Translation Glossary

What is a translation glossary?

A translation glossary is a list of an organization’s key terms paired with their definitions and expert-approved translations. This centralized database is crucial to maintaining efficient translation and brand consistency. Companies typically identify key terms in the source language, then hire a language service provider or an expert in the target language to provide definitions, assign proper translations, and include any approved alternate phrasing.

Example: To provide a consistent customer experience across the globe, our company hired expert translators to help us build a comprehensive translation glossary. 

When building a translation glossary, companies often hire native speakers to review translations and ensure cultural accuracy and alignment. Finally, the glossary is integrated into the organization’s chosen translation tool—often a translation management system.

What’s the importance of a translation glossary?

Translation glossaries provide e-learning companies with consistent terminology and brand image across multiple languages, allowing them to reach a wider audience. As the organization adds languages and courses, the glossary scales with them, relying on a feature called translation memory that reuses previous translations to speed up the process. 

Collaboration with subject matter experts around a centralized glossary reduces errors, costly repetition, and user confusion. This translation process provides coherent and relevant content for online learners, no matter what language they choose. A translation glossary is the best place to start for any translation project.