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Features articles of interest on language translation and localization, culture, language technology and other related topics. The goal of the Global Advisor Newsletter is to inform and entertain.

Other Editions

Twenty-third Edition

Contents:

• Tips on writing for translation
• Notable Anniversary

Tips on writing for translation

A good translation starts with the writing of the source language copy
For most translators who translate from English into another language, English is a second language. Therefore, simple mistakes, ambiguity or inappropriate terminology can result in queries or errors in translation, leading to costly and time-consuming revisions in multiple language versions. Clear, concise and grammatically correct English writing translates into shorter review cycles and lower overall costs.

What works:

	Follow a standard English word order.
	Plan samples scenarios and art with cultural diversity in mind.
	Consider the international meaning of symbols and metaphors.

What does not:

	Ambiguity
	Extremes of writing economy
	Long and complex sentences
	Wordiness and jargon
	Idiomatic or colloquial expressions
	Excessive use of acronyms

Examples: (Click on each bulleted item for more information.)

	One Term = Many Concepts
	Role? Person?
	Ambiguous Modal Auxiliary Verbs
	Invisible plurals
	Extremes of writing economy (Telegraphic English)
	Excessively long and complex sentences
	Incorrect Sentence Construction
	The trouble with gerunds...
	Noun stacking (Modifier + noun + noun sentence format)
	Standard versus Inverted English word order
	Effective use of Commas
	Use of idiomatic or colloquial expressions
	Use of jargon and colloquial expressions
	Wordiness
	The use of acronyms

Tips on designing for translation (Click on each bulleted item for more information.)

	Select a modular structure
	Plan your samples, scenarios, art for an international audience
	Icon selection
	Thinking globally in promotions and advertising
	About symbols and metaphors
	The meaning of color
	Format consistency

 
References: The Microsoft Manual of Style for Technical Publications - Microsoft Corporation.

Notable Anniversary

May 23rd of this year marks the 300th anniversary of St. Petersburg, Russia, founded in 1703 by Peter the Great, on an island on the Neva River. Peter transferred the capital of all Russia from Moscow to the city he built and named after his patron saint.

However, Moscow remained the First Capital (the first mention of Moscow in Russian chronicles dates back to 1147) and the heart of Russia (all Russian Tsars were crowned in Moscow). In 1922, Moscow became the Capital of the Soviet Union and continues to be the capital of Russia. In 1924, St. Petersburg became Leningrad and bore that name until 1991, when it was once again named St. Petersburg.

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