Preparing defense content for translation in DITA involves several best practices to ensure a smooth and efficient translation process. These practices are crucial for maintaining consistency, accuracy, and quality across multiple languages. Here are some key recommendations:

1. Use Language Attributes: Assign language attributes to content at the element level, specifying the language of each section. This allows translation tools to identify the language of the content and facilitates the creation of language-specific versions of your documentation.

Example:

Below is an example of a DITA topic where language attributes are applied to content sections in English and French. The use of the “xml:lang” attribute helps indicate the language for each section, enabling accurate translation.

<!– Example of language attributes in DITA –>

<topic>
  <title>Topic Title</title>
  <p xml_lang="en">This is an English paragraph.</p>
  <p xml_lang="fr">Ceci est un paragraphe en français.</p>
</topic>

2. Provide Translation Notes: Use DITA’s “note” elements to include translation-specific notes or instructions for translators. This can help clarify context, terminology, or specific requirements for translation, ensuring the intended message is accurately conveyed in different languages.

Example:

Here’s an example of a translation note within a DITA topic. The “note” element provides instructions to the translator, helping them understand the context of the content.

<!– Example of a translation note in DITA –>

<topic>
  <title>Topic Title</title>
  <p>This is a DITA topic with a translation note.</p>
  <note type="translation">Translate "DITA" as it is commonly used in the industry.</note>
</topic>

3. Apply Conditional Processing: Use DITA’s conditional processing features to control what parts of the content are translated. For sensitive or proprietary information, you can exclude sections from translation. This ensures that confidential data remains secure and confidential.

Example:

In this example, the “translate” attribute is used to indicate which content should be translated (“yes” or “no”). This allows for selective translation based on your organization’s requirements.

<!– Example of conditional processing for translation in DITA –>

<topic>
  <title>Topic Title</title>
  <p translate="yes">This content should be translated.</p>
  <p translate="no">This content should not be translated due to sensitivity.</p>
</topic>

These best practices help defense organizations effectively prepare their content for translation in DITA, ensuring that translated documents are accurate, consistent, and aligned with the organization’s specific requirements.