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Identify what needs adaptation
Separate names, dates, units, places, forms and links. Information valid in one country may need another contact or explanation elsewhere. Do not equate language and nationality. Specify territory when conditions vary. Keep official names when translation could make a service hard to find.
Review the task, not only the words
Ask someone to follow instructions in each language. Check dates, links, negatives, amounts and menu labels. Automatic translation may provide a draft, but factual passages need source checking. Record terms that should remain consistent across the content series.
Allow space for text
A translation may be longer and break a card, caption or button. Check formats on phones and keep working-visual text editable. W3C internationalisation guidance recommends visible navigation to localised versions; readers should easily find their preferred language.
Synchronise corrections
Keep a table with source version, translation, date and responsible person. When a place or number changes, identify all affected versions, including images and attachments. Do not imply an old translation describes new conditions. A clear status distinguishes current version and archive.
Choose the right check for the situation
These editorial pointers help prepare and review your work. Choose the situation matching your content; check current features and conditions in the cited sources before applying it to a service.
| Situation | Useful action | Mistake to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Announcement with times | Check date, time zone, address and link in every version before publication. | Translating sentences without reviewing numbers and links. |
| Specialist term | Maintain a glossary with the intended meaning and approved translations. | Translating one concept three ways across a series. |
| Shortened version | Preserve the action, conditions and limitations even when wording differs. | Removing an essential limitation to fit a character limit. |
| Correction after distribution | Update every affected version and reciprocal links. | Correcting the original while translations retain the error. |
Hypothetical example: apply the method
A bilingual announcement changes location. The team updates text, both forms and posters, then checks each version leads to correct information. It does not merely change the French post.
Template to adapt
Copy this outline into your working document. It collects no information on this site; complete it for your situation.
Source version: Languages and audiences: Details to adapt: Glossary: Reviewer: Tested links: Versions corrected on:
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Frequently asked questions
Can only titles be translated?
It may attract a reader who cannot then use the content. State languages actually available.
Is automatic translation enough?
Check at least details affecting action or meaning and have important content reviewed.
Continue with related content
Sources and scope
Primary references consulted for factual points. Methods and templates are editorial suggestions; service conditions should still be checked in current documentation.