Catalan Style Guide
Published: June, 2017
Microsoft Catalan Style Guide
Contents
1 About this style guide ...... 4 1.1 Recommended style references ...... 4 2 Microsoft voice ...... 6 2.1 Choices that reflect Microsoft voice ...... 6 2.1.1 Word choice ...... 7 2.1.2 Words and phrases to avoid ...... 10 2.2 Sample Microsoft voice text ...... 11 2.2.1 Address the user to take action ...... 12 2.2.2 Promote a feature ...... 13 2.2.3 Provide how-to guidelines ...... 13 2.2.4 Explanatory text and support ...... 14 3 Language-specific standards ...... 14 3.1 Grammar, syntax and orthographic standards ...... 15 3.1.1 Abbreviations ...... 15 3.1.2 Acronyms ...... 16 3.1.3 Adjectives ...... 17 3.1.4 Articles ...... 17 3.1.5 Capitalization ...... 19 3.1.6 Compounds ...... 22 3.1.7 Conjunctions ...... 23 3.1.8 Diacritics ...... 23 3.1.9 Gender ...... 24 3.1.10 Localizing colloquialism, idioms, and metaphors ...... 24 3.1.11 Nouns ...... 25 3.1.12 Numbers ...... 26 3.1.13 Prepositions ...... 26 3.1.14 Pronouns ...... 27 3.1.15 Punctuation ...... 28 3.1.16 Sentence fragments ...... 33
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3.1.17 Subjunctive ...... 33 3.1.18 Symbols & nonbreaking spaces ...... 33 3.1.19 Verbs ...... 34 4 Localization considerations ...... 36 4.1 Accessibility ...... 36 4.2 Applications, products, and features ...... 36 4.3 Frequent errors ...... 37 4.4 Trademarks ...... 38 4.5 Geopolitical concerns ...... 38 4.6 Software considerations ...... 39 4.6.1 Error messages ...... 39 4.6.2 Keys ...... 42 4.6.3 Keyboard shortcuts ...... 44 4.6.4 Arrow keys ...... 46 4.6.5 Numeric keypad ...... 46 4.6.6 Shortcut keys ...... 46 4.6.7 English pronunciation ...... 49
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1 About this style guide
This style guide is intended for the localization professional working on localized products that run on a Microsoft platform. It’s not intended to be a comprehensive coverage of all localization practices, but to highlight areas where Microsoft has specific preferences or deviates from standard practices for Catalan localization.
The primary goal of this guide is to help you understand and learn how to address all of the necessary linguistic and stylistic nuances of Catalan during the localization of your products and services.
The style guide covers guidelines and recommendations for translating the Microsoft voice into Catalan, including words, grammatical structures, the needs of the audience, and the intent of the text that are to be considered. Each of these areas is supplemented with samples.
Other language considerations covered in this style guide are accessibility, trademarks, geopolitical concerns and specific software considerations.
We welcome your feedback, questions and concerns regarding the style guide. Please send your feedback via Microsoft Language Portal.
1.1 Recommended style references
Unless this style guide or the Microsoft Language Portal provides alternative instructions, use the orthography, grammar, and terminology in the following publications:
Normative references
These normative sources must be adhered to. Take into account that the Institut d’Estudis Catalans (IEC) published a new grammar and orthography in 2016 and 2017, which include some changes in the rules. Any deviation from the normative sources automatically fails a string in most cases. When more than one solution is possible, the more recent rules apply, and you must also consult the other topics in this style guide for guidance.
1. Institut d’Estudis Catalans. Gramàtica de la llengua catalana. Barcelona: IEC, 2016. 2. Institut d’Estudis Catalans. Ortografia catalana. Barcelona: IEC, 2017. Available online at https://www.iec.cat/llengua/documents/ortografia_catalana_versio_digital.pdf
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Secondary normative sources 1. Badia i Margarit, A. M. Gramàtica de la llengua catalana. Descriptiva, normativa, diatòpica, diastràtica. Barcelona: Enciclopèdia Catalana, 1994. 2. Fabra, P. Gramàtica catalana. Barcelona: Teide, various editions. 3. Jané, A. Gramàtica catalana. Barcelona: Salvat, 1977.
Dictionaries
1. Alcover, A. M.; Moll, F. Diccionari català-valencià-balear. 2a ed. Palma de Mallorca: Moll, 1978. 10. vol. Also available at http://dcvb.iecat.net/. 2. Bruguera, J. Diccionari ortogràfic i de pronúncia. Barcelona: Enciclopèdia Catalana, 1990. 3. Gran diccionari de la llengua catalana. Barcelona: Enciclopèdia Catalana, 1998. Available online at http://www.diccionari.cat. 4. Diccionari de la llengua catalana. 2a ed. Barcelona: Institut d'Estudis Catalans, 1997. Available online at http://dlc.iec.cat/. 5. Diccionari de neologismes. Barcelona: Termcat; Edicions 62, 1997. 6. Ginebra, J.; Montserrat, A. Diccionari d'ús dels verbs catalans. Barcelona: Edicions 62, 1999. 7. Ruaix, J. Diccionari auxiliar. Moià: Josep Ruaix, 1996. 8. TERMCAT. Diccionari d'Internet. Barcelona: Enciclopèdia Catalana, 2001. 9. TERMCAT. Societat de la informació. Noves tecnologies i Internet: diccionari terminològic. Barcelona: TERMCAT, Centre de Terminologia, 2000.
The following resources are also useful:
• Optimot, consultes lingüístiques. A service offered by the Direcció General de Política Lingüística in cooperation with Institut d'Estudis Catalans and Centre de Terminologia TERMCAT. This resource is fully updated with the most recent changes in the rules. Available online at http://gencat.cat/optimot/ • ésAdir. Portal lingüístic de la Corporació Catalana de Mitjans Audiovisuals. Available online at http://esadir.cat/ • Enciclopèdia Catalana. Available online at http://www.enciclopedia.cat.
For references related to localization, see the Localization Considerations section.
Microsoft User interface reference A helpful reference is the Windows User Experience Interaction Guidelines.
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2 Microsoft voice
Microsoft’s brand personality comes through in our voice and tone—what we say and how we say it. The design of Microsoft products, services, and experiences hinges on crisp simplicity.
Three principles form the foundation of our voice:
• Warm and relaxed: We’re natural. Less formal, more grounded in honest conversations. Occasionally, we’re fun. (We know when to celebrate.) • Crisp and clear: We’re to the point. We write for scanning first, reading second. We make it simple above all. • Ready to lend a hand: We show customers we’re on their side. We anticipate their real needs and offer great information at just the right time.
The Microsoft voice targets a broad set of users from technology enthusiasts and casual computer users. Although content might be different for different audiences, the principles of Microsoft voice are the same. However, Microsoft voice also means keeping the audience in mind. Choose the right words for the audience: use technical terms for technical audiences, but for consumers use common words and phrases instead.
These key elements of Microsoft voice should extend across Microsoft content for all language locales. For each language, the specific choices in style and tone that produce Microsoft voice are different. The following guidelines are relevant for US English as well as many other languages.
Guidelines
Keep the following guidelines in mind:
• Write short, easy-to-read sentences. • Avoid passive voice—it’s difficult to read and understand quickly. • Be pleasant and ensure that explanations appear individualized. • Avoid slang and be careful with colloquialisms—it’s acceptable to reassure and connect with customers in a conversational tone, but be professional in doing so.
2.1 Choices that reflect Microsoft voice
Translating into Catalan in a way that reflects Microsoft voice means choosing words and grammatical structures that reflect the same style as the source text. It also means considering the needs of the audience and the intent of the text.
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The general style should be clear, friendly and concise. Use language that resembles conversation observed in everyday settings as opposed to the formal, technical language that’s often used for technical and commercial content.
When you’re localizing source text written in Microsoft voice, feel free to choose words that aren’t standard translations if you think that’s the best way to stay true to the intent of the source text.
