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IsiXhosa Style Guide
Contents
What's New? .................................................................................................................................... 4
New Topics ................................................................................................................................... 4
Updated Topics ............................................................................................................................ 4
Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 5
About This Style Guide ................................................................................................................ 5
Scope of This Document .............................................................................................................. 5
Style Guide Conventions .............................................................................................................. 5
Sample Text ................................................................................................................................. 6
Recommended Reference Material ............................................................................................. 7
Normative References ................................................................................................................. 7
Informative References ................................................................................................................ 7
Language Specific Conventions ...................................................................................................... 8
Country/Region Standards ........................................................................................................... 8
Characters ................................................................................................................................ 8
Date .......................................................................................................................................... 9
Time ........................................................................................................................................ 11
Numbers ................................................................................................................................. 13
Sorting ..................................................................................................................................... 16
Geopolitical Concerns ................................................................................................................ 19
Grammar, Syntax & Orthographic Conventions ......................................................................... 20
Adjectives ................................................................................................................................ 20
Articles .................................................................................................................................... 20
Capitalization .......................................................................................................................... 21
Compounds ............................................................................................................................. 21
Gender .................................................................................................................................... 23
Genitive ................................................................................................................................... 24
Modifiers ................................................................................................................................. 24
Nouns ...................................................................................................................................... 24
Prepositions ............................................................................................................................ 25
Pronouns ................................................................................................................................. 26
Punctuation ............................................................................................................................. 27
Singular & Plural ..................................................................................................................... 29
Split Infinitive ........................................................................................................................... 29
Subjunctive ............................................................................................................................. 29
Symbols & Non-Breaking Spaces........................................................................................... 29
Syntax ..................................................................................................................................... 30
Verbs ....................................................................................................................................... 30
Word Order ............................................................................................................................. 31
Style and Tone Considerations .................................................................................................. 31
Audience ................................................................................................................................. 31
Style ........................................................................................................................................ 31
Tone ........................................................................................................................................ 32
Voice ....................................................................................................................................... 32
Localization Guidelines .................................................................................................................. 33
General Considerations ............................................................................................................. 33
Abbreviations .......................................................................................................................... 33
Accessibility ............................................................................................................................ 34
Acronyms ................................................................................................................................ 34
Applications, Products, and Features ..................................................................................... 35
Frequent Errors ....................................................................................................................... 36
Glossaries ............................................................................................................................... 36
Fictitious Information ............................................................................................................... 37
Recurring Patterns .................................................................................................................. 37
Standardized Translations ...................................................................................................... 37
Unlocalized Items.................................................................................................................... 37
Using the Word Microsoft ....................................................................................................... 37
Software Considerations ............................................................................................................ 38
User Interface ......................................................................................................................... 38
Messages ................................................................................................................................ 41
Keys ........................................................................................................................................ 46
Document Translation Considerations ....................................................................................... 50
Titles ....................................................................................................................................... 51
Copyright ................................................................................................................................. 51
What's New?
Last Updated: February 2011
New Topics
The following topics were added:

n/a
Updated Topics
The following topics were updated:

n/a
4
Introduction
This Style Guide went through major revision in February 2011 in order to remove outdated and unnecessary
content. It contains information pertaining to all Microsoft products and services.
About This Style Guide
The purpose of this Style Guide is to provide everybody involved in the localization of IsiXhosa Microsoft products
with Microsoft-specific linguistic guidelines and standard conventions that differ from or are more prescriptive than
those found in language reference materials. These conventions have been adopted after considering context
based on various needs, but above all, they are easy to follow and applicable for all types of software to be
localized.
The Style Guide covers the areas of formatting, grammatical conventions, as well as stylistic criteria. It also
presents the reader with a general idea of the reasoning behind the conventions. The present Style Guide is a
revision of our previous Style Guide version with the intention of making it more standardized, more structured,
and easier to use as a reference.
The guidelines and conventions presented in this Style Guide are intended to help you localize Microsoft products
and materials. We welcome your feedback, questions and concerns regarding the Style Guide. You can send us
your feedback via the Microsoft Language Portal feedback page.
Scope of This Document
This Style Guide is intended for the localization professional working on Microsoft products. It is not intended to
be a comprehensive coverage of all localization practices, but to highlight areas where Microsoft has preference
or deviates from standard practices for IsiXhosa localization.
