Translation Style Guide
This translation style guide contains some of the most important guidelines, instructions, and tips for translators, helping us localize the website.
This document serves as a general guide and is not specific to any one language.
Capturing the essence of the message
When translating TON docs content, avoid literal translations.
It is important that the translations capture the essence of the message. This could mean rephrasing certain phrases, or using descriptive translations instead of translating the content word for word.
Different languages have different grammar rules, conventions and word order. When translating, please be mindful of how sentences are structured in the target languages, and avoid literally translating the English source, as this can lead to poor sentence structure and readability.
Instead of translating the source text word for word, it is recommended you read the entire sentence and adapt it to fit the conventions of the target language.
Formal vs. informal
We use the formal form of address, which is always polite and appropriate for all visitors.
Using the formal address allows us to avoid sounding unofficial or offensive, and works regardless of the visitor’s age and gender.
Most Indo-European and Afro-Asiatic languages use gender-specific second-person personal pronouns, which distinguish between male and female. When addressing the user or using possessive pronouns, we can avoid assuming the visitor’s gender, as the formal form of address is generally applicable and consistent, regardless of how they identify.
Simple and clear vocabulary and meaning
Our goal is to make content on the website understandable to as many people as possible.
In most cases, this can be easily achieved by using short and simple words that are easily understandable. If there are multiple possible translations for a certain word in your language with the same meaning, the best option is most often the shortest word that clearly reflects the meaning.
Writing system
All of the content should be translated using the correct writing system for your language, and should not include any words, written using Latin characters.
When translating the content, you should ensure that the translations are consistent and do not include any Latin characters.
The above doesn’t apply to languages, where proper names shouldn’t be translated as a rule.