Considerations When Translating ArchivesSpace

In addition to the considerations specific to the platform you are using to provide a translation of ArchivesSpace (GitHub or Weblate), it is also important to keep the following best practices in mind when creating a translation of ArchivesSpace.

• Understand the ArchivesSpace specific definition of the word you are translating. Terms used within ArchivesSpace may have a different meaning in the context of the application than in the literal translation of the word. For example, archival object records within a resource record have what is described as a parent, child, and sibling relationship to one another. This terminology implies the level of hierarchy for each component record not a literal familial relationship. Be mindful that there could be better terms to represent this contextual meaning than those that are the direct translation in another language.

• Be mindful of punctuation and capitalization within strings of text. This punctuation and capitalization should be respected within a translation.

• Be consistent in word choice. If you determine an appropriate translation for an archival or ArchivesSpace-specific term, be mindful this term is likely to repeat throughout the application.

• If you have questions about a translation or would like assistance translating a term or string, reach out to the community! ArchivesSpace members are encouraged to collaborate with other members via the ArchivesSpace user group listserv.

  • The Society of American Archivists Dictionary of Archives Terminology is a great resource to help define archival terminology (though not all ArchivesSpace specific terminology is represented).