Style Guide Conventions
In this document, a plus sign (+) before a translation example means that this is the recommended correct
translation. A minus sign (-) is used for incorrect translation examples.
In Microsoft localization context, the word term is used in a slightly untraditional sense, meaning the same as e.g.
a segment in Trados. The distinguishing feature of a term here is that it is translated as one unit; it may be a
traditional term (as used in terminology), a phrase, a sentence, or a paragraph.
References to interface elements really only refer to translatable texts associated with those interface elements.
Example translations in this document are only intended to illustrate the point in question. They are not a source
of approved terminology. Always check for approved translation in the Microsoft terminology database.
5
Sample Text
Mhla kwamiselwa uMfundisi uXhanti njeMfundisi webandla iSt. Johns kwingingqi yaseMfuleni: ngu-L.S. Martins
Esixekweni saseMfuleni ngomhla wama-21 Matshi 2011, ibe kukuchongwa ngesininzi nangembeko uMfundisi
uXhanti Cingo ohlala kwa-7 Chicago Close, Ikwezi park, Khayelitsha, 7784. Abafuna ukudibana naye
ngamaxesha kaxakeka bangaqhagamshelana naye kwezi nombolo zilandelayo: Umnxeba – 021 637 5455; Iseli –
082 0008976.
Umfundisi lo ufunde kwiYunivesithi yaseRhodes, waphumelela isidanga sobugqirha kwiziBhalo eziNgcwele
(iThiyoloji). Nanjengomntu ebekhona kulo msitho kwaye ethe ntsho amahlo, ebinza ngawo kumatile-tile nemitopo
yaloo mini, esenziwa zizicukujeje neenjengela zasemfundweni enomsila, kubekwa umfo ngamawabo, ndithe
ndakunikwa ithuba ngabasemagunyeni lokubhekisa ilizwi kule nceku, ndeva kusithi mandithi njengembongi
yomthonyama:
Aa! Zimmisele! Aa! Zimmisele! Aa! Zimmisele!
Zimmisele iinceku zeNkosi
Nam bendikho;
Zimmisele izicaka zikaMdali;
Nam bendikho;
Zimmisele izihandiba zakwaLizwi;
Nam bendikhona;
Ahó-ó-ó-ó-ó! Ahó-ó-ó-ó-ó Ahóóhó-ó-ó-ó-ó!
Hohani, zizwe, hohani, zizwe
Ndiza kuthetha ngoMfundisi onguGqirha-rha-rha-rha-rhaa!
Qabela‟ eqongeni, qabel‟ eqongeni, mqholorha ndini!
Hohani, zizwe, ndithi hohani niphulaphule!
Yiyo loo nt‟ int‟ enkulu unomqwaz‟ emfene!
Yiyo loo nt‟ umthakath‟ abhinq‟ imithaka!
Ngungub‟ obugqirha ayilolanga,
Lona lothiwa nayimiqhathwana namananasana,
Owoyambatha ngowobil‟ esoma,
Ebilel‟ ukuze kuphil‟ abany‟ abantu.
6
Ngungubo-ndwe ngumweba wezikhakhamela
Ngemisebenz‟ ebonwa ngabantu ingqinakale
Leliba-a-a! Leliba-a-a-a!
Isungulwe ngomhla we-11 kuEpreli 2011 - eKapa ngentsimbi yesi-2 emini.
st
Source: Luvuyo Martins‟ creation based on S.C Satyo‟s book, Igrama noncwadi lwesiXhosa Ibanga lesi-9 1
Edition Via Afrika.
Recommended Reference Material
Use the IsiXhosa language and terminology as described and used in the following publications.
Normative References
These normative sources must be adhered to. Any deviation from them automatically fails a string in most cases.
When more than one solution is allowed in these sources, look for the recommended one in other parts of the
Style Guide.
1. Add siXhosa National Language Body (2005). Revised Spelling And Orthography Rules: IsiXhosa
Pretoria. The Pan South African Language Board.
2. Pan South African Language Board (2008). Imigaqo Yokubhalwa Nokupelwa Kolwimi LwesiXhosa.
Pretoria.
3. National Language Service, (2005) Information and Communication Technology Terms For School
Subjects. Pretoria. Department of Arts and Culture.
4. National Language Service, (2005) Multilingual Terminology for Information Communication Technology –
1st Edition. Pretoria. Department of Arts and Culture.
