It is estimated that around 75% of the world’s population speaks a language other than English. As a business owner, researcher, or even a strategist, your goal is always to reach a much larger, perhaps wider audience to collect critical data. The best way to reach this audience is via a questionnaire that’s drafted in their native language. That’s where the use of multi-language surveying comes in.
Identify Your Target Audience
When you have decided to create a survey either online or offline, it is important to start with a customer profile. That will help you draft the questionnaire with questions like what they like most, their age, their hobbies, etc.
Each region is unique and with that comes its own set of buying behavior which you need to identify before drafting your questionnaire. Once you have a profile nailed down the next step is to draft the multilingual survey.
Error Free Translation
If you are a native English speaker, the first logical step towards creating a multi language survey is to draft it in English. However, make sure that the language is concise and clear. You’ll also want to keep the questions as few as possible since many people get turned off by surveys asking two dozen or more questions unless there is an incentive associated with it.
The next step is to assure error-free translation of the survey from your native language to the native language of the target audience. That should be done by hiring a professional translator. Nowadays, people, regardless of where they live, can tell the difference between a natively drafted survey or one that’s been translated by a machine or non-native writer. They will also choose to answer or not to answer based on this fact. That’s why you’ll always want to make sure that the translation is done by a professional native writer.
Localization of the Survey
Another aspect worth considering is the localization of the survey. Translation without localization is like having a body without a soul. Since each type of culture is different and localization ensures that the translated text isn’t just grammatically accurate but is in line with local customs and traditions. After all, you don’t want the survey to come across as offensive or belittling.
Ideally, you’ll want to work with a team of local translators who can help to correct and align the translation to the local customs of the area. That way, your business will not send the wrong message or perhaps be the cause of cultural conflict. Not to mention the fact that it will also help you gather data that is usable and helpful to your marketing strategy. Furthermore, culturally appropriate multi-lingual surveys may be the first glimpse at your company for most people in the city or the country. So, you’ll always want to make a good first impression so that they continue to see your company or business in a favorable light which again is always good for business.