Table of Contents
Hitoshi Goto
Ukihiko Takagi
In the previous article, we covered key considerations when using Japanese PC software overseas. This time, we will look at translating documents for overseas projects.
Secure Translation Man-Hours, Costs, and Resources Early
This applies to offshore development as well: when using overseas vendors, you must properly budget for the man-hours and costs of document translation at the planning stage.
In addition to the costs of commissioning translation companies, when translating internal terminology into English, translation companies may struggle, so you need to allocate man-hours within the project for this.
If it is a company you regularly work with, this may be possible, but in such cases resources are limited, so early securing is necessary.
Moreover, translation companies that accurately understand IT terminology are limited, so early resource securing is necessary even for regular translation.
Clearly Specify Languages for Deliverables and Meetings in Project Plans
Do not forget that translation is not a one-time task. When Japanese documents are revised, foreign language documents must also be revised.
These matters need to be clearly stated in the project plan. Here are two key points to specify regarding foreign languages.
The first is deliverable definition. Define which deliverables will be written in which language. Note that the language of deliverables may change depending on who reviews or approves them.
The second is the language used in meetings. The language used changes depending on the meeting participants, so you need to define which language to use, and documents used in meetings must of course be aligned accordingly.
In factories in regional areas overseas, many people can only communicate in the local language, so interpreters are also necessary.
After clarifying the above, define and budget for the man-hours, costs, and personnel responsible for language support.
As an actual example, a deliverable was defined as English, but an approver who joined later requested a Portuguese version, suddenly requiring translation man-hours. Such possibilities may need to be taken into consideration.
Note that Portuguese differs subtly between Portugal and Brazil, so care is needed when looking for interpreters or translators.
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