Why we love XLIFF
By now it is obvious that our love affair with the "eXtendable Markup Language" format XML is based on XML's aptness for the translation process. So this time we will explain to you why a particular XML application called XLIFF is our favourite when it comes to tailoring solutions for your individual translation requirements.
More than just a file format
Just to remind you: XML is not only a file format that allows you to separate content from other data by labelling (or "marking up") text. XML is also designed to display languages and what's more, the translation can even be stored in the same file together with the original if needed. It will not come as a surprise that XML is at the heart of an application used specifically in the translation industry. You are reading right: although XML is a file format, it is also referred to as an "application". So while the file format's main characteristic is to structure data, an application written in XML can (if you use the right software) re-sort and re-label the data so it can be used in a vast range of software applications. It is almost like creating a mail out [mailshot?] with MS Word... just a couple of trillion times better.
Application for the translation industry
The XML application we at Lingo24 like best is the XML Localisation Interchange File Format - or XLIFF for short. The reference to localisation content is historical. The format could actually be called "translation content interchange format", but in the olden days the format was almost exclusively used by software localisers. They would extract translatable software "strings" from the software in the original language. Those strings were usually items like error messages and interface items (like "cancel" and "OK" in a dialogue box). Those strings were then codified into an XLIFF file and sent out to a translator. The translators would translate the strings and send them back - still as an XLIFF file, which seamlessly would be fed to the localised software. Once the files are finished and tested, from then on you can read, for example, "Datei" where the English version reads "File", or "Beenden" where you had "cancel" before.
Roundtripping
As you can see, the key to XLIFF's success is the ability to send the translatable content of any source file on a round-trip. The translated content that comes back from the round-trip can be inserted exactly where the source text was. So in other words: XLIFF communicates all necessary information to the translator, who can focus on what s/he does best (i.e. translation). XLIFF is the container for text that fits perfectly into its original format. The beauty is that this process simply cannot harm the actual source of the translation. No software code can be messed up by the translator - and in your case, your data in your company's Content Management System is safe from corruption. This allows us to cut out some very complicated and cost intensive aspects of the translation process.
Flexible and portable solutions
It has to be said that for all the right reasons XLIFF has become an undisputable part of the translation and localisation industry. Currently all serious translation environment tools support it. This means that XLIFF is our client's key to enjoying the greatest possible independence of tool manufactures and suppliers. No longer are you forced to use the market leading tool, but instead you can now choose the best service. And here is the source for our most heartfelt affection for XLIFF: we just thrive in the challenge to find and execute the optimal solution for your particular needs. At the core of Lingo24's operations we are keen to create tailor-made-communications between you and your multilingual content. The goal is always to cut your cost and time where ever it makes sense to do so. Indeed, we have already achieved significant cost savings for some of our high-volume clients while at the same time increasing the translation quality.
If you now feel that you want to share our fondness for XLIFF, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We are very confident that you will like what we can do for your translatable content.