Businesses operating in a global
marketplace understand they need to translate documents for their audiences.
But some documents really need more than translation – they need document localization Dubai. Though a
document’s words can be translated effortlessly, the document can still be useless
in another market, because of differences in the way local businesses operate
and in the way people think.
Using a process called
localization, language experts translate the source document’s words and adjust
its content to the requirements and norms of the target nation or market. Due
to language experts can work only with what they are given, the document’s developer
is partiallyaccountable for making sure the localization process is effective.
After all, badly written English cannot be translated into good Japanese.
Going to the Source: Technical
Writers
Often, technical writers create
the source documents and therefore become a significant part of the
localization process. Their job is already pretty difficult, as they must:
·
Understand the product (often with the similar
level of detail and familiarity as the engineers who created it)
·
Integrate content from legal, engineering, and
marketing departments
·
Please many prejudiced people who most approve
their work
·
Meet deadlines that are sometimes impractical
It’s no wonder that localization necessities
are hardly at the top of their lists. Some crucial tips can make a big
difference in how well writers can produce documents that diminish global
communication challenges.
Plan for Success
There is no substitute for a great
plan. From the moment an organization, a department, or a writer knows that
documentation requires translation and localization, individuals involved can create
a plan that aids the process run easily and produces a positive outcome.
Create a Standard Workflow
Create a workflow or standard
operating process that addresses localization requirements. For instance, if
your organization has global offices that will be reviewing and authorizing
documents following translation and prior to release, integrate that step and needed
time into the workflow. If desktop publishing is required, find out if it will
be completed within or outsourced.
Other workflow elements
include:
·
Consistency
·
Document streamlining
If several individuals or
departments will be developing source documents, ensure they are all working in
tandem, using the same style guide and glossaries. Lately, a client submitted a
project comprising of technical documents formed by several writers-none of
which imitated to a template or style guide. Later, using a modular system, the
organization revised its procedures, formed a style guide, and updated all its
documents. As a result, the organization was able to reduce the word count of
their source documents by 41%, resultant in substantial savings in translation
and localization costs.
Invest in Your Resources
Although standard operating
procedures, template documents, and style guides take time and resources to
develop, they eventually serve to reduce your costs and enhance your results. A
particular term glossary can also be a valuable investment, since a major
challenge in localizing documents is how to grasp industry- or company-specific
terminology, abbreviations, and product nomenclature. By investing in glossary
development, you improve the accuracy and constancy of
your documentation while reducing costs.
Writing for Localization
Companies can also invest in
their resources by providing specific training and support to technical writers
and others who create source documents. Build awareness and skill in your team
for the requirements of localization, and you will reduce your headaches – and
your costs – for every project.
