Modern web browsers offer built-in translation features that automatically detect a visitor's preferred language and translate website content accordingly. This eliminates the need for third-party translation widgets, such as the now-discontinued Google Translate widget.
The Google Translate Widget: A Past Solution
In the past, Google provided a translation widget that could be embedded into websites to allow users to translate content with a simple click. During the early years of Novi AMS, this widget was commonly added to customer websites to provide multilingual support. However, Google has since deprecated this widget, and it is no longer available for integration.
The primary reason for its deprecation is that modern web browsers now offer built-in translation capabilities, making external widgets unnecessary. These browser-based solutions provide a more seamless experience, eliminating the need for additional scripts while improving security and performance. As a result, Novi AMS websites and other modern platforms no longer need to rely on third-party widgets for translation.
Why Use Browser-Based Translation?
Browser-based translation provides several key benefits:
Automatic Language Detection – Browsers recognize a user's preferred language and offer to translate the page without requiring any action from the website owner.
Seamless User Experience – The translation is built into the browser, making it more intuitive and accessible for users without cluttering the webpage with additional buttons or widgets.
Improved Accuracy and Security – Translation services from major browsers (such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Safari) continuously improve their AI models, providing more accurate translations while reducing security concerns associated with third-party scripts.
Faster Website Performance – Eliminating extra translation scripts and widgets results in better page load times, which enhances user experience and SEO rankings.
How to Enable Browser Translation
Most modern browsers offer a simple way for visitors to translate content:
Google Chrome: When a page is in a different language, Chrome automatically prompts users to translate it. If the prompt does not appear, users can right-click on the page and select Translate to [Language].
Microsoft Edge: The browser displays a translation prompt when visiting a foreign-language site. Users can also click the Translate icon in the address bar.
Safari (Mac & iOS): Apple’s Safari browser provides a translation option in the address bar when viewing a non-native language page.
Firefox: Firefox users can enable translations in the browser’s settings under Languages and Appearance.
When to Consider a Custom Translation Solution
While browser-based translation is suitable for most websites, some organizations may require a more tailored approach, such as:
Pre-translated content: For highly specialized or legally sensitive content, human translations ensure accuracy and clarity.
Custom messaging: Some businesses may prefer manually translated content to maintain brand tone and context.
Older browser support: If a significant portion of your audience uses older browsers that lack built-in translation, an alternative translation solution may be necessary.
For most websites, browser-based translation is the easiest and most effective solution. It provides an automatic, accurate, and secure way to serve content in multiple languages without requiring additional tools or integrations. However, for businesses requiring greater control over translations, a multilingual website strategy may be beneficial.