What is localization engineering? Why the word “engineering”?

 

Localization engineering is a central component of the localization process. Localization engineers are responsible for all the technical aspects of the process: testing, creating screenshots, project preparation and setup, compilation and resizing, and supporting linguists and project managers. The word engineering is used because people responsible for the technical aspects of localization must be technically inclined and have an in-depth knowledge of various utilities, operating systems, translation tools, development environments, and localization models.

They must also understand how a particular software application works and have experience in standard development and programming environments, such as Microsoft Visual Studio, Borland Delphi, and Java Development Kit. They must have experience using and selecting the appropriate CAT tools and be able to write, add to, and test the functionality of the localized application.

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What is DTP?

 

DTP stands for Desktop Publishing. DTP involves formatting the layout of text and images on a computer before they are converted to paper or an online format. It also includes graphic localization (the creation and editing of graphics and diagrams).

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What does Request for Quotation (RFQ) and Request for Proposal (RFP) mean?

 

This is also referred to as “project sizing.” A client sends a request to analyze the product for localization in order to establish how quickly and at what cost a localized version can be delivered. The report sent back to the client could include the following:

 

• Cost breakdown (includes total word count, external matches, and internal matches)

• Time estimates

• Resources needed, including translators, proofreaders, localization engineers, DTP and QA specialists

• Preliminary schedule with list of deliverables

• Company info

• Potential issues

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What is text expansion?

 

Text expansion is feature of translated text whereby some languages require more text or longer words than the source language. Polish, for example, expands twenty percent when translated from English.

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What is alignment?

 

Creating a translation memory database based on an already translated document by matching segments (phrases) of the source language version to the translated version.

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What are internal repetitions?

 

Internal repetitions are words that are repeated within the same document (100% matches). They need to be translated only once.

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What are 100% matches?

 

100% matches are also called “full matches” or “perfect matches” and describe terms for translation in a new document that perfectly match phrases in a translation memory database.

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What are fuzzy matches?

 

Fuzzy matches are used in translation memory tools to identify text segments that do not match previously translated segments perfectly. This approach allows translations of similar texts to be leveraged. For example, “Click OK to display message” is a seventy-five percent fuzzy match with “Click OK to display changes.”

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What is Translation Memory (TM)?

 

Translation Memory (TM for short) is a solution that increases efficiency by reusing previously translated phrases and sentences. This technology enables Argos Translations to store translated phrases and sentences (segments) in a special database that translators can utilize for new translation projects. With the use of translation memory tools, we can also estimate the size of the translation and the number of internal repetitions, and on that basis can plan the translation project framework.

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What is leveraging?

 

This is the percentage of material that has already been translated when compared with the content of a new file that is to be translated.

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Why should I use Translation Memory?

 

Using translation memory tools allows you to save time on translating, save money, and use consistent terminology across many documents and texts.

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What is a glossary, and how does it differ from a termbase (TDB)?

 

A glossary is a bilingual list that contains keywords and phrases. Termbase (TDB or terminology database) is a list that contains definitions and terms associated with a specific, specialized subject field.

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What is the difference between translation memory and machine translation?

 

Translation memory (TM) should not be confused with machine translation (MT). The major difference is that, in machine translation, a computer translates the text. In translation memory systems, the computer only stores translated sentences. An MT system attempts to replace a translator, whereas a TM system supports and assists the translator with the translation process.

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What is a TM tool?

 

TM stands for “translation memory.” TM tools are designed to recycle previously created translations. Examples of TM tools include SDLX, Trados, Transit, MemoQ, Wordfast, and DejaVu.

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What is a CAT tool?

 

CAT stands for “Computer-Aided Translation.” CAT is a technology that automates the translation process and supports translators in translating. CAT tools can be categorized as follows:

 

• Translation memory tools

• Terminology tools

• Software localization tools

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What is the difference between translation and localization?

 

Translation is different from localization. Localization is much more than translation. When you localize content or a product, you are adapting that product or content to a specific locale. Translation is just one of the many processes done under localization. Translation is the process of converting text and words from one language to another, and it is quite a straightforward task that can be completed by even the most inexperienced translator.

 

The localization process is a much more complicated and continues after the translatable parts of the product (such as software) have been translated. The translated text has to be imported back into the software application, graphics have to be adapted to suit the needs of the target language audience, changes to the user interface structure might have to be made, the software has to be tested, and a final QA must be performed.

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What is localization (L10n)?

 

Localization is the conversion of a product (software, website, on-line help, and documentation) from its source language to the target language in which the product will be used. This process includes making the product linguistically and culturally appropriate to the target culture.

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