Integration of translation memory tools with DITA for manufacturing documentation streamlines the translation process and ensures consistency across multilingual content. Here are the key considerations and an example of how this integration works:

Translation Memory Integration

DITA supports integration with translation memory tools, which are specialized software designed to store previously translated content and suggest these translations for reuse. When content is authored in DITA, segments such as phrases, sentences, or paragraphs can be stored in the translation memory tool’s database, along with their corresponding translations. This creates a repository of previously translated content, making it easy to reuse and maintain consistent translations across documents and languages.

Translation Memory Example:

Here’s an example of how DITA integrates with translation memory tools:

<section>
  <title>Product Specifications</title>
  <p>The product specifications are as follows:

  <p>Weight: 500 g</p>
  <p>Dimensions: 10 cm x 20 cm x 5 cm</p>
  <p>Material: Stainless steel</p>
  <p>Color: Silver</p>
</section>

In this example, the content within the <section> element can be segmented and stored in a translation memory tool along with its translations. When the same content appears in another document or in a different language, the tool can suggest the previous translations, ensuring consistency and reducing translation efforts.

Segmentation and Reuse

Segmentation of content within DITA is crucial for effective integration with translation memory tools. Each element, such as <p>, <section>, or <title>, should be considered a segment. By segmenting content effectively and consistently, translation memory tools can match and suggest translations for these segments, leading to more efficient and accurate translation processes.