LocalizationWorks

Google knows what your dog is thinking.

admin — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 21:01:51 +0000

April 1st. Google launches its latest application for Google Translate – which can automatically translate from English to your pets language.http://www.google.co.uk/intl/en/landing/translateforanimals/Yes – it is an April fools joke, but typical of Googles amusing style and focus on translation right now.

GALA 2010 The language of business, Prague, May 10-12

admin — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 23:28:17 +0000

The Global Community:
Capturing Customers Worldwide

10-12 May 2010
InterContintental Hotel, Prague

Check out the practical knowledge and provocative ideas to be presented at GALA 2010:

Closed-door session for LSPs on breaking the pricing barrier
Town hall interactive discussion on working with translators
Panel with industry leaders on positioning your LSP to REALLY stand out
Ever-popular speed networking, now with buyers, too!
Plus managing an LSP successfully, using social media effectively, the crowdsourcing debate and more.

Early registration ends 12 March!

www.gala-global.org/conference

International Technical Translation Conference : TRADULÍNGUAS Portugal

admin — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 21:14:42 +0000

On 28 and 29 May, 2010, join your colleagues in Lisbon, Portugal at the TRADULÍNGUAS International Technical Translation Conference,for two full days of practical learning and interactive sessions — technical translation and terminology workshops, and professional development presentations.

And a lot more…

A must for:

Technical Translators and Interpreters (freelance and in-house)
Managers of in-house translation departments in large companies and in government departments
Company Executives and Project Managers
Technical Terminology Authors / Managers
Technical Translation Buyers
Translation Teachers / Researchers
Translation and interpretation students, awaiting for an opportunity to get in practical contact with their future profession

Visit the conference:

WORLDWARE CONFERENCE : March 16-18, 2010

admin — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 21:10:29 +0000

Opportunities Abound at Worldware!

Worldware offers you an intimate setting to meet software globalization leaders and to learn formally and informally from one another over three days of management and technical topics. The program is designed to help you successfully manage and complete software internationalization objectives.

Opportunities for learning

Worldware will have a preconference day, March 16, with sessions devoted to two tracks, management and the technical side. The complete program is now online.

How Google Built (within four years) a Strong & Robust I18N Organization & What Was the Impact of It
From ROI to DNA: Part land Part 2 — Experiences from IBM
From Office Machines to Machine Translation, Product Manuals to Product Blogs: How Trends in Technology Impact Trends in Glocalization
Running the Globalization Marathon
Providing a Local User Experience Through Marketization
International Domain Names / SEO
Successful In-house Internationalization
Internationalization Meets Semantic Technologies
Attacking Globalization: Security Threats and Guidance

Visit the complete program for speaker bios and session synopses.

The Worldware Conference is a co-production of The Localization Institute and MultiLingual Computing, Inc. Program management is provided by Daniel Goldschmidt and Richard Sikes of Localization Flow Technologies.

LISA: Join 1500+ Attendees in Chengdu

admin — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 21:02:56 +0000

LISA@Chinasoft will be an important conference to all localization professionals concerned with quality assurance, internationalization, and product testing and for those seeking to understand China’s pivotal role in the globalization services industry.

This LISA Executive Forum will provide a thorough analysis of what Chengdu and Sichuan Province have to offer companies involved in globalization and how China will impact our industry. It will enable you to gain first-hand information about the growth and direction of the industry in China.

If your company is involved with China or contemplating working with Chinese partners, the Forum provides the easiest way for you to do due diligence in understanding the cost structures and opportunities for both customers and localization service providers in China.

For more information visit:

Visit Lisa Registration and join fellow localization professionals us in Chengdu.

Localization Careers

admin — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 23:12:00 +0000

Localization (L10N) Engineering

Localization Managers

Localization Managers are responsible for ensuring regionally required products are translated and delivered on time and on budget. They are also responsible for financial and staff planning for their teams. They work with the Development Team Product Managers, Sales Teams and Regional Managers worldwide to identify the key products to be localized.They establish the budgets and build the required teams for each project. They work closely with the base teams to set standards for the localized product.

Localization Project Managers

Project Manager
They are responsible for shipping quality-localized product on time and within budget. PMs establish the project requirements with the development team and develop a project schedule, arrange for quotations, select and manage the chosen vendors. The main deliverable will be a high quality product, shipped on time and within the set budget.The Documentation Project Manager is responsible for all documentation, help and printed collateral for the project.

