Translate current file into different language

[_renvette_]

Is it possible to translate an existing frame document into another language (spanish, french...etc.)? I'm using Framemaker 8. Please respond here and at: rlars@arcmail.com

[Arnis Gubins]

renvette,

Please don't expect a direct response to your question, as this goes
against the spirit of these forums, which is for all users to share in
information.

As far as translation goes, it's kind of up to the translator as to
which tool they would use for providing the translation. FM does work
with a number of translation tools, such as Trados, and there are many
agencies that can handle FM files.

If your are expecting a direct machine translation of an FM file, then
you need to do a bit more research into this topic and not have a high
level of expectation.

[R__VanDyke]

Ren:

Is it possible? Yes, it's done on a daily basis.

What you're really looking for is a company that specializes in translations into various languages that can also handle FrameMaker files.

The problem really consists of two parts, the first obvious, the second less so. That is that the ability to properly handle your files is at least as important as the ability to translate from one language to another.

The files-handling problem is generally exacerbated by the fact that most translation companies, a.k.a. localization service providers, operate in a low-bid world. So localization vendors usually lose their most skilled employees since anyone who can do the work well typically wants to do it in a more remunerative setting.

With that in mind, a good strategy after identifying a short list of possible localization vendors is to pay to round-trip a small set of test files. That -- as much if not more than language translation skills -- will enable you to find a vendor you can live with...

Cheers & hope this helps,
Riley