Initiating and planning translation projects for DITA documentation requires a structured approach to ensure that content can be effectively localized for different languages or regions. The process typically involves the following key steps:

Needs Assessment

Before initiating a translation project, it’s essential to assess the needs and goals of the project. This includes identifying the target languages or regions, understanding the scope of the translation effort, and determining the resources required. An analysis of the DITA documents to be translated is also conducted to identify specific topics or maps that need localization.

Project Planning

Once the needs are assessed, a detailed project plan is developed. This plan outlines the project timeline, roles and responsibilities of team members, budget considerations, and the overall strategy for translation. It also addresses any specific requirements for cultural adaptation and localization. Planning ensures that the project is well-organized and aligns with the organization’s objectives.

Example:

Here’s an example of how project planning might be documented in DITA XML:

<task id="translation_project_plan">
  <title>Translation Project Plan</title>
  <steps>
    <step>Assess target languages and regions.</step>
    <step>Determine scope of translation effort.</step>
    <step>Identify specific DITA topics for translation.</step>
    <step>Develop project timeline and budget.</step>
    <step>Assign roles and responsibilities.</step>
    <step>Plan for cultural adaptation and localization.</step>
  </steps>

In this DITA topic, a translation project plan is outlined as a set of steps. Each step details a specific aspect of the planning process, ensuring that all key elements are addressed.