Informative References
These sources are meant to provide supplementary information, background, comparison, etc.
1. Pan South African Language Board (2008). Imigaqo Yokubhalwa Nokupelwa Kolwimi LwesiXhosa.
Pretoria.
2. South African Translators‟ Institute (1997) Language Facilitation and Development in Southern Africa.
Pretoria.
3. Mini, B.M., Mfaxa, X.T., Tshabe S.L. et al (eds) (2004) The Greater Dictionary of IsiXhosa Vol. 2. Alice.
Fort Hare University.
st
4. Satyo, S.C., Igrama noncwadi lwesiXhosa Ibanga lesi-9 1 Edition Via Afrika.
7
Language Specific Conventions
This part of the style guide contains information about standards specific to IsiXhosa.
Country/Region Standards
Characters
Country/region
South Africa
Lower-case characters
a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, m, n, o, p, q, r, s, t, u, v, w, x, y, z
Upper-case characters
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z
Characters in caseless
scripts
knowing microsoft software empowers people daily life / ukwazi isoftware
kamicrosoft kuxhobisa ubomi bemihla ngemihla babantu.
Extended Latin characters
IsiXhosa does not use Latin characters except using the Latin numbers as they
are, e.g. I II III IV V and son.
Note on alphabetical order
Alphabetical order is not necessarily indicative of sorting order.
Total number of characters
26
Unicode codes
A (0041); a (0061); B (0042); b (0062); C (0043); c (0063); D (0044); d (0064); E
(0045); e (0065); F (0046); f (0066); G (0047); g (0067); H (0048); h (0068); I
(0049); i (0069); J (004a); j (006a); K (004b); k (006b); L (004c); l (006c); M
(004d); m (006d); N (004e); n (006e); O (004f); o (006f); P (0050); p (0070); Q
(0051); q (0071); R (0052); r (0072); S (0053); s (0073); T (0054); t (0074); U
(0055); u (0075); V (0056); v (0076); W (0057); w (0077); X (0058); x (0078); y
(0079); Z (005a); z (007a)
Notes
IsiXhosa adopts from other languages such as English.
8
Date
Country/region
South Africa
Calendar/Era
Christian / Common Era
First Day of the Week
Mvulo
First Week of the Year
Week starting on 1 eyoMqungu
Separator
-
Default Short Date Format
yyyy-MM-dd
Example
2011-03-17
Default Long Date Format
dd MMMM yyyy
Example
17 ekaTshazimpuzi 2011
Additional Short Date
Format 1
yy-MM-dd
Example
11-03-17
Additional Short Date
Format 2
dd/MM/yy or dd/MM/yyyy
Example
17/03/11 or 17/03/2011
Additional Long Date
Format 1
IsiXhosa adopts those of other languages, and therefore doesn‟t have its own such
date. The English would then be: dd MMMM yyyy
Example
08-06-2011
Additional Long Date
Format 2
dd MMMM yyyy
Example
08-06-2011
Leading Zero in Day Field
for Short Date Format
Yes
Leading Zero in Month
Yes
9
Field for Short Date
Format
No. of digits for year for
Short Day Format
4
Leading Zero in Day Field
for Long Date Format
Yes
Leading Zero in Month
Field for Long Date Format
Yes
Number of digits for year
for Long Day Format
4
Date Format for
Correspondence
Address, dd MMMM yyyy
Example
P.O Box 7
FortHare
5701
17 ekaTshazimpuzi 2011
Notes
1.
Although Sunday is considered, by certain religious groups, as the first day of the
week, there is a general and popular tendency to use Monday as the first day, e.g.
in calendars as start of working week, etc. Again, in isiXhosa, the sequence of the
naming system of the days of the week recognizes Monday as the first day and
Tuesday as the second day, hence uMvulo – usuku lokuvula (Monday – the
opening day) and uLwesibini – usukulwesibini (Tuesday – the second day).
