Re: Publishing in Different languages
Hi Scott, Machine translation is far from perfect, and can lead to very erroneous statements in your documentation - especially if it's used by non-native speakers and/or localizers lacking experience in your industry's domain knowledge. Your best bet is to use a company specializing in localization services who can help you not only with translation but with improving your overall approach to your localization workflow, from template improvements to writing style improvements to best suit global audiences. I've copied a colleague of mine in on this discussion. I suggest you drop him a line, as at a minimum he can help you best orient yourself to approaching a localization project. Regards, Bill On Mon, Jun 7, 2010 at 10:14 AM, Scott White swh...@alamark.com wrote: I think I have read where some of you publish in different languages. Is there software out there that will convert English text to Spanish and French? I have a client who would like to take her English catalog, done in Framemaker 9.0, and repurpose the content in Spanish and French. Any direction would be appreciated. Scott White Media Production EBC Manager Implementation Coordinator 210-704-8239 swh...@alamark.com ___ You are currently subscribed to framers as techcommd...@gmail.com. Send list messages to fram...@lists.frameusers.com. To unsubscribe send a blank email to framers-unsubscr...@lists.frameusers.com or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/techcommdood%40gmail.com Send administrative questions to listad...@frameusers.com. Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info. -- Bill Swallow Twitter: @techcommdood Blog: http://techcommdood.com LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/techcommdood Available for contract and full time opportunities. ___ You are currently subscribed to framers as arch...@mail-archive.com. Send list messages to fram...@lists.frameusers.com. To unsubscribe send a blank email to framers-unsubscr...@lists.frameusers.com or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/archive%40mail-archive.com Send administrative questions to listad...@frameusers.com. Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info.
Re: Publishing in Different languages
On 07/06/2010 10:31 AM, Bill Swallow wrote: Hi Scott, ... Your best bet is to use a company specializing in localization services who can help you not only with translation but with improving your overall approach to your localization workflow, from template improvements to writing style improvements to best suit global audiences. Further to Bill's comment about writing style, I highly recommend The Global English Style Guide by John R. Kohl (ISBN 978-1-59994-657-3). In fact, it's an excellent resource even if you're *not* planning to translate your docs. Best regards, -- Stuart Rogers Technical Communicator Phoenix Geophysics Limited 3781 Victoria Park Avenue, Unit 3 Toronto, ON, Canada M1W 3K5 +1 (416) 491-7340 x 325 http://www.phoenix-geophysics.com ___ You are currently subscribed to framers as arch...@mail-archive.com. Send list messages to fram...@lists.frameusers.com. To unsubscribe send a blank email to framers-unsubscr...@lists.frameusers.com or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/archive%40mail-archive.com Send administrative questions to listad...@frameusers.com. Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info.
RE: Publishing in Different languages
A caveat when making contact with the various LSPs (Language Service Providers): make sure you do a large Request for Quotation (RFQ) in order to ensure you are getting a good price for what you actually need done. I've been handling the translations for my company for 4-1/2 years (we've have some products in up to 17 different languages other than English). Last Fall I did a large RFQ: 10 LSPs in addition to my regular LSP. They all used exactly the same FM input files, exactly the same Glossary and exactly the same Translation Memory (TM). Prices ranged from a low of $7,621 (our current provider) to $9,000 to $11,000 to $14,000 to $16,000. Also, word counts varied by up to 16,000 words. And remember, this was an *exact* apples to apples quotation for each LSP. One last piece of advice - create a comprehensive glossary and make sure that it is translated first. Many clients don't want to pay for this as it adds a measurable cost to the job. But it also adds immensely to the quality, consistency and turn time of future jobs. Alison Alison Craig, Technical Writer Ultrasonix Medical Corporation Tel: (604) 279-8550, ext 127 E-mail: alison.cr...@ultrasonix.com -Original Message- From: framers-boun...@lists.frameusers.com [mailto:framers-boun...@lists.frameusers.com] On Behalf Of Stuart Rogers Sent: Monday, June 07, 2010 8:03 AM Cc: framers@lists.frameusers.com List Subject: Re: Publishing in Different languages On 07/06/2010 10:31 AM, Bill Swallow wrote: Hi Scott, ... Your best bet is to use a company specializing in localization services who can help you not only with translation but with improving your overall approach to your localization workflow, from template improvements to writing style improvements to best suit global audiences. Further to Bill's comment about writing style, I highly recommend The Global English Style Guide by John R. Kohl (ISBN 978-1-59994-657-3). In fact, it's an excellent resource even if you're *not* planning to translate your docs. Best regards, -- Stuart Rogers Technical Communicator Phoenix Geophysics Limited 3781 Victoria Park Avenue, Unit 3 Toronto, ON, Canada M1W 3K5 +1 (416) 491-7340 x 325 http://www.phoenix-geophysics.com ___ You are currently subscribed to framers as alison.cr...@ultrasonix.com. Send list messages to fram...@lists.frameusers.com. To unsubscribe send a blank email to framers-unsubscr...@lists.frameusers.com or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/alison.craig%40ultrasonix.com Send administrative questions to listad...@frameusers.com. Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info. ___ You are currently subscribed to framers as arch...@mail-archive.com. Send list messages to fram...@lists.frameusers.com. To unsubscribe send a blank email to framers-unsubscr...@lists.frameusers.com or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/archive%40mail-archive.com Send administrative questions to listad...@frameusers.com. Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info.
