[Localization] The virtue of being fuzzy...

[Bert Freudenberg]

On Dec 4, 2007, at 22:02 , Xavier Alvarez wrote:
> We have to keep in mind that our main target is waaaay off the
> "usual L10n target population". In other words, many translations
> can hedge on the 'background noise' produced by media exposure
> and some level tech savvyness from the intended reader.

IMHO we are obliged to invent native terms for any tech phrases. Our  
target group are kids just learning to read.

Having English terms sprinkled throughout the experience is terrible.  
I see this with my own kids, who struggle a lot when reading stuff  
off product packaging, ads, etc.

And even although those English terms seem very appropriate and  
untranslatable to us adults, and using native terms seems very  
awkward, it is only a question of familiarization with these new,  
native terms.

For example, in Germany many very old terms from computing do have a  
German equivalent, and are even preferred or at least used  
interchangeably with their English counterparts. But more recent  
terms are not translated anymore, they are simply adopted. E.g.,  
"Festplatte" is a direct translation of "hard disk" and in general  
use, but it would never have a chance to get adopted nowadays (its  
literal back-translation would be something like "feasting-plate").

The XO should come with a manual that defines those terms, written by  
someone who is a language expert rather than a computing expert. Are  
there any plans in this direction?

- Bert -