Create a bilingual community message
What is a bilingual message?
Communication designed to work in two languages simultaneously. Not just translated word-by-word, but culturally adapted so both audiences understand the same meaning.
Translation vs. adaptation
Translation: changing words from one language to another. Adaptation: changing the message so it works culturally. Do not feed the pigeons = No alimentar palomas (translation) but Help keep our park clean: no feeding wildlife = adapted (explains why).
| Approach | Example | Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Literal translation | Close door = Cerrar puerta | Sound robotic |
| Natural translation | Please close the door = Por favor cierre la puerta | Polite, clear |
| Cultural adaptation | Adjusting formality and context | Feels written for you |
What is the difference between translation and adaptation?
Audience: who needs this message?
Community members who are learning English? Recent immigrants? Both Spanish and English speakers? Tourists? Identify your audience first, then design the message.
Before writing a bilingual message, identify your .
Design principles for bilingual messages
English on top or left (if target audience is English-learners). Spanish below or right. Use same visual hierarchy. Use plain language in both languages. Avoid idioms that dont translate.
Common community messages
Health information: vaccination, nutrition. Safety: emergency instructions, road signs. Inclusión: welcome signs, multilingual resources. Education: school information, library services.
Bilingual message creation steps:
Arrastra cada ficha a su categoría (o tócala y luego toca la categoría). También puedes usar el teclado.
The ethics of bilingual communication
Not all bilingual work is equal: translation often pays less than original writing. Acknowledge that bilingual people do complex cognitive work. Value the skill you are developing.
Why is bilingual communication important for communities?
Toca una tarjeta para ver la respuesta.
Bilingual communication:
Find these words.
Toca la primera letra y luego la última de cada palabra (en línea recta) para marcarla.
Final project
Identify a message your community needs in both English and Spanish. Create it: a sign, flyer or social media post. Make it clear, welcoming and accessible in both languages.
Why this matters
As a bilingual young person, you can make information accessible to everyone. Your language skills serve your community — use them.
To explore more
ProTrans InternationalTranslation and community.
What message does your community need that currently only exists in one language?
Tu texto se guarda sólo en este dispositivo.
To go deeper
Create a bilingual guide for someone new to your community: schools, health services, transport, parks — all in English AND Spanish.
Explicación visual: Create a bilingual community message
- Create a bilingual community message
- Bilingual: your superpower
- Translation vs. adaptation
- Escena 4
Antes de continuar, responde mirando esta idea. Mira la escena «Translation vs. adaptation». Con tus palabras: ¿qué explica y por qué importa? Añade un ejemplo tuyo y señala qué parte aún te confunde.
Compuerta de avance: ¿listo para continuar?
Aquí se mira lo que ya fuiste acertando. Pulsa «Comprobar» para saber si puedes seguir.
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