Because Microsoft voice means a more conversational style, literally translating the source text may produce target text that’s not relevant to customers. To guide your translation, consider the intent of the text and what the customer needs to know to successfully complete the task.
2.1.1 Word choice
Terminology
Terminology must be used consistently and in line with the approved reference materials.
Use terminology from the Microsoft Language Portal where applicable, for example key terms, technical terms, and product names.
Short word forms and everyday words
Microsoft voice text written in US English prefers short, simple words spoken in everyday conversations. In English, shorter words are friendlier and less formal. Short words also save space on screen and are easier to read quickly. Precise, well-chosen words add clarity, but it’s important to be intentional about using everyday words that customers are accustomed to.
The following table lists some common words that are used for Microsoft voice in US English.
en-US word en-US word usage
App Use app instead of application or program.
Use pick in more fun, less formal or lightweight situations ("pick a color," not Pick, choose "choose a color") and choose for more formal situations (don’t use select unless necessary for the UI).
For general reference to any drive type (hard drive, CD drive, external hard Drive drive, etc.). Use specific drive type if necessary.
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Fine to use as a synonym for "obtain" or "come into possession of" but Get avoid for other general meanings.
Use in most situations unless “information” better fits the context. Use “info” Info when you point the reader elsewhere ("for more info, see ").
Use for personal computing devices. Use computer for situations about PCs PC and Macs. Don’t switch between PC and computer.
Address the user as you, directly or indirectly through the use of first- and second-person pronouns like "you." Avoid third-person references, such as You "user," as they sound formal and impersonal. For information on localizing you, see the section Pronouns.
The Catalan Microsoft voice can be conveyed through the use of the shortened form of words and through the use of everyday words. However, shortened words are not as common as in en-US, so be careful when thinking about using them in Catalan. See the table below for some examples.
en-US source term ca-ES word ca-ES word usage
This shortened form can be accepted instead of demo demo demostració in informal contexts.
megabyte / MB, These abbreviated forms can be accepted gigabyte / GB, mega, giga, tera instead of gigabyte, megabyte, terabyte. terabyte / TB For example, necessitaràs 2 gigues per…
photo foto Use foto instead of fotografia.
The full term, compte de correu electrònic, is too e-mail account compte de correu long and people don’t normally use it.
Synonyms
Word variety can convey a more natural and conversational tone in especially longer text and informal topics. You can deviate from established terminology for general terms if these happen to be used repetitively in a sentence or paragraph. For example, use is usually translated as utilitzar, but it can also be translated as fer servir. Likewise, in the case of two source terms that usually get translated in one way only, you can use synonyms to differentiate them. For example, upload and load tend to be translated as carregar. In this case, in informal contexts and long texts, you could also use penjar or
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pujar for upload (if not used as UI terms and to avoid repetition of terms within a sentence or paragraph). This translation may be used for a more natural and conversational tone and to deviate from what might be perceived as ‘formal’. Avoid at all costs using non-normative language influenced by Spanish or English, which may be heard in everyday conversations and may even be widely used, but it’s not correct. Such words and expressions, known as barbarismes, must be avoided.
Use this list only as a guideline for informal contexts.
en-US source term ca-ES term ca-ES synonym purchase adquirir comprar, obtenir warn avisar alertar change canviar modificar successfully correctament ben (for example: ben instal·lat instead of instal·lat correctament) e-mail correu electrònic correu (don’t use the English words: mail, email, e-mail) duration duració durada functionality funcionalitat funcions, característiques enter introduir escriure (when it refers to actually typing/writing something) select seleccionar triar, escollir hint suggeriment pista (more informal, when referring in en-US to password hint) call trucada telefonada (when referring to a phone call) reinstall tornar a instal·lar reinstal·lar use utilitzar emprar, fer servir
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2.1.2 Words and phrases to avoid
Microsoft voice avoids an unnecessarily formal tone. The following table lists US English words that add formality without adding meaning, along with more common equivalents.
en-US word/phrase to avoid Preferred en-US word/phrase
Achieve Do
As well as Also, too
Attempt Try
Configure Set up
Encounter Meet
Execute Run
Halt Stop
Have an opportunity Can
However But
Give/provide guidance, give/provide information Help
In addition Also
In conjunction with With
Locate Find
Make a recommendation Recommend
Modify Change
Navigate Go
Obtain Get
Perform Do
Purchase Buy
Refer to See
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Resolve Fix
Subsequent Next
Suitable Works well
Terminate End
Toggle Switch
Utilize Use
The following table lists US English words, words or phrases to avoid in Catalan, and recommended equivalent words or phrases that convey the Catalan Microsoft voice. Note that some of the suggestions below might not fit all contexts. They are provided as examples.
en-US source ca-ES word to avoid ca-ES word/phrase about quant a sobre detect detectar (un error) trobar (un error), ensopegar amb (un error) locate localitzar trobar, buscar (depending on context) require requerir necessitar request sol·licitar demanar
tanmateix, no obstant, however però no obstant això reinstall tornar a instal·lar reinstal·lar use utilitzar fer servir have a chance to... tenir l'oportunitat de... poder...
2.2 Sample Microsoft voice text
The source and target phrase samples in the following sections illustrate the intent of the Microsoft voice.
See the Pronouns section for more information on how to address the user. Always double check.
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2.2.1 Address the user to take action
US English ca-ES target Explanation
La contrasenya no és The user has entered an The password isn’t correct, correcta; torna-ho a provar. incorrect password so provide so please try again. Les contrasenyes the user with a short and Passwords are case- distingeixen entre friendly message with the action sensitive. majúscules i minúscules. to try again.
The user has entered This product key didn’t Aquesta clau del producte incorrect product key. The work. Please check it and try no funciona. Comprova-la i message casually and politely again. torna-ho a provar. asks the user to check it and try again.
Casual and short message to inform user that setup has All ready to go Llestos! completed, ready to start using the system.
Use of the second person pronoun "you" to politely ask the user if they would like to Vols continuar? / Voleu Would you like to continue? continue. continuar? Note that the form chosen depends on how you must address the user.
Give your PC a name—any Dona el nom que vulguis name you want. If you want a l'ordinador. Si vols Address the user directly to change the background canviar el color de fons, using second person pronoun to color, turn high contrast off desactiva el contrast alt a take the necessary action. in PC settings. Configuració de l'ordinador.
Note: See the Pronouns section for more information on how to address the user. Always double check.
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2.2.2 Promote a feature
US English ca-ES target Explanation
La contrasenya d'imatge és Promoting a specific Picture password is a new way una nova manera de feature with the use of to help you protect your protegir els ordinadors amb em-dash to emphasis the touchscreen PC. You choose pantalla tàctil. Per crear la teva specific requirements to the picture—and the gestures contrasenya exclusiva, només enable the feature which you use with it—to create a has de triar la imatge i els in this case is picture password that’s uniquely yours. gestos que faràs servir. password.
Fes que les aplicacions et Promoting the use of proporcionin contingut apps. Let apps give you personalized personalitzat basant-se en la content based on your PC’s Depending on the context ubicació, en el nom, en la location, name, account of the string you can add imatge del compte i en altres picture, and other domain info. familiarity to the text by dades de domini de using everyday words for l'ordinador. example, PC.
Note: See the Pronouns section for more information on how to address the user. Always double check.
2.2.3 Provide how-to guidelines
US English ca-ES target Explanation
To go back and save your Per tornar enrere i desar la Short and clear action work, click Cancel and finish feina, fes clic a Cancel·la i using second person what you need to. acaba allò que estaves fent. pronoun.
Voice is simple and Per confirmar la contrasenya natural. To confirm your current d'imatge actual, mira picture password, just watch the The user isn’t overloaded la reproducció i ressegueix els replay and trace the example with information; we tell gestos d'exemple mostrats a gestures shown on your picture. them only what they need la imatge. to know to make a decision.
Note: See the Pronouns section for more information on how to address the user. Always double check.
