Left-to-Right Translation

What is left-to-right translation?

Left-to-right translation (LTR) is the process of adapting content for audiences that read and write in LTR languages, such as English, Spanish, French, and German. In addition to written content, left-to-right translation also adapts layout, design, and user interface to align with the LTR reading direction of the target audience. A fully comprehensive LTR translation process also considers cultural nuances, idioms, and formatting like dates, numbers, and currencies. 

Example: To ensure our website content resonates with our growing European audience, we implemented left-to-right translation for native speakers of several languages. 

Why is LTR translation important? 

Far from being a simple word-for-word translation task, LTR translation ensures a seamless user experience on websites, apps, and within software programs. For organizations with a global workforce and global customers, LTR translation plays a critical role in providing clear, cohesive, and inclusive content across geographical and cultural borders. 

Effectively localizing content like onboarding guides, e-learning modules, and everyday emails helps to boost employee engagement, retain global talent, and maintain brand consistency. Localized LTR materials allow geographically diverse teams to collaborate more seamlessly, increasing productivity and ROI while ensuring employees feel respected and valued regardless of what language they speak.