As its user base continues to expand internationally, LinkedIn has this week added two new language translation options in order to better facilitate on-platform communication.
As explained by LinkedIn:
"[We’ve introduced] two new settings that allow you to input all the languages you understand and do not want to be offered translations for, as well as being able to define which language you would like all content translated into. This makes the choice of content experience explicit, and also extends our translation offering beyond the LinkedIn interface languages to the 60+ offered for translation by Microsoft Cognitive Services."
The new process works like this - say you live in the US, but your first language is actually Ukrainian. Because English is the primary language spoken in your region, when you choose to translate a post, LinkedIn will automatically translate it to English - but now, when you tap on the 'Rate this Translation' prompt at the bottom of the post, you'll be able to find additional translation options under 'Language Settings'.
In Language Settings, you're able to manually set the language you prefer, as well as your default translation language and any additional languages you speak, for which you don't require translations.
This will help LinkedIn better understand your content preferences, which will also enable it to show you more relevant posts.
As noted, LinkedIn is expanding its global footprint, now with more than 660 million members worldwide. And while the US is still LinkedIn's highest member nation, it's increasingly becoming a global platform.
As such, translation tools like this can serve significant purpose. It's a relatively minor update in general terms, but an important addition nonetheless.
You can read more about LinkedIn's new translation tools on the LinkedIn Engineering blog.