3. Preparing the material for translation
Advance preparation for translation
Perhaps the single most important thing to understand about translation is that it’s not simply the substitution of one word for another. It is a complex process involving linguistic and cultural systems. It is easier to accommodate all of the elements involved in translation when they are taken into consideration as the document is being written in English.
When you have control over the source material, there are several things that can be done in advance to help the translation process.
Avoid the use of buzz words and idioms. They simply do not translate. This particularly applies to user manuals. Wordplay in one language rarely translates into another.
Language should be kept simple and to the point. The translator must be able to understand the manual in order to produce an understandable translation. Short, transparent sentences work best in both English and the target language.
Terminology should be consistent. It is important that your writers use terminology consistently. Otherwise, two slightly different terms in English for the same thing will generate two different terms in translation.
- 3.1Some common “time bombs”
A few common issues that are easily overlooked if not addressed early in the translation process. - 3.2Concerns in Translating Publications
There are special issues to consider when publishing a translated document. - 3.3Preparing for Software localization
Because of its technical complexities, preparing software for localization requires special attention to detail.
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