Google Translate

Google Translate – an automatic translation service that uses state-of-the-art technology, not human translators, to translate text – provides instant translations in 58 different languages. By providing these translations, we hope to make essential information available to the diverse populations that visit Brigham and Women’s Hospital every day. However, please be aware that, since translations are done by machine, they may not always be perfect. (Please see our legal disclaimer at the bottom of this page.)

How do I use Google Translate?

Simply click on the “Translate” link at the top any page, then choose a language from the dropdown menu. Google Translate will display the translated text without reloading or redirecting you from your page. If you click on a link in the translated page, the linked web page also will be translated automatically for you – allowing you to seamlessly browse through our website in your language.

Are any BWH web pages translated by human translators?

Yes, some parts of our website have been translated into Spanish by professional translators. For more information on these resources, please visit our “Recursos en Español” page.

Why is only part of the web page translated?

Google translate is not able to read graphical buttons, drop-down menus, text within photos, news items imported through an RSS feed, and certain other forms of text. In these cases, the text will remain in English.

Why doesn’t the language I chose display properly?

In order to view a page in a particular language, your browser must have that language pack installed. To download appropriate language packs, visit the website for your browser.

Why did half of my text disappear – or my browser just freeze?

Google Translate breaks text into a series of 500-character chunks and continuously sends them back and forth until the entire page has been translated. This processing system occasionally creates confusion in how a particular block of text is translated. Also, if the page is very long or your computer processor is not powerful enough, it may cause your browser to freeze.

What is automatic translation?

Automatic translation detects patterns in documents that already have been translated by human translators. Using those patterns as a guide, automatic translators such as Google Translate are able to make intelligent guesses as to what an appropriate translation should be. Because the translations are generated by machine, not all translations will be perfect.

What can I do to improve the translation quality?

Even today's most sophisticated software can’t translate at the fluency of a native speaker or professional translator. If you encounter a translation that doesn't seem right, click on the phrase in question – and sometimes Google Translate will have alternative translation available.

Legal Disclaimer

Brigham and Women’s Hospital is not responsible for the translations provided by Google Translate. Please be aware that the English version of our website is the official text. The translated copies of our site are not legally binding, and any differences created in translation have no legal effect. If there are any concerns regarding the accuracy of the information presented within the translated versions of our site, please refer back to the official English-language website.