Facebook’s ‘Like’ Translated Across the World

Posted on 26. Aug, 2011 by Michael Thomson in Digital Marketing

Sati, Me Gusta, Suka, Liker, Vind ik Leuk, Gosto – sound familiar? Ever wondered how Facebook’s infamous ‘Like’ is translated across the world? We’ll, you’re in for a treat as we’ve mapped how ‘Like’ translates across the globe in an (amateur) infographic.

World map with Facebook's 'Like' translated per country. Click image for full version.

Liking All Over the World

Some would argue that Facebook’s localisation programme, aimed at localising the social network in every countries native tongue is a key milestone in its global success. I would agree. With that in mind, have you ever wondered how ‘Like’ translates in non-English speaking countries? Until today, neither did I. Reason I highlight is that localisation is a massive aspect of digital marketing, yet too often localisation is taken for granted, just like my naivety around the ‘Like’ buttons translation.

By localisation, I mean content, currency, delivery process, contact details, everything. I’ve often used the analogy of “Livinig in Britain, would you buy clothes from a retailer where all the staff, prices, labels and messaging were in Flemish?” to try and hit home how important localisation is. Today I still see localisation tackled wrong. Websites seem happier to fail not localising, and then trying to localise later when the damage is already done.

I think the credit crunch made localisation. Speaking from experience in the UK, businesses looked beyond their ‘home soil’ for new revenue streams. Offering services in other countries seemed like a good opportunity, and is to some, but without localisation, chances of succeeding were low.

I don’t plan to go into detail how localisation should be achieved; we’ve already covered international search campaigns. But I do hope the message of don’t always assume has sunk in when localisation is involved. Think like your stereotypical procurement officer and assume nothing, ask everything. Only then will your efforts in localisation reach their full potential.

Table of Likes

Oh, and in case you’re using a screen reader or want the data sources for translations, reference the table below. If you spot any mistakes, please get in touch via the comments form.

Note: Michael Thomson takes no responsibility for the quality of the infographic. It was created using SnagIt. If you use SnagIt, you’ll know what I mean.

Tags: Facebook, infographic, like, localisation, media, Social, translated