Writing for Translation


Clarity and precision are essential to effective writing no matter what the genre. Writing for translation requires both, as well as a conscience effort to control word choice, syntax and structure, and semantic content. Effective writing in a source document is the key to superior translation; superior translation makes for successful localization.
source — the original document or file which forms the basis for localization.
target — the language or region (locale) for which the localized document is intended.
Specifically, to write effectively for eventual translation, you should:
  • have a solid understanding of grammatical structure;
  • keep the all elements of the text, starting with individual words, short and simple, without "dumbing" it down unnecessarily;
  • avoid homographs, i.e., words that are spelled the same but have different meanings (e.g., right)
  • avoid slang and neologisms;
  • avoid metaphors and culturally specific allusions;
  • consider the translator

You can find several useful online sources on the subject of writing and writing for translation:

For help with basic grammar, visit Bartleby.com. William Strunk, Jr.'s classic, "The Elements of Style" is available there in its entirety. The contents may seem meager at first glance, and the topics a tad dry: "Enclose parenthetic expressions between commas." You will find yourself returning to its pages, not only for the invaluable grammar rules, but also for the spare, elegant style. Any wonder that the slim volume has always been a "bible" of sorts for English writers.

There seems to be a consensus that writing for translation requires clear, simple structure from the smallest element — the word — to the integrated whole. The article by the The English Text Company (The Hague, Netherlands) reminds writers to consider the reader and to rein in their vanity. The objective is to communicate, not obfuscate or pontificate. The article proposes the "KISS principle - Keep it Simple Stupid." To that end, the article favors short words and short sentences geared towards the average reader. You'll find a useful "The Ten Point Guide" at the end of the article.

Fight the Fog, published by the European Commission, offers more specific hints and concrete examples. For instance, the EC suggests that writers turn nouns back into verbs . So, instead of writing "for the allocation of" write simply "for allocating." Instead of "conduct a review," why not just the verb "review." Instead of the multi-syllabic "employment opportunities," use "jobs." Humorous asides show you how to exploit muddy writing to your advantage. The site also features a "Tip of the Day", a "Howler of the Day" and a "Broken Rule of the Day."

The copyright of the article Writing for Translation in Export Marketing is owned by Nancy A. Locke. Permission to republish Writing for Translation in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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