Crossing borders: overcoming cultural and linguistic challenges to technical writing

"Global Global" is more than a buzzword-it is the way to do business. That means what you are writing may very likely wind up being read by someone who does not speak English. In order to think globally when we create documentation for an international audience, we must learn to overcome the challenges faced when communicating with people who speak languages other than our own. Preparing a document for translation requires special attention to key issues. Design your documents allowing room for text expansion. Provide your translation vendor with source files that have been thoughtfully prepared with regards to language, culture, and graphics. Understanding the cultural and linguistic dynamics of the localization process helps create better multilingual documentation.