Translation/Localisation
We translate English to and from the languages of the world. Read more about languages »
The range of subjects that need to be translated is as wide as life itself. Translators must fully understand the subject matter to be able to write about it into their own language, therefore, we have a wide range of specialists – Topic Targeted Translators™ - for each language. Each is a specialist in a subject area such as medical, technical electronic, technical mechanical, technical GPS, copywriting etc. The strength and depth of the Blue South team of Topic Targeted Translators™ means that we can confidently undertake translations for a very wide range of subjects. More>>
Multi-lingual projects
Need a set of 6 different documents in 15 languages but with slight variations between the source text for each language, all to be typeset? Or how about 150,000 words into 8 languages, comprising software strings, help files and other documentation, again, with differing source material for each language? Such projects are are typical of our everyday business translations at Blue South.
No matter how big or complex the project, our project management procedures can handle it. More about project management>> Guided by our Q-base certified Operations Manual, Blue South project managers have proven experience of handling large and complex projects for leading New Zealand businesses.
Localisation
Language translation is a large part of localisation and we are able to assist companies who wish to go beyond translation and localise their documentation.
Localisation involves taking a product or service and making it linguistically and culturally appropriate to the target locale (country/region and language) where it will be used and sold and used. A successfully localised service or product is one that appears to have been developed within the local culture. Ideally a product or service is developed so that localisation is relatively easy to achieve - for example, by creating technical illustrations for manuals in which the text can easily be changed to another language and allowing some expansion room for this purpose. This enabling process is termed internationalization and an internationalised product or service is therefore easier to localise.
Non-linguistic issues involved in localisation include;
- changing product names to avoid unwanted associations in target languages.
- screen dialog boxes and field lengths may have to be altered; date, time and currency formats changed; delimiters for figures replaced; and icons and colors adapted.
- in the case of bi-directional languages (such as Arabic and Hebrew) and double-byte character sets (such as those for Chinese, Japanese and Korean), more extensive reprogramming may be required to ensure that localised text and numerals are displayed correctly on the target platforms.
- programs often have to be changed to conform to national and cultural norms.
- in multimedia applications, the color, size and shape of objects such as coins and notes, taxis, telephones and mailboxes, buses and ambulances, traditionally vary from country to country. Dress codes will vary, and symbols take on a new significance.
- business applications such as address databases and financial accounting packages have to be adapted to the procedures and conventions applicable in their new environments.
How do I get started?
To discuss your multi-lingual translation requirements call us on 0508 443 613 or Email Us
Typesetting/DTP
An integral part of our service is typesetting (DTP) for translations that will be commercially printed. We work with all languages and all commonly used artwork formats and will coordinate with your designer with regards to compatibility of file formats, etc. Please talk to us to discuss your requirements.
We advise on the design of multi-lingual brochures, etc. to maximise effectiveness and minimise cost. Please talk to us to discuss your requirements.
Cost and time savings via re-import
In the case of technical manuals, in many cases, we can substantially reduce the amount of time and money required compared with conventional typesetting. More details »
How do I get started?
To discuss your translation typesetting requirements call us on 0508 443 613 or Email Us
Software translation
Translating software strings presents special challenges:
1. Conventionally software strings are presented to the Translator in a long list, but the context or meaning of each element may be very difficult to determine. This complicates the translation process and often requires significant double checking and re-working in conjunction with a software engineer who speaks the language and knows the application.
2. If the translated strings are returned to the client in a list, they must then be re-imported into the application. This can be a very laborious task and presents the risk of introducing errors. Additionally, due to the expansion of foreign languages compared with English, the translated text will not fit into the space that was designed around the English content (e.g. buttons or form fields).
Introducing “Catalyst”
To overcome such problems, Blue South has invested in Catalyst, a specialist software localization tool.
Catalyst enables the Translator to work directly with the software files (see Formats below):
1. The strings are presented to the Translator exactly as they will be used within the application.
2. A representation of the screen interface can be seen by the Translator so the context of the strings is readily apparent.
3. Strings are grouped just as they are within the application, e.g. dialog boxes, icons etc, enabling the Translator to work through the application tree.
4. The space available for each string is visible to the Translator, who may have to use shorter words or abbreviations, or resize text boxes or buttons (with the client’s agreement).
