Localisation and Language Use

Localisation

• All user-facing strings must be localised or offer a translatable description.
• Try to re-use existing translation keys or create translation keys that can be re-used.
• Create a context comment with each key-value pair. This allows translators to understand how the translated text is being used, e.g.

# The type of line used to draw the grid, i.e. solid, dotted, dashed, etc.
grid.draw.lineType.label = Line type

# Error message - 0 = function name, 1 = parameter index
parser.error.invalidParam = Error in {{0}}. Incorrect parameter type at index {{1}}.

• Where you create/change a UI element - take a screenshot of it. The screenshot can be added to the translation website showing translators what they are translating.

Language Use

• Use proper language and words, i.e. avoid jargon, made-up words, and bad spelling.
  • Imagine a non-programmer with poor English trying to explain it to someone with no English.
  • Example: Pass-through is better than PASSTHRU.
• Words have meanings;
  • Their meaning can change with context, and
  • That meaning may be very specific, and
  • The meaning is often different to what you think it is, and
  • Game systems often get it wrong.
  • Example: Cover vs. Concealment vs. Camouflage have specific meanings in military usage.
    • Cover provides physical protection from harm, i.e. blocks bullets.
    • Concealment provides protection from enemy senses but provides no physical protection. Think "hiding in a bush".
    • Camouflage prevents detection whilst in plain sight.
  • Using the right words will make it easier for translators and the coders who come after you.