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Translating:How to start
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How to start
Follow these steps to translate on translatewiki.net!
- When in doubt, request support!
Off-line translation
In translation mode, you can export a message group to a gettext .po file using the option "Export translations for off-line translation", and translate in the downloaded file off-line. Make sure you save the gettext .po file as UTF-8! More information on off-line translation.
Recommended process for translating MediaWiki
Translators of other projects can ignore this list.
- first translate the most often used messages
- complete the core messages
- check if you should translate any optional messages
- do a consistency check (terminology, formal/informal) on your localisation
- translate special page names, magic words and namespaces on Special:AdvancedTranslate
- translate the extension messages used in Wikimedia wikis
- translate the remaining extension messages
- do a consistency check (terminology, formal/informal) on your localisation between core messages and extension messages
- start maintaining your language's localisation on a regular basis. At least once per month is recommended.
Read on if you want to know more. Reading on is not required, although advised for a proper understanding of more advanced localisation features. You could spend a few days translating, though, and come back when you think you need more information.
Remember: translate links, namespaces, and messages as they are and do not deviate from the source message more than needed!
