Managing Translations: Achieving Quality by Coordinating All Available Resources  

Technical communicators have many potential advantages for managing the translation process. When the translation process is outsourced, the technical communicator can ensure that the translators have access to all the resources necessary to achieve quality documents. The same resources used to create the source document will be valuable resources to a translator. Also, the SME team can become an essential part of ensuring the quality and completeness of the translated documentation.

Poiré, Elisabeth. STC Proceedings (2005). Articles>Language>Translation>Technical Translation

Mapping Language Function in the Brain: A Review of the Recent Literature    

Advocates of brain-based learning have argued that instructional methods, to be successful, must be based on an understanding of how the brain processes information. In the past most descriptions of neurocognitive function were largely speculative, relying on theoretical constructions of how we believed the brain to work. Recent advances in functional imaging Positron Emission Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging have, however, opened the brain to empirical study. This article will consider the potential importance of brain study for composition instruction, briefly describe functional imaging techniques, and review the findings of recent brain-mapping studies investigating the neurocognitive systems involved in language function. In short, understanding how language systems are organized in the brain represents the first step in our attempts to create brain-compatible instructional methods in the composition classroom. Following a review of the recent literature, the article will consider the possible implications of this information for pedagogical practice.

Crafton, Robert E. and Elissa Kido. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication (2000). Articles>Language>Research>Cognitive Psychology

Minimalism

Links to resources about the Minimalist Model applied to documentation and training.

Ryder, Martin. University of Colorado at Denver (1995). Articles>Language>Rhetoric>Minimalism

Multi-Language Working in a Unix Environment: The Concept of Internationalization  

Worldwide communication, international markets and growing needs of local customers today demand globally competitive software products that are able to satisfy multiple user requirements. This paper looks at the problems arising when software supporting local languages, conventions and cultures is designed. It then describes a new programming concept called 'internationalization' and finally leads into a discussion of possible influences on the documentation process.

Hemme, Hartmut. STC Proceedings (1993). Articles>Language>Localization

Multilingual Technology 101: A Lite Introduction  

Authoring for international communication has become a common requirement for the technical communicator. Few writers, illustrators or editors have any concept of the translator's on-screen view of the creator’s work. Multilingual software and technology are a complex array of systems, programs and appliances. Engineering resources provide the many thousands of beautiful language characters from far-off lands and ancient times. Translation tools make it possible to compare, store, edit and translate work into those languages. Workflow systems allow the authoring team to co-manage the distribution of its work from end-to-end of the document, software and Web translation supply chains.

Luther, Jerry D. STC Proceedings (2003). Articles>Language>Localization

Multilingual Websites with Open Source Content Management Systems  

Open source content management systems can be installed free of charge on an entity's servers or web hosting account, and provide a way for organizations to develop multilingual web sites. There are some challenges in finding a good open source content management system, but there are several that can fit a variety of needs. An example CMS is Plone, which has strong support for different languages, and which also integrates tools for managing the translation of content.

Kelsey, Todd. Association for Business Communication (2006). Articles>Content Management>Localization>Language

My Changing Approach to Localization  

As members of the Technical Communication Delegation to Russia and the Czech Republic, we had the unusual opportunity of discussing our communication concerns with Russian and Czech technical professionals who use many of our products and do or teach technical writing.

Cornette, Patricia K. STC Proceedings (1999). Articles>Language>Localization>Eastern Europe

Need a Quote? What You Should Have Ready

When you need a quote for your translation, you simply call or email the agency and ask for one. What you don't expect, is the array of questions about your translation from the agency quoting your request. From what format the documents are in, to how you would like the files delivered to you and everything in between--when requesting a quote for translation, or typesetting services, there is certain information that you will be required to provide to the translation agency. If you have this information readily available, you will save a great deal of time.

Bologna, Sandra. WTB Language Group (2005). Articles>Language>Localization

Neologisms, Part 1: Fun with Words

In our professional lives, business and technology are the main sources for many new words. In our personal lives, blame (I mean credit) goes to popular culture for new words. New words, or 'neologisms,' are defined in Merriam Webster as 'a new word, usage, or expression' and (and next is my preferred definition) as 'a meaningless word coined by a psychotic.'

Caldanaro, Regina M. Carolina Communique (1997). Articles>Language>Technology

The New European Standard for Translation Services  

The new European standard DIN EN 15038 on translation services will become effective on August 1, 2006.

TC World (2006). Articles>Language>Standards>Technical Translation

Nine Things Your Translators Wish You Knew  

What are the secrets of a stress-free and productive translation experience? Davis's article highlights some important tips to keep in mind as you work on your next translation project.

Davis, Rachel A. Intercom (2006). Articles>Language>Localization

Observations on the Function of Document Styles in Cross-Cultural Communication  

This presentation will give a functional account of style in English technical communication and point out the differences in style shown by native speakers and non-native speakers of English.

Otsuka, Yoshihiro. STC Proceedings (1998). Articles>Language>Localization

Official Bilingualism Has Its Costs--and Opportunities

Since the inception of Canada's Official Languages Act in 1968, official bilingualism is estimated to have cost Canadians approximately $60 billion. Today, the cost of translating federal government documents and operating various programs, such as French language training for federal public servants, is estimated to be some $4 billion annually. And these figures do not take into account the cost of publishing bilingual documents and providing bilingual services at the provincial and municipal levels, or similar costs incurred by private enterprises. While these statistics periodically provoke intense debate in Canada on whether this is money well spent, the fact is that this country's bilingualism requirements have been a boon to at least one group of people employed in the communications field: French-language translators.