Localization Engineer

Localization Engineers are responsible for the translation engineering of a product. They will use the company engineering tools to extract the text to be translated and have that text translated by the select translators.The most popular tool for software translation is Alchemy Software’s Catalyst. http://www.alchemysoftware.ie
Localization Engineers are responsible for the debugging and fixing of all software localization problems.
As such software build experience is required.Good communications skills are needed as you are required to work closely with translators. You prepare the translation kits which are sent and are responsible for their reintegration into the product on return. You will also work closely with the inhouse QA teams who will report localization issues.

Quality Assurance Engineer

Quality Assurance Engineers are responsible for the testing and delivery of quality localized product. Senior engineers are responsible for designing and implementing the test plans for the translated product. Testing is normally via Blackbox testing in the target language environment.Strong communications skills are required in order to correctly and accurately report testing results. Communications is a key factor as you will be communicating regularly with engineering and other localization teams members

Automation Engineer

Automation Engineers are responsible for the testing and delivery of quality localized product using software automation test tools. Senior engineers are responsible for designing and implementing the test plans for the translated product.Strong communications skills are required in order to correctly and accurately report testing results. Communications is a key factor as you will be communicating regularly with engineering and other localization teams members

Localization Tools

Localization Tools Development Manager

The Localization Tools Development Manager usually reports to the Director of Localization. Whilst the key aspect of this role is in developing new localization tools, Tools Managers often are involved in R&D and Automation Development.The manager would have a number of years (5+) development experience coming from a strong technical background. Knowledge of Software Development process and previous localization experience are a pre-requisite for this position. The role requires a quick thinker as new challenges arise all the time depending on the projects and technologies being localized by the company.Technical Skills: A proven background in development is required. Most companies seek C/ C++ development skills on either a Windows or Unix environment.Internationalization Knowledge (I18N) is an advantage. The tools manager will often be called upon to aid resolve (I18N) issues by the internationalization teams. Knowledge of Double Byte Character Sets (DBCS) and Multi-byte Character Systems (MBCS) is a must.Management Skills: Often you will be required to work in a multicultural and multi-office environment. The ability to communicate effectively and clearly across a worldwide environment is a must.Budgeting skills are required. Cost assessment skills are required when implementing new development projects or R&D strategies.Must be able to function in a fast moving and ambiguous environment. The ability to deal with new technologies as they appear on the market in terms of localization evaluation is a must. This manager must have the ability to work quickly and effectively with unknown technology and must be a strong problem solver. You must have the ability to identify leading technology trends and their impact on the localization process. The ability to set long-term direction and strategies are key to this position You also need to be a solid people manager and have the capacity to build and manage a team in a demanding market.

Localization Tools Developer

Localization Tools Developers are responsible for the specifications, coding, and delivery of quality localization engineering tools. Programming can be done in a variety of languages depending on the company and their strategy.C, C++, VB, Perl and Windows Scripting are commonly used. Cross-platform tools are often required.
Some companies focus their localization strategy on Windows so most tools are developed here. Text can be extracted from Unix or Windows software and translated on Windows and then ported back.Trados and Star Transit and the key tools used in the translation (vendor) side of the business. Tools developers in translation houses are often asked to code filters for these systems.Research and Development is required in this position to access new technologies and review for localizability. Position Requirements usually are:
· Degree or equivalent in Computing.
· 2+ years experience in development using the selected programming language.
· Minimum 1 years commercial programming experience.
· Experience on the target operating system
· Excellent communication skills are required.
· Knowledge of leading software development tools required.
· Knowledge of PVCS or Visual SourceSafe an advantage as a numberof companies use these tools now.
· Knowledge of localization process’ an advantage.

Localization Tools QA Engineer

QA Tools Test Engineers are responsible for the testing and delivery of quality localization engineering tools.They are responsible for designing and implementing the test plans for developed localization tools. They are also responsible for evaluating third party tools.Testing is normally via Blackbox testing of tools in a multilingual environment, alongside source code WhiteBox testing for senior engineers. C, C++, VB, Perl and Windows Scripting are commonly used. Cross-platform tools are often required.Knowledge of automated source code testing tools would be an advantage such as Bounds Checker or True Coverage.
Localization tools are tested in both European and Asian environments. So knowledge of DBCS testing will be required.
A firm understanding of the software development process is required alongside basic programming fundamentals.You should have strong communications skills in order to correctly and accurately report testing results. Communications is a key factor as you will be communicating regularly with development and localization teams.

