The True Scope of a Localization Project

By Ugur Akinci

What is Localization? Some technical communicators think that “localization” is one and the same thing as “document translation.” Localization certainly encompasses translation but that’s not all. A localization project can include a lot more than just translating a user manual or two. Just consider the following list of BOM (Bill of Materials) introduced at a…

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Eliminate Nominalization from your Technical Writing

By Ugur Akinci

  © Ugur Akinci Eliminate nominalization (i.e., turning verbs and adjectives into nouns)  not only from your technical documents but from all your writing. Nominalization is the name grammarians have given to the process by which direct verbs are turned into convoluted phrases by adding suffixes like –tion, –ment, etc. There are other ways (fertile…

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Localization

The Difference Between Globalization vs. Localization in Technical Writing

By Ugur Akinci

Technical communicators are faced with localization versus “globalization” choices when generating documents for an international audience: 1)      They need to do something and change the document before the product or service can be offered to the international audience. 2)      They either need to GLOBALIZE the product or LOCALIZE it. 3)      The choice made in the…

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Localization

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

By Ugur Akinci

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…

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Free Articles on Localization and Translating Technical Documents

By Ugur Akinci

Here are some free articles about various aspects of technical document translation and localization, courtesy of Global Vision International, Inc. Thou Shall Have Free and Transparent TMS: Client Side News Article Does Your Product “Speak” Your Client’s Language? Is the World Wide Web Really Worldwide? Localize Your Product To Globalize Your Business To Localize Or…

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Technical Book Review – "Enabling Globalization" by Nabil Freij

By Ugur Akinci

© 2010 Ugur Akinci “Enabling Globalization: A Guide to Using Localization to Penetrate International Markets” by Nabil Freij, the President of the localization company GlobalVision International Inc. is a must reference for everyone thinking to market products and services globally. It’s kind of ironic but true – globalization requires localization, and this book has plenty…

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Localization

How to Prepare an Ideal Localization Kit

By Ugur Akinci

Introduction to Localization Kit Whenever undertaking a new project, and regardless of who will be performing your localization, the first thing to do is to create a complete localization kit and a localization project Bill Of Material (BOM). What is a BOM? A BOM is a localization kit containing all the files that need to…

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How to Write Technical Documents for an International Audience

By Ugur Akinci

Writing technical documents for an international audience means writing documents that translate easily to the target language, and are understood easily by the speakers of the target language. In the world we are living in, technical documents are increasingly translated from one language to another since customers of most goods and services transcend national boundaries.…

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