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

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 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. 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

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

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

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

Terminologiemanagement

Der Unterschied zwischen dem richtigen Wort und dem beinahe richtigen ist derselbe Unterschied wie der zwischen dem Blitz und einem Glühwürmchen.

Transline (2008). (German) Articles>Language>Localization>Controlled Vocabulary

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

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