2.
n/a
3.
n/a
4.
n/a
Abbreviations in Format
Codes
d is for day, number of d's indicates the format (d = digits without leading zero, dd =
digits with leading zero, ddd = the abbreviated day name, dddd = full day name)
M is for month, number of M's gives number of digits. (M = digits without leading
zero, MM = digits with leading zero, MMM = the abbreviated name, MMMM = full
name)
y is for year, number of y's gives number of digits (yy = two digits, yyyy = four digits)
10
Time
Country/region
South Africa
24 hour format
Yes
Standard time format
HH:mm:ss
Standard time format example
03:24:12
Time separator
colon :
Time separator examples
03:24:12
Hours leading zero
Yes
Hours leading zero example
03:24:12
String for AM designator
01:20 am (kusasa)
String for PM designator
01:20 pm (emva kwemini)
Notes
IsiXhosa uses full words, viz., kusasa (for morning or AM) and emva kwemini
(for afternoon, or PM) and ngokuhlwa (for evening and night, or PM). Although
in writing the short form, namely the digital form, of the hour, minutes and
seconds is that of English, it must always be read as a full isiXhosa sentence.
The numbers must be said in their isiXhosa names, never in English, e.g. i-9h30
kusasa = icala emva kwentsimbi yethoba kusasa.
Days
Country/region: South Africa
Day
Normal Form
Abbreviation
Monday
UMvulo; prefixed with nga- in
speech, resulting in NgoMvulo for
On Monday
IsiXhosa does not abbreviate,
instead it adopts English
abbreviations.
(NB: initial vowel, u- and /n/ of ngomay be small letters when not in
sentence positions where
capitalization is necessary, like at
start of statement, after a fullstop, in
a title or heading, or in a list, etc)
11
Tuesday
ULwesibini; NgoLwesibini
n/a (Xhosa doesn‟t have
abbreviations for days and months)
Wednesday
ULwesithathu; NgoLwesithathu
n/a
Thursday
ULwesine; NgoLwesine
n/a
Friday
ULwesihlanu; NgoLwesihlanu
n/a
Saturday
UMgqibelo; NgoMgqibelo
n/a
Sunday
ICawe; NgeCawe
n/a
First Day of Week: UMvulo (Monday)
Is first letter capitalized?: Yes, and the second Yes. Both the first and the second letters are capitalized only if
the name of the day is at the beginning of the sentence. However, the name of the day is somewhere but not at
the beginning of the sentence, then the second letter is the one being capitalized. In fact, the second letter is
always capital.
Notes: n/a
Months
Country/region: South Africa
Month
Full Form
Abbreviated Form
Long Date Form
January
eyoMqungu
n/a
n/a
February
eyoMdumba
n/a
n/a
March
eyoKwindla
n/a
n/a
April
ekaTshazimpuzi
n/a
n/a
May
ekaCanzibe
n/a
n/a
June
eyeSilimela
n/a
n/a
July
eyeKhala
n/a
n/a
August
eyeThupha
n/a
n/a
September
eyoMsintsi
n/a
n/a
October
eyeDwarha
n/a
n/a
November
eyeNkanga
n/a
n/a
12
December
eyoMnga
n/a
n/a
Is first letter capitalized?: Yes
Notes: There are no standardized indeginous Xhosa months‟ abbreviations. However, some people are using
them only when they are using transliterated or borrowed versions; for example:- January – Janyuwari, etc. in
different versions under no scientific or standardized bases.
Numbers
Phone Numbers
Country/re International
gion
Dialing Code
Area Codes Number of Digits Separator
Used?
– Area Codes
Number of Digits Digit Groupings –
– Domestic
Domestic
South
Africa
Yes
10
+27
3
Space
021 808 9097
Country/re Number of
Digit
Number of Digits Digit
gion
Digits – Local Groupings – – Mobile
Groupings –
Local
Mobile
Number of Digits Digit Groupings –
– International
International
South
Africa
+27 827385302
10
021 808 9097 10
0827385302
+27 82 738 5302
Notes: Area codes are sometimes indicated in brackets, but this is no longer recommended. Numbers in isiXhosa
adopt English version. In most cases the amaXhosa group have, due to mordenisation, adopted using English
version when uttering the numbers to make the conversation easily understood by the receiver. However, this
does not mean is always the case. It is mostly happening when there are more than one number to be mentioned
by a speaker, then he/she switches to English version as Xhosa one are too long and confusing to it‟s own
people.
Addresses
Country/region: South Africa
Disclaimer: Please note that the information in this entry should under no circumstances be used in examples as
fictitious information.
Address Format:
1. Mnu. L.S. Martins
2. Stellenbosch University
3. 14 Murray Street
4. Stellenbosch
13
5. 7602
6. South Africa
Example Address:
Mnu Z.W. Saul
Fort Hare University
Private Bag X1415
Alice 5700
South Africa
Local Postal Code Format: 7784
Notes: Instead of initials, first name may be used.
