What considerations are important for culturally adapting DITA content?

November 10, 2023
|By Bryan Tipper

Culturally adapting DITA content is essential when creating documentation for a global audience. It involves making content adjustments to ensure that it is culturally sensitive, relevant, and appropriate for users from different cultural backgrounds. Here are some important considerations for culturally adapting DITA content:

Language and Terminology

One of the primary considerations is the language used in the documentation. Ensure that the content is translated accurately into the target languages, and that the terminology used is culturally appropriate. This includes avoiding idiomatic expressions or references that may not make sense in the target culture. It’s also essential to consider variations in spelling, date formats, and measurement units that may differ across cultures.

Cultural Sensitivity

Content should be culturally sensitive and avoid any content that could be considered offensive or inappropriate in the target culture. This includes being mindful of cultural taboos, stereotypes, and references that may not align with the values and norms of the audience. Images, illustrations, and examples should also be chosen carefully to ensure they are culturally relevant and do not inadvertently offend or misrepresent the culture.

Localization

Localization goes beyond translation and involves adapting content to suit the specific needs of the target audience. This may include customizing examples, case studies, or scenarios to reflect the local context. Additionally, consider factors such as local regulations, industry standards, and cultural preferences that may require adjustments in the content. Localized content is more relatable and resonates better with users, enhancing their overall experience.

Example:

Here’s an example of how content can be culturally adapted in DITA XML:


<topic id="cultural_adaptation">
  <title>Cultural Adaptation Best Practices</title>
  <body>
    <section>
      <title>Language Considerations</title>
      <p>When adapting content for a global audience, ensure that the language used is clear and free from idiomatic expressions.</p>
    </section>
    <section>
      <title>Cultural Sensitivity</title>
      <p>Avoid content that may be culturally insensitive or offensive. Respect cultural norms and values in your content.</p>
    </section>
    <section>
      <title>Localization</title>
      <p>Consider localizing content to reflect the specific needs and preferences of the target audience.</p>
    </section>
  </body>
</topic>

In this example, a DITA topic on cultural adaptation discusses language considerations, cultural sensitivity, and localization best practices. These considerations ensure that the content is culturally relevant and appropriate for a global audience.