GIFs and emoji both create endless translation challenges

GIFs (Graphic Interface Format) and Emojis are increasingly used in communication and they present an enormous challenge to the translation companies. 

They replace words or even phrases, the correct interpretation of emojis and GIFs appears decisive when translating emotions the message brings. The publication “Translating 21st Century Symbols from Globalization & Localization Association (GALA) gives this subject the attention it deserves in a world in which there are fewer and fewer people who completely devalue this type of language, increasing the number of those who are able to communicate using only these symbols: "Ensuring that a text message carries the right emotional tone by adding an emoji or a GIF (Graphic Interface Format) is a common choice these days. After all, who hasn’t experienced misunderstandings when words fall short, so why not make use of the fact that human beings have been learning to ‘read’ images since birth?".

Ensuring that a text message carries the right emotional tone by adding an emoji or a GIF is a common choice these days

GIFs and emoji both create endless translation challenges, even among different demographics in the same country. The challenge for translation companies is obvious and that is why AP PORTUGAL - Tech Language Solutions supports any type of research and enriching content for the language industry. "Like any other translation complexity, the use of symbols like GIFs and emoji for your global communication is an area of both possibility and risk. It’s a growing, lively aspect of language that businesses can’t afford to ignore, and in the right hands, it can bring an added dimension to your messages.

This text was not written by a native English speaker, but by a language lover. However, all our language services are always provided by native speakers.

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