PO box/Private bag number may be replaced by a street address.
Postal code before city name or on line below city name.
Country name required only when posted outside South Africa.
Address is never translated in Xhosa
Currency
Country/region
South Africa / Mzantsi Afrika
Currency Name
Rand / Irandi
Currency Symbol
R
Currency Symbol Position
Before the amount: R20,00
Positive Currency Format
+R10
Negative Sign Symbol
- (minus)
Negative Currency Format
-R
Decimal Symbol
, (comma)
Number of Digits after Decimal
2
Digit Grouping Symbol
space
Number of Digits in Digit Grouping
3
Positive Currency Example
+R100
14
Negative Currency Example
-R100
ISO Currency Code
n/a
Currency Subunit Name
n/a
Currency Subunit Symbol
n/a
Currency Subunit Example
n/a
Digit Groups
Country/region: South Africa
Decimal Separator:,0,00
Decimal Separator Description: Comma
Decimal Separator Example: 5,6 ; 75,05
Thousand Separator: Space
Thousand Separator Description: Space
Thousand Separator Example: 1 543,67 ; 1 765 234,987
Notes: IsiXhosa follows English in this regard.
Measurement Units
Metric System Commonly Used?: Yes
Temperature: Celsius
Category
English
Translation
Abbreviation
Linear Measure
Kilometer
Ikhilomitha
n/a (Xhosa adopts English
version in all of these
Abbreviations)
Meter
Imitha
n/a
Decimeter
Idesimitha
n/a
Centimeter
Isentimitha
n/a
Millimeter
Imilimitha
n/a
Hectoliter
Ihektholitha
n/a
Capacity
15
Mass
English Units of
Measurement
Liter
Ilitha
n/a
Deciliter
Idesilitha
n/a
Centiliter
Isentilitha
n/a
Milliliter
Imililitha
n/a
Ton
Ithani
n/a
Kilogram
Ikhilogrem
n/a
Pound
Iponti
n/a
Gram
Igrem
n/a
Decigram
Idesigrem
n/a
Centigram
Isentigrem
n/a
Milligram
Imiligrem
n/a
Inch
I-intshi
n/a
Feet
Unyawo
n/a
Mile
Imayili
n/a
Gallon
Igaloni
n/a
Notes: The British units of measurement are no longer (officially) used in South Africa, but the names and
abbreviations are still known, mainly in a historical context.
Xhosa doesn‟t have abbreviations of measurement units, but use the English ones.
Percentages
Percentages are like in English, e.g. 85 %.
Sorting
Sorting rules
1. Capital letters and lowercase letters are equal. No distinction is made between them. However,
if two words are spelt exactly the same, but one begins with a capital letter, that one should
appear first.
2. It is much easier to sort by the first occurring letter of a word, rather than the first stem-letter.
This is recommended, except in the case of proper names.
3. Where proper names are preceded by some prefixes, the first letter of the actual name must
be used for sorting, e.g. Y of iYunivesithiyaseFort Hare, etc.
4. Formatives, which are written with hyphens which indicate that they are not full words, come
16
before any word they may be identical with, in terms of the sounds/letters forming them, e.g. aba
(prefix of class 2 nouns) and aba (demonstrative pronoun of class 2)
5. All formatives will precede full words that have initial parts with the same letters as the
formatives.
6. Punctuation marks, like the exclamation mark, etc, do not have any influence on sorting, e.g.
Aa! (in salutation for chiefs, etc), Phi? Nini? (in these adverbs which mean “where?” and
“when?” respectively).
7. Non-alphabetical characters (i.e. symbols like @! #) sort before the letters of the alphabet.
8. Digits sort after the non-alphabetical characters and before the letters of the alphabet.
Character
sorting order
A (65); a (97); B (66); b (98); C (67); c (99); D (68); d (100); E (69); e (101); F (70); f (102); G
(71); g (103); H (72); h (104); I (73); i (105); J (74); j (106); K (75); k (107); L (76); l (108); M (77);
m (109); N (78); n (110); O (79); o (111); P (80); p (112); Q (81); q (113); R (82); r (114); S (83); s
(115); T (84); t (116); U (85); u (117); V (86); v (118); W (87); w (119); X (88); x (120); y (121); Z
(90); z (122)
@
1
aa!
