In the beginning of this semester, our group decided to work with both Give2Asia and SinoAtlas as our clients. While this meant we would have a heavier workload, it also gave us exposure to different project types to hone our localization skills in preparation for entering the real world.
Based on project type, we used different forms to deliver our translation and to get client feedback.
Give2Asia
- Brochure & User’s Guide
The client gave us both PDF and Word version of their Brochure and User’s Guide, among which the Brochure is a one-page file and the User’s Guide consists of eight separate Word files and one complete PDF. For the Brochure we sent client both localized Word and PDF, but for the User’s Guide we decided to send separate Word and PDF files instead of an integrated PDF. The reason behind this is that many of these Word files have charts or multiple columns, and any edits may change the alignment and will need further DTP. With separate Word and PDF, we made sure that the format won’t change due to different Word versions, but also that we gave the client the flexibility to provide feedback before we finalize the whole document.
- Video
We used VisualSubSync to generate srt subtitle files and used VLC to perform on screen QA for the two videos we localized for Give2Asia. It only takes a drag-and-drop to see how the subtitles look in the video.
However, we realized we couldn’t just send the srt files to the client as we didn’t know what kind of software the client used. While srt files alone didn’t work, neither did video file with hardcoded subtitle, because it would take much longer to edit the subtitle and then re-burn it into the video. Fortunately, Vimeo gives the option to enable external subtitles. I uploaded the source video via my personal Vimeo account and set it as private. Then I uploaded the Simplified and Traditional Chinese translation as two separate srt files and enabled both subtitles.
With the password I sent to the client, they were able to see the translations embedded in the video and easily switch between the two. In addition, in order for the client to provide us with any feedback, we also sent the Word files and asked them to use track changes so that we could edit the srt files correspondingly.
SinoAtlas
- Website
One of the unique experience with SinoAtlas was that the client cloned their entire website and shared with us their access to the cloned website with Simplified Chinese enabled. We were able to import translations into the CMS (WordPress) directly and check formats on screen. The website has mainly four tabs and three articles under each, so we divided our work into four batches. Once the translation and editing was finished, we imported it back to the website. In this way the client was able to get regular update from us and was aware of the project progress.
In addition, since we also had a source proofreading step integrated into our process, we needed an easy way to communicate with our client in case we need any clarification for the meaning. Therefore, we created a Facebook group and invited the client in, who has been very prompt in responding our questions and really helpful to us.
Overall, the Localization Practicum class has provided me with a great experience of working with real clients, understanding their needs and expectations, and building potential long-term relationship with both clients and linguists. Obviously one of the most important things is clear communication. I’m grateful that both our clients were very responsive during our projects and had been providing us with lots of support so that we could finish all the projects on time and with high quality.
Emily Du @ MIIS 