Datasheet

Localization Guidelines

This section contains guidelines for localization into Estonian.

General Considerations

Use correct and consistent grammar in all texts. If in doubt, refer to Estonian grammar books or contact the

Institute of the Estonian Language at www.eki.ee. The language used for translating computer software must be

strictly formal, i.e., it must comply with grammar rules, contain approved terminology and should be void of

computer slang and colloquial expressions, which are widely used in everyday speech. The translators are

advised to consult reference materials on software localization and glossaries of approved computer terminology.

For introduction of new terms, or in case of any doubt, the translators are asked to contact Microsoft Language

Excellence or the Estonian localizer.

These rules provide guidelines for consistent and correct language use in cases where more than one solution

would theoretically be possible, or where errors have been common in the past.

Consistency

It must be observed both inside the product and across different products. Always use the same Estonian

equivalents for the same words and phrases in the source language. Be consistent in using modifiers, punctuation

and capitalization.

Note that even antonyms used in the same linguistic environment should be consistent with each other. They

should belong to the same part of speech and should correspond semantically and stylistically:

Rows above: + Ridu ülal

Rows below: + Ridu all

Stay as close to the source as possible

When translating, take into consideration the synonymous words and expressions that can later be encountered

in the source text. For example, the word „key‖ cannot be translated as „nupp‖ (even though it has this meaning in

Estonian), as its synonym, the noun „button‖, is widely used in the source language and it is yet closer to the

Estonian equivalent of „nupp‖. Consequently, „key‖ has to be translated as „klahv‖. If the Estonian language has

an accepted term having the same root as the source term, to avoid confusion, use this translation (e.g. file - fail).

Note that the same English word can be translated differently (either as a different part of speech or as a

synonymous word/expression) into Estonian if it appears in different contexts. For example:

Copy koopia (menu title)

Copy koopia (dialog box title)

Copy kopeerige (command)

Copy kopeerimine (static text)