ab
aba
ababhali
amagama
babo
Examples of
sorted words
benu
bethu
biza
bona
buza
cacisa
cela
cima
cofa(press)
17
cula
dlala
ende
entsha
faka (insert)
fakela (install)
fumana
funa
gcina
hlela
ifayili
ikhompyutha
impuku
(-)isicwangcisi
Isicwangciso
isigama
isigcini-maxwebhu
iprinta
jonga
kangaphi?
khangela
khetha (select)
lungisa (edit)
mamela
ncamathelisa
nceda
18
nini?
nqomfa (click)
odwa
onke
pela
phanda
phi?
phinda
qala
qalisa
qhawula
sasaza
sebenza
sika
susa
tshintsha
ukuhlela
yahlula
yisa
zekelisa
zoba
Geopolitical Concerns
Part of the cultural adaptation of the US-product to a specific market is the resolving of geopolitical issues. While
the US-product should have been designed and developed with neutrality and a global audience in mind, the
localized product should respond to the particular situation that applies within the target country/region.
Sensitive issues or issues that might potentially be offensive to the users in the target country/region may occur in
any of the following:
19
 Maps
 Flags
 Country/region, city and language names
 Art and graphics
 Cultural content, such as encyclopedia content and other text where historical or political references may
occur
Some of these issues are relatively easy to verify and resolve: the objective should be for the localizer to always
have the most current information available. Maps and other graphic representations of countries/regions and
regions should be checked for accuracy and existing political restrictions. Country/region, city and language
names change on a regular basis and need to be checked, even if previously approved.
A thorough understanding of the culture of the target market is required for checking the appropriateness of
cultural content, clip art and other visual representations of religious symbols, body and hand gestures.
Guideline
As country/region and city names can change, please use the most up-to-date IsiXhosa list for every release of
your product.
Grammar, Syntax & Orthographic Conventions
This section includes information on how to apply the general rules of the isiXhosa language to Microsoft products
and documentation.
Adjectives
In isiXhosa, adjectives should be handled in the following manner.
Dog is chasing white goat. / Inja ileqa ibhokhwe emhlophe. In isiXhosa ana adjective can be at the beginning of
the sentence followed by subject, e.g. Emhlophe ibhokhwe ileqwe yinja. / The white goat was chased by dog.
Again adjective can be found in before the object, e.g. Inja ileqe emhlophe ibhokhwe. / The dog chased the white
goat.
Possessive adjectives
The frequent use of possessives is a feature of English language. However in isiXhosa, possessive adjectives are
handled – Us, we love our beautiful country. / Thina, sithanda ilizwe lethu elihle. Siyalithanda ilizwe lethu elihle
thina. However, it becomes a problem in English when one tries to directly translate this sentence, e.g. We love
country of ours that is beautiful us.
Articles
This section does not apply to IsiXhosa.
20
Capitalization
In English headings, all nouns, pronouns, adjectives, verbs, adverbs, and subordinate conjunctions (such as
“that,” “until,” and “which”) are capitalized. Please do not apply the same principle to isiXhosa headings. Instead,
follow the normal isiXhosa capitalization rules. The same rule applies to software strings.
Example: Government Departments have responsibility of development. / (+) AmaSebe kaRhulumente
anoxanduva lophuhliso.
Compounds
Noun and verb compounds are a frequent word formation strategy in isiXhosa. Product user interfaces, online
help, and documentation contain a number of such examples. However, not all languages use compounding to
create complex word meanings.
In isiXhosa, compounds are derived from:
Noun + noun e.g. umnini + ikhaya = (+) umninikhaya
Verb + noun e.g. jonga + ikhaya = (+) Jongikhaya
Verb + verb e.g. khala +baleka = (+) ukhalebaleka
Verb + adverb e.g. tsiba + entla = (+) uTsibentla
The compounds are spelt as one word despite the fact that they are formed from different parts of speech. When
a compound refers to a place name which has been derived from two parts of a bigger place name, the word is
separated by a hyphen, e.g. uMzantsi-Afrika (South Africa).
Generally, compounds should be understandable and clear to the user. Overly long or complex compounds
should be avoided by verbally expressing the relationship among the various compound components. Keep in
mind that unintuitive compounds are ultimately an intelligibility and usability issue.
