By Francis Bao | STC Associate Fellow
Localization is an effective method for cross-cultural communication. It requires an ability to translate the text correctly and accurately. It all begins with preparing content for international readers and making sure that source text is easy to translate. Once the stage is set for translation, a translator will be able to focus on the translation process itself and refine content further to suit different audiences. Writing translation-ready materials will save time as well as money, and it will also increase the quality and readability of target translations.
Cultural differences as well as linguistic differences must be incorporated into the translation process. An effective translation will not let the audience sense that the text was originally written in another language. Global audiences don’t always translate the way we intend; therefore, ineffective translation will change the meaning of original content and can cause confusion. Today, the way we speak and write affects others on a wide scale. Many people believe that translation is an easy thing and that all you have to do is to change words from the source text into the equivalent words of the target text. However, this is not true since some phrases or terms, if translated literally, would not make sense. Translation is a very complicated process. A critical element of successful localization is focusing on source text quality, or how well-written the content is. The source text serves as a base for translated content in all other languages. As the number of target languages for translation increases, the impact of the source content does as well. For this reason, when writing for successful translation, it is important to plan ahead and write it right the first time. Here are some useful tips to remember when writing for translation.
1. Keep Sentences Brief
Keep sentences simple and direct to increase understanding. Aim for about 20 words or less. Also use a style guide for consistency. Clear, concise, and well-constructed sentences will improve translation quality, reduce turnaround time, and cut costs, which speeds time-to-market and accelerates revenue streams.
2. Use Standard English Word Order Whenever Possible
Standard English word order generally means a subject, verb, and object with associated modifiers. Ensure that grammatical structure and proper punctuation are correctly applied in all sentences.
3. Avoid Long Noun Strings
When connecting elements are omitted from noun strings, readers must infer the relationship between the words. If people have to read a sentence several times to understand its meaning, it will cause further complications when it is translated into a different language. When this happens, we tend to see misinterpretations of the original meaning, or a translation that appears too literal.
4. Use One Word to Identify a Single Concept
Synonyms get in the way of clarity. Write the same thing, the same way, every time you write it. Finding different ways to write a single concept will not only affect the overall consistency of the translation, but it will also reduce the related translation memory leverage. This can lead to decreased quality and increased costs and turnaround. Translation memories leverage words in segments, so changing even a minor word will have an impact. Always consider reusing existing content that has already been translated.
5. Avoid Jargon in the Content
Try to avoid jargon in the content. Translators may not understand the meaning of jargon languages due to different cultural backgrounds. When the description is translated into target languages, these translators may translate in a literal manner or word-for-word format. The original meaning of the material will be totally changed and may even lead audiences in another direction.
6. Use Active Voice Throughout the Content
Active voice is more direct, better understood, and easier to translate because it contains less words than passive voice. When text is translated into different target languages, audiences of other cultures will be able to understand and experience less confusion.
When technical writers write for translation, they should realize that they are writing for international audiences, and all of these important factors should be applied to the content, which will make the editing process easier. Communication becomes effective abroad only after the message has been translated accurately. Technical writers and translators should work together as a team to make cross-cultural communication successful for global audiences.
FRANCIS BAO, a technical communicator since 1996, is currently working as an independent consultant in the Chicagoland area. His major specialties include technical writing and translation. He has been an STC member since 1997 and became an Associate Fellow in 2015. He has served many roles in the Chicago Chapter, including treasurer, vice president, president, and immediate past president. He has also been a manager of education, advertising, science fair, nominating, and (currently) sponsorship committees. He is a member of the Chicago eLearning & Technology Showcase Advisory Committee, as well as a member of STC’s International Technical Communication SIG and Technical Editing SIG. He has written a number of articles for the Chicago Chapter newsletter, Byline, and the TE SIG newsletter, Corrigo. Francis is currently a contracted technical translator of Linguava Co. in Oregon. He specializes in translating from mandarin Chinese to English and from English to Chinese.
