Glossary of Industry Terms
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
[^] .BMP (BMP)
A standard bit-mapped graphics format used in Windows. Files end with .BMP extension.
[^] .GIF (GIF)
Graphics Interchange Format. A bit-mapped graphics file format used by the World Wide Web. It features lossless data compression and is best for computer-generated (i.e., nonphotographic) images. Files end with .GIF extension.
(See also Lossless.)
[^] .h and .hpp files
Header files. These are files used in programming (typically C/C++) to identify and define common items used throughout the program.
[^] .JPG (JPEG)
Joint Photographic Experts Group. A lossy compression-type graphics format for color files. Can compress files to 5% of their original size with (some) loss of picture quality. Best for photographic images. Files end with .JPG extension.
(See also Lossy.)
[^] .PCX (PCX)
A graphics file format used by PC graphics applications. This widely used file format employs lossless compression. Files end with .PCX extension.
(See also Lossless.)
[^] .PDF (PDF)
Portable Document Format. A file format created by Adobe Acrobat, primarily for read-only use with Acrobat Reader. Can be edited with the full version of Acrobat. PDF files capture formatting and layout data from files created with another application, allowing others without that source application to view properly formatted documents via Acrobat Reader on any system supported by Acrobat Reader. Files end with .PDF extension.
[^] .SHG files
Bitmaps with a hotspot overlay.
(See also Hotspot.)
[^] .TIF (TIFF)
Tagged Image File Format. Widely used file format for storing bit-mapped images on both PC and Macintosh platforms. Commonly used for scanned images. Files end with .TIF extension.
A
[^] Active Server Page (ASP)
An HTML page where one or more scripts are processed by an MS server prior to the page being displayed to the user.
[^] ActiveX
A Microsoft program development technology that allows data to be shared among different applications. Conceptually similar to Java, ActiveX has a significant presence in Web-based applications.
[^] A-Link
A linking macro provided in WinHelp that allows jumps based on keywords rather than specific context strings. A-links do not have to be localized. A-links are never seen by the end-user and are used only by the help system.
[^] ASCII
American Standard Code for Information Interchange. A standard for assigning numerical values to the set of letters in the Roman alphabet and typographic characters.
B
[^] Back translation
The process of translating a document that has already been translated into another language back to the original language — preferably by an independent translator.
[^] BinHex
Binary hexidecimal. A widely-used encoding scheme that converts binary data into ASCII characters. BinHex encoding is especially common on MAC platforms. Files end with .HQX extension.
[^] Bitmap
A graphic for which the color of each pixel is defined by one or more bits (1 bit for black/white, 4 bits for 16 colors, 8 bits for 256 colors, etc.).
C
[^] Cascading Style Sheets (CSS)
A way of implementing styles in HTML or XML. By combining the styles from several sheets, or using specific rules to override general rules, you can “cascade” the information across multiple pages.
[^] Callout
A small text box referring to an element or feature in a graphic.
[^] CAT
Computer Aided Translation is a broad term used to describe computer applications that automate and assist with the act of translating text from one language to another. CAT tools are highly effective in improving translation productivity and quality (e.g. Trados Workbench and associated utilities).
[^] Central European (CE) fonts
Specific fonts used for displaying Central and Eastern European languages.
[^] Chunk
Depending on the level which it is stored, this term is used to describe a subset of content stored in a Content Management System (CMS). A Chunk can be a word, phrase, sentence or paragraph. Chunks are combined by the CMS to create a document.
(See also Content Management System.)
[^] CMYK
Cyan Magenta Yellow Black. A color model in which all colors are described as a mixture of these four process colors. CMYK is the standard color model used in offset printing for full-color documents. Also called four-color printing.
(See also RGB.)
[^] Compiling
Converting a program written in a high-level programming language from source code into object code. Source code must be compiled before it becomes an executable program.
[^] Computer code
The computer readable code that makes up a program. Also called object code or machine language.
(See also Executable.)
[^] Concatenation
A programming method used to avoid creating a number of repetitive messages by starting with a base sentence containing variables that grab the desired elements when the software is run.
[^] Content Management System (CMS)
Tools that automate the process of storing, creating, maintaining, publishing, and updating content. Many variations of CMS tools are currently available in a wide variety of configurations.
