Will the web ever be internationalized? Yes, the web as we know it will change forever by mid 2010. The net regulator ICANN will be introducing web addresses using non-Latin characters, which will allow the use of domain names written in Asian, Arabic or other scripts. ICANN has said that this will be the “biggest change since (the web) was invented 40 years ago”.

For more information, please read

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8326241.stm

In a previous post, Justin had mentioned that there are language differences in countries where English is the official language (e.g. in England, the Unites States, Australia and Canada). There are also differences in countries where Spanish is natively spoken, for instance Spain, Latin America, and even Spanish speakers in the United States.

Although a large part of the Spanish language is shared by its speakers (what we call “Neutral Spanish”), there are many words, phrases, idioms, and mannerisms that are not found in all linguistic varieties.
Before we begin translating a text (novel, document, web page, etc.), it is important for the client to define the target audience in order to localize the product for that specific market, by accounting for the differences of each market.

What does localization mean?

One word can be used to talk about the same thing in different parts of the world. For example, peanut can be maní in South America, cacahuate in Mexico, or cacahuete in Spain. Although the national varieties of a term may be understood, even if it sounds odd, some may not recognize the term or will find it to have a negative or offensive connotation, which leads to a misunderstanding of the text. A translator who is a native Spanish speaker or a specialized translator will identify the difference and know which version to choose in order to produce a translation adapted to that target audience without losing the meaning or the tone of the original. However, if you want to cover a broad spectrum of Spanish speakers, a neutral version of Spanish is the solution. But we can continue to discuss that some other day.

DTP is an acronym used to refer to Desktop Publishing. But what is Desktop Publishing? Its meaning has been redefined since it was first invented over 20 years ago (In 1985, PageMaker was developed for Macintosh computers, the first “desktop publishing” application). Desktop publishing in the 21^st century refers to the way people use specific desktop publishing software as well as the software itself. In a nut shell, desktop publishing can be defined as:

“…the use of the computer and software to create visual displays of ideas and information. Desktop publishing documents may be for desktop or commercial printing or electronic distribution including PDF, slide shows, email newsletters, and the Web.” (about.com)

Desktop publishing is not only about appearance and making documents look prettier; it is also important because it enhances visual communication and helps ensure that your documents clearly streamline the information you are communicating. Some desktop publishing software is best suited to print publishing. Some software is more suited to on-screen or electronic distribution. What are your desktop publishing needs?

Certain processes require a certified translation, meaning that the translation must be accompanied with a notarized translation certificate of authenticity and accuracy. This may include an Apostille, a signed certificate from a sworn translator, or a host of other requirements. If you are having a document translated, it is extremely important that you know if certification is necessary! You don’t want to waste time and money on a translation only to learn later that it is not good enough.

So when do you need a certified translation? Well, you should always double check with whoever is requesting or will be presented with the translated document. They are most often required:

• For government agencies

• In legal proceedings (depositions, Court transcripts, etc.)

• For immigration processes (Green Cards, Visas, INS documents, etc.)

• Official Certificates (School Diplomas, transcripts, Marriage Certificates, Death Certificates, Divorce Records, etc.)

Note that these are just a few of the possible cases. Always make sure you have all the details and find a respectable translations company that can provide you with a certified translation.

There is no question that the Internet has brought people from around the globe closer (virtually) than ever before, but there are still quite a few barriers to be conquered when one is looking to market  software internationally. English is the unofficial “computer language” of the 21st century, but what if your menus and code were originally written in Mandarin? Or you have software in English but really want to attack the Japanese market? Translating your software is a surefire way to truly take your product global.

A software translation may seem like a daunting task, but I’ve compiled a list of 5 questions to ask before you give a translation agency your project.

1)Will the finished product be tested in-house?

2)Will the translation hinder customer functionality in any way?

3) How will layout and design be affected? This is especially important when translating software into or out of the Roman alphabet.

4)Will the software be globalized, localized, internationalized?

5)Will the translation include things like software manuals, license agreements, warranty agreements and disclaimers?

Social networking giant Facebook has taken a somewhat novel approach to providing its service in other languages. It is employing crowdsourcing, or community-based design, to take popular phrases from the site (tag a photo, nudge a friend) and translate Facebook into more than 65 other languages.

When the Facebook application first appeared, it only took the masses two weeks to produce Facebook in Spanish. Using that momentum, users created French Facebook in 1 day. The application is known as Translations for Facebook Connect, and allows users to submit suggested translations to Facebook, whose staff then allows users to vote on which translations they like the best.

The translations are intended to draw more and more people to the networking service, and with over 320 million current users in 2009, it appears that Facebook is truly taking over the globe.