Ask HN: How do you manage translations?

2 pointsbingo_cannon1 comment

I have a few hundred English strings to translate. They include both labels and content. I am interested to know how HN gets their project strings translated.

- Is there a service that will let me host my strings?

- Any experience/opinion on crowd sourcing translations?

- Cost: The dedicated companies are quite expensive for a hobby project. Did you ever pay for translations? What is the cost model?

Thank you.

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Translation is difficult to get right, and unless you do get it right, your service is likely to be ridiculed. For small amounts, very small amounts, you might be able to get friends to do you a favour, or even random people on platforms like Mastodon, Twitter, or HN.

For labels, services like Google Translate are fraught with pitfalls and dangers, and non-native translators likewise (although better).

In short, balance your costs against your risks, and ask for help in the places you frequent. But if you want good translations, be prepared to pay.

Personal opinions only, others will disagree, take a balanced view.

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