stc 2014 unraveling the mysteries of localization kits

© 2010 Net-Translators, LLC. All rights reserved© 2014 Net-Translators. All rights reserved www.net-translators.com

Unraveling the Mysteries of Localization Kits for Translation Projects

Gina Wadley-BMC SoftwareDavid Sommer-Net-Translators

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Introductions-Co-Presenters

Gina WadleyStaff Information Developer / Localization Coordinator BMC Software

David SommerDir. of Strategic OperationsNet-Translators

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Agenda

• Objectives• Localization workflow• Reasons for localization kit / translation kit• Localization kit components• Component examples and real-world samples• Hands-on workshop:

– Start a glossary/termsbase– Assemble a sample localization kit using handouts– Identify and resolve issues with content– Feedback / Q&A

• Summary

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Objectives• Understand the importance of creating and maintaining

a localization kit• Acquire basic knowledge of concepts, tasks, and tools

to create a localization kit • Communicate and work more effectively and efficiently

with your localization providers for high-quality results• Become empowered and more valuable as a technical

communicator by showing ways to improve quality, meet deadlines, and save on cost

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Localization workflow

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Why do you need a Translation Kit?

• To communicate with the language provider• To accurately budget the project• To provide critical information about the project

– Scope– Schedule

– Timelines– Deadlines

– Expectations– Deliverables

– Project limitations– Reference materials– Training

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Localization kit components

• Instructions– What to translate / not translate, e.g.

– Do not translate product names.– If UI is not localized, how to handle the UI references?– How do you handle proper names if used as example

(John Smith>Johannes Schmidt)– Deliverables

– Format– UI (UTF8, ANSI, Compiled, etc.)– Doc (Compiled help, PDF, Word, INDD, etc.)

– Naming convention, e.g.– Name_of_file.prop > Name_of_file_Fr.prop

– Directory structure– Text limitations

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Sample Instructions

• Simple translation and DTP

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Localization kit components

• Reference material – User documentation

– Quick start guides, user manuals, etc.– Online help (WebHelp, etc.)

– Software application/build/instance– License, credentials, URL for Web applications, installation files,

etc.– Demo data

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Localization kit components

• Training material– Product management WebEx demos / product walk-throughs– Employee product training presentations– Video tutorials / screencasts– Web-based training– Support material– Marketing material

• How much training to provide– Scope– Timeframe

– 1 hour to 2 weeks…– Support

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Content example: Before context

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Reference example: Training video

• EDCO

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After context

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Localization kit components

• Terminology/TermBase/Glossary– Monolingual

– Glossary of terms – UI elements

– Multilingual– Filters

– By Product– What to include

– Proprietary terms– Specific industry terms– Jargon

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Localization kit components

• Translation Memory (TM)– Preferred native format – TMX if porting to another tool– Filter– Project TM

• Caveats for TM vs. ad hoc or external translations– Ad hoc translations by bilingual colleagues– Translation websites (e.g., Google Translate, Reverso,

Microsoft Language Portal, etc.)– Multilingual web sites and glossaries, e.g. Wikipedia and ITIL– Competitors’ websites

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Localization kit components

• Style guides– Corporate– Language

• https://www.microsoft.com/Language/en-US/StyleGuides.aspx

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Localization kit components

• Communication Protocol– Skype– Email – Phone– Issue tracker– Portal (Web site, wiki, etc.)– FTP site

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Localization kit components

• All Source files– RESX, XML, PO, Properties, etc. – Multilingual– Filters

• Tips– Make sure that your files are localizable

– E.g., FrameMaker does not support RTL – Don’t embed text in graphics – use Photoshop or Visio with layers– …and so much more

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Localization kit components

• Payment information• Deadlines• File transfer

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© 2014 Net-Translators. All rights reserved

© 2014 Net-Translators. All rights reserved

Terminology

• Definition from Wikipedia– Terminology is the study of terms and their use. Terms are

words and compound words that in specific contexts are given specific meanings, meanings that may deviate from the meaning the same words have in other contexts and in everyday language.

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Terminology• Terminology Management

– Combined semantic & conceptual approach to terminology– Mine for term candidates– Populate with relevant metadata, e.g.

– Terms– Definitions– Context– Source– Gender– Part of speech

– Approval– Translation– Approval of target terms

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Why is context important?EN   FRFar Adj.  

Normal Adj.  Close Adj.  Close Verb       

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Sample TermBase

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Comments in UI string table

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TermBase in Passolo

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TermBase in Studio

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Sample Translation Request Submission

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Sample submission - email

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Email

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Sample kit

• What's missing from this submission?

• OPEN

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Let’s Build a TransKit1. Source files2. Instructions3. Training and resources4. Reference material5. Glossary or TermBase6. Translation memory7. Style guide8. Contacts and preferred communication channels9. Deadlines/schedule10. Payment/budget information

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Handouts

Document Description #

Pages 1. My TransKit Checklist High-level list of localization kit items 1 2. Getting Started Glossary Excel spreadsheet with 3 example terms 1 3. Sample of Instructions (from customer) Sample email to LSP with instructions for

translation job 2

4. Sample UI string queries Sample questions from translators and answers by localization coordinator / developer

1

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Hands-on Assignment

1. Add 2 new English terms to the Getting Started Glossary.xlsx which might be candidates for a Termbase.

2. Read the sample submission email on slides 30 and 31.

3. Use the My Transkit checklist to determine if high-level localization kit components are present

a. Note any missing components

4. Use the Sample of Instructions.docx as a guide to create your own set of instructions.

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Feedback / Q&A

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Summary

• A Transkit is not that difficult to create and maintain• The Transkit is helpful in managing the translations • Transkits are doable irrespective of the technology• Transkits reduce project delays