Re: Publishing in Different languages
I've been handling the translations for my company for 4-1/2 years (we've have some products in up to 17 different languages other than English). Last Fall I did a large RFQ: 10 LSPs in addition to my regular LSP. They all used exactly the same FM input files, exactly the same Glossary and exactly the same Translation Memory (TM). Prices ranged from a low of $7,621 (our current provider) to $9,000 to $11,000 to $14,000 to $16,000. Also, word counts varied by up to 16,000 words. And remember, this was an *exact* apples to apples quotation for each LSP. This leads to another caveat: Consider HOW they will approach the work, not just the final product. While some low bids actually reflect knowledge in how to go about the work (from example above, excluding placed variables, cross-references and such from word counts and counting them once as elements might account for the 16,000 word gap) while other low bids could reflect complete ignorance of what you actually need done. Also, some bids will account for cost per word but omit all of the extras like using translation memory, project management, QA and other vital localization project elements. While it sounds like Alison did her homework and found the low bid to be the best accurate bid, don't always go for the lowest cost; you might be buying a lemon. -- Bill Swallow Twitter: @techcommdood Blog: http://techcommdood.com LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/techcommdood Available for contract and full time opportunities. ___ You are currently subscribed to framers as arch...@mail-archive.com. Send list messages to fram...@lists.frameusers.com. To unsubscribe send a blank email to framers-unsubscr...@lists.frameusers.com or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/archive%40mail-archive.com Send administrative questions to listad...@frameusers.com. Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info.
RE: Publishing in Different languages
Bill is right in his advice about the low bid as well all the other things that should be accounted for in the quote. In my case, I could spell out all the details as I have a lot of experience in the process and, as an ISO company, we have an internal procedure that dictates some of our requirements. Again, everyone got exactly the same instructions. The interesting thing was, not everyone supplied the requested information (with or without associated costs). One bid actually came back with just a final figure and no other data. As for my accepting the low bid, this was from our existing LSP (we'd been using them since before I joined the company) so I knew what I was getting in terms of quality. Alison Craig, Technical Writer Ultrasonix Medical Corporation Tel: (604) 279-8550, ext 127 E-mail: alison.cr...@ultrasonix.com -Original Message- From: Bill Swallow [mailto:techcommd...@gmail.com] Sent: Monday, June 07, 2010 10:25 AM To: Alison Craig Cc: swh...@alamark.com; framers@lists.frameusers.com List Subject: Re: Publishing in Different languages I've been handling the translations for my company for 4-1/2 years (we've have some products in up to 17 different languages other than English). Last Fall I did a large RFQ: 10 LSPs in addition to my regular LSP. They all used exactly the same FM input files, exactly the same Glossary and exactly the same Translation Memory (TM). Prices ranged from a low of $7,621 (our current provider) to $9,000 to $11,000 to $14,000 to $16,000. Also, word counts varied by up to 16,000 words. And remember, this was an *exact* apples to apples quotation for each LSP. This leads to another caveat: Consider HOW they will approach the work, not just the final product. While some low bids actually reflect knowledge in how to go about the work (from example above, excluding placed variables, cross-references and such from word counts and counting them once as elements might account for the 16,000 word gap) while other low bids could reflect complete ignorance of what you actually need done. Also, some bids will account for cost per word but omit all of the extras like using translation memory, project management, QA and other vital localization project elements. While it sounds like Alison did her homework and found the low bid to be the best accurate bid, don't always go for the lowest cost; you might be buying a lemon. -- Bill Swallow Twitter: @techcommdood Blog: http://techcommdood.com LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/techcommdood Available for contract and full time opportunities. ___ You are currently subscribed to framers as arch...@mail-archive.com. Send list messages to fram...@lists.frameusers.com. To unsubscribe send a blank email to framers-unsubscr...@lists.frameusers.com or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/archive%40mail-archive.com Send administrative questions to listad...@frameusers.com. Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info.
