Are there considerations for handling culturally sensitive content in pharmaceutical localization with DITA?

November 10, 2023
|By Bryan Tipper

Handling culturally sensitive content in pharmaceutical localization with DITA requires careful consideration to ensure that the translated content is respectful of cultural norms, values, and sensitivities. Pharmaceutical documents often contain information related to healthcare practices, patient instructions, and cultural-specific nuances that must be taken into account during the localization process. Here are some key considerations:

Cultural Sensitivity Assessment

Before embarking on the localization of pharmaceutical content, it’s essential to conduct a cultural sensitivity assessment. This assessment helps identify potential issues related to language, imagery, symbols, and cultural references that may be sensitive or offensive in the target culture. For example, a symbol that signifies “good luck” in one culture might have a negative connotation in another. Identifying such issues early allows for necessary adjustments to be made.

Translation Expertise

Working with professional translators who are not only fluent in the target language but also well-versed in pharmaceutical terminology and cultural nuances is crucial. Translators with expertise in healthcare and pharmaceuticals are better equipped to ensure that the localized content is accurate, culturally sensitive, and compliant with regulatory requirements. They can make informed decisions about word choices, tone, and phrasing to align with the cultural expectations of the target audience.

Example:

Here’s an example of a cultural sensitivity consideration in pharmaceutical content localization:


<topic id="cultural_sensitivity" xml_lang="en-US">
  <title>Cultural Sensitivity Guidelines</title>
  <metadata>
    <target-language>es-ES</target-language>
  </metadata>
  <body>
    <p>When localizing content for Spanish-speaking audiences in Spain (es-ES), it's important to be aware of cultural differences. For instance, the use of certain colors and symbols may carry specific meanings in Spain that differ from other Spanish-speaking regions. The translation should avoid any imagery or terminology that could be considered insensitive or culturally inappropriate.</p>
  </body>
</topic>

In this example, metadata specifies the target language as Spanish for Spain (es-ES), and the content discusses the need to avoid culturally insensitive elements during localization for this specific audience.