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2.2.4 Explanatory text and support
US English ca-ES target Explanation
S'han instal·lat les The language is natural, actualitzacions, però el The updates are installed, the way people talk. In this programa d'instal·lació del but Windows 10 Setup needs to case voice is reassuring, Windows 10 ha de reiniciar-se restart for them to work. After it letting the user know perquè funcionin. Després restarts, we’ll keep going from that we’re doing the work. de reiniciar-se, continuarem where we left off. Use of "we" provides a des del punt on ens hem more personal feel. quedat.
Si el reinicies ara, tu i les Voice is clear and If you restart now, you and altres persones que feu servir natural informing the user any other people using this PC aquest ordinador podríeu what will happen if this could lose unsaved work. perdre la feina que no hàgiu action is taken. desat.
Aquest document This document will es desplaçarà Voice talks to the be automatically moved to the automàticament a la user informatively and right library and folder after you biblioteca i a la carpeta directly on the action that correct invalid or missing correctes quan en corregeixis will be taken. properties. les propietats no vàlides o que hi faltin.
Something bad happened! Tenim un problema: no Without complexity and Unable to locate downloaded s'han trobat els fitxers baixats using short sentences files to create your bootable per crear la unitat flaix USB inform the user what has USB flash drive. d'arrencada. happened.
Note: See the Pronouns section for more information on how to address the user. Always double check.
3 Language-specific standards
Information about Catalan-specific standards, such as phone number formats, date formats, currency formats, and measurement units are available from the GoGlobal Developer Center.
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3.1 Grammar, syntax and orthographic standards
This section includes information on how to apply the general language and syntax rules to Microsoft products, online content, and documentation.
3.1.1 Abbreviations
Common abbreviations
You might need to abbreviate some words in the UI (mainly buttons or options names) due to lack of space. This can be done in the following ways:
General rules
• The order of the letters in the abbreviation should match that of the source word (art. for article). • A word should not be abbreviated by omitting only one letter. • In order to avoid confusing the reader, don’t abbreviate a word in such a way that its abbreviation would coincide with an established convention for a different word.
List of common abbreviations:
Expression Acceptable abbreviation mínim mín. número núm. per exemple p. ex. pàgina pàg. telèfon tel. vegeu veg.
Extended Characters in Abbreviations: Some abbreviations require the use of extended characters (°C, 1ª, etc.). Never use a degree symbol (°), obtained by pressing ALT+0176 or ALT+248, as a substitute for the ordinal (º), obtained by pressing ALT+167!
Don’t abbreviate product/application names if not told otherwise.
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3.1.2 Acronyms
Acronyms are words made up of the initial letters of major parts of a compound term. Common examples are WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get), DNS (Domain Name Server), and HTML (Hypertext Markup Language).
We will make the following distinction in Catalan between "acronyms" (acrònims) and “abbreviations by initials" (sigles):
• Sigles are abbreviations formed from the initial letters of each of the major parts of a compound term. Such abbreviations are usually set in full capital letters, and have no plural, for instance: WYSIWYG (What you see is what you get) • Acrònims are abbreviations formed from the initial syllables or from a combination of the syllables of each of the successive parts or major parts of a compound term, for example: radar (radio detecting and ranging) or modem (mòdem in Catalan for "modulador desmodulador").
Acronyms and sigles behave like nouns. If a gender is needed, it’s that of the spelled-out form. In the case of non-Catalan words, the gender will vary according to usage. Sigles have no plural, i.e., no "–s" added at the end. The number is usually given by the preceding determiner. When it’s possible to pronounce the acronym as a proper name, it’s permissible to write it in lower case with an initial capital (Unesco, Opep). Localized acronyms
Localized acronyms must be used whenever their usage is widely spread; for instance:
en-US source ca-ES target
VAT IVA
FAQ PMF
USA EUA
In all instances, check with corresponding project-specific reference material for proper usage of acronyms. Unlocalized acronyms
Unlocalized acronyms must be used whenever their usage is widely spread also for Catalan and/or internationally; for instance:
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en-US source ca-ES target
PC PC
USB USB
PIN PIN
CD CD
In all instances, check with corresponding project-specific reference material for proper usage of acronyms.
3.1.3 Adjectives
In Catalan, adjectives should usually be placed after the noun, unlike in English.
en-US source ca-ES target
Create new folder Crea una carpeta nova
Possessive adjectives
The frequent use of possessives is a feature of English language. However, in Catalan, possessive adjectives are only used to express real sense of property. Therefore, in most cases it’s advisable to translate the possessives simply with the determinate article.
en-US source ca-ES target
Open your file Obriu el fitxer
3.1.4 Articles
General considerations
English texts tend to be more economical with words and tend to omit articles, etc. However, in Catalan all necessary linguistic elements must be used (articles, pronouns, prepositions, etc.)
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en-US source ca-ES target
Connect to the server Connecta't al servidor
Add to message Afegeix-ho al missatge
Change table properties Canvia les propietats de la taula
Unlocalized feature names
Microsoft product names and non-translated feature names are used without definite or indefinite articles in the English language. Unlike in English and Spanish, the definite article must always precede the name of programs and applications in Catalan.
Example:
en-US source ca-ES target
Setting the default printer or options will La impressora i les opcions que definiu per affect Word and all other Windows- defecte afectaran el Word i la resta based applications. d'aplicacions del Windows.
Localized feature names
Translated feature names are handled in the same way as the unlocalized ones. The definite article must be used.
Example:
en-US source ca-ES target
A page which can be easily edited in the web Una pàgina que pot editar-se de manera fàcil browser using Web Edit. al navegador web mitjançant l'Edició web.
Articles for English borrowed terms
When faced with an English loan word previously used in Microsoft products, consider these:
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• Motivation: Does the English word have any formally motivated features that would allow a straightforward integration into the noun class system of the Catalan language? • Analogy: Is there an equivalent Catalan term whose article could be used? • Frequency: Is the term used in other technical documentation? If so, what article is used most often?
The internet may be a helpful reference here.
Always consult Microsoft Language Portal to confirm the user of a new loan word and its proper article to avoid inconsistencies.
Examples:
en-US source ca-ES target
the internet internet
a banner un bàner
a blog un blog
a URL una URL
SPECIAL NOTE: Please take into account that there has been a change recently, namely that the definite article “la” is apostrophized if it precedes a noun that starts with the prefix “a-“ with negative value (for example, l’asimetria or l’anormalitat). This also applies to the preposition “de” (d’anormalitats, d’asimetria). See this Optimot card for more info.
3.1.5 Capitalization
English tends to capitalize much more often than Catalan. The use of unnecessary capital letters should be avoided in Catalan.
Example:
en-US source ca-ES target
CORRECT: Definició de la taula Table Definition INCORRECT: Definició de la Taula
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When to use upper case: First letter of a sentence, after full stop, after exclamation/question mark/ellipsis, proper names, menu or dialog names. Also, only the first letter of a heading is capitalized, unless the heading also contains a word or words that would normally be written with an initial capital or in all capitals (for example, name of a product or an acronym).
As noted before, Catalan capitalization differs from English capitalization. For instance, only the first letter of the first word is capitalized in Catalan in captions, headings, titles, commands or menu names, etc. The use of capital letters on key names is normally limited to the initial letter of the key name; in that regard documentation and software should be the same, we recommend not changing the character format included for English. The following tables give the correct capitalization rules for various situations:
Item Initial capital? Example
English Catalan
Genitive adjectives Yes No argentí, brasiler, holandès, rus
Names of days, Yes No dilluns, gener, primavera months, seasons
Names of languages Yes No anglès, francès, xinès, alemany
Names of templates Yes Yes la plantilla Normal
visualització del full de dades Views Yes No visualització normal
Press Ctrl-C to exit Yes Yes Premeu Control-C per sortir de l’actualització from refresh.