RE: Publishing in Different languages
Hi Scott, I have been working in translations since the early 90's. For the least ten years I have been working with a number of LSPs as a DTP Specialist. There are quite a few that work with FrameMaker. Are you just looking for them to return translated files to you to clean up or are you wanting them to do a turnkey job. That is do you want them to provide print quality final documents. The cost will depend on what you actually do for you. Z ** Ann Zdunczyk President, JOAT, SWAG a2z Publishing, Inc. Language Layout, Translation Consulting, Template Creation Phone: (336)922-1271 Fax: (888)523-2028 Cell: (336)456-4493 Cell 2:(336)655-4783 http://www.a2z-pub.com ** -Original Message- From: framers-boun...@lists.frameusers.com [mailto:framers-boun...@lists.frameusers.com] On Behalf Of Scott White Sent: Monday, June 07, 2010 10:15 AM To: framers@lists.frameusers.com List Subject: Publishing in Different languages I think I have read where some of you publish in different languages. Is there software out there that will convert English text to Spanish and French? I have a client who would like to take her English catalog, done in Framemaker 9.0, and repurpose the content in Spanish and French. Any direction would be appreciated. Scott White Media Production EBC Manager Implementation Coordinator 210-704-8239 swh...@alamark.com ___ You are currently subscribed to framers as azdunc...@triad.rr.com. Send list messages to fram...@lists.frameusers.com. To unsubscribe send a blank email to framers-unsubscr...@lists.frameusers.com or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/azdunczyk%40triad.rr.com Send administrative questions to listad...@frameusers.com. Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info. ___ You are currently subscribed to framers as arch...@mail-archive.com. Send list messages to fram...@lists.frameusers.com. To unsubscribe send a blank email to framers-unsubscr...@lists.frameusers.com or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/archive%40mail-archive.com Send administrative questions to listad...@frameusers.com. Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info.
Re: Publishing in Different languages
Ann Not really sure what the client wants. They were wanting to know if our software, Filemaker Pro, could translate content, which it does not. From all the feed back, and as I figured, this client will have to have a company do this with ithe final Frame files and/or outside of filemaker and then bring it back in through an import. Just doing recon, and you folks have been great. Scott White Media Production EBC Manager Implementation Coordinator 210-704-8239 swh...@alamark.com On Jun 7, 2010, at 12:54 PM, Ann Zdunczyk wrote: Hi Scott, I have been working in translations since the early 90's. For the least ten years I have been working with a number of LSPs as a DTP Specialist. There are quite a few that work with FrameMaker. Are you just looking for them to return translated files to you to clean up or are you wanting them to do a turnkey job. That is do you want them to provide print quality final documents. The cost will depend on what you actually do for you. Z ** Ann Zdunczyk President, JOAT, SWAG a2z Publishing, Inc. Language Layout, Translation Consulting, Template Creation Phone: (336)922-1271 Fax: (888)523-2028 Cell: (336)456-4493 Cell 2:(336)655-4783 http://www.a2z-pub.com ** -Original Message- From: framers-boun...@lists.frameusers.com [mailto:framers-boun...@lists.frameusers.com] On Behalf Of Scott White Sent: Monday, June 07, 2010 10:15 AM To: framers@lists.frameusers.com List Subject: Publishing in Different languages I think I have read where some of you publish in different languages. Is there software out there that will convert English text to Spanish and French? I have a client who would like to take her English catalog, done in Framemaker 9.0, and repurpose the content in Spanish and French. Any direction would be appreciated. Scott White Media Production EBC Manager Implementation Coordinator 210-704-8239 swh...@alamark.com ___ You are currently subscribed to framers as azdunc...@triad.rr.com. Send list messages to fram...@lists.frameusers.com. To unsubscribe send a blank email to framers-unsubscr...@lists.frameusers.com or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/azdunczyk%40triad.rr.com Send administrative questions to listad...@frameusers.com. Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info. ___ You are currently subscribed to framers as arch...@mail-archive.com. Send list messages to fram...@lists.frameusers.com. To unsubscribe send a blank email to framers-unsubscr...@lists.frameusers.com or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/archive%40mail-archive.com Send administrative questions to listad...@frameusers.com. Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info.
