01
Define a shared reference
Gather the objective, approved facts, supporting documents and unresolved information. Version this dossier before starting adaptations. A translation must not turn an assumption into certainty.
Fictional example: an event initially announced for 10 October moves to 12 October. Every affected language and format must carry the new date. Translating the page does not automatically correct the email or partner sheet.
02
State what can vary
The opening, level of explanation and order of arguments can fit the context. Quantities, qualifications and participation conditions must retain their meaning. A real local difference needs documentation and approval.
Create a short glossary: event name, specialist terms, product names and wording to avoid. “Invitation à un atelier” can become “workshop invitation”; the organiser’s proper name should remain identifiable. Keep chosen terms with their context, rather than as isolated words.
03
Check details that affect the action
People need to understand when, where and how to take part. Spell out the month when a numeric date could be ambiguous. State the time zone for an online meeting and check the registration link’s destination.
An English translation does not imply service availability in every English-speaking country. Check supported languages, local conditions, currencies and relevant restrictions separately. The team needs to confirm them before making an announcement.
04
Review meaning and format
Give an identifiable version to someone able to assess the language and context. Ask them to compare facts, qualifications and the intended action with the source dossier. Automated back-translation may help spot differences, but does not constitute approval.
Open pages and messages in their intended format as well. Lengths differ: a button, heading or note that fits in French may break in English. Check links, forms and notices after switching language, including on a small screen.
05
Track corrections through every version
Keep a language-by-format matrix showing the source version used, owner and review status. If a fact changes, mark affected adaptations for another review. Preserve the earlier decision to explain the correction.
In the fictional date-change example, the check is complete when the page, email and partner sheet in every language use 12 October and have received the required review. A version still showing 10 October needs correction even when the others are ready.
Points to check
- A source version anchors the adaptations.
- Invariant facts and local variations are separated.
- Recurring terms appear in a shared glossary.
- Dates, time zones, links and conditions are checked.
- Each language has an identified reviewer.
- Formats affected by a correction are tracked through approval.
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MULTILINGUAL ADAPTATION RECORD Campaign and objective: Source version, date and location: Destination language and context: Format and version: Facts and qualifications to preserve: Confirmed local variations: Glossary terms: Date, time and time zone: Destination link and language: Person responsible for adaptation: Person responsible for review: Differences to correct: Decision and approved version: Source changes to carry through: Corrected formats and check date:
Common questions
How do translation and local adaptation differ?
Translation conveys meaning in another language. Adaptation also considers references, explanations, formats and destination-specific conditions. It does not justify inventing availability or removing a qualification.
Can AI approve a translation on its own?
In the method proposed here, AI can help draft or compare versions. An identified person who knows the language and can check the facts and context makes the decision.
Does everything need redoing when the source changes?
Start by identifying changed facts and the formats using them. A targeted correction may be enough when its scope is clear. The new decision should name the versions it covers.
Multilingual consistency is checked through preserved facts, explained conditions and decisions recorded for each version.
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