technical documentation localization with accalaro

8/4/2019 Technical Documentation Localization with Accalaro

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www.acclaro.com I Acclaro Inc. 2010 1

Webinar: TechnicalDocumentation Localization


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Agenda

> Definitions> Content Creation

Global English Best practices for images Applications Publishing checklist

> The Localization Process Working with a translation team Preparation and glossary Translation and translation memory In-context review


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Definitions

> Translation Interpreting the meaning and message of text in one language

(source) and producing equivalent text in another (target)

> Localization (l10n) Adapting a product or service to a language and culture Translation is a core requirement for achieving localization

> Globalization (g11n) The high level strategy for serving international markets


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Localization

> Localization includes: Translation appropriate for the local market Modifying graphic, multimedia and visual elements QA of final from a linguistic + aesthetic perspective

> Localization outputs: A visually, culturally correct product for an audience united

by national borders, culture and/or language


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Best Practices forContent Creation


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www.acclaro.com I Acclaro Inc. 2010

Benefits of Global English

> The Three Cs Clear Concise Consistent

> Saving time and money Clear = lower risk of mistranslation Concise = fewer words to translate Consistent = more recycling of assets

> Increased quality of translation Better value for money


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Be Clear

> Avoid idioms, slang, sports references> Use verbs with a limited range of meanings> Use bulleted lists

> Write in short, clear sentences Repeat the main subject Minimize passive voice

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Be Concise and Consistent

> Say what you mean

>Be consistent with terminology, writing style andvoice More content can be leveraged Fewer questions

Cut unnecessary words to decrease word count


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Best Practices for Images

> Keep text out of images Use numbered callouts Text in the content area Allow for expansion

> If you must have text in images Keep the amount of text to a minimum Leave plenty of space for expansion Provide the "layered" versions (e.g. Photoshop

.psd, Fireworks .png) of the final images


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Best Practices for Images

> Use screenshots sparingly> If you must have screen

captures Do not embed text callouts in screen

captures. Use "fuzzy" screen captures if possible

> Replace locale-specific images Not all symbols are international

> Link images Store screen captures and art

separately


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Frequently Used Applications

Applications Purpose Types of DocumentsInDesign, Quark, Illustrator Multi-purpose, more

complex designsMarketing docs

Structured FrameMaker, XML Simpler documentation Straight techdocuments

Adobe PDFs Creating a picture of your file

Not a source file!


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Localization Checklist

> Have you Frozen content? Prepared for text expansion? Linked graphics? Considered screenshot roadmap? Provided editable source files? Compressed your files? Provided specs?


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Interested in the full webinar?

Visit our website:http://www.acclaro.com/webinars

Send us an email with a request for the pdf version:

[email protected] a presentation for your staff:[email protected]

Read our blog for more tips on documentation

localization:http://www.acclaro.com/translation-localization-blog