Usually all capitals
Item All caps? Example
English Catalan
Device names Yes Yes LPT1
Directories Not necessarily Not necessarily directori TMP or Tmp
Drive names Yes Yes unitat A:
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Environment variables Yes Yes INCLUDE
File extensions Not necessarily Not necessarily els fitxers .TXT or .txt
fitxer DESPESES.XLM or Filenames Not necessarily Not necessarily Despeses.xlm
Program name el compilador de recursos (RC, Yes Yes abbreviations Resource Compiler)
Message constants Yes Yes el missatge WM_PAINT
Paths No No C:\Taules.Tax.xls
Registers Yes Yes DS
Symbolic constants Yes Yes NULL
Usually lowercase:
Item All lowercase? Example
English Catalan
Command-line commands Yes Yes l'ordre copy
Command-line options Yes Yes l'opció /l:
Toolbar No Yes barra d'eines
Unnamed windows Yes Yes la finestra del document
User input Yes Yes escriu copy nom_de_fitxer b:
Utility names Yes Yes la utilitat chkdsk
Accented capital letters
The use of accented capital letters is mandatory according to the Catalan grammar. Accented capital letters are to be used unless otherwise specified or when their use is not possible due to software incompatibilities. For instance, names of functions in programming languages can’t take accent marks. Should the user type the name of the function with an accented capital, the software will return an error message, very general in nature and not indicative of the actual cause of the error.
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Software interface elements
Capitalize only the first letter of the first word in commands, dialog box titles, dialog box options, options or commands “with slashes”, menus, buttons, and names of windows.
Examples:
Al menú Fitxer, tria l'ordre Anomena i desa. Al quadre de diàleg Selecció especial, tria l'opció "Cel·les en blanc". A la finestra Ajuda, selecciona el botó "Cerca". Al menú Visualització, tria Capçalera i peu.
3.1.6 Compounds
Compounds should be understandable and clear to the user. Avoid overly long or complex compounds. Keep in mind that unintuitive compounds can cause intelligibility and usability issues.
Usually, hyphen is not used in prefixes and most compounds.
On the one hand, nouns that are created with a prefix must be agglutinated, that is, no hyphen must be used (for example, “macroconcert”, “ultraconservador”). In this regard, please consider the recent changes introduced in the new orthography, i. e., that “r” now becomes “rr” in compound nouns such as “arrítimia” or “corresponsable” (see this and this Optimot card), and that when the main noun that follows the prefix starts with “s+consonat”, an “e” must always be added when this noun is a Catalan word with full independent meaning, for example, “autoescola” or “electroestàtic” (see this Optimot card) but never when it is not (for example, “atmosfera”). On the other hand, hyphens are not used in lexicalized nominal phrases (such as “sensepapers”) or compounds derived from two verbal bases from the same semantic field (such as “a cuitacorrents”).
Examples: antivirus, audiovisual
However, a hyphen should be used, for example:
- with compounds containing two Catalan words, when the first one ends with a vowel and second one begins with "s", "r" or "x" (for example, Porta-retalls, posa-ratolins, compta-revolucions), with the exceptions noted above; - when the prefix is followed by a nominal phrase, as in “ex-directora general”, “ex-primer ministre” (vs. exdirectora and exministre);
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- when the prefix precedes words in italics, all caps, numbers, quotation marks or symbols (for example, “ex-Iugoslàvia”, “sub-21”); - when the prefix “no-“ precedes a noun or an adjective (for example, “el no- res”, “la no-ficció”, “l’art no-figuratiu)
Please see the new Catalan orthography available at the IEC website for a complete guide on how compound words are formed in Catalan.
3.1.7 Conjunctions
For en-US Microsoft voice, conjunctions can help convey a conversational tone. Starting a sentence with a conjunction can be used to convey an informal tone and style.
The Catalan Microsoft voice can be conveyed through similar use of conjunctions: starting a sentence with a conjunction, which is acceptable in an informal tone and style.
ca-ES old use of ca-ES new use of en-US source text conjunctions conjunctions
And finally, we need to find Per acabar, cal esbrinar I, finalment, ens cal esbrinar out a few things about the algunes dades sobre el algunes dades sobre el new IIS Virtual Server we will servidor virtual de l’IIS que servidor virtual de l’IIS que create... es crearà... crearem...
3.1.8 Diacritics
Diacritics are used in Catalan to differentiate between two words that are identical but have a different meaning. The previous long list of diacritics has been now reduced to only fifteen. Moreover, compounds and derivatives from these fifteen words must NOT use diacritics (therefore, “adeu”, for example), except for the ones formed with a hyphen (for example, “pèl-roig”). This topic is covered on pages 96-99 of the new Catalan orthography. The following are the remaining diacritics:
bé/be
déu/deu
és/es
mà/ma
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més/mes
món/mon
pèl/pel
què/que
sé/se
sí/si
sòl/sol
són/son
té/te
ús/us
vós/vos
Therefore, please take this into account. Former diacritics, such as “vés/ves”, “véns/vens”, “vénen/venen”, “sóc/soc” or “dóna/dona” are no longer used.
3.1.9 Gender
When the same adjective or participle modifies two nouns of different gender, it’s recommended to use the masculine form of adjective/participle.
Example:
en-US source ca-ES target
Hide running programs and applications. Amaga els programes i les aplicacions oberts.
3.1.10 Localizing colloquialism, idioms, and metaphors
The Microsoft voice allows for the use of culture-centric colloquialisms, idioms and metaphors (collectively referred to "colloquialism").
Choose from these options to express the intent of the source text appropriately.
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• Don’t attempt to replace the source colloquialism with a Catalan colloquialism that fits the same meaning of the particular context unless it’s a perfect and natural fit for that context. This colloquialism must not be a localism, and you must avoid using what is known as barbarism, i.e. incorrect due to the influence of Spanish. • Translate the intended meaning of the colloquialism in the source text (not the literal translation of the original colloquialism in the source text), but only if the colloquialism’s meaning is an integral part of the text that can’t be omitted. • If the colloquialism can be omitted without affecting the meaning of the text, omit it.
en-US source ca-ES target
We’ve hit a snag… Hem ensopegat amb un obstacle…
All ready to go Llestos!
It’s lonely in here without photos. Això està molt desert, sense cap foto.
We're going through all items in your account, Estem analitzant tots els elements del so please bear with us. compte, tingues paciència.
Whoops, something went wrong in the A Matrix hi ha problemes I ara no es Matriz and we can’t send that text message poden enviar missatges. at the moment. Voleu la pastille blava? Try the blue pill?
3.1.11 Nouns
General considerations
In Catalan, nouns can usually vary in number and gender (for example: el gos, la gossa, els gossos, les gosses). Follow general Catalan language grammatical rules.
Plural formation
When a noun ends in -sc, -st, -xt or -ig, it’s recommended to insert a vowel (except for aquest > aquests).
Examples: bosc > boscos, test > testos, context > contextos, sondeig > sondejos
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3.1.12 Numbers
This topic includes guidelines when to use numerals (symbol that represents a number. for example, 1, 2, 3, 234, etc.) and when to spell out numbers (one, two, three, two hundred and thirty-four) and other aspects for the particular language.
In Catalan, numbers smaller than 10 should be spelled out (no digits).
Figures need to be used for 10 and above. Moreover, figures should also be used for numbers followed by units of measurement or currency, even if the number is under 10.
Examples:
5 cm, 1 GB, 3 min, 2 EUR (BUT: cinc centímetres, un gigabyte, tres minuts, dos euros).
3.1.13 Prepositions
Be aware of proper preposition use in translations. Many translators, influenced by the English language, omit them or change the word order.
For the Microsoft voice, use of prepositions is another way to help convey a casual or conversational tone. Starting or ending a sentence with a preposition is acceptable practice in conveying en-US Microsoft voice. Although ending a sentence with a preposition is not applicable to Catalan, sometimes the Catalan Microsoft voice can be conveyed through the use of ‘simpler’ prepositions instead of the extended use of prepositional phrases or more ‘formal’ prepositions.
