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 Publishing with a Content Management System  

Sheds light on the benefits of using a content management system (CMS) when publishing in multiple languages. Included are tips for shopping for a CMS, managing unique character sets, and managing the translation process.

Freeman, Bret. Intercom (2006). Articles>Content Management>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 Web Sites: Reaching International Clients

You can add to customer satisfaction by letting customers know you are committed to the market in their country, when you provide information in their own language. You can increase sales because buyers can find your company Web site; learn about your products in their own language, get connected to the nearest outlet, or place orders online.

McClure, Peggy. Boston Broadside (1997). Design>Web Design>Localization

Multilingual Webmaster

MultilingualWebmaster.com was created to provide an open forum for developers and managers of multilingual web sites. Our goal is share information and innovation and promote 'best practices' in multilingual web site design.

MultilingualWebmaster.com. Resources>Language>Localization>Web Design

Multimedia, Beyond the Language Barrier Building Better Communication Bridges Across the Pacific Ocean  

While multimedia is a very popular tool today, simple animation and sound no longer have the pull they did. Effective use of multimedia technology depends on matching it to your overall purpose. Depending on the combination of media, you can reduce the cost of localization and speed-up information delivery. In this presentation, I will introduce two multimediarelated projects for considering the possibilities and limitations of multimedia.

Kobayashi, Norio. STC Proceedings (1998). Design>Multimedia>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

My Computer Doesn't Understand Me: Automated Translation Tools

Can a machine that automatically renders true translations from one language to another become a reality?

Liddiard, S.D. Writer's Block (1998). Design>Language>Web Design>Localization

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

Oopses

The following was not intended to be funny, but it is nevertheless. These are some examples where text was incorrectly translated or was not localized, which resulted in misrepresentation of the company and the product. Let's laugh and learn from these examples.

Bromberg and Associates. Humor>Language>Localization

Organizational Preparation for Efficient Localization  

This panel will examine upstream activities that can make the more effective and efficient use of both resources and budgets. Panelists from software and hardware corporations will address questions about preparing organizations for localization.

Moe, Kevin R., Elizabeth G. Nichols, Nancy Niland and Deborah Rosenquist. STC Proceedings (1996). Articles>Project Management>Localization

Outsourced Technical Translations: Assuring Quality  

Technical communicators who serve international audiences must prepare for and manage translations, yet they cannot read the outsourced translation, may have no knowledge of the target culture, and rarely have access to resident linguists who can verify the quality of the work. As well, the time frame in which material is translated is usually short and associated funding is vulnerable. Still, practitioners are expected to maintain corporate standards of language style, grammar, and accuracy. This paper examines the fundamental challenges of outsourcing technical translation, and offers tools and techniques that can be used to assure quality, at arms’ length, in the absence of access to a native speaker of the target language.

Douglas, Gordon J. and Sarah E. Eaton. STC Region 7 Proceedings (2002). Presentations>Language>Localization>Technical Translation

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

Perspectives on Design and Internationalization

We have not really given much attention to what most people think of when they think about the topic of internationalization as applied to the design of computer systems. For most people the issue is one of making a system (generally developed for a particular national audience) acceptable in another country.

Karat, John and Clare-Marie Karat. SIGCHI Bulletin (1996). Design>User Interface>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

A Position Paper on Cross-Cultural Usability Issues of Bilingual Mobile Phones

Variety of information services like Short Message Service (SMS), e-mail, news, market reports, educational applications and other reading materials are now available on mobile phones. The size of mobile phone and its display is shrinking day-by-day, whereas the volume of information content and services are growing. More importantly, mobile phones introduced in the Indian market have now become bilingual; they support various services in English and Hindi languages. Mobile manufacturers have consciously or unconsciously resorted to English oriented approaches, and as a result of this, they have diluted the culture specific rules and the original form of Hindi language. We have studied the usability of Hindi in four bilingual (Hindi and English) mobile phones manufactured by different companies like Nokia / Reliance 3105 CDMA, LG RD5130, Motorola C118 and Samsung / Reliance C200.

Katre, Dinesh S. HCeye (2006). Articles>Usability>Localization

Postgraduate Program in Technical Communication at the Danube University Krems

Multilingual aspects play a major role in Technical Communication. This involves translating and editing texts, developing multilingual terminology and generally coping with the challenges posed by intercultural communication.

Risku, Hanna. TC-FORUM (2000). Articles>Education>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

Project Management in Technology-Enabled Translation  

In today’s world of fast-paced production and even faster communication, the demand for translation is growing at a phenomenal rate. As a result of the big Silicon bang, multilingual reproduction of software, web sites, robotics manuals, and a multitude of other technical linguistic materials, is in high demand. This demand translates into dollars, marks, and yen for translation companies around the world: more words equal more money. The role of computer-aided translation (CAT) tools is increasing due to an ever-growing demand from international clients, coupled with an insufficient number of human translators. To handle the complex technical issues surrounding translation, multi-skilled project managers are becoming increasingly important to the success of projects.

Driggs, Amy L. STC Proceedings (1999). Articles>Language>Localization

Punctuation by Languages

Not too long ago, I was managing a translation project in Access (English to Greek) when I discovered that the translator hadn't used question marks similar to those used in the English source. Instead of question marks, he was using semicolons. I was sure that this was a mistake and that the computer was acting strange again. But it wasn't a mistake. In the Greek language, the question mark is like a semicolon, and the semicolon is instead a raised period. I've started to check on other projects as well, and I've learned quite a few interesting things about punctuation and their separators.

Bratu, Felicia. WTB Language Group (2005). Articles>Language>Localization>Grammar