RE: standard practice for links in translated documents

Hi Ivan,


> We would prefer to link to the original document. 

I expected this answer but felt that the question needed to be asked.  I can
understand that in certain cases, like a link to a specification or an
official recommendation, linking to a translation may make W3C uncomfortable
(although, if W3C has accepted to have it translated and links to it from
the translation site, then it should mean they have looked at it and are
comfortable with its content).  But in the case we are talking about, where
the principal document concerns general information on accessibility
concepts and links to related documents (a few already available in French,
others that I would like to translate once I am done with this one), then I
see no logical reason not to offer links to the user's language when they
are available.  Fernando's case is another good example.  It just seems more
logical (not to mention courteous).  I know many people with disabilities
who would also find it easier instead of being directed to a version they
may not understand and then having to "click around" to try to ascertain the
availability of a translation or to find a version in their language.


> W3C does not hold the translation on its
> web site, and we may not be sure that those
> translation remain available and accessible
> all the time.

Then maybe it would be pertinent for W3C to consider hosting the
translations. Which brings me to another point about policies relating to
the status of these translations.  It would seem to me that it would be a
good idea to consider giving these translations a more "official" status
(implying that there would have to be some sort of formal mechanism for
approving them) if W3C is truly serious about I18N.


> Also, there might be several translations for the same
> documents.

If you mean translations in different languages, I do not see the problem as
the user would be directed to the translation meeting his or her language
requirements.  If you mean several versions in the same language, then one
must wonder how that happened as these mailing lists should help us keep
track of what is being translated.


Best regards,


Catherine




--
Catherine Roy
www.w3qc.org
www.communautique.qc.ca
http://perso.b2b2c.ca/zara

Received on Wednesday, 16 February 2005 14:39:25 UTC