Our virtual team project has been moving along nicely. Some students are keeping to fringes, however, they are getting the tasks completed on time. We’re getting to know each other a little better also. This week we focused on writing the instructions for how to use Twitter. Nobody had worked on this type of project before, so we were unsure how to approach it. We had 4 writers, so the topics were divided up. We agreed to write in US English and for the desktop version of Twitter.
All the first drafts were so different in words, voice, style and format, how would we even start putting the final document together. Of course, what we should have considered was a style guide or at least some basic tips on writing instructions for translation. Towards the end of the week, our editing team devised a list of tips we should follow when revising our first draft. They make so much sense. Hindsight is a great thing. There is nothing like learning from your mistakes.
My tips for writing instructions for translation:
- Write short simple sentences in the active voice. Fewer words also keep your translation costs down.
- Use plain English e.g. ‘enter’ instead of ‘input’.
- Use terminology consistently.
- Use visuals as much as possible.
- Leave plenty of white space to allow space for longer translations.
- Decide what will stay in English e.g. Twitter, Follow.
- Avoid idioms and acronyms.
Contemplating Writing 