Managing content localization and translation in DITA for construction content is essential when dealing with international projects or diverse audiences. DITA provides a structured and efficient approach to handle this process, ensuring that documentation can be effectively translated while maintaining consistency and quality.

Localization Attributes

DITA allows for the use of localization attributes to manage content in different languages. These attributes can be applied at the element level, allowing you to specify the language of specific content blocks. For example, you can use the xml:lang attribute to indicate that a particular section of construction documentation is in a specific language. This makes it easier for translation tools and processes to identify and process the content correctly.

Content Reuse

One of the advantages of DITA is the ability to reuse content across different documents and projects. When it comes to localization, this can significantly streamline the translation process. Translators can work on individual topics or components of documentation, and the translated content can be reused across multiple instances where the same information appears. This reduces duplication of effort and helps maintain consistency in translated content.

Example:

Here’s an example of how localization attributes can be used in DITA:

<section>
  <title xml_lang="en">Introduction</title>
  <p xml_lang="en">This construction project focuses on building a new bridge.</p>
  <p xml_lang="fr">Ce projet de construction se concentre sur la construction d'un nouveau pont.</p>

In this example, the xml:lang attribute specifies the language for both the English and French versions of the content. This allows translation tools to identify and handle the content appropriately for localization.