[^] Cropping
Trimming the edges of a graphic to make it fit or to remove unwanted sections.
[^] Cultural assessment
Analyzing an individual’s cultural preferences through comparative analyses. Allows individuals to acquire the awareness and knowledge necessary for building effective skills and behavioral adaptations for multicultural management and business.
[^] Cultural orientation
Developing cultural self-awareness and effective behavioral strategies to minimize the cultural gaps that occur when contrasting value orientations of different social groups.
D
[^] Database
An organized collection of data managed by a program that allows users to add, delete, and change the data.
(See also DBMS.)
[^] DBE
Double-Byte Enabling. Re-engineering original source code to support the input, display, and manipulation of double-byte language character sets.
[^] DBMS
Database Management System. This program enables users to manage and utilize a database. It is also the interface that facilitates a multi-user system and tracks where data is stored in the storage media so that other programs do not have to.
[^] Decompiling
Opposite of compiling. Changing an application from computer code back into source code. Sometimes referred to as reverse engineering.
[^] Dialog boxes
The rectangular windows used by a program to display information or request information in a User Interface (UI) (Windows or Mac).
[^] DLL
Dynamic Link Library. A file that contains executable functions or data for applications. Several DLLs come with Windows and are used by many applications;, others are written for specific applications. Files end with .DLL extension.
[^] Dots Per Inch (DPI)
A common measurement of resolution used in printing to describe the density of an image or character. Refers to the number of dots of ink a printer is able to print per inch vertically and horizontally. In general, the higher the DPI, the higher the quality of the printed image.
[^] Double-byte character
A character defined with two bytes (16 bits) instead of one byte (8 bits).
[^] Double-byte enabled
A program that can handle double-byte languages.
(See also DBE.)
[^] Double-byte languages
Languages that are coded with twice as much information for each character, such as Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.
[^] Drivers
Specialized programs that allow communication between peripherals (printers, scanners, video cards, etc.) and the computer.
[^] Dynamic content
Data or content of a website that is stored in a database and is supplied to the user on the fly, based on what is requested (usually through a form) by the user.
E
[^] Embedded graphics
A graphic is known as an embedded graphic if all the information for it is stored in a document and not in a separate file.
(See also Referenced graphic.)
[^] Exact Match
A term used to describe matching within a translation memory. Also known as 100% match and Repetitions, this is a segment stored in the translation memory that is identical to the source segment that is to be translated. At Lingo Systems, this text is marked green in the pre-translated file and is charged at 25% of the full word rate.
[^] Executable
A program that can be run (executed) on a computer.
F
[^] FIGS
Abbreviation for the commonly used language set of French, Italian, German, and Spanish.
[^] File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
An alternative to e-mail for transferring files utilizing the Internet. It is often faster and more reliable to use FTP software for large file transfers. Can be accessed using an Internet browser or FTP client software.
[^] Functional QA
Testing of a software application or program to ensure that the localization process does not affect the functionality of the software and that the content displays correctly on the screen.
[^] Fuzzy logic
A logic that allows the concept of partial truth—truth values between “completely true” and “completely false.” Used to create near matches instead of exact matches during searches, and in artificial intelligence programs.
[^] Fuzzy match
A term used to describe matching within a translation memory. A segment that is similar (but not identical) to the sentence or phrase the translator is currently translating. At Lingo Systems, this text is marked dark yellow in the pre-translated file and is charged at 50% of the full word rate.
G
[^] G11N
See Globalization.
[^] Globalization
The process of conceptualizing your product line for the global marketplace so that it can be sold anywhere in the world with only minor revision. It is most easily thought of as a global marketing strategy and is associated with all marketing concepts (branding, establishing market share, etc.). Globalization is particularly important in consumer industries such as clothing and food.
[^] Glossary
A list of terms which includes extensive definitions and grammatical configurations.
(See also Terminology list.)
[^] GUI
The part of a software application that is visible to the end -user. Stands for Graphical User Interface.
H
[^] Hotspot
The part of a graphic in a hypertext document that, when clicked on, jumps to another location. Similar to a hypertext link.