Internationalization (I18N)

Internationalization Managers

Internationalization Managers are responsible for ensuring that products will function correctly in a worldwide environment. They work with the Development Team Managers to ensure correct internationalization coding standards are followed and that all products are correctly enabled for International functionality.They establish the budgets and build the required teams for each project. They work closely with the base teams to set standards for the base product. A firm understanding of internationalization issues is a key requirement for this position. (DBCS & MBCS, Multi code development such as VC++, Unix, C etc)

Internationalization Engineer (I18N)

Internationalisation Engineers are responsible for enabling a company’s product to function in a worldwide environment. Some companys products are both Multi lingual (10+ languages) and multi platform (Unix & Windows). This is a challenging and exciting role.I18N Engineers Work with development teams worldwide to ensure code will function on multi language operating systems. They would work directly with the core development teams. Duties include designing and developing multi-platform code, as well as consulting and code review. Target platforms include European and Asian language platforms. Candidate will collaborate with development teams to write multibyte functional code. They also are responsible for evangelizing best international coding practices, and training other developers on how to use these practices. So you must have disciplined coding practices that favor stable, predictable evolution and maintenance of components.Usual requirements are 3+ years of related design and development experience. Fluency in C/C++. HTML/XML Knowledge would be an advantage but not a requirement. Design experience on UNIX or Win32. Solid working knowledge of Unicode and multibyte (DBCS) character sets. Familiarity with localization processes a key requirement. Knowledge of foreign languages and experience with foreign operating systems is required. Fluency in another language is not required.Success factors include: ability to correctly set priorities and solve problems, strong written and verbal communication skills, ability to work both in a team environment and independently. Ability to quickly grasp the fundamentals behind new technology and code from third parties. Knowledge of automated source code testing tools would be an advantage.The candidate should have strong communications skills in order to correctly and accurately report testing results. Communications is a key factor as you will be communicating regularly with development and localization teams.

Documentation and Translation

Documentation Managers

The Documentation Manager is responsible for ensuring regionally required documentation and help elements of products are translated and delivered on time and on budget. The documentation manager is also responsible for financial and staff planning for their teams, and works with the Localization Managers in establishing the budgets and building the required teams for each project. They work closely with the product teams to set standards for the localized product documentation.

Project Managers

Translation or Language Coordinator

Translation Coordinator also known as Language Coordinator is responsible for management of the language quality from translation agencies. They manage the overall translation process and work closely with the translation vendors and documentation/in house translation teams.They maintain, analyse and improve translation memory databases and reviewing machine translation technologies. Glossary management is a key task. They are also responsible for the translation of strings for the in house localization teams and help engineers.

Translator

Translators are responsible for performing the translation of text strings for various products.
Translators can have varying skillsets. Some perform text translation only, whilst others perform some light engineering work.They need to be familiar with the leading industry tools. Trados and Star Transit being the leading translation memory database tools. When working for product companies they may be required to use the company’s inhouse tools so good familiarity with software and various platform is a plus.

Help Engineer

Help Engineers are responsible for translation and compiling of Help files for localized products. They are responsible for building and testing the help files prior to submission to the localization engineering team.They must work with translation vendors, inhouse documentation team and the inhouse QA team to product high quality help files for the final product.

(c) Copyright LocalizationWorks.Com

Translation Faux Pas

admin — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 23:08:18 +0000

Across they globe one thing that is always certain is that if a mistake can be made, it probably will be. It a global market it is not always easy to get it right first time, and many companies have to live with their marketing faux pas.

If you’ve come across an interesting faux-pas then why not submit it to our list: info@localizationworks.com

Translation Faux Pas

Africa
	Due to the large amount of people who cannot read in Africa most products have pictures of what is inside printed on the label. Africans where very confused when Gerber the baby food company release their products. It contains a picture of a baby on the label.
America
	When Electrolux released its vacuum cleaners in the US, they translated their Scandinavian slogan to “Nothing Sucks Like and Electrolux”.
Brazil
	Ford sales of its Pinto car was a disaster in Brazil. Pinto was Brazilian slang for “small male genitals”. They had to completely rebadge all the cars with a new name “Corcel” which means horse.
Canada
	Hunt-Wesson when releasing its Big John product range in French Canada named the product Gros Jos – a direct translation of Big John. However the term ‘Gros Jos’ is slang for “Big Breasts” in French Canada.
China
	Coca-Cola initially translated their name as Ke-kou-ke-la. Sadly the failed to check that this means “bite the wax tadpole” or “female horse stuffed with wax” depending on the dialect of Chinese. However there was a happy ending as it was re-interpreted as ko-kou-ko-le “happiness in the mouth”.

