The Basics of DITA

DITA – Darwin Information Typing Architecture is the buzz word in technical documentation and translation these days. 

What exactly is DITA?

An information model/content management system that is used for content-rich and multi-channel environments.  According to Wikipedia, DITA is an XML based architecture introduced by IBM in 2001, to automate creation, authoring, producing and delivering technical information. This DTD system divides content into small, self contained topics that can be re-used in different deliverables and reduces information redundancy.

Three Basic Topic Types:

1.  Task – works for procedures and lists of steps to accomplish a task or outcome. 

2.  Concept – contains definitions, rules and guidelines

3.  Reference – describes command syntax, programming instructions, and other reference material.

Features:

• Modular content vs. long book oriented files
• Topics can be reused in various deliverables
• Allows for conditional text, index markers and topic to topic links based on audience, platform, model, and product
• Structure is similar to HTML which can be used directly in DITA Topics
• Topics are easier to find using an extensive metadata
• End to end architecture using specifications of elements, attributes and rules.

DITA can be used in Windows, Linux/UNIX and Mac OS operating systems. 

Output formats:

1. PDF
2. XHTML
3. HTML Help
4. Eclipse help
5. Java
6. Rich Text Format

The DITA Open Toolkit is an active open-source free DTD that has been contributed to from several companies. 

Translation and localization companies like Iterotext Translation Services can use your DTD files and your XML files to provide multi-lingual documentation.

If you are looking for more information please visit the Toolkit User Guide or the DITA Blog.

Translation Memory, a useful tool your translators should be using

Today, translation memory (TM) tools are everywhere.  Most translators and translation firms are using TM for contracts, legal documents and technical translation projects. 

25 years ago when the owner of Iterotext designed our own proprietary TM tool, no one else was using this.   We began creating this program due to our client’s to help save time and to increase consistency and ultimately save our clients money.

According wikipedia TM is:

“A translation memory, or TM, is a type of database that is used in software programs designed to aid human translators.  Some software programs that use translation memories are known as translation memory managers (TMM).A translation memory consists of text segments in a source language and their translations into one or more target languages. These segments can be blocks, paragraphs, sentences, or phrases. Individual words are handled by terminology bases and are not within the domain of TM.” 

One of the benefits of TM is that it ensures that the translated documents are consistent, including common definitions, phrasings and terminology.   A translation memory can help accelerating the overall translation process; since translation memories “remember” previously translated material, translators have to translate it only once. Ultimately, a TM Can reducing costs of long-term translation projects; for example the text of manuals, warning messages or series of documents needs to be translated only once and can be used several times.

Typically the segments are broken down into three areas:

New matches – which is a segment that has not been translated before and will be charged at full price.

Fuzzy matches – which is a segment that is typically 80%-99% similar to a segment that was previously translated and is translated at a discount.

100% exact matches – which  is a segment that has been translated before and only needs to be proofread for context.

There are several different programs out there.  Some are free and some you have to pay for.  We use SDLX and Trados which are now owned by the same company.  We use the professional version which has more flexibility and options.  Each translator and agency use the program and service level that is appropriate for their work and budget constraints.  Since Iterotext specializes in the work that requires TM we have spared no expense to ensure that our clients’ projects are timely, consistent and cost effective. 

Translation Terminology Glossaries

When translating text that is technical in nature or industry specific, it is always a best practice to include a terminology glossary for the translation team.

This step in the translation process may seem a bit arduous but will save the project time and ensure consistency and clarity.

By taking key terminology for your projects and creating a glossary of terms with clear definitions and illustrations if possible, you will ensure that your translated document will be precise.

Many of our automotive clients provide industry specific terminology for Iterotext to utilize during the translation process. This allows our translators to understand which terms are important and which terms are being used to describe certain parts of the automobile.

A translation terminology glossary can work in any industry, such as consumer electronics, appliance, heavy equipment and machinery.

Translation Subject Matter Experts

Would you have an engineer do your taxes?  Or an artist fix your car?  I sure hope not. 

For the same reasons you wouldn’t want these people to do your taxes or fix your car – you don’t want just anybody translating your text.  Especially when the document is technical in nature.  Technical Translations are a very specific niche type of translation that requires uncommon text or vocabulary and utilizes specialized translators with degrees/expertise in engineering, law, finance, software, owner’s manuals, user guides, software, etc.  These types of documents are usually targeting an audience of specialized  reviewers that would not be generally understood by the general public. 

When translating your documents be sure to use folks that are

subject matter experts for your industry or need.  This will ensure that your intended audience will understand your materials and not be left feeling confused.   

 

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