Message-ID: <34B0A2EA.2378@i2020.net> Date: Mon, 5 Jan 1998 09:07:54 +0000 From: Kirk Blackard <mailto:colmatch@I2020.NET> Subject: For Your Information: International Interpretions To: mailto:INTDEV-L@URIACC.URI.EDU
This news excerpt may be of interest to the group as you seek to use the Internet to assist students in learning more about your educational program."Because most Web users tend to be North American, many Web designers are oblivious to the subtle cultural connotations that language, colors and design can take on in a foreign setting. Companies wishing to internationalize their sites should be particularly sensitive to language (no colloquialisms, such as using "wicked" to mean "good"), colors (white denotes purity in Western countries, but death in many Asian nations), and the gestures made by models (showing the palms, as in a wave, is considered an insult in some Mediterranean countries). "Color takes on enormously different overtones from one country to the next," says one corporate globalization consultant. "That doesn't mean you can't use those colors. It just means you want to rethink what the visuals look like on your pages and on your links." [Exerpt from CIO Web Business 1 Dec 97]
Dear All,
The above is an excerpt from CIO Web Business 1 Dec 97 which I thought I would share with this group interested in promoting trade in Europe--it also ties in with my work of conducting focus groups for schools and businesses seeking various target populations.
If understanding your home page visitor's preference for information is of interest to you, you may wish to have a focus group conducted on your page. For more information, send requests to Kirk Blackard with your URL, target market and I will submit a request for proposal. I may be reached by phone/fax at:804)359-6247 or by regular mail at: 503 N. Hamilton St. Ste. J. Richmond, VA 23221 USA
Sincerely,
Kirk Blackard mailto:colmatch@i2020.net