Source text expression ca-ES expression Comment
Connecta't amb un Instead of the more formal Connect using a modem mòdem "Connecta't mitjançant un mòdem"
Instead of the more formal "S'ha tallat la connexió a causa d'un error" or the Connection broken due to S'ha tallat la connexió now admitted “S’ha tallat la connexió an error per un error degut a un error” (see sections 19.9.3.3c and 29.2.5d of new Catalan grammar)
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SPECIAL NOTES: a) "Per"/"per a" – In front of infinitive, please always use "per" (for example: Fes clic aquí per baixar el fitxer). b) Starting with the new Catalan grammar, it is now admissible to use the preposition+article “al” plus an infinitive both as causal (see section 29.2.5a of the new grammar) and as temporal constructions (see section 31.4.2.1f of the new grammar). However, the preferred preposition is still “en”. Therefore, both “En entrar ell, tots van marxar” and “A l’entrar ell, tots van marxar” would be admissible, but the second one only in informal or colloquial contexts. Therefore, all the examples in this guide use the “en” preposition. c) Starting with the new grammar, the use of the prepositions “a” o “en” plus a sentence introduced by “que” is no longer considered incorrect. Therefore, a sentence such as “Soc contrari a que m’obliguin a fer-ho” would be correct. However, in formal contexts the avoidance of the preposition is still preferred. See section 26.4.1 of the new grammar. d) Starting with the new grammar, it is now accepted to use the preposition “a” followed by living direct objects in a sentence (see section 19.3.2 of the new grammar). Moreover, there are some other instances where the use of “a” is accepted before a direct object, namely “tothom”, “tots,” “ningú”, “cadascú”, qualsevol”, algú”, and “molt”, “poc” “bastants” (these last three when they refer to “molta gent”, “poca gent”, “bastanta gent”). For a detailed explanation, see this Optimot card. e) Alternation of prepositions en/amb before infinitives: both maintaining “en/amb” or changing them to “a/de” are acceptable, but the latter is preferred in formal registers and maintaining “en/amb” is not acceptable in verbs such as “afanyar- se”, “tardar”, “trigar” or “entretenir-se”. Therefore, both “Insisteix a parlar de temes difícils” and “Insisteix en parlar de temes difícils” would be acceptable, but only “Ha trigat massa a carregar-se” (not “Ha trigat massa en carregar-se”). For a more detailed explanation, see section 26.5.2 of the new Catalan grammar.
3.1.14 Pronouns
As a general rule, Catalan does not use personal pronouns, as the personal form is conveyed already by the verb, and personal pronouns are only used when it's unclear who "does" the action. Regarding possessives, they can be used if necessary, but try not to transfer to the localized version the extensive use in en-US of possessive pronouns and adjectives. Pay special attention to the use of pronoms febles, since they tend to be omitted due to the influence of the Spanish language. Please also note that there have been some recent changes in the combination of pronoms febles (see SPECIAL NOTE below).
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Examples:
en-US source ca-ES target Comments
Connect to the Connecta't al Instead of "Connecta al servidor" server servidor
Afegeix-ho al Add to message Instead of "Afegeix al missatge" missatge
Open your Avoid using the possessive pronoun (Obre el teu Obre el navegador. browser. navegador.)
How to localize you
Always check with your project manager or linguistic contact if "tu" or "vós" must be used to address the user in the product and component you’re translating. For example, in the case of immersive apps, "tu" must be used, whereas "vós" is used in more formal contexts. Note that the second person singular of the imperative must always be used to address the system.
SPECIAL NOTE:
The following combinations of “pronoms febles” are now admissible in Catalan (although not in other dialects, such as Valencian): l’hi, la hi, els hi, les hi (instead of li’l, li la, li’ls and li les); n’hi instead of li’n; l’hi instead of li ho.
3.1.15 Punctuation
Follow the general punctuation rules for Catalan. They are available in the recommended reference materials. Below you can find some guidelines.
Bulleted lists
They should follow Catalan general punctuation rules. I. e., if the bulleted list items are complete sentences, each should start with an uppercase letter and end with a period. If the bulleted items continue an introductory clause, each should start with a lowercase letter and end with a comma, except the last, which should end with a period. Another possibility is not to use any punctuation at all in lists without verbs. Take into account that this might be restricted in UI projects where punctuation must follow the source.
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Comma
Don’t use comma before conjunctions “i” and “o” when enumerating related items.
Example:
US English ca-ES target Comment
Menus, toolbars, and keys. Menús, barres d'eines i tecles. Don’t use a comma before "i."
Use comma when joining propositions:
Example:
US English ca-ES target
Check for new messages at startup. En iniciar, comprova si hi ha correu nou.
Colon
Use colons to introduce an enumeration belonging to the same sentence, before presenting an example and before a quote. No blank space should be left before the colon, and one blank space must be left after it. We normally use lowercase after the colon (exceptions: when there is a textual quote that begins with an uppercase letter and is a separate sentence, and when the sentence that goes after the colon starts in the following paragraph).
Example:
ca-ES example
Per exemple: un ordinador.
Don’t use colons twice in the same sentence. Replace the second one with a period or semicolon when necessary.
Example:
ca-ES example
S'ha acabat: aquesta secció s’ha revisat. Voleu continuar revisant la resta?
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Dashes and hyphens
Three different dash characters are used in English:
Hyphen
The hyphen is used to divide words between syllables, to link parts of a compound word, and to connect the parts of an inverted or imperative verb form. A hyphen (U002D or -) is used to join two parts of a compound term and to divide words (into syllables) at the end of a line. It’s the shortest of the three dash characters. In Catalan, a single vowel should not be left alone at the beginning or the end of a line and hyphenated words should never be broken and must appear on the same line. Examples: MS-DOS, porteu-vos, Porta-retalls
En dash
The en dash is used as a minus sign, usually with a space before. The en dash is also used in number ranges, such as those specifying page numbers. No spaces are used around the en dash. Examples: –18 ºC, pàgines 112–123
Em dash
The em dash should only be used to emphasize an isolated element or introduce an element that’s not essential to the meaning conveyed by the sentence. When it performs the same function as brackets (that’s, introduce an element that’s not essential to the meaning conveyed by the sentence) a space must be placed before the opening em dash and after the closing em dash for Catalan. Example:
US English ca-ES target Comment
These cells hold the individual Aquestes cel·les contenen elements elements—text, numbers, Don’t forget individuals —text, números, fórmules, formulas etc.—which make up to use etc.— que constitueixen el conjunt de the data to be displayed and spaces. dades que es mostraran i es manipularan. manipulated.
When used to emphasize an isolated element, it should be replaced by comma or semicolon:
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US English ca-ES target Comment
Going the other way is not Fer-ho de l'altra manera, You could even start a new so easy—you must delete no és tan senzill: cal suprimir sentence in this case, but and reinsert each image, i tornar a inserir cada imatge, anyway don’t use an em dash one at a time. una per una. in this case in Catalan.
Ellipses (suspension points) No blank space should be used between ellipses and the preceding term. Example:
US English ca-ES target
Loading... S'està carregant...
Keep in mind the following when using ellipses/suspension points: If a sentence begins with ellipses, no blank space should be used either. Also, don’t use ellipses with “etc.” and “etcètera” as it’s redundant. Examples:
US English ca-ES target Comment
...the field name is ...el nom del camp no és buit. not empty.
Directori del projecte, fitxer de sortida... Don’t use "Directori Project directory, OR del projecte, fitxer output file, etc. de sortida, etc..." Directori del projecte, fitxer de sortida, etc.
Period Periods are commonly used at the end of sentences or in abbreviations. Don’t use periods after ellipses. Examples:
US English ca-ES target
Change the preferences for downloading Canvia les preferències per baixar capçaleres message headers. de missatge.
News, research, quotes, etc. Notícies, treballs de recerca, cites, etc.
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Quotation marks
In Catalan, the quotation marks commonly used are the guillemets or chevrons (« ») (also called Latin quotes). With the widespread use of texts and translations that generally use the English soft text as the basis for the new translated text, curly quotes (“ ”) have also become common in Catalan printed material. In Catalan Microsoft voice, as a general rule, we will use double straight quotes. In any case, we will not use single quotation marks, even in UI (unless the single quotation mark is part of a code that must not be altered), regardless of English. The only exception is when quotes must be used within quotes. Then, double quotes will be used first and single quotes will be used within them. Examples:
• Per obtenir més informació sobre com reparar el sistema, consulta "Manteniment del sistema" al capítol 12, "Reparació del sistema". • No s'ha pogut obrir el fitxer "%s".
