Have you ever read a public notice in Spanish that, while grammatically correct, felt off—distant, stiff, or just unnatural?
That happens because many public campaigns are translated…but not transcreated.
And that difference is critical: It determines whether the Hispanic community simply reads the message—or actually understands it, trusts it, and acts on it.
As Campaign Live explains, translation is easy, but not always effective. Transcreation goes beyond words, adapting tone, cultural values, and local references so the message truly resonates.
Recent studies in digital health show the same. When tools and apps are culturally adapted, Hispanic audiences are more likely to use them, trust them, and recommend them to others.
What is Transcreation—and Why Is It More Powerful Than Translation?
- Translation = Converting words from one language to another while keeping literal meaning.
- Transcreation = Reinterpreting the entire message so that tone, cultural references, and context speak directly to the community.
In a diverse state like Florida, home to Hispanics from Puerto Rico, Mexico, Cuba, Central America, and beyond, nuances matter. A “neutral” Spanish can often sound flat—or even disconnected. Transcreation bridges that gap.
Practical Examples: Translation vs Transcreation
1️⃣
Original English
“Community meeting scheduled for Thursday at 7 PM.”
Literal Translation
“Reunión comunitaria programada para el jueves a las 7 p.m.”
Transcreation
“Este jueves a las 7 p.m., acompáñanos en la reunión de tu comunidad.”
2️⃣
Original English
“Economic development resources available online.”
Literal Translation
“Recursos de desarrollo económico disponibles en línea.”
Transcreation
“Descubre programas y recursos para hacer crecer tu negocio local.”
3️⃣
Original English
“Service disruption expected in Zone B.”
Literal Translation
“Interrupción del servicio prevista en la Zona B.”
Transcreation
“Esta semana habrá cambios en tu Zona, revisa aquí los nuevos horarios.”
Each transcreated version considers how people actually live, speak, and engage with information in their community.
Real Case: Digital Health and Community Trust
A study published in ScienceDirect on Spanish-language health apps highlighted the power of transcreation. Instead of just translating menus or buttons, developers integrated familiar phrases, cultural symbols, and empathetic messaging.
The result? Hispanic patients didn’t just understand the app—they trusted it, used it more consistently, and recommended it.
This example mirrors what happens in public communication: When messages are culturally adapted, participation grows and trust deepens.
Concrete Benefits of Transcreated Campaigns
- Immediate clarity – Messages are understood without ambiguity.
- Community trust – Institutions show they “speak the language” culturally, not just literally.
- Higher participation – More sign-ups, attendance, and engagement in programs.
- Public mission fulfilled – Health, safety, and educational messages reach the right people.
- Measurable impact – Stronger reach, reputation, and equity metrics.
How to Bring Transcreation Into Your Public Strategy
- Audit your campaigns to identify literal translations that fall short.
- Create Hispanic user personas with real insights by language, region, and values.
- Prioritize critical messages like alerts, health campaigns, voter information—for transcreation first.
- Test A/B versions to compare translated vs transcreated with real audiences.
- Think of multichannels like social media, community radio, local leaders, and grassroots outreach.
Transcreation Studio by BOLD: Your Partner in Action
At BOLD, we created Transcreation Studio, designed specifically for public agencies that want to maximize impact.
Our process includes:
✅ Creative and message audit
✅ Cultural insights and audience segmentation
✅ Transcreated messaging (tone + text)
✅ Visual and platform-specific adaptation
✅ Hispanic market outreach plan
It’s no longer about “transferring” messages—it’s about transforming them to truly connect.
Public communication can’t stop at translation. When you adapt tone, culture, and context, you turn information into connection and trust.
👉 Let’s connect if you want your campaigns not only to be understood but to feel authentic in the community.
Discover how BOLD’s strategic transcreation can elevate your communication.