5. The translated text is entered directly into the software files by the Translator, and the completed application is returned to the client for final recompilation and checking. This removes the need for any double handling, “cut-and-paste” or re-formatting by the client.
The following screenshot of the Catalyst translator interface shows the visual representation of the applicable strings;
Language Expansion: When English is translated into most European languages the space required tends to expand. This causes difficulties in many software applications due to space limitations.
With Catalyst, an initial dummy translation can be run based on an estimated expansion for the target language. This identifies where major difficulties may occur.
During the translation process, the space available for each string is clearly visible to the Translator. In cases where it is impossible to find a suitable shorter word or abbreviation, text boxes/buttons for the application can be re-sized within the application (after agreement with the customer). This saves considerable time compared with re-visiting strings to shorten/find abbreviations.
Duplicate Strings: Catalyst identifies any strings which are duplicated throughout the application, so that these need only be translated once. This reduces the translation work and ensures consistency.
Catalyst identifies if any space for the duplicated strings may be too small, as the available space or formatting may differ throughout the application.
Validation: After translation, a validation tool within Catalyst checks for problems such as invalid ampersand position, mismatched or empty strings etc.
Text which is not to be translated can be locked. Similarly, display parameters can be locked to avoid unwanted changes being made.
Translation Memory Software: Catalyst is compatible with the world-class “SDL Trados Translation Memory Software” which is employed by Blue South. This software can create a memory of translated text for subsequent reuse, thus reducing the translation workload and ensuring consistency.
1. A memory created while translating software strings may be reused when working on subsequent documentation such as help files to ensure consistent use of terminology.
2. An existing Translation Memory can be imported into Catalyst and applied to a new related software translation, again reducing the translation requirement and ensuring consistency.
More about translation memory>>
Software Updates: For updates to software previously translated using Catalyst, a comparison can be made between old and new versions. This identifies each change and presents only the new text for translation.
Supported languages: The pseudo-translation function in Catalyst can also help us determine if the software application can support the language(s) it will be translated into. Depending on the character set and encoding used, some applications do not support accented letters and/or Asian characters. By running a dummy translation and extracting the files back into their original format, before even localizing the application properly, we can immediately see if the new languages are supported, If not, the client can make all the necessary changes to get the application ready for localization.
Supported Formats:
- All Microsoft Desktop Development Platforms: 9x, NT, 2000, XP, Win32, Winx64, RC, RESX, .NET Binaries (1.x and 2.0), Visual Basic.NET
- Mobile Computing Platforms: Windows CE, Symbian, EPOC
- Java Platforms: J2EE, J2SE, J2ME
- Content Files: MS Excel, HTML (and all derivatives PHP, ASP, JSP), XHTML, XML (including derivative ASP.NET, ASP, JSP and XSL)
- Data sources: All Microsoft DB technologies, Oracle 8/9/10 and IBM DB2
How do I get started?
To discuss your software translation requirements call us on 0508 443 613 or Email Us
Translations for websites
Our wide experience of translating websites means that we are able to provide advice about how to approach the writing and design of multi-lingual sites. Please talk to us to discuss your requirements.
As an integral part of translating text for websites, we will work with your web designers to either put the text directly into the site or to supply the required format. For example, we can work with .html files, translating only the visible text. Alternatively, for sites with a content management system, we can input the text directly into the site template.
In both cases, the site will be checked by the original translator before going live.
International search engine optimisation
Translating a site is only the first step – as with all sites, if good search engine rankings are required, the site will need to be optimised. We can facilitate the international optimisation and promotion of the translated site across a wide range of languages and markets.
How do I get started?
To discuss your website translation requirements call us on 0508 443 613 or
Email Us
Typical translation applications that we handle include;
- Technical manuals and data sheets.
- Promotional brochures, press releases and adverts.
- Websites.
- Legal/contractual documentation.
- Software strings and help files.
- Voiceovers for video/interractive presentations.
Formats:
MS Word, Powerpoint, Framemaker, InDesign, Freehand, QuarkXpress, Excel, SDL/Trados, AuthorIT, html, xml, etc. Please talk to us if you have an unusual format.
Authoring tools:
We are happy to work with clients to integrate authoring tools into the translation process.
Software translation:
We can work directly with most software formats using Catalyst. For more details>>
How do I get started?
To discuss your translation requirements call us on 0508 443 613 or Email Us