Parentheses
Both in English and in Catalan, there is no space between the parentheses and the text inside them. Here are some peculiarities:
• In the US English software, often additional short text in brackets starts with a capital letter. In Catalan, when the short text in brackets is not a full sentence, it does not require a capital letter. • In Catalan, the text within brackets is a full sentence, there is a full stop inside the closing bracket.
Examples:
US English ca-ES target
Conserva el controlador existent (opció Keep existing driver (Recommended) recomanada)
Aquest capítol parla de l'RTF (Rich Text Format, This chapter is about RTF (Rich Text Format). format de text enriquit).
You can choose to load a document stored Pots baixar un document desat en ASCII o en in ASCII, or RTF format. (For further format RTF. (Per obtenir més informació, information, see Chapter 7.) consulta el capítol 7.)
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3.1.16 Sentence fragments
For the Microsoft voice, use of sentence fragments helps convey a conversational tone. They are used whenever possible as they are short and to the point.
The Catalan Microsoft voice can be conveyed through the use of sentence fragments in some cases. See the table below for some examples.
US English source text ca-ES long form ca-ES sentence fragment
Get more information Obtén més informació Més informació
Follow the steps below. / Use the Seguiu aquests passos. Fes això: following steps. (and similar)
3.1.17 Subjunctive
Subjunctive must be used in the following instances:
• És possible que/pot ser que + subjuntive • És recomanable que + subjuntive (also for personal forms)
Examples:
US English ca-ES target
It may have been deleted. És possible que s'hagi suprimit.
Et recomanem que suprimeixis aquest element web de la pàgina. It’s recommended that you remove this web OR part from the page. És recomanable que suprimiu aquest element web de la pàgina.
3.1.18 Symbols & nonbreaking spaces
Units of measure can be abbreviated with their corresponding symbols. In the unlikely event of a measure unit indicated in the English Customary System (inches, pounds, gallons…) we recommend using the English symbol, not the abbreviation, since these units of measurement are not commonly used outside the English-speaking countries.
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Examples:
US English ca-ES target
KB kB
€ € h h inches in
In documentation, use nonbreaking spaces (Ctrl+Shift+Spacebar) between words that should not separate onto different lines. If two words are connected by a nonbreaking space, they will be kept together, even if subsequent editing causes line breaks to change. On your screen, a nonbreaking space looks like a degree symbol ( ° ), but it will print like a space. In software, nonbreaking spaces ( ) should only be used whenever they are present also in the US English text. Otherwise, it’s recommended to use a blank space as nonbreaking spaces can create functionality problems.
In documentation, use nonbreaking spaces in the following instances:
• Between capítol, apèndix, apartat, secció and its number or letter. • Between a unit of measure or currency and the number that goes with it. • Between any items that should not be divided onto separate lines (for example, Windows 10, Microsoft Word).
3.1.19 Verbs
For US English Microsoft voice, verb tense helps to convey the clarity of Microsoft voice. Simple tenses are used. The easiest tense to understand is the simple present, like we use in this guide. Avoid future tense unless you’re describing something that will really happen in the future and the simple present tense is inapplicable. Use simple past tense when you describe events that have already happened.
The Catalan Microsoft voice can be conveyed similarly through the use of verb tenses. Simple tenses are preferred over compound tenses when they are grammatically admissible. The use of future tense is OK to express something that will happen in the future or in conditional clauses where the context requires the use of the future tense. The usage of simple past does not apply to Catalan.
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US English source text ca-ES use of verb tense Comments
After you finish installing Després d'instal·lar Instead of "Després d'haver the program, you can el programa, podreu començar instal·lat el programa, podreu start playing music. a reproduir música. començar a reproduir música."
Check that you've Comprova que el nom de la Instead of "Comprova que has entered the name of impressora i del servidor introduït correctament el the printer and print d'impressió estiguin ben nom de la impressora i del server correctly. escrits. servidor d'impressió."
After you finish installing Instead of "Quan hàgiu acabat Després d'instal·lar l'eina, la the tool, the icon d'instal·lar l'eina, la icona icona apareix a l'escriptori. appears on the desktop. apareixerà a l'escriptori."
The English forms often don’t distinguish between various uses of verbs (command, function name, description of an ongoing process, etc.). Find out what is really meant with the string, and translate accordingly. For details on translating specific elements, see the corresponding item below.
• For commands, instructions, suggestions, etc., always use the imperative form, not impersonal forms or infinitives (use the 2nd person singular of the imperative (tu) to address the system; unlike English and Spanish, the infinitive form should never be used in Catalan). The only exception is the title of dialog boxes: in English, dialog box titles are usually identical with the command that opened the dialog box. In Catalan, they should normally be nouns except for questions (usually translated as questions). • In menu, tab, and window titles the use of nouns is preferred in Catalan, although sometimes the original is a verbal form. • In English, the titles for chapters usually begin with "How to..." or with phrases such as "Working with..." or "Using..." In the Catalan version of Microsoft documentation, titles in the "-ing" form should never be translated using gerunds. • Use the pronominal passive with es to refer to system status, ongoing processes, etc. Always try to use complete sentences (for example, "S'està desant el fitxer" instead of "Desant el fitxer"). • In questions to the user about actions of the system, start the question with "Voleu..." or "Vols...", depending on how you should address the user. • It is now admissible to use both “ser” and “estar” in contexts where a permanent action is expressed (for example “ser cec” or “estar cec”). See this Optimot card for more information. • See the Prepositions section in this guide for new information on the combination of preposition + verb.
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The use of passive voice is very common in English, but it should not be used excessively in Catalan. It’s preferable to use sentences in the active voice or sentences with the pronominal passive (for example: S'ha enviat el missatge instead of El missatge ha estat enviat).
4 Localization considerations
Localization means that the translated text needs to be adapted to the local language, customs and standards. The language in Microsoft products should have the "look and feel" of a product originally written in Catalan, using idiomatic syntax and terminology, while at the same time maintaining a high level of terminological consistency, so as to guarantee the maximum user experience and usability for our customers.
The following resources deal specifically with the localization of software into Catalan. For detailed queries you should contact the official Catalan terminology body, Termcat at http://www.termcat.cat/.
• SOFTCATALÀ. Guia d’estil. [Barcelona]: SOFTCATALÀ, 2010. http://www.softcatala.org/guia • SOFTCATALÀ. Recull de termes. [Online]. [Barcelona]: SOFTCATALÀ, 2010. http://www.softcatala.org/recull.html • TERMCAT. Cercaterm [Online]. [Barcelona]: TERMCAT, ongoing. http://www.termcat.cat/ca/Cercaterm/Fitxes/ • TERMCAT. Neoloteca [Online]. [Barcelona]: TERMCAT, ongoing. http://www.termcat.cat/ca/Neoloteca/
4.1 Accessibility Accessibility options and programs are designed to make the computer usable by people with cognitive, hearing, physical, or visual disabilities. Hardware and software components engage a flexible, customizable user interface, alternative input and output methods, and greater exposure of screen elements. General accessibility information can be found at https://www.microsoft.com/en- us/accessibility/.
4.2 Applications, products, and features
Product and application names are often trademarked or may be trademarked in the future and are therefore rarely translated. Occasionally, feature names are trademarked,
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too (for example, IntelliSense™). Before translating any application, product, or feature name, verify that it’s in fact translatable and not protected in any way. This information needs to be obtained here.
Unlike in English and Spanish, the definite article must always precede the name of programs and applications in Catalan.
Example:
US English Correct ca-ES target Incorrect ca-ES target
La impressora i les opcions Setting the default printer or La impressora i les opcions que definiu per defecte options will affect Word and que definiu per defecte afectaran Word i la all other Windows- afectaran el Word i la resta resta d'aplicacions de based applications. d'aplicacions del Windows. Windows.
