To successfully sell products or services in the global market, it’s essential to produce user manuals translated into local languages. Manual translation differs significantly from general technical document translation. Successful manual localization requires meticulous management of several critical factors. This article outlines key considerations that, if not properly managed, can lead to significant manual errors.
1. Matching UI Terminology
“Certain terms within a manual must not be translated arbitrarily.”
The terms displayed on a product’s user interface (UI), as well as names engraved on hardware buttons and connectors, must be managed as the product’s unique terminology and must be identical to what is displayed on the product, even in the localized language versions. It is crucial to match the UI terminology exactly with the product’s terminology rather than translating it naturally.
For example, translating the Korean menu name [삭제] to English offers several options such as [Delete], [Deletion], [Remove], [Removal], [Erase], [Erasure]. While all these terms are standard English, if the UI term on the product is [Erase], the manual must use [Erase], not [Delete] or [Remove]. Inconsistent UI terminology in the manual can lead to critical errors.
Providing translators with relevant materials for each language and thoroughly reviewing and verifying translations post-delivery is essential. Translators must not arbitrarily translate and insert these terms.
2. Consistency
“Inconsistent sentence styles and terminology affect searchability, usability, reliability, and maintenance.”
Consistency is paramount in all translations, but especially in instruction manuals. Since manuals convey precise usage instructions, any inconsistency in proprietary, technical, or specialized terms across the document can result in critical translation errors.
Consistency in expression is also vital. Instruction manuals are evaluated on their searchability, which means they should be structured to allow users to quickly find necessary information. Variations in sentence style increase the user’s learning time. Repeating learned sentence patterns and terms reduces this time, enabling users to understand the content and find information efficiently.
For instance, all operation instructions should start with a verb and consistently use the same term for a specific action. If “Press” is used for pressing a button, it should always be “Press,” not “Push,” “Enter,” or “Key in.” This consistency fosters user trust and simplifies the translation process, reducing costs and facilitating updates or modifications.
3. Publishing Issues
“Publishing RTL languages is complex and prone to errors.”
Publishing issues are a major challenge when translating manuals into multiple languages. While many languages, including English and most European languages, use a left-to-right (LTR) format, some languages, such as Arabic, Hebrew, Persian/Farsi, Urdu, Pashto, Sindhi, and Kurdish, use a right-to-left (RTL) format.
RTL languages read and write from right to left, with the start of sentences at the right side of the page and right-aligned paragraphs. Mixing LTR text within RTL languages can be particularly challenging. Font issues in RTL languages are also significant; improper handling can result in missing or broken text. Thus, it is crucial to apply appropriate editing and design for each language’s characteristics.
Refer to Hansem Global’s case studies on publishing issues and solutions:
- Common Errors in RTL Language Editing (View)
- Importance of Font Selection in Global Content (View)
- Bengali Publishing Issues (View)
- Myanmar Publishing Issues (View)
4. Incorporating Local Regulations and Standards
“Failure to properly reflect regulatory content in the manual can delay or prevent sales in that region.”
Manual localization must include regional regulations and standards. For instance, selling electronic products in the U.S. requires compliance with U.S. electronic product safety regulations, which include electrical safety, radiation emission limits, and the prohibition of hazardous substances. The manual must reflect these regulations and provide the necessary information to users according to local legal requirements.
Hansem Global has faced significant challenges over 34 years in applying country-specific regulations accurately. Our approach involves developing guidelines for verifying and incorporating these regulations into localized manuals, continuously updating regulations through dedicated managers, and ensuring final checks prioritize regulatory accuracy to avoid sales delays or failures. You can refer to our case story for more details.
5. Harmonizing with Visual Elements
“Translated text often varies in length from the original, requiring adjustments to harmonize with visual elements.”
User manuals often include images, charts, and icons. During translation, the text length can change, causing misalignment with visual elements. For example, German translations tend to be 30-40% longer than English, whereas Chinese translations are 20-30% shorter.
Multilingual manual localization requires adjustments to ensure translated text aligns well with visual elements, maintaining the integrity of the layout.
6. Importance of Cultural Sensitivity and Neutral Expression
“Translations should be culturally neutral and not violate local customs and norms.”
Incorporating cultural sensitivity in translations is critical, especially in manuals. Command expressions might seem forceful in certain regions, so using neutral expressions like “please select the button” instead of “press the button” is advisable.
Adhering to DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) principles ensures translations are culturally neutral and acceptable, providing a better user experience. Hansem Global’s DEI-integrated manual production case study illustrate how to effectively incorporate cultural differences.
7. Quality Assurance
“Seemingly minor errors in numbers, symbols, or units can have critical consequences in manual translations.”
One of the most challenging aspects of manual translation management is the zero-tolerance policy for errors in user information. Even minor mistakes in numbers, symbols, or units can significantly impact user safety. Thorough quality assurance is essential to ensure accuracy in manual localization.
Hansem Global employs a dual-layer quality check system involving a QA team and Function QA team to identify and correct potential errors before final delivery, mitigating the risks associated with minor mistakes.
Translating and localizing manuals into multiple languages involves unique challenges compared to general technical document translation. Besides the seven key factors mentioned, issues like change management, timely responses, data reuse, and terminology management must be adequately addressed. Ensuring sufficient language resources is crucial, considering potential disruptions like regional conflicts or natural disasters.
Hansem Global’s Competitive Edge
Hansem Global has been the trusted manual development and localization partner for Korea’s leading global manufacturers for 34 years. We ensure timely and quality-assured localization of manuals into multiple languages, supporting our clients’ international market expansion. Explore our multilingual localization strategy for user manuals, showcasing Hansem Global’s extensive experience and expertise.
Our structured processes, built on 34 years of knowledge and experience, exceed global standards. For concerns regarding manual development and manual translation service, contact Hansem Global.