Translate service information quickly with AI

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The problem

A service user asks if your leaflet is available in Bengali. Your community speaks 8 different languages but you can't afford professional translation for everything. You need decent translations quickly and cheaply, but Google Translate feels too literal and misses context.

The solution

Use Claude or ChatGPT to translate your service information with cultural awareness. Unlike basic translation tools, LLMs adapt explanations to cultural context, use appropriate register, and flag terms that might be sensitive or confusing. You paste your text, specify the language and audience, and get back a culturally appropriate translation. IMPORTANT: AI translations can contain errors, especially in less common languages or for technical terms. Always have a native speaker review before publishing - incorrect translations could cause service users to misunderstand eligibility, processes, or safety information.

What you get

Service leaflets, FAQs, website content, and communications translated into the languages your community speaks. Not just word-for-word translation but culturally adapted explanations. The AI flags terms that need local knowledge or might be sensitive in certain cultures.

Before you start

Your service information in your main language (usually English)
A list of which languages your service users speak
A Claude or ChatGPT account (free tier works fine)

When to use this

You need a document translated and don't have budget for professional translation
The content is informational rather than legally binding
You want cultural adaptation, not just literal word-for-word translation
You need it quickly (hours not weeks)

When not to use this

You're translating legal documents, contracts, or safeguarding policies - get professional translation
The content is highly sensitive and translation errors could cause harm
You need certified translation for official purposes
You're translating personal case notes containing sensitive data

Steps

1
Identify which languages you need
Check your intake data, ask frontline staff, or look at census data for your area. Focus on the 3-5 most common languages to start. If a language appears only once or twice, you might be better off arranging interpretation when needed.
2
Gather your source material
Start with your most essential information: what services you offer, who can access them, how to get in touch, what to expect. A one-page summary is better than your entire website. You can always translate more later.
3
Write a clear translation prompt
Paste your text into Claude or ChatGPT. Ask: "Translate this to [language] for [audience]. Use simple, accessible language. Adapt cultural references where needed. Flag any terms that might be sensitive or need local knowledge. Use the [tu/vous or equivalent] form." Being specific gets better results.
4
Review the translation
Check what the AI flagged. Did it note terms that might not translate directly? Did it suggest alternatives for culturally specific references? If something feels off or you're not sure, ask the AI: "Is there a more culturally appropriate way to explain [concept]?"
5
Get it checked by a native speaker
Show the translation to a staff member, volunteer, or service user who speaks the language. Ask: Does this make sense? Does it feel respectful? Are there better ways to say anything? Their feedback is invaluable - the AI doesn't know your local community.
6
Refine and finalize
Take the feedback and ask the AI to adjust. You can say: "A native speaker suggested using [term] instead of [other term] - can you update the translation?" The AI will revise while keeping everything else consistent.
7
Store translations for reference(optional)
Save your translations somewhere accessible to your team. Include notes about any tricky terms or cultural adaptations you made. This helps maintain consistency when you translate related content later.