Version numbers
Version numbers always contain a period (for example, Version 4.2).
Version numbers are usually also a part of version strings, but technically they are not the same.
4.3 Frequent errors
The following table lists some frequent errors when localizing into Catalan Microsoft Voice.
en-US WRONG RIGHT
alert alerta avís
block blocar bloquejar
colleague col·lega company
could not no es pot no s'ha pogut
default estàndard / predeterminat per defecte
delete eliminar suprimir
download descarregar baixar
e-mail address adreça de correu electrònic adreça electrònica
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header títol capçalera
heading capçalera títol
lock bloquejar blocar
machine màquina ordinador (except for "virtual machine")
move moure desplaçar
overview visualització general informació general
pane tauler subfinestra
panel subfinestra, panell tauler
replace reemplaçar substituir
schedule programar planificar
set establir definir
show visualitzar mostrar
upload penjar carregar
view vista visualització
4.4 Trademarks Trademarked names and the name Microsoft Corporation shouldn’t be localized unless local laws require translation and an approved translated form of the trademark is available. A list of Microsoft trademarks is here.
4.5 Geopolitical concerns Part of the cultural adaptation of the US-product to a specific market is the resolution of geopolitical issues. While the US-product is designed and developed with neutrality and a global audience in mind, the localized product should respond to the particular situation that applies within the target country/region. Sensitive issues or issues that might potentially be offensive to the users in the target country/region may occur in any of the following:
• Maps • Flags • Country/region, city and language names • Art and graphics
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• Cultural content, such as encyclopedia content and other text where historical or political references are present
Some issues are easy to verify and resolve. The localizer should have the most current information available. Maps and other graphical representations of countries/regions should be checked for accuracy and existing political restrictions. Country/region, city, and language names change on a regular basis and should be checked, even if previously approved. A thorough understanding of the culture of the target market is required for checking the appropriateness of cultural content, clip art and other visual representations of religious symbols, and body and hand gestures.
4.6 Software considerations This section refers to all menus, menu items, commands, buttons, check boxes, and other UI elements that should be consistently translated in the localized product. General considerations
• Remember to use imperatives for commands, buttons, etc., i.e. for actions done by the system. Don’t use infinitives. However, use nouns for headings (dialog box titles, window headings, etc.) • Take into account that English command New should be translated in Catalan with the verbal form Crea. • The preferred actions to be performed with check boxes are activar (check) and desactivar (clear, uncheck). If the original does not mention the check box, and only refers to the item the check box applies to, you can use marcar (check) and desmarcar (uncheck) in reference to the items themselves. • Translate tooltips descriptively (third person singular, present tense).
4.6.1 Error messages Here is an example:
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Error messages are messages sent by the system or a program, informing the user of an error that must be corrected in order for the program to keep running. The messages can prompt the user to take action or inform the user of an error that requires restarting the computer.
Considering the underlying principles of Microsoft voice, translators are encouraged to apply them to ensure target translation is more natural, empathetic and not robot-like.
English term Correct ca-ES translation
Oops, that can't be blank... Vaja! No es pot deixar en blanc...
Not enough memory to process this No hi ha prou memòria per processar aquesta command. ordre.
Catalan style in error messages Use consistent terminology and language style in the localized error messages, and not just translate them as they appear in the US product.
It’s important to use the correct Catalan style in the localized error messages, and not just translate the US English messages. The US English messages tend to be shorter and abbreviated, but in Catalan unless there are space constraints the fully developed form is preferred.
Example:
en-US source ca-ES target
Error saving file (+) S'ha produït un error en desar el fitxer. (-) Error en desar el fitxer
The US English messages sometimes contain abbreviated sentences using an imperative verb. Translate to a question starting with Voleu.../Vols... Example:
en-US source ca-ES target
Continue without Undo? (+) Voleu continuar sense desfer-ho? (+) Vols continuar sense desfer-ho? (-) Continuar sense desfer-ho?
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Standard phrases in error messages
These phrases commonly occur in error messages. When you translate them, try to use the provided target phrases. However, feel free to use other ways to express the source meaning if they work better in the context. Examples:
English Translation Example Comment
Can’t … No es pot crear No es pot… Could not … un directori nou. No s'ha No s'ha pogut Unable to … pogut… Failed to … suprimir el fitxer.
… failed Failure of … S'ha produït un error en carregar A failure occurred … S'ha produït el fitxer. An error occurred … un error en… S'ha produït un Error / Failure … (for error en llegir les example: Error / Failure dades del fitxer. reading from file)
Can’t find … No s'ha trobat el No es troba… Could not find … fitxer Don’t use "No es No s'ha pot trobar"/"No s'ha Unable to find … No es troba la llista trobat… pogut trobar" Unable to locate … de cerca.
Not enough memory Insufficient memory No hi ha No hi ha prou There is not enough memory prou… memòria disponible
There is not enough memory available
Aquesta pàgina no ... is not available …no està està disponible fora disponible ... is unavailable de línia.
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Error messages containing placeholders
When localizing error messages containing placeholders, try to anticipate what will replace the placeholder. This is necessary for the sentence to be grammatically correct when the placeholder is replaced with a word or phrase. Note that the letters used in placeholders convey a specific meaning.
Examples:
%d, %ld, %u, and %lu means
Examples of error messages containing placeholders:
"Checking Web %1!d! of %2!d!" means "Checking Web
Numeric or full text placeholders can be reordered according to Catalan grammar if necessary.
4.6.2 Keys
In English, references to key names, like arrow keys, function keys and numeric keys, appear in normal text (not in small caps).
The following are the most common key names in Catalan:
en-US key name ca-ES key name
Alt Alt
Backspace Retrocés
Break Interrupció
Caps Lock Bloq Maj
Ctrl Control
Delete Supr
Down Arrow Fletxa avall
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en-US key name ca-ES key name
End Fi
Enter Retorn
Esc Esc
Home Inici
Insert Inserció
Left Arrow Fletxa esquerra
Num Lock Bloq Núm
Page Down Av Pàg
Page Up Re Pàg
Pause Pausa
Return Retorn
Right Arrow Fletxa dreta
Scroll Lock Bloq Despl
Shift Maj
Spacebar Barra espaiadora
Tab Tecla de tabulació
Up Arrow Fletxa amunt
Windows key Tecla del Windows
Print Screen Impr Pant
Menu Key Tecla de menú
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4.6.3 Keyboard shortcuts Sometimes, there are underlined or highlighted letters in menu options, commands or dialog boxes. These letters refer to keyboard shortcuts, which help the user to perform tasks more quickly. Usually the first key to be pressed it the ALT key.
Usage: is it Keyboard shortcuts special options Notes allowed?
"Slim characters," such as I, l, t, r, f can be used as Only when no other yes keyboard shortcuts characters are available.
Characters with downstrokes, such as g, j, y, p and q Only when no other yes can be used as keyboard shortcuts characters are available.
Extended characters can be used as keyboard no N/A shortcuts
An additional letter, appearing between brackets no N/A after item name, can be used as a keyboard shortcut
A number, appearing between brackets after item no N/A name, can be used as a keyboard shortcut
A punctuation sign, appearing between brackets no N/A after item name, can be used as a keyboard shortcut
Duplicate keyboard shortcuts are allowed when no yes N/A other character is available
No keyboard shortcut is assigned when no more no N/A characters are available (minor options only)
Content writers usually just refer to “keyboard shortcuts” in content for a general audience. In localization, however, we distinguish the following terms:
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Term Usage
A subtype of keyboard shortcut. A letter or number that the user types to access UI controls that have text labels. Access keys are assigned to top-level controls so that the user can use the keyboard to move through the UI quickly. Example: F in Alt+F Example in UI localization: H&ome
access key
In keyboard shortcuts, most access keys are used with the Alt key.
