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It is interesting to look at localization as "cost" which must be reduced.
Localization is the entrance key to other markets, just as building up a
distribution network and marketing campaigns.
The translation must be done with the same care as the original
documentation is written. Keep in mind that the user in that market does
not understand or even have access to the original documentation. Sloppy
translation will ruin the reputation or your company (or adding further
pressure on your prices)
So, the best way to reduce translation cost is ignoring that particular
market <g>.
Besides that, the key for controlling translation cost is indeed in the
original writing. As translations are treated like a commodity in most
countries (nn cents per word; aa dollars per line), keeping the original
documents short will considerably reduce the translation costs.
If I remember correctly, those reduced vocabulary sets were used by heavy
machinery manufacturers in order to skip the translations. I think they
added lots of drawings to their maintenance and repair manuals. The
customer's mechanics kind of knew what to do anyway, and minimum training
was needed to understand the maintenance and repair manuals.
BUT, such an approach works only for certain products, certainly NOT for
consumer products.
The questions make me suspect that you are looking into Machine
Translation. Machine translation results of general text (with no
vocabulary restrictions) sucks. Therefore it must be edited; in some cases,
that takes about the same time as translating the texts right away.
There are some computer aided translation systems which are based on a
database of already used phrases. Once, you have a phrase translated, it
will be suggested automatically. Some systems are even able to recognize
variable data (such as "Use lifting equipment with nnn kg capacity"). These
tools can be useful in the hands of a good and experienced translator; a
dummy will cause more damage than save costs.
This said, it is not the length of the word list which has to be limited,
but the original text must be written consistently. For the same fact, one,
and just that one phrase must be used. The text may end up rather boring,
and many people would say it is very bad style, as it uses the same
expressions over and over again, even if there were synonyms.
A list of forbidden words has more to do with Political Correctness than
with keeping translation cost down. Writing short and clear does not need
lists of forbidden words. And with the tools already mentioned, the
smallest unit is not a word, but a phrase.
IMHO, the best way to keep translation cost down, and to maintain high
standards in the documents, is to have very good source material. It is
much easier to translate a well written, clear and understandable text than
babble where the writer wanted to show how smart he was.
Another thing to control translation cost could be working directly with
individual tranlsators, instead of agencies. With this, you build up a
knowledgeable partners who - if you treat them well - may become more
flexible with deadlines and prices. It may also be useful to have the
documents translated in the target market area. And select the translators
as carefully as you do your writers.
Max Wyss
PRODOK Engineering AG
Technical documentation and translations, Electronic Publishing
CH-8906 Bonstetten, Switzerland
Fax: +41 1 700 20 37
e-mail: mailto:prodok -at- prodok -dot- ch or 100012 -dot- 44 -at- compuserve -dot- com
________________
> I have been tasked with investigating ways to reduce translation costs
> for our localization efforts. We translate from US English to many
> languages.
>
> One of the areas I must investigate is a way to reduce or limit the
> words we use in our documentation set. I know that some years ago
> several companies used a limited set of words for their documentation
> efforts. Examples of these word sets were basic English, fundamental
> English, and structured English.
>
> I understand some companies use word lists and edit out many words
> that cause problems during the translation process.
>
> Questions:
>
> What do you do to reduce or control your translation costs?
>
> Do any of your companies still use a limited word set for controlling
> translation costs. If so, how do you implement and control the word
> set and how large is the word set?. How did you obtain or develop it?
>
> If you have lists of words that are not allowed, how long is the list?
> (and is it available? :-} )
>
> What other methods do you use to control translation costs?
>
> If you prefer, you can reply directly to tom_lange -at- us -dot- dell -dot- com -dot-
>
> Thanks for any and all help.
>
> Tom Lange
> Manager, Technical Editing
> Information Development
> Dell Computer Corporation
> tom_lange -at- us -dot- dell -dot- com
>