English examples
IsiXhosa example
Internet Accounts
(+) Iiakhawunti zeIntanethi
Logon script processing
(+) Ukwenziwa kweskripthi sokuvula
Workgroup Administrator
(+) UMlawuli Weqela Lomsebenzi
Internet News Server Name
(+) IGama leSeva yeeNdaba zeIntanethi
Note that English compounds are not necessarily compounds in isiXhosa. However, English compounds must be
translated in a manner that is intelligible to the user and if isiXhosa translation is narrative in an undesired
manner, the English word should be left as it is, with a proper isiXhosa prefix.
21
Compounds with Product or Component Names
The compounds below contain both, product and component names. The product names are marked in red.
Product names are usually trademarked and, therefore, must remain unchanged. Additions to a product or
component name are added with a hyphen or, if that is not appropriate, you need to create a periphrastic
construction.
English example
IsiXhosa example
Windows password
(+) Ipassword yeWindows
Microsoft Word document
(+) Uxwebhu lwakwaMicrosoft Word
Microsoft SQL Server Database
(+) Uvimba weenkcukacha weMicrosoft SQL Server
Microsoft BackOffice product family
(+) Ifemeli yemveliso yakwaMicrosoft BackOffice
ActiveX Control
(+) IActivex Control
The principle for the translation of English compounds with product names is the same as the principle for the
translation of English compounds explained in the previous paragraph.
Note: The major product groups use the following unlocalized product portfolio names; these are considered
product names and are always used without a hyphen or article in any language:
1. Microsoft Office System
2. Microsoft Windows Server System
3. Windows Mobile
Compounds with Acronyms, Abbreviations or Numerals
The compounds below contain either an abbreviation or a numeral followed by a component name. The
abbreviation or numeral is marked in red in the English example. The isiXhosa example below show how such
constructions should be translated.
English example
IsiXhosa example
CD-ROM drive
(+) Idrayivu ye-CD-ROM
2-D gridlines
(+) Igrid-layini eyi-2-D
24 bit color value
(+) Ibit color value ezingama-24
3.5 Floppy
(+) Iflopi eyi-3.5
51/4-inch Floppy
(+) Iflopi ezii-in ezi-51/4
22
35mm slides
(+) Izilayidi ezingama-35mm
Note: It is an acceptable principle that when a technical term of the source language does not have a straight
equivalent in the target language and all other translation strategies are, for purposes of intelligibility, not
applicable, the term should be used as it is in the interest of maintaining the meaning of the term to the user. (Also
see the subchapter on English Terminology and the IsiXhosa Terminology for further comments in this respect).
Note also that the translation of the compounds above is similar in every respect with the translation of other
compounds in this chapter.
Gender
You should always recognize your audience‟s sensitivity to male and female stereotypes. Instead of stressing
gender differences or reinforcing stereotypical distinctions between men and women, use language that is as
neutral as possible. The neutral approach also applies to the localization of scenarios, comparisons, examples,
illustrations, and metaphors.
Create a balance when assigning roles and functions to men and women (active vs. passive roles, leading vs.
secondary roles, technical vs. non-technical professions, and so on). Scenarios, pictures, metaphors, and
comparisons should be based on areas and attributes common to both genders.
Instead of using phrases which mention the two genders separately, use a general term that includes both
genders such as “people,” “users,” or “persons.”
Avoid writing sentences that refer to a single person whose gender is unknown. You can often avoid this situation
by rewriting the sentence to make the subject plural. In cases where a reference to a single person is impossible
to avoid, do not use “he or she,” “him or her,” or “his or hers.” The language in Microsoft products should sound
natural, as if part of a spoken conversation. Also, generally avoid the use of slashes to combine both genders
(although sometimes exceptions are made - see table below).
Fortunately, we have no problem in representing he/she; him/her; his/hers in isiXhosa. We simply indicate this by
means of a subject concord, viz, u- (singular) ba-/ni- (plural)
Umfazi wam (my wife) sounds impolite and has to be replaced by inkosikazi yam.
(-) Unyoko( your mother) sounds impolite especially when used by a younger person. This can also be regarded
as an insult. A more polite way is (+) umama wakho( your mother) or (+) umama wakhe ( his or her mother)
depending on the pronoun used.