The letter or number that appears in the ribbon when the Alt key is pressed. In UI localization, the key tip is the last character present in the strings after the “`” character. Example: In UI localization Home`H key tip
A subtype of keyboard shortcut. A key that the user types to perform a common action without having to go through the UI. Shortcut keys are not available for every command. shortcut key Example: Ctrl+N, Ctrl+V In keyboard shortcuts, most shortcut keys are used with the Ctrl key. Ctrl+letter combinations and function keys (F1 through F12) are usually the best choices for shortcut keys.
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4.6.4 Arrow keys The arrow keys move input focus among the controls within a group. Pressing the right arrow key moves input focus to the next control in tab order, whereas pressing the left arrow moves input focus to the previous control. Home, End, Up, and Down also have their expected behavior within a group. Users can’t navigate out of a control group using arrow keys. When possible, refer to specific arrow keys by name: fletxa dreta, fletxa esquerra, fletxa amunt, fletxa avall.
4.6.5 Numeric keypad
Avoid distinguishing numeric keypad keys from the other keys, unless it’s required by a given application. If it’s not obvious which keys need to be pressed, provide necessary explanations. For example: Premeu la tecla – (menys) al teclat numèric.
4.6.6 Shortcut keys
Shortcut keys are keystrokes or combinations of keystrokes that perform defined functions in a software application. Shortcut keys replace menu commands and are sometimes given next to the command they represent. While access keys can be used only when available on the screen, shortcut keys can be used even when they are not accessible on the screen.
Note: The key names below are given in Catalan, but note that the user will usually have a keyboard with keys printed in Spanish or in French.
Standard shortcut keys
US English ca-ES US command ca-ES command shortcut key shortcut key
General Windows shortcut keys
Help window F1 Finestra de l'ajuda F1
Context-sensitive Help Shift+F1 Ajuda contextual Maj+F1
Visualitza un menú Display pop-up menu Shift+F10 Maj+F10 emergent
Cancel Esc Cancel·la Esc
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US English ca-ES US command ca-ES command shortcut key shortcut key
Activate\Deactivate Activa o desactiva el mode F10 F10 menu bar mode de barra de menús
Switch to the next Passa a l'aplicació principal Alt+Tab Alt+Tab primary application següent
Display next window Alt+Esc Mostra la finestra següent Alt+Esc
Display pop-up menu Mostra un menú emergent Alt+Barra Alt+Spacebar for the window de la finestra espaiadora
Display pop-up menu Mostra un menú emergent for the active child Alt+- de la finestra secundària Alt+- window activa
Display property sheet Mostra el full de propietats Alt+Enter Alt+Retorn for current selection de la selecció actual
Close active Tanca la finestra de Alt+F4 Alt+F4 application window l'aplicació activa
Switch to next window Passa a la finestra següent within (modeless- Alt+F6 dins de l'aplicació (sense Alt+F6 compliant) application mode)
Captura la imatge de la Capture active window Alt+Prnt Scrn finestra activa i la posa al Alt+Impr Pant image to the Clipboard Porta-retalls
Captura la imatge de Capture desktop Prnt Scrn l'escriptori i la posa al Impr Pant image to the Clipboard Porta-retalls
Access Start button in Accedeix al botó Inicia de Ctrl+Esc Control+Esc taskbar la barra de tasques
Display next child Mostra la finestra Ctrl+F6 Control+F6 window secundària següent
Display next tabbed Mostra la subfinestra amb Control+Tecla de Ctrl+Tab pane pestanyes següent tabulació
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US English ca-ES US command ca-ES command shortcut key shortcut key
Launch Task Manager Inicia l'Administrador de and system Ctrl+Shift+Esc Control+Maj+Esc tasques i el sistema initialization
File menu
File New Ctrl+N Fitxer Crea Control+U
File Open Ctrl+O Fitxer Obre Control+A
File Close Ctrl+F4 Fitxer Tanca Control+F4
File Save Ctrl+S Fitxer Desa Control+G
File Save as F12 Fitxer Anomena i desa F12
Fitxer Visualització prèvia File Print Preview Ctrl+F2 Control+F2 d'impressió
File Print Ctrl+P Fitxer Imprimeix Control+P
File Exit Alt+F4 Fitxer Surt Alt+F4
Edit menu
Edit Undo Ctrl+Z Edita Desfés Control+Z
Edit Repeat Ctrl+Y Edita Repeteix Control+Y
Edit Cut Ctrl+X Edita Retalla Control+X
Edit Copy Ctrl+C Edita Copia Control+C
Edit Paste Ctrl+V Edita Enganxa Control+V
Edit Delete Ctrl+Backspace Edita Suprimeix Control+Retrocés
Edit Select All Ctrl+A Edita Selecciona-ho tot Control+E
Edit Find Ctrl+F Edita Cerca Control+B
Edit Replace Ctrl+H Edita Substitueix Control+L
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US English ca-ES US command ca-ES command shortcut key shortcut key
Edit Go To Ctrl+G Edita Vés a Control+I
Help menu
Help F1 Ajuda F1
Font format
Italic Ctrl+I Cursiva Control+K
Bold Ctrl+B Negreta Control+N
Underlined\Word Subratllat/Subratllat de Ctrl+U Control+S underline paraules
Large caps Ctrl+Shift+A Lletres majúscules grans Control+Maj+U
Small caps Ctrl+Shift+K Lletres majúscules petites Control+Maj+L
Paragraph format
Centered Ctrl+E Centrat Control+T
Left aligned Ctrl+L Alineat a l'esquerra Control+Q
Right aligned Ctrl+R Alineat a la dreta Control+D
Justified Ctrl+J Justificat Control+J
4.6.7 English pronunciation
General rules
Generally speaking, English terms and product names left unlocalized in target material should be pronounced the English way. For instance, “Microsoft” must be pronounced the English way. However, if your language has an established pronunciation for a common term (such as "server"), use the local pronunciation. Moreover, pronunciation can be adapted to the Catalan phonetic system if the original pronunciation sounds very awkward in Catalan. If numbers are involved, pronounce them in Catalan (for example, Windows 10).
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A useful resource for pronunciation in Catalan is the esadir.cat website (linguistic portal of the Corporació Catalana de Mitjans Audiovisuals).
Example Phonetics Comment
SecurID [sı’kjuər aı di:]
.NET [dot net] Don’t pronounce as [punt net]
An epenthetic neutral [ǝ] is usually inserted before initial Skype [skaip] consonant cluster [sk] in Catalan. Furthermore, final unstressed -e is also pronounced as a neutral [ǝ].
Acronyms and abbreviations
Acronyms are pronounced like real words, adapted to the local pronunciation (taking Central Catalan as a reference):
Example Phonetics
RADIUS [ráðius]
RAS [rás]
ISA [íza]
LAN [lán]
WAN [wán]
WAP [wap]
MAPI [mápi]
POP [póp]
Other abbreviations are pronounced letter by letter.
Example Phonetics Comment
ICMP I-CE-EMA-PE
IP I-PE
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TCP/IP TE-CE-PE BARRA I-PE
XML IX-EMA-ELA
HTML HAC-TE-EMA-ELA
OWA O-VE DOBLE-A
SQL ESSA-KU-ELA
URL U-ERRA-ELA
URLS "http://" should be omitted; the rest of the URL should be read entirely. "www" should be pronounced as "ve, ve, ve" or "tres ves." It's shorter and more direct than "ve doble, ve doble, ve doble" or "tres ves dobles." The "dot" should be omitted, but can also be read out. If you read it out, then it must be pronounced the Catalan way, as "punt."
Example Phonetics Comment
ve, ve, ve, maicrosoft punt OR: ve, ve, ve,
http://www.microsoft.com/spain/cat com barra inclinada spein maicrosoft, com barra barra inclinada cat spein barra cat
Punctuation marks Most punctuation marks are naturally implied by the sound of voice, for example, ? ! : ; , En dash (–) are used to emphasize an isolated element. It should be pronounced as a comma, i.e. as a short pause. Special characters Pronounce special characters such as / \ ˘ < > + - using the Catalan approved translations.
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