WORKING ACROSS BORDERS
Write client messages that translate clearly
Small changes to your original message can make a translation easier to check and less likely to miss your intent.
Start with one request
A translation tool cannot resolve an unclear instruction. Before you translate, ask yourself what the recipient needs to do next. Keep one main request per paragraph. A useful message names the task, gives a deadline and explains what a reply should contain. “Please review the attached draft and confirm the delivery date” is easier to act on than “Let me know what you think when you can.”
Make dates and quantities unambiguous
Write out month names when a numeric date could be read in more than one way. Add a time zone for a deadline. Keep quantities next to their units and name the currency when discussing a price. Translate the message, then compare these details against the original. Do not assume a fluent sentence proves that every number survived correctly.
Replace idioms with direct language
Expressions such as “touch base” or “move the goalposts” can become confusing outside their original context. Try “discuss the project” or “change the agreed requirements.” Direct language does not need to sound cold: a short thank-you and a clear request are usually enough. If the tone matters, ask a speaker of the target language to review the result.
A message you can adapt
Try: “Thank you for reviewing the draft. Could you confirm whether the headings are correct? Please send your feedback by 5 October at 16:00 UTC. I will send the revised version after your reply.” Replace the details, translate it and check the output line by line. This is a writing example, not an approved legal or contractual template.
Use a human check when the stakes rise
Routine project messages are a useful place to start. Contracts, medical information, safety instructions and official documents need qualified review. PhraseLane produces machine translations; it does not certify them. Keep confidential customer information out of a cloud translation request unless you are authorised to share it.