	The original translation for the Kentucky Fried Chicken motto “finger lickin good” was badly interpreted as “eat your fingers off”.
France
	“Cue” the toothpaste introduced by Colgate to France shared it names with a leading pornographic magazine.
Germany


	Clairol “Mist Stick” curling iron failed to excite its German customers. Mist is german slang for Manure!.Irish Mist – a liquer, spotted the same issue and safely renamed its product before launch.
Japan
	Panasonic Japan had plans to translate its new web-browser to the worldwide market. It license the “Woody Woodpecker” character for its mascot. However it translation its marketing slogan for the US appeared as “Touch Woody – The Internet Pecker”. The campaign was pulled before released.
Mexico
	GM Chevy Nova car failed to make an impact on sales in South America. GM marketing discovered why when they found that “no va” meands “it won’t go” in Mexican. It quickly renamed the cars “Caribe”.

	Parker Pens Ballpoint original slogan in Mexico was supposed to read “It won’t leak in your pocket and embarass you”. The translation team mistakenly tought “Embarazar” meant embarass and used it incorrectly. The new slogan became “It won’t leak in your pocket and make you Pregnant!“

	During the Popes visit to Miami T’Shirts where printed supposedly saying “I saw the Pope”. However the translation read “I saw the potato”. “Papa” with a capital P means “Pope” wheras “papa” with a small P means “Potato”

	American Airlines advertising its new first class seats mistakenly translated its slogan “fly in leather” to “Fly Naked” – Vuela en cuero in Spanish.

	Coors badly translated its slogan “turn it loose” into Spanish to reveal the interesting “Suffer from diarrohea”


Taiwan
	Pepsi’s original slogan of “Come alive with the Pepsi Generation” was badly translated to “Pepsi will bring your ancestors back from the dead”

(c) LocalizationWorks

Cultural Issues Around the World

admin — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 23:06:47 +0000

In today’s business world it is all too often easy to take the world around you for granted. Simple customs, traits even colors are taken as they come, with little or no thought to how they might be seen in other cultures. However as many businesses have discovered consideration of cultural differences in everything from social customs to website design is of major importance.It certain countries even the color you use for your products or website can have an impact on your customers. We’ve begun a study of various countries and particular customs you should take note of in your business and personal dealings.

Our database contains countries, customs found there, the impact of breaking the custom and advice for business people. A selection of various country customs are detailed below.

If you know of a interesting problem and would like to see it included then please mail your difference to: info@localizationworks.com

Customs and Cultural Differences

Bulgaria Sri-Lanka	Shaking your head from side to side means ‘no’ in most countries, but ‘yes’ in Bulgaria and Sri Lanka.

Norway Malaysia Egypt	In Norway or Malaysia, it is rude to leave something on your plate when eating; However in Egypt it is rude not to leave something on your plate.

Global	In South America, southern Europe and many Arab countries, touching another person is a sign of warmth and friendship. However In the Orient, it is considered an invasion of privacy.

Italy	Door to door salesmen have a hard time in Italy. It is improper for a man to call on a woman if she is home alone.

China	You should not give clocks as gifts in China. The Chinese word for clock is very similar in sound to the word for death. It can symbolize the end of a relationship or friendship.

Finland	Never wrap a present in red paper in Finland. Red is closely associated with Russian aggression during World War II.

Greece Nigeria	A friendly wave may not be so. Palm forward waving is a nasty gesture indeed.

Iran	The traditional “Thumbs Up” (Well done) as used in the West is an insulting gesture in Iran.

Brazil	The classic thumb and finger “OK” symbol we know signifies a very rude gesture in Brazil.

China Hong Kong	Did you know the color black means ‘Death, unlucky, morbid’ in these countries. Websites designed with black backgrounds may be seen as ‘hip’ in the west, but can suffer lack of traffic from China and Hong Kong.

(c) LocalizationWorks

Find your next star employee…

admin — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 23:03:04 +0000

LocalizationWorks has expanded our services to team up with JobThread to provide an amazing new service to our clients and job seekers. Now you have the option to have your jobs seen around the world on multiple job sites – so you get the best candidates immdiately.

Tailor your jobs to a specific job title, even country for higher quality candidate results

Post a Job