In today’s age of technology-based opportunities, it is highly impossible for anyone who wants to stay updated to do so without access to technology. Whether you want to pursue a course, start a business, stay connected with loved ones, or just build relationships, an internet connection and an understanding of basic apps are required.
In such a world, there is also an increasing divide between the brand-new technologies being invented and the number of people who can use them. Most modern technology is created with the intent of high accessibility to all. However, there is a gap between the intent and actual usage. This is why translation is an essential tool used to bridge the digital divide for non-English speakers.
Globalization and localization enable a much wider reach of technological tools. By incorporating translation in disseminating information and technological innovations, knowledge can be passed on to individuals widely across the globe, irrespective of their social status and economic differences. Besides reducing the population’s dependence on English, translation can help improve access to technology in the following ways.
Improved Knowledge – Understanding of Global Events
Translating important areas of knowledge, such as news and research, can help citizens of any country understand the world they live in. Getting to access and consume media in your local language makes it easier for you to understand the data being communicated, as well as makes the information more effectively. Translating crucial documents in local languages allows you to gain a greater understanding of current affairs and important global events, something that wouldn’t happen if it weren’t for effective translation.
Greater connections in the Business
Apart from general knowledge, business people and entrepreneurs can gain a greater insight into the business they’re involved in if they have access to information in local languages. Technology offers entrepreneurs a wide variety of viable business options that they can take advantage of. The only hindrance is language. This is why many business people use the best translation website to get important papers translated and conduct business freely. Entrepreneurs can also build international connections with suppliers and sellers through translated communications using technology.
Enhanced Education and Career Opportunities
As mentioned above, apart from providing entrepreneurs with really impressive connection opportunities, translation can be used to enhance education and career opportunities for non-English speakers. In foreign exchange education courses or even in cases of students moving abroad for education, it greatly helps these international students to have all the material they need to learn in their local languages. It improves their ability to learn well and score good marks. Additionally, foreigners looking for career opportunities abroad fare well when they are provided with resources in their native languages instead of English.
Better Access to Healthcare
Nations with an inflow of refugees and migrants rely heavily on interpreters and translators to conduct their everyday business. This is especially true in the medical industry. Medical interpreters in healthcare are very important in any country with a big immigrant population. Foreign residents can access qualitative and affordable healthcare with the help of translation in technology and medical facilities. Non-English speakers in most English nations can access the same public welfare services as residents through efficient translation services.
Easier Assistance in Cases of Humanitarian Crises
Whether it is a war-torn nation or a natural disaster-suffering region, we have seen how technology can save lives and improve the quality of life for millions of people. What would make this technology more effective is proper and timely translation. There is no use of technology-led aid if it cannot be accessed or communicated to those who need to receive it. Hence, the translation of life-saving measures such as announcements, blockades, medical facilities, and others can bridge the digital divide.
Closing Thoughts
There is no purpose for technological advancements if they can not be accessible to everyone, irrespective of geography, income, and other invisible differences. Humans have the right to access information most efficiently. Knowledge is power, and it is essential for living a stable life. Technology has an impaired use unless it is translated and localized for everyone on the planet, and everyone must aim to work towards this goal.
Author’s Bio – Carl Hill
Carl Hill is a linguistics professor and author. Most of his work revolves around maximizing local accessibility of technological tools, which he hopes encourages individuals to take action. When he isn’t writing his books or teaching students, Carl contributes to magazines and newspapers in his hometown.