L10n:Starting a localization: Difference between revisions

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This document outlines what you should expect in order to start building a new language.


*  Join an existing team or start a new one (if there isn't one already working on your language)
Every existing L10n team began with a common characteristic: they all wanted to share the open web with everyone who shared their language. From there, they began an effort that ultimately resulted in a localized version of Firefox for their region of the world. As this desire spreads around the world, more and more people come to the Mozilla L10n program to either localize Firefox for a new region of users or to join forces with an existing L10n team in their region.  
**Check out these [[L10n:Localization_Teams| sources]] to determine whether your language is already started or not.
**Also check our list of [https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/buglist.cgi?query_format=advanced&classification=Client+Support&product=Mozilla+Localizations&component=Registration+%26+Management&resolution=---&chfieldto=Now| bugs] filed in case there's already been interest in the language you want to build.  
* Register, so people know you are working on it and can contact you
**Register means creating a [[L10n:Teams:de| wiki page]] that identifies you and what you're working on so people can find you.
* Check out the [http://developer.mozilla.org/en/docs/Mozilla_Source_Code_%28CVS%29 en-US tree], as you will be working first to build a language pack, we suggest you start at these [http://developer.mozilla.org/en/docs/Creating_en-X-dude Creating en-X-dude] pages and focus on creating an installable language pack xpi.
** If you haven't already you should also get onto the IRC Channel, #l10n. You will be able to get real-time help from other Localizers and members of the L10n-driver team. In addition, you should have already created for yourself a bugzilla account as the majority of our work is started and tracked to completion in this way. You can also post questions or offer suggestion to either L10n on Google forums or post an [mailto:l10n-drivers@mozilla.org email]. And, there is more helpful documentation on the [http://developer.mozilla.org/en/docs/Create_a_new_localization#Starting_a_new_team Mozilla Development Center].
* Once you've created your working clone, edit the resulting tree to translate all the strings (perhaps with [[L10n:Tools| tools]])
* Run some tool which bundles up the result into a [http://developer.mozilla.org/en/docs/Creating_en-X-dude#Create_a_language_pack language pack]
* Shipping it to some friends to test it and then checking in the results, and iterating.
**Finalizing: this is where the BIGGEST amount of your work will happen to get your build to "official" status. There are many code strings to change so read the documentation we provided above carefully and use the resources we offer extensively to get you through it successfully!


The critical elements of this stage are to ensure your build has been reviewed by the community (particularly those interested in your language) and is being used on AMO and updated regularly by you. It's important to collect input from any and all sources about your language pack as this is the first time that people will be using it on a day-to-day basis and giving you feedback about the quality of your work. It is these same users who will then download and promote your new language.
=The L10n teams=


Something to think about all throughout your work is [[l10n:Building_blocks| expanding the people around you]] who can help you with the language you're working on. This is a good thing and will be useful for you for testing, celebratory events (i.e, launch parties), and possibly web pages or other areas you might need or want help with. We want to help with this and are working on programs to do so. (You can read more about this on Seth's blog about our [http://blog.mozilla.com/seth/2007/06/04/support-update-3/ global program]).
A comprehensive list of our awesome L10n teams is located on the [[L10n:Teams|L10n:Teams page]]. We use [[L10n:Locale_Codes|locale codes]] to identify these teams. Locale codes list the language first, then the region where the language is spoken (e.g., Mexican Spanish = es-MX). Each organized team has a wiki page to identify their team members, their main projects, and how to contact them. These teams are largely self-governing and can often include contributors who are focused on more areas of Mozilla than only L10n. They all range in sizes from a single active contributor to twenty active contributors, but regardless of size, they're always looking for more people to join their efforts!


To move forward from this stage you would request a review to make your build [[L10n:Localization_Process_Middle| "official"]].  
==Joining existing L10n teams==
Localizing Mozilla products is a lot of work (and fun) but that means there are plenty of opportunities to get involved! Visiting the [[L10n:Teams|L10n:Teams]] page is the best way for some one to learn if there is an ongoing effort to localize Firefox and other Mozilla products in their region. If an effort already exists in a region, then those who are interested in joining that team do the following:


There are known issues with language packs between releases we are working to fix [[https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=334136|bug 334136]].
* Email the owner of that region's L10n team about getting involved.
* Visit the [http://groups.google.com/group/mozilla.dev.l10n/topics mozilla.dev.l10n newsgroup] and introduce themselves as a new contributor joining the xx-XX community.