Use the following strategies to avoid the use of overtly gender-biased expressions:
Linguistic method
Example
Context
Use a Neutral noun
(+) Umntu, inkokeli, inkokeli
yeqela, ichule, umsebenzi,
umsebenzisi
Concept descriptions,
explanations
23
Genitive
This section does not apply to IsiXhosa.
Modifiers
This section does not apply to IsiXhosa.
Nouns
General considerations
Many languages differentiate between different noun classes based on features such as animacy, shape, gender,
and so on. English loan words must be integrated into the noun class system of your language. When faced with
an English loan word not previously used in Microsoft products, consider the following options:
 Motivation: Does the English word have any formally motivated features that would allow a
straightforward integration into the noun class system of your language?
 Analogy: Is there an equivalent isiXhosa term that could be used to justify the noun class the noun gets
assigned to?
 Frequency: Is the term used in other technical documentation? If so, what noun class is it assigned to
most often? The Internet may be a helpful reference here.
If the choice of noun class is left up to you, ensure that you provide consistent translations within the Microsoft
product. Please consult with your translation team lead and team members to decide what noun class to assign.
However, integration of loan words into noun classes does not pose a challenge as such especially if the
translator is familiar with the contexts in which the words have been used. If, for an example, the word “server” is
not translated into isiXhosa in the following contexts, the proper approach would be to affix a proper morpheme to
ensure that it fits a given context and remember that the morpheme is written as part of the word.
English example
IsiXhosa example
Delete it from server.
(+) Yisuse kwiserver
Enter a password to log into the server
(+) Faka ipassword ukungena kwiserver
DNS cannot resolve the server IP address
(+) I-DNS ayikwazi ukufumana idilesi ekwiserver ye-IP
Verify the name of the server‟s certificate
(+) Qinisekisa igama lesiqinisekiso seserver
Please note that the word “server” has been used in the examples above as an illustration only, otherwise the
word is phonologized as iseva in isiXhosa and is therefore translatable.
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Inflection
The examples below show how English loanwords inflect for number in isiXhosa.
English example
IsiXhosa example
Clients
(+) Iiklayenti
Websites
(+) Iiwebhusayithi
Downloads
(+) Amaxwebhu akhutshwe kwikhompyutha
Proxys
(+) Iiproksi
Administrators
(+) Abalawuli
The above loanwords inflected for class 10 and 2 by adding the class 10 plural prefix ii- and the class 2 prefix
aba-.
Prepositions
There are no prepositions in isiXhosa. In terms of their semantic, prepositions in isiXhosa function as locatives.
However, prepositional phrases in English need to be translated according to their context; anglicisms should be
avoided. The table below contains frequently used verbs and the prepositions that follow them. Please use this
table as a reference.
Please note that the prepositions which function as locatives in isiXhosa are not written separately from their
locative nouns but as part of the nouns.
US-English expression
IsiXhosa expression
Comment
Migrate to
(+) fudukela e…
The locative formative e- forms
part of the succeeding locative
noun
Migrate from
(+) fuduka usuka e…
import to
(+) ngenisa e…
import from
(+) ngenisa esuka e…
export to
(+) thumela e…
export from
(+) thumela esuka e…
update to
(+) hlaziya iye kwi…
Upgrade to
(+) phucula iye kwi…
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change to
(+) guqulela kwi…
click on
(+) cofa kwi…
Connect to
(+) ngenisa kwi…
welcome to ...
(+) wamkelekile kwi…
The locative applies to products
The examples below contain frequently occurring noun phrases that are preceded by a preposition. Please use
this table as a reference.
Since the prepositions in isiXhosa function as locatives, they must be written as part of the nouns in all cases.
US-English expression
IsiXhosa expression
In the toolbar
(+) kwitoolbar
on the tab
(+) phezu kwetab
on the menu
(+) kwimenyu
on the net
(+) kwinethi
on the Internet
(+) kwi-Intanethi
on the Web
(+) Kwiwebhu
on a web site
(+) Kwiwebhusayithi
on a web page
(+) kwiphepha lewebhu
Comment
Pronouns
Many error messages in English vary with regard to the use of articles, demonstrative and possessive pronouns.
Please be consistent in how you deal with such variation in isiXhosa.
However, due to the fact that isiXhosa does not have articles, but have noun class prefixes and that prefixes and
their respective nouns are written conjunctively, the situation is different in isiXhosa. Nouns are rarely used
without prefixes. The use of possