Unexpected ROI (Return on Investment) from Terminology

Personal experience shows that all localization clients are interested in terminology--without exception. Only very large organizations, however, actually seem to maintain terminology databases.

Wittner, Janaina. Multilingual (2007). Articles>Language>Localization>Controlled Vocabulary

An Unfair Test  

Machine translation has improved greatly over the years, but one type of human communication, figurative language, remains difficult for computers to tackle. When we hear 'You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink,' we know that the speaker is probably commenting on human, not equine, nature.

Intercom (2004). Articles>Language>Localization>Machine Translation

Unicode: Ein paar Anmerkungen

ISO 10646 ist ein Zeichensatz, der Schriftzeichen binären Codenummern zuordnet. Unicode hingegen ordnet den 2- bzw. 4-Byte-Code denselben Schriftzeichen zu, ergänzt die Definition aber um Zeicheneigenschaften, Implementationsregeln und Hinweise. Unicode ist eine private Organisation verschiedener kommerzieller Unternehmen, akademischer Einrichtungen und Anwendergruppen. ISO (International Standards Organisation, eine Unterorganisation der UNO) und Unicode arbeiten seit 1991 zusammen, um Diskrepanzen zwischen ISO 10646 und Unicode zu vermeiden.

Transcom. (German) Articles>Language>Localization>Unicode

Unicode: Making the Web Safe for Furriners

I think that Internet and World Wide Web are capitalized because they are proper names. Many names are capitalized common nouns: the White House, the Ninth Circle of Hell, the Heritage Foundation, the Civil War. I've heard arguments for lowercasing Internet and World Wide Web from people who compare them to things like the telephone system, but lowercase is certainly not the predominant style for these terms. At least 90 percent of the time, they're capitalized, and I don't think you should ignore actual use completely.

Ivey, Keith C. Editorial Eye, The (2003). Articles>Language>Standards>Unicode

Use the Unicode Database to Find Characters for XML Documents

The Unicode consortium is dedicated to maintaining a character set that allows computers to deal with the vast array of human writing systems. When you think of computers that manage such a large and complex data set, you think databases, and this is precisely what the consortium provides for computer access to versions of the Unicode standard. The Unicode Character Database comprises files that present detailed information for each character and class of character. The strong tie between XML and Unicode means this database is very valuable to XML developers and authors. In this article Uche Ogbuji introduces the Unicode Character Database and shows how XML developers can put it to use.

Ogbuji, Uche. IBM (2006). Articles>Language>Localization>Unicode

Using Adoption Metaphors to Increase Customer Acceptance

We know a product has a lifecycle, but does the language we use for that product also have a lifecycle? From TiVo to the Internet Superhighway, Rice shows us how the metaphors we use have an evoluation all their own.

Rice, Sarah A. Boxes and Arrows (2006). Articles>Language>Technology>Tropes

Using Corporate Lore to Create Boundaries in the Workplace    

In the workplace setting professionals use language to create boundaries of exclusion and inclusion, using the discourses of their professions and of specific workplace domain. Some boundaries are marked by formal tests--directed memos, posted notices, stamps that read "For Your Eyes Only." Less overt forms, and arguably more effective, are specific rhetorical devices relying on knowledge of the corporate and professional culture. People are included or excluded from such cultures by their knowledge and ability to manipulate professional fables and folklore, historical data, workplace experience narratives, and practical knowledge. These discourse practices can be used to promote solidarity and positively strengthen professional cultures, but they can also be used to obstruct communication and to create social fragmentation in the workplace. This article examines some examples of discourse practices among managers and employees in the customer service department of a large manufacturing firm, and shows how knowledge of the ways that language can both include and exclude people from cultural groups in the worksite can help professional communicators facilitate more effective and responsible communication practices in workplace settings.

Racine, Sam J. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication (1999). Articles>Language>Workplace

Using In-Country Reviews to Ensure Quality Translations  

Too often, in-country translation reviews are overlooked, even though they can document valuable feedback and save customers time and money on translation projects. The author provides several criteria for deciding whether such a review is right for your project.

Deschamps-Potter, Catherine M. Intercom (2007). Articles>Language>Localization>Methods

Using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Software with CAT Tools

The function of OCR Software is to improve the scanning process with the transfer of hard copy documents into workable electronic text. Despite some high quality OCR software packages now available, the scanning process is still not perfect. This imperfection can greatly diminish from the performance of your CAT tool if it is not properly addressed. When combining these two processes (scanning and translation via CAT tools), it is important that you know which OCR software package to use and exactly how to use it most effectively. In fact, if you do not have the proper OCR software, or if you are using your OCR software incorrectly, you may actually negate the potential benefits that your translation software can offer.

SDL International. Articles>Language>Localization>OCR

The Value of Linguistics to Technical Authors in a Digital World    

This article aims to expound the importance of a knowledge of linguistics and the theories of human language to a technical author. Linguistics is often seen as a specialised branch of language for language experts. When technical authors communicate, they do need the tools of linguistics to handle the rhetorical grammar and patterns of technical prose. The linguistic features and semanics involved in technical writing also become relevant, as is visual and graphic representation.

Poon Teng Fatt, James. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication (2000). Articles>Language>Linguistics>Technical Writing

Visual Communication: Crossing International Boundaries  

Technical communicators often produce documents that are then translated into another language. Much has been written about creating a text that is “translatable” by eliminating analogies and metaphors; using short, clear sentences; organizing information according to the cultural preference for order; and eliminating jargon. whenever possible. Because technical communicators often provide both text and graphics, such attention to the translatability of graphics is essential to producing documents that fit the cultural conventions of the country in which the document is to be used.

Bosley, Deborah S. STC Proceedings (1996). Articles>Language>Localization>Visual Rhetoric

What a Technical Translator Can Do For You

I work with a small team of scientists, specializing in technical documentation and translation. In the following text I will look from a different angle on the work of a technical translator.

Zimmermann, Annegret. TC-FORUM (1999). Articles>Language>Localization

What to Expect from a Translation Agency

Leverage, CAT, translation memory, and aligning are quite interrelated and build on each other in the process.

Musgray, Uta. Boston Broadside (1997). Articles>Language>Translation>Localization

Why Can't a Computer Translate More Like a Person?

Translation is difficult, even for people. To begin with, you have to know two languages intimately. And even if you speak two or more languages fluently, it is not a trivial matter to produce a good translation.

Melby, Alan K. TTT (1995). Articles>Language>Translation>Machine Translation

Why Esperanto and Syriac?

Ori Redler, co-founder of RedleX, talks about the history of Mellel and why RedleX has invested so much in support for minority languages.

Redler, Ori. LISA (2004). Articles>Language>Word Processing

Word Games  

Without a doubt, delivering translation and localization services for the game and toy industries is more than child’s play. These days, with billions of dollars in revenue from international sales at stake, companies are becoming more and more aware of the importance of delivering quality localized products to specific markets. With incredible growth rates in segments such as computer and video games (which make more money than the US film industry these days), but also with learning toys, board games and many other products trying to find their ways into playrooms worldwide, the industry is a strong player that demands to receive quality services from translation and localization vendors. While many of the same questions that affect any translation and localization project are also valid for these markets, there are a variety of issues unique to the game and toy industry that need to be addressed.

Niedermair, Christoph. tekom (2005). Articles>Language>Localization

Working with a Professional Translation Supplier  

Working with a professional translation company is one way to obtain accurate translations. Make sure that you choose a qualified supplier that you trust. It is a plus if your chosen supplier utilizes translation memory. After choosing the company you want to work with, collaborate to iron out details and develop a smooth process. Prepare your documents carefully to keep translation costs down. Establish a viable procedure for in-country reviews. Create a win-win situation by making your translator a business partner.

Smith, Jackie. STC Proceedings (2002). Articles>Language>Localization

World English: How to Communicate with an International Audience

World English is the result of applying a set of writing and editing principles to create a simplified, highly-intelligible international dialect. The principle is similar to that of Basic English, which was developed by linguists during World War II. While Basic English had only 800 words, you could really say a lot of things with it. The number of situations where misinterpretation can take place is practically infinite. But a fairly small number of writing and editing principles will cover a very large number of cases and considerably reduce the burden on the non-native reader and listener.

Perlman, Alan M. Communication World Bulletin (2005). Articles>Writing>International>Language

Writer's View of Using a Controlled Language

While the benefits of using a controlled language are clear from a business perspective (reduced translation costs, standardized phrases, reduced potential for misinterpretation), applying it can be a challenge when writing even simple service procedures.

Muldoon, Donna. TC-FORUM (1999). Articles>Language>Localization>Controlled Vocabulary

Writing Globally: Teaching Technical Writing to Hungarian Students of Translation    

Not only do students of technical writing courses need to learn how to prepare documents for translation properly, but students of translation need to learn technical and academic writing. This article gives the example of such a course taught at the Technical University of Budapest, Hungary. The course covers writing instructions and manuals, documents for scholarly and professional societies and scientific conferences, scientific papers, reports and abstracts.

Koltay, Tibor. Journal of Business and Technical Communication (1999). Articles>Language>Writing>Technical Writing

Знаки, Язык, Интерпретация

Философия интерпретации самоопределяется как продолжение критической традиции, которая сложилась после Канта. Согласно ей, мир не дан нам нам непосредственно и исходным является понимание отношений человека к миру, к другим и к самому себе. Эти отношения являются отношениями интерпретации и выражаются процедурами схематизации, конструирования, формирования, проецирования, селектирования и т.п. активной познавательной деятельностью. Таким образом, "интерпретация" относится к основным философским понятиям.

Markov, B.V. Argumentation (2002). (Russian) Articles>Language>Theory

Перспективи за Постигане на Универсална Езикова Комуникация

В съвременната епоха съществува неутолима потребност от взаимоопознаване и сътрудничество. А едно от най-сериозните препятствия за пълноценната глобална комуникация на основата на информационните технологии е езиковата бариера. В статията се набелязват от една страна пътищата, по които се осъществява сближаване между езиците – чрез подезиците на науката и технологиите и чрез социолектите на различните субкултури, носители на универсализираната масова култура. От друга страна - посочват се мерките, взети за разрешаване на проблема – и технически, и социални. Правят се изводи по повод уловената от нас тенденция към оформяне на универсален език и езици-регионални медиатори. Използването от всеки човек на повече езици, съобразени със социалните, професионалните и националните територии, в които той се движи, многократно повишават неговата комуникабилност и я правят независима от други външни фактори – технология, решаваща речеви и ортографически трудности, наличие на преводач и т.н. Тогава, изборът да превключи на определен език зависи единствено от комуникативната ситуация. Би- и полилингвизмът се сочат като най-естественото и тотално разрешение на проблема за уникалната езикова комуникация днес, при неимоверното увеличаване на преките и непреките езикови контакти.

Kirova, Ludmilla. Liternet (2001). (Bulgarian) Articles>Language>International

Язык как Форма Жизни

Поворот от сознания к языку обычно расценивают как исток неклассической философии. Он состоит в понимание языка не как нейтрального средства выражения мысли, а как продуктивного медиума, определяющего онтологию бытия и сознания. Однако постановка и решение центральной проблемы значения еще долгое время опирались на классическое понимание истины как соответствия высказывания и реальности. Язык считался средством выражения мыслей и чувств и обозначения предметов. Парадокс состоял в том, что теория значения в семантике выдвигалась для преодоления затруднений классической теории истины и вместе с тем опиралась на нее при анализе и проверке значения. Принцип лингвистической относительности устраняет данный парадокс. Согласно Сепиру и Уорфу, каждый национальный язык содержит свою собственную онтологию. Признание этого тезиса означало, что ни в мысли, ни в действительности не существует чего-то такого, что обусловливает единство языков и дает возможность их понимания и перевода на основе универсальной логической или онтологической структуры. Язык не принимает каких-либо внешних ориентиров, и только в его рамках определяется, что такое "истина", "мир" и "значение". Соответственно, помимо языка не существует независимых масштабов оценки моральности, красоты, блага, рациональности и т.п. Но такая радикальная программа кажется заведомо бесперспективной, ибо обрекает на солипсизм и релятивизм. Если все "языковые миры" признаются изолированными, несоизмеримыми и равноправными, то непонятно, как возможно общение между представителями различными языковых систем. Ведь в современном мультикультурном мире взаимодействуют различные дискурсы и системы взглядов. В связи с этим возникает вопрос о том, что или кто, если не разум, является медиумом, обеспечивающим взаимопонимание и перевод разных языков.

Markov, B.V. Argumentation (2000). Articles>Language>Rhetoric

Think Globally, Write Locally

Using a process called localization, language professionals translate the source document’s words and adapt its content to the needs and norms of the target country or market. Because language professionals can work only with what they are given, the document’s creator is partly responsible for ensuring the localization process is effective. After all, poorly written English cannot be turned into good Japanese.

Giovanis, Kristen. TechCom Manager (2006). Articles>Language>Localization>Translation