Useful tips. I'd really like to improve on this section, so if you feel you have some useful tips please feel free to edit this section with additional helpful sources of information.
==New L10n teams==
Of course, not everyone who visits the [[L10n:Teams|L10n:Teams]] page will find a L10n team for their region. Instead these people find a unique and exciting opportunity: starting a new L10n effort for their region, from scratch! While the opportunity can seem like a mountain of a challenge, everyone who has successfully walked that path will agree that it is also exciting and very rewarding. If an effort doesn't exist in a region, then those who are interested in starting that effort do the following:


Now on to the [[L10n:Localization_Process_Middle| Building and Preparation]] stage of the [[L10n:Localization_Process]] overview.
* Visit the [http://groups.google.com/group/mozilla.dev.l10n.new-locales/topics mozilla.dev.l10n.new-locales newsgroup] and [http://groups.google.com/group/mozilla.dev.l10n/topics mozilla.dev.l10n newsgroup] and introduce themselves as new contributors starting the xx-XX community.
* Create your team's wiki page by using the template form found on the [[L10n:Teams|L10n:Teams]] page.
* Visit the [https://developer.mozilla.org/en/Localization_Quick_Start_Guide Localization quick start guide] to learn about all of the technical details involved in localizing Firefox and other Mozilla projects.
 
=Mozilla L10n maxims=
 
In order to be successful and have fun with localizing Firefox, each member of the L10n teams follow some very simple maxims.
 
==Communication==
<b><i>Be very vocal.</i></b>
 
The most successful L10n teams are those who jump in on discussions and ask for help when it's needed. We offer several communication platforms for localizers to express themselves and get be heard.
 
* [irc://irc.mozilla.org/l10n The #l10n IRC channel] is a chat room where localizers from all over the world discuss L10n issues and help one another to succesfully localize their products.
* [http://groups.google.com/group/mozilla.dev.l10n.new-locales/topics The mozilla.dev.l10n.new-locales newsgroup], [http://groups.google.com/group/mozilla.dev.l10n/topics mozilla.dev.l10n newsgroup], and [http://groups.google.com/group/mozilla.dev.l10n.web/topics mozilla.dev.l10n.web newsgroup] are available to post questions or suggestions for various L10n-related topics. They are available as newsgroups or Google groups.
* We use [http://bugzilla.mozilla.org Bugzilla] to track L10n developments and individual L10n team progress.
* For more on how localizers talk at Mozilla, visit the [[L10n:Communication|L10n:Communication wiki page.]]
 
==Collaboration==
<b><i>The more people involved, the merrier.</i></b>
 
The larger the L10n team, the easier it is to distribute the workload. Each L10n team can set up an IRC communication channel for their language. They can also use mailing lists or newsgroups, which many open source hosting partners offer, or simply open a Google or Yahoo group. Collaboration is important to  building a L10n community to support and distribute the workload. It is an essential part of being an open source project.
<div style="text-align:right">[[L10n:Localizing_a_project|Next >>]]</div>
 
[[Category:L10n]]

Latest revision as of 21:39, 15 August 2012

Mozilla L10n Main | Join Mozilla | Overview | L10n Drivers | Communities | Meetings | Blog | Resources


Every existing L10n team began with a common characteristic: they all wanted to share the open web with everyone who shared their language. From there, they began an effort that ultimately resulted in a localized version of Firefox for their region of the world. As this desire spreads around the world, more and more people come to the Mozilla L10n program to either localize Firefox for a new region of users or to join forces with an existing L10n team in their region.

The L10n teams

A comprehensive list of our awesome L10n teams is located on the L10n:Teams page. We use locale codes to identify these teams. Locale codes list the language first, then the region where the language is spoken (e.g., Mexican Spanish = es-MX). Each organized team has a wiki page to identify their team members, their main projects, and how to contact them. These teams are largely self-governing and can often include contributors who are focused on more areas of Mozilla than only L10n. They all range in sizes from a single active contributor to twenty active contributors, but regardless of size, they're always looking for more people to join their efforts!

Joining existing L10n teams

Localizing Mozilla products is a lot of work (and fun) but that means there are plenty of opportunities to get involved! Visiting the L10n:Teams page is the best way for some one to learn if there is an ongoing effort to localize Firefox and other Mozilla products in their region. If an effort already exists in a region, then those who are interested in joining that team do the following:

  • Email the owner of that region's L10n team about getting involved.
  • Visit the mozilla.dev.l10n newsgroup and introduce themselves as a new contributor joining the xx-XX community.

New L10n teams

Of course, not everyone who visits the L10n:Teams page will find a L10n team for their region. Instead these people find a unique and exciting opportunity: starting a new L10n effort for their region, from scratch! While the opportunity can seem like a mountain of a challenge, everyone who has successfully walked that path will agree that it is also exciting and very rewarding. If an effort doesn't exist in a region, then those who are interested in starting that effort do the following:

Mozilla L10n maxims

In order to be successful and have fun with localizing Firefox, each member of the L10n teams follow some very simple maxims.

Communication

Be very vocal.

The most successful L10n teams are those who jump in on discussions and ask for help when it's needed. We offer several communication platforms for localizers to express themselves and get be heard.

Collaboration

The more people involved, the merrier.

The larger the L10n team, the easier it is to distribute the workload. Each L10n team can set up an IRC communication channel for their language. They can also use mailing lists or newsgroups, which many open source hosting partners offer, or simply open a Google or Yahoo group. Collaboration is important to building a L10n community to support and distribute the workload. It is an essential part of being an open source project.

Next >>
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