Localization in a Time of Shrinking Budgets  

Suggests ways that technical communicators can implement cost-effective localization.

Butland, Philip. Intercom (2004). Articles>Language>Localization

Localization Management of a Horizontal Software Product  

Successful localization of software and documentation for foreign-language markets requires thorough planning, effective systems, skillful project management and excellent communication. Working as a team, Rocky Mountain Translators, a 17-year old translation company based in Boulder, Colorado, and a Hewlett-Packard Division in California, describe a successful association localizing a horizontal software product. The unique perspectives of each company provide the backdrop to an in-depth discussion of the steps involved in this partnership process.

Burns, Ann Lyn and Kristy Roesner. STC Proceedings (1993). Articles>Language>Localization

Localization Planning

Localization is the process of customizing your application for a given culture/locale. Localization consists primarily of translating the user interface. Proper planning will help ensure your application is localized in a timely and cost effective manner.

Microsoft (2004). Articles>Language>Localization

Localization Takes Hold in Turkey  

Describes the current state of the localization market in Turkey, how EU membership will impact the industry and the importance of standards. In a sidebar, Rebecca Ray, Global Business Editor, explains how the Turks’ longstanding custom of linguistic and cultural assimilation makes doing business in the country a refreshing and enjoyable challenge for global business people.

Oygur, Vedat. LISA (2004). Articles>Language>Localization

Localizing for Mobile Devices: A Primer

The mobile world and localization: designing for mobile communications; small screens; screens of various types; keyboards versus styluses; operating systems for mobile devices; proper internationalization is necessary.

LISA (2001). Articles>Language>Localization>Web Design

Lost in Translation?  

The task of communicating in a global environment requires planning, sensitivity and expert help. The authors have developed a series of check lists and tips to guide writers, editors, and other members of the localization team through the process.

Sellin, Robert and Elaine Winters. STC Proceedings (1997). Articles>Language>Translation>Localization

Lost in Translation?  

The first two hours are spent in the simulation Elaine’s Game - which gives participants the experience of temporarily belonging to another culture and interacting across cultures with other members of the workshop. It is a proven way to expand awareness of other points of view. The first two handouts explore culturally biased material in a concrete way; participants are expected to collaborate and rewrite a portion of an article. The third handout is an example of how meaning changes through translation into two languages (Japanese and French) from American English.

Sellin, Rob and Elaine Winters. STC Proceedings (1998). Articles>Language>Localization

Machine Translation - 2001 Has Already Arrived

The easiest way to cope with existing language barriers undoubtedly is the use of translation programs, electronic helpers that translate texts automatically. However, with high expectations meeting poor quality translation results in the past, press media regularly concluded that users had better learn the language themselves or employ at least a human translator. Yet a closer look at modern machine translation (MT) programs allows a more subtle view.

Bauer, Elisabeth. TC-FORUM (2000). Articles>Language>Localization>Machine Translation

Machine Translation - A New Dimension and What You Can Expect

Instead of 'translation', AltaVista offered me unbelievable junk, evidently, an unedited MT version of American promotional material. The text was unreal, the result of a myth: You click a button and the translation is staring at you. You are in the middle of a jungle.

Klein, Fred. TC-FORUM (1998). Articles>Language>Localization>Machine Translation

Machine Translation and Multilingual Technical Communication  

The demand by the global market for products which have been localized has brought a whole set of issues and concerns to international technical communication. Of particulur interest is the need to translate technical documentation into a number of languages without sacrificing the necessary timeto-market. Old solutions and processes are insufficient. This paper explores some of the computational tools now offered by the machine translation industry for the facilitation of multilingual document translation as modern corporations need it.

Bennett, Winfield Scott. STC Proceedings (1995). Articles>Language>Localization>Machine Translation

Machine Translation: General Overview  

This chapter introduces the main concepts and methods used for machine translation systems from the beginnings of research in the 1950s until about 1990; it covers the main approaches of rule-based systems (direct, interlingua, transfer, knowledge based), and the principal translation tools; and it concludes with a brief historical sketch.

Hutchins, W. John. Oxford Univ Press (2003). Articles>Language>Localization>Machine Translation

Machine Translation - Mystery, Misery or Miracle

As one of the first users of commercial MT in the United States, and as a senior professional translator, I see MT as one of many 'tools.' As an independent expert without connections to the industry I can be objective. Since 1980 I have used one system for years and have worked on and tested others. Few translators have years of experience in both the conventional and the MT fields.

Klein, Fred. TC-FORUM (1997). Articles>Language>Localization>Machine Translation

The Making of Technical Translations - The Personal Angle

My English at its best is only average. In fact: my English was much better when I was a student of chemistry. Since the time I have started working as a technical translator I have forgotten a lot of it. Nevertheless, my clients like my manuals very much. How does this happen?

Fuckner, Ingrid. TC-FORUM (1997). Articles>Language>Localization

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

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

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

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

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

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

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