[^] HTML
Hyper Text Markup Language. A coding system used on the World Wide Web to format text and set up hyperlinks between documents. Similar to SGML.
[^] HTMLHelp
A Microsoft Help system format based on HTML.
I
[^] I18N
See Internationalization.
[^] Integration testing (Interoperability)
Confirmation that two or more systems (computers, communication devices, networks, software, and other information technology components) are able to interact with one another and exchange data according to a prescribed method in order to achieve predictable results. (ISO ITC-215.)
[^] International brand development
The process of giving a product the look and feel of having been developed in the target country. Requires that your brand or message be clear, easily identifiable, and culturally acceptable to the target market. A successful brand can be conveyed clearly and concisely, regardless of the language or writing source.
[^] Internationalization
The process of engineering a product so it can be localized for export to any country.
[^] Interpretation
Translation of spoken words from one language to another. Usually the Interpreter waits until the first speaker has finished a phrase or sentence before translating. Simultaneous interpretation occurs when the Interpreter translates the speech as it is being given. The skill set of an Interpreter is different than that of a Translator.
[^] ISO
International Organization for Standardization. A worldwide federation of national standards bodies from approximately 130 countries.
J
[^] Java
A platform-independent, object-oriented programming language. Java can add animation, spreadsheets, and information processing features that HTML cannot provide.
K
[^] Kerning
The space between two text characters.
(See also Tracking.)
[^] K-link
A linking macro provided in WinHelp that allows jumps based on keywords rather than specific context strings. K-links require translation.
L
[^] L10N
See Localization.
[^] Leading
The space between two or more lines of text. Also called line spacing.
[^] Leverage
Building current translation projects on those previously completed. Reduces the need to retranslate words and phrases previously translated. The process of using one translation for repeated sections of text.
[^] Localization
Adapting a software, document, or website product to various markets or localities. This may require a variety of steps including translating user interface text, modifying formats for numbers and dates, and replacing culturally inappropriate graphics or system design.
[^] Localization engineering
The process of using specific localization applications, compilers, and tools to prepare software for release in other markets or localities.
[^] Lossless
A term used to describe compression techniques that don’t lose any data. Lossless compression techniques usually reduce the size of the compressed file up to 50% of the original file.
[^] Lossy
A term used to describe compression techniques that lose some data or details. Commonly used with graphics and video. Lossy compression techniques can compress files to around 5% of their original size with some loss of data.
M
[^] Multilingual print production
Producing packaging, advertising, and related collateral in multiple languages for simultaneous release.
[^] Multiterm
An application made by TRADOS to point out already translated terminology to translators.
N
[^] New text
A term used to describe matching within a translation memory. Text where the source segments being translated do not correspond to any of the target segments. At Lingo Systems, this text is marked blue in the pre-translated file and is charged at the full word rate.
O
[^] Online content
Any written content that is intended for publishing via a network or the Internet. While online content can most often be printed if the user desires, the format is often not optimized for specific layout specifications.
[^] Online user interface
A software product/service that is delivered to the user via a network or the Internet. This software does not reside or run on a 'local' machine.
P
[^] Pixel
Picture Element. One dot on a computer screen. The smallest image-forming unit on a display screen.
Q
[^] Quality assurance
The process of assuring that the target document resembles the source document as closely as possible. The process can include, for example, verification of layout and graphics to confirm the document is complete.
R
[^] Referenced graphic
A graphic that appears in a document in which the information for the graphic is stored in a separate file and minimal information about the graphic is stored in the actual document.
(See also Embedded graphics.)
[^] Resizing
During localization, software strings may expand and no longer fit within the dimensions of the source dialogs, buttons, menus, etc. When this occurs, engineers use specialized software to resize the UI elements so that the text fits within the allocated area.
[^] Resource files
Source files that contain information to be compiled into the program. They contain the parts of the application that is seen by the user. Typical file types include: .rc, .res, .bmp, .ico, .cur.
[^] RGB
Red Green Blue. Blending these three colors allows computer monitors to display color images.
(See also CMYK.)
[^] RoboHelp
An application made by eHelp. RoboHelp assists in writing help files using Microsoft Word.
