Localization — Don’t Use Phrasal Verbs in Your Technical Documents

Introduction to Localization

Localization of technical documents requires the translation of the technical text into local languages. Some English components do not have corresponding equivalents in other languages and thus are almost impossible to translate correctly.

Globalization versus Localization

Localization is the process of adapting a product to suit different regional or international markets. It is essentially the act of tailoring content for different regions, languages, cultures, and customs. This includes translating product to suit different languages (e.g., English to Spanish), adapting products for geographic regions (e.g., the United States versus France) and re-editing content for other cultural sensitivities (e.g., how one interacts with customers in China).

Globalization is about making sure that your product can be easily localized in any region without having to go through any costly processes like localization or adaptations. With globalization, you just need to take care of all your translations during the initial stage itself so that when you launch your product in any region it’s already available in their language and culture

What is a Phrasal Verb?

A phrasal verb is a verb consisting of more than one word.

It is a verb that has at least one part, the particle, which does not appear as an independent word in the sentence.

It is also called a compound verb and it is sometimes called a “verb sandwich.”

The most common type of phrasal verbs is those containing the prefixes “get” and “have”. These verbs often share similar meanings such as:

• Get better: To become well or healthy again.
• Get mad: To become angry or furious at someone or something.

Why Talk About Phrasal Verbs?

Phrasal verbs are an example of such hard-to-translate components. Whenever possible, a technical communicator should replace such multi-word verbs with their single-word synonyms.

Examples

Here are some examples:
——————————————–
To run into.
Replacement suggestion: “have“.
“If you run into any problems call the Customer Service.”
BETTER: “If you have any problems call the Customer Service.”
——————————————–
To shut off.
Replacement suggestion: “stop“.
“Shut off the engine.”
BETTER: “Stop the engine.”
——————————————–
To fall back on.
Replacement suggestion: “use“.
“In an emergency, you can fall back on Relay B instead of Relay A.”
BETTER: “In an emergency, you can use Relay B instead of Relay A.”
——————————————–
To blow up.
Replacement suggestion: “explode“.
“If the steam pressure goes over 100 psi the piston may blow up.”
BETTER: “If the steam pressure goes over 100 psi the piston may explode.”
——————————————–
To lay down.
Replacement suggestion: “establish“.
“Lay down the HR guidelines early during the incorporation process.”
BETTER: “Establish the HR guidelines early during the incorporation process.”
——————————————–
To read up on.
Replacement suggestion: “research“.
“Read up on the configuration alternatives before connecting the main unit.”
BETTER: “Research the configuration alternatives before connecting the main unit.”
——————————————–
To fall off.
Replacement suggestion: “decrease“.
“The temperature fell off to 12 Fahrenheit.”
BETTER: “The temperature decreased to 12 Fahrenheit.”
——————————————–
To hook up.
Replacement suggestion: “connect“.
“Hook up Cable A with Cable B.”
BETTER: “Connect Cable A with Cable B.”

Conclusion

Do not use phrasal verbs in English if your text will be translated and localized since they can easily be mistranslated and misunderstood.

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