Internationalisation

We've had a few enquiries about managing multiple languages on the new web platform. Here's a starter for ten:

We are launching the site in English to start with. All of the work has been done in such a way as to make it as easy as possible to add other languages later. Once we have 'bedded' the site in, and are happy the many workflows and processes are in place, we will launch the conversation on how best to approach multiple languages.

This will require a group of discussers. We do not want to rush into anything short term that a long term plan would de-value. Likewise, we do not want to expend lots of energy on enabling a specific language if we cannot see a clear need for it, represented by lots of people needing it.

One of the benefits of using drupal (our software framework) is that it has good hooks for multiple languages in all the layers of the site. We have thus ensured that all our 'content types' (profile pages, blog posts, user profiles etc.) can be multi-lingual-enabled so that, technically-wise, we are capable of adopting new languages as and when an 'international' group works out the best way to proceed.

This will involve work however - technical and linguisitic - which will need the support of a group.

We are also working in an open source environment with all the required technical processes in place, so that important technology like this can be delivered by the people who need it the most and know the most about it.

About the author

Ed is the 'Web: projects and strategy' person for Transition Network. This means that he works on strategic and special projects work for Transition Network about linking up all the Transition Initiative websites without them having to come to the main site all the time for updates and news. He lives in Bristol, likes digging and climbing, growing vegetables and reading, bicycles and books, swimming, camping and generally being outdoors.