Define the job of the message
Start by deciding whether the text welcomes, thanks or explains something. A warm thank-you note needs a different structure from operating instructions. Choose one main idea and add a supporting sentence only when it helps the recipient. Translation cannot rescue a card that tries to tell the company history, list services and explain the event simultaneously. Reduce the original content first, then approve the meaning that both language versions must communicate.
Give each language a clear reading area
Possible arrangements include separate sides, distinct sections or one primary language supported by another. Choose according to the audience and available space instead of assuming every element must appear twice at the same size. Check reading direction around numbers, web addresses and names written in another script. Review a print at its actual dimensions: a layout that looks comfortable on a large monitor can become difficult to read on the finished card.
Review tone and names separately
A professional message can be warm without becoming exaggerated or creating an unintended promise. Have Arabic reviewed for natural expression and English reviewed for equivalent meaning, then compare the two versions. Treat personal names, company names and job titles as approved information rather than creative copy. For personalised cards, use the spelling confirmed by the recipient or the person authorised to maintain the list. A fluent translation does not automatically establish the correct name spelling.
A hypothetical welcome-card decision
Imagine a professional gathering in Erbil with guests who prefer different languages. The team compares a card with a concise welcome on one side and the equivalent message on the other against a densely divided single face. Both versions identify the host and occasion. Neither needs to repeat every social account, address and service description. An actual-size review helps the team choose the card that guests can read comfortably while opening the gift.
Close the text stage before production
Keep approved wording separately from the artwork, with a date, version and reviewer. Once it has been placed, inspect line breaks, punctuation and Arabic letter connections again. Do not leave the artwork operator to choose between competing drafts or rewrite a sentence to make it fit. A Brandkom gift presentation can bring the message, products and packaging into one discussion. Printed execution still requires approval of the final wording, dimensions and production approach.
Before you move forward
- One clear message objective.
- Approved names and titles.
- Checked direction, punctuation and numbers.
- One final text version for production.
Common questions
Should both languages use a literal translation?
No. Both should communicate the same meaning and tone, but natural sentence order may differ. Review the finished versions together rather than measuring equivalence by word count.
Must both languages appear on the product?
Not necessarily. A restrained identity mark on the product and a bilingual card can work better when space is limited. Judge readability at the final production size.
Ready to turn the brief into a shortlist? Explore the catalogue or start a project in Brandkom’s free Gift Design Studio.