5 replies to this topic

[iann]

This is a question which you may be very familiar with already, but it has just struck me. What is the standard for translation of technical terms? Clearly nobody would try to translate http, but what about "HttpOnly" which is a tag applied to some cookies? Should this be literally translated, for example to "Seul Http"?

On a slightly different note, are extension names usually translated? My extension is called Cookie Controller which is probably easy to translate into most languages, but should it be? Clearly something like Firebug wouldn't translate. How about Adblock? NoScript? Where is the line drawn?

[abaum]

This is a question which you may be very familiar with already, but it has just struck me. What is the standard for translation of technical terms? Clearly nobody would try to translate http, but what about "HttpOnly" which is a tag applied to some cookies? Should this be literally translated, for example to "Seul Http"?

On a slightly different note, are extension names usually translated? My extension is called Cookie Controller which is probably easy to translate into most languages, but should it be? Clearly something like Firebug wouldn't translate. How about Adblock? NoScript? Where is the line drawn?

Hi,

I think not all must be translated. I prefer HttpOnly in German (I prefer also Cookie in German and not "Keks" ). And I didn't translate my extension name.

[Goofy]

I confirm there is an already old consensus on "do not translate extension names". Main reason is: nobody wants to bring confusion on extension market with various names for same extension.

[Lakrits]

I confirm there is an already old consensus on "do not translate extension names". Main reason is: nobody wants to bring confusion on extension market with various names for same extension.

… but if the add-on's name is the same as e.g. a menu object string or a descriptive window title, I usually translate that. I separate the noun (the add-on name) from the descriptive string.

Example: If an add-on is called Open in New Window, I would translate thus:

(options window title)
Open in New Window Options --> Inställningar för Open in New Window

(menu object/tooltip text, etc.)
Open in New Window --> Öppna i nytt fönster


Regarding technical terms, I use the terms as defined by Svenska datatermgruppen (a Swedish linguistics group for the naturalization of computer terms) and the Microsoft Language Portal.

[Goofy]

… but if the add-on's name is the same as e.g. a menu object string or a descriptive window title, I usually translate that. I separate the noun (the add-on name) from the descriptive string.

Example: If an add-on is called Open in New Window, I would translate thus:

(options window title)
Open in New Window Options --> Inställningar för Open in New Window

(menu object/tooltip text, etc.)
Open in New Window --> Öppna i nytt fönster

- exactly, yes

[iann]

I knew most of this would be second nature to you guys. Some useful resources there. Interesting how Microsoft localises "cookie" as "cookie" in many languages (even Chinese) but as a local word in some others.