Zvalo, Peter. Writer's Block (2002). Articles>Language>Localization>Canada

On Dictionaries: A Conversation with Ilan Stavans

An interview with the Lewis-Sebring Professor of Latin American and Latino Culture at Amherst College.

Albin, Verónica. Translation Journal (2005). Articles>Language>Translation

Online Translation: The Future?    

The future -- agencies with a website offering an automated online translation service where the user supplies all project criteria such as materials (which are uploaded), personal details, project details, expectations etc. online. It's already started.

Forsyth, Steven. stevenforsyth.com (2004). Articles>Language>Localization>Online

An Outline of Technicisation Theory    

Teachers and researchers in the field of Technical English have always been concerned with the nature of this subject, its major characteristics, and its chief uses in Science and Technology. Obviously, less time and efforts have been spent on how technical English is learned, particularly in situations where foreign students have to relate their limited linguistic knowledge to meaningful realizations of the language system in technical texts of immediate concern to their specialist studies. This research is an early effort to show how technical English is learned and, more specifically, what relevant factors are involved in the overall learning process.

Soheili, A., D. Barjasteh, and Laila Al Qadhi. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication (2001). Articles>Scientific Communication>Education>Language

Overview of Globalization and Localization

In the past, the term localization often referred to a process that began after an application developer compiled the source files in the original language. Another team then began the process of reworking the source files for use in another language. The original language, for example, might be English, and the second language might be German. That approach, however, is prohibitively expensive and results in inconsistencies among versions. It has even caused some customers to purchase the original-language version instead of waiting months for the localized version. A more cost effective and functional model divides the process of developing world-ready applications into three distinct parts, globalization, localizability, and localization.

Microsoft (2004). Articles>Language>Localization

A Pattern Language Approach to Usability Knowledge Management    

Knowledge gained from usability testing is often applied merely to the immediate product under test and then forgotten--at least at an organizational level. This article describes a usability knowledge management system (KMS) based on principles of pattern language and use-case writing that offers a way to turn lessons learned from usability testing into organizational knowledge that can be leveraged across different projects and different design teams.

Hughes, Michael A. Journal of Usability Studies (2006). Articles>Usability>Knowledge Management>Language

Planning for Translation: What We've Learned the Hard Way  

For software products to succeed in the international marketplace, the documentation team needs to plan for translation from the beginning of product development. Experience shows that the following factors can contribute to the elusive goal of simultaneous release of software domestically and internationally: early freeze of the product interface, a well-thought-out translation plan, agreed-upon procedures and goals, standard tools for creating art and text files, and early editing. This paper gives practical tips for avoiding problems in translation.

Russell, Anne and Monet Thomson. STC Proceedings (1993). Articles>Language>Translation>Localization

The Power of Film Translation

The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the great power of film translation. This aim is accomplished by presenting the major modes of film translation, their world distribution and history, which are then followed by an analysis of dubbing and subtitling from the perspective of domestication and foreignisation.

Szarkowska, Agnieszka. Translation Journal (2005). Articles>Language>Translation>Video

Practical Tips for Language: The Ladder to the Top

We the Technical Editors are spared of one worry which our colleagues from journalism generally have: In our work we need not pay 'so much' attention to 'as much as possible' large number of editions. But the situation is different, if we--as is always the case--are to also look after the company's web presence. What is an edition in the context of printing is here the so-called 'page ranking' among the major search engines like Google and Yahoo. Many imagine that a listing in the hits lists depends on chance or, that it is mainly due to some technical means. That is all wrong: by employing some clever textual work the chances of web pages being found can be significantly increased. In reality, even elaborate techniques can lower the chances of hits: Frames, JavaScript and Flash Intros often derail the search engines. And the results may look all right, but regrettably the page will no longer be found.

Nickl, Markus. tekom (2006). Articles>Language>Editing>Business Communication

Prepare Your Site for the Global Market    

Are you looking for ways to maximize your company's global Web presence? Look no further, as the authors have laid out a step-by-step plan for creating and designing a multilingual site.

Deschamps-Potter, Catherine M. and Amy Plant. Intercom (2008). Articles>Web Design>Localization>Language

Preparing World-Ready Information Products  

Learn the skills, processes, and international attitude you need to create information products that effectively address multilingual and multicultural audiences. This seminar covers the basics of working with translators; accommodating cultural differences; designing documents, graphics, and multimedia for global appeal; writing for international audiences; and project management issues that arise as you prepare your information products for the world.

Hoft, Nancy L. STC Proceedings (1998). Articles>Language>Localization

Preparing Your Web Site for Machine Translation

Machine translation is a sophisticated technology. However, it is not as sophisticated as human language. Understanding how MT works on the Web helps designers and developers prepare Web pages for MT. Preparatory tactics improve the usability of MT output.

O'Connell, Theresa A. IBM (2001). Articles>Language>Localization>Machine Translation