Preparing your content for localization can be a challenge, especially if you are not familiar with the process. To avoid wasted time and cost, follow these guidelines to make your content localization-ready as efficiently as possible. If you can be proactive and thoughtful about making sure your content is ready for the localization process, the process will be a breeze.
Use short, simple sentences, and choose words that are precise, with one or few meanings. Words with multiple meanings are easily misunderstood.
Use active voice and present tense. Such sentences convey clear messages using the fewest words.
Be consistent. If a warning statement appears more than once, write the warning exactly the same way every time. Refer to a product the same way every time.
Do not use slang or jargon. Such expressions like “keep a fire extinguisher handy” may not translate easily or clearly.
Stay away from contractions and define abbreviations and acronyms. Avoid Latin abbreviations such as use “for example” instead of “i.e.”
Avoid verb forms that end in “-ing.” Some languages do not have a similar verb form. Try to write so that the subject and verb are near the start of the sentence.
Allow room for text expansion. The general rule of thumb is to allow fro up to 30% expansion. Also, do not embed text in graphics.
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