[^] RTF
Rich Text Format. A type of document that encodes formatting as text-based tags. Can be opened as text to view the tags or converted to look like a Word document (without the tags visible). Used as a source file for WinHelp.
S
[^] Scaling
Changing the size of a graphic so that no distortion occurs.
[^] Screen shots
A graphic image of what is seen on the computer screen. Often used in user’s manuals to show how an application looks on the screen. Also called “screencaps”, “screen captures” or “SCAPS”.
[^] SEA
Self Extracting Archive. A file that decompresses itself. Used on a Mac OS.
[^] Segment
The basic unit of source text, as identified by a translation tool, that can be aligned with a corresponding translation from the translation memory. A segment is commonly defined as the content from one paragraph break to the next, usually a sentence, but a segment can be a header, items in a list, cells in a table, a paragraph, etc.
(See also Translation memory.)
[^] SGML
Standard Generalized Markup Language. SGML is an ISO standard for marking text files to show how they should be formatted. HTML is a specialized application of SGML rules.
[^] Single sourcing
A method of using one source of stored content to generate multiple types of documents on multiple platforms.
(See also Content Management System.)
[^] Sizing
Changing the dimensions of an image or graphic. Sizing can cause distortion or loss of image quality.
(See also Scaling.)
[^] Source code
The human-readable code that is compiled to make a program. Some types of source code are C++, Java, and Visual Basic.
[^] Source file
A file containing the source material that is used to create the translated product during a localization project.
(See also Source code.)
[^] String tags
Tags used in strings to mark where something will be added. For Example: "%s" = another string, "\n" = a return character, and "\t" = a tab, etc.
[^] Strings
Groupings of characters (letters, numbers, and/or punctuation marks) that are used in programs such as error messages, button labels, etc. Often strings are enclosed in single or double quotes. Strings need to be translated if they contain text that will be seen by the user.
[^] Style sheet
A document or template that defines the style and layout of a document. Contains instructions for margins, fonts, page size, spacing, etc. Aids in the consistent appearance of pages in a large document. Also known as a style guide.
T
[^] Terminology list
The terminology list is created as a reference for linguists (translators), and is usually specific to a project. It provides the linguists with the English source word and the target language equivalent. Terminology lists are created by the linguists and approved by the client prior to translation. A list of terms and descriptions are recommended for each specific case.
(See also Glossary.)
[^] Text expansion
The increase in the total number of characters that often occurs during translation.
[^] Text extraction
Manually or electronically pulling text out of a source file (Quark, Illustrator, PDF) and placing it into a Word file for use by a linguist.
[^] Tracking
The average space between characters in a block of text.
[^] TRADOS® Translator’s Workbench
An application that assists a translator by showing how similarly translated sentences were translated. This software program is used to store linguist-translated text and display it when previously translated phrases appear in a word file. Helps to assure consistency and reduce redundant work.
[^] Translation
Translation is the process of converting a source language into a target language.
[^] Translation memory (TM)
A database in which previous translations and corresponding source text are stored for future use. New source text is automatically paired with these prior translations through the use of database technology. The matching process identifies new text, fuzzy matches and 100% matches and repetitions. The linguist uses the Workbench to manage this process.
(See also TRADOS Translator's Workbench.)
[^] Translation unit (TU)
A single segment pair of source and translated text stored in the translation memory.
U
[^] Unicode
A platform-independent character set that attempts to unify all character sets into one 16-bit character set. Unicode is a two-byte encoding that allows for 65,536 (256 times 256) code points and includes all major alphabetic languages plus a unified Chinese, Japanese, and Korean character set.
V
[^] Verification testing
Confirmation of any testable requirement, including functional testing of hardware and software system components, compatibility testing of one component to another, design verification, compliance to industry standards, and third party interoperability.
W
[^] WinHelp
Short for Windows help file. WinHelp is also the name of the application that runs Windows help files (.hlp).
X
[^] XML
XML is the acronym for eXtensible Markup Language. This is a universally accepted format for creating and tagging documents and data for display on the Web. It was developed, and is administered, by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).
(See also HTML and SGML.)
Y
Z
[^] Zip file
A compressed file created by the utility application PKzip or WinZip on a PC.
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