breaks in unexpected places. The report may have to be designed with “fixed” elements, such as printing the results for just 5 items per page.
In summary, creating a survey and report that support multiple languages is not as difficult or expensive as one might think. By creating a platform that "speaks to" users all over the world, it becomes possible to extend the reach of your intellectual property several-fold and to reap a higher return on the investment.
All parts of the report page have been translated: static information such as headings, page numbers and copyright information as well as dynamic elements such as results interpretation.
Translation Tool
The online translation tool displays the text to be translated in English and has a text box for the translator to enter the translation. Because the translation tool is available online, it is very easy for the translator to refine/tweak translations as and when needed. Indeed, the translator can review the translations in real time allowing the translations to be read in context and so to be fine-tuned for tone as well as for how they fit on the web or printed page.
Items to consider when designing a multiple-language survey web site are described below.
One, the language setting of the user’s web browser can be used to determine the language in which the survey is to be shown. So, in most cases the survey experience can be seamless from the end user’s point of view. The exception to this is the case when rater anonymity and confidentiality are important. In such situations, all surveys (and in particular the comments) must be collected in the same language. If this is not done, the comments could reveal the identity of the rater.
Two, the length of text can vary widely across languages and this should be taken into account when designing the report. Imagine trying to fit "All rights reserved" and "Todos los derechos reservados" in the same space. A related issue is report pagination, or, how to avoid page breaks in unexpected places. The report may have to be designed with “fixed” elements, such as printing the results for just 5 items per page.
In summary, creating a survey and report that support multiple languages is not as difficult or expensive as one might think. By creating a platform that "speaks to" users all over the world, it becomes possible to extend the reach of your intellectual property several-fold and to reap a higher return on the investment.
Want more information? Arrange for a test-drive by emailing surveys@performanceprograms.com.
