Document Localization: Keeping up with Cultural Evolution (Religion Example)
Document localization is advanced translation. It's advanced because it goes beyond language and into the fuzzy realm of culture. You can even localize from English to English and from Portuguese to Portuguese!
Document Localization and My Religion
If my religion had to be explained on paper it would definitely need to go through a strict document localization process or it would be very likely that even the most educated English speakers would be a bit bedazzled. My document localization project would begin by explaining a bit of the religious vocabulary that is an important part of my culture.
My Religion: Document Localization Item #1:
Take for instance Monday nights. In our church we have been told by our ecclesiastical leaders to meet together as families on Monday nights for Family Home Evening, which we (especially young single adults) refer to affectionately as F.H.E. So, you might hear things like, "What are we doing for F.H.E.?" or "What will the treats be at F.H.E.?" or "Who has the lesson for F.H.E.?" It's a bit overwhelming for someone who has probably never heard of an acronym that involves ecclesiastical endorsement, families, treats and lessons, which is simply another reason why community to community and culture to culture document localization can be so helpful.
Document Localization Item #2:
Here's another example of a potential document localization explanation:
In my church, many members also go on missions. "The Mission" as many affectionately refer to their 1 ½ -2 years of service teaching others about our beliefs has become literally become a pillar of our religious culture. Returned missionaries (missionaries who have returned to their communities after teaching in other areas or other countries) are referred to as RMs and will refer to the "discussions" they taught (discussions are basically lessons that are designed to teach other people more about the church) while on their missions and the "comps," (their teaching companions) who they "served" with in the "mission field." They also have various abbreviations for titles they may or may not have received while in the mission field (i.e. district leader (D.L.) zone leader (Z.L.)) It can all become a little dizzying when an R.M. starts talking fast, but really it's just like any other focused religious community--at least in regards to having a unique set of vocabulary.
Document Localization Item #3:
Here is yet another example:
On Sundays, when we go to church, we have three meetings: Sacrament Meeting, Sunday School and Relief Society or Priesthood. The Relief Society is for the women of the church and the Priesthood is for the men. The Priesthood groups also have a variety of additional names that can be hard to keep up with as well. For instance, many 12-14 year olds are ordained to be deacons, many 14-16 year olds are teachers, and many 16-18 years olds are priests. There are other groups like the Elders Quorum and the High Priests which all hold different responsibilities. You can see why someone who is learning about my religion would have a steep learning curve for a little while! I, for instance, could use a document localization process to learn a little more about the Catholic church. All of those abjurations, baptismal graces, candlemasses, decalogues, and Fatimas are all "cultural Greek" to me.
At any rate, it is interesting to note how simple it can be to learn a language when the speaker of the other language understands and comprehends your attitudes. When he or she does not comprehend your attitudes then document localization could be called for.
Document localization is of course also necessary for businesses that want to specify their products to any given culture or community.
About the Author
Marci Crane is a web content specialist for Innuity. For more information about professional document localization, translation and globalization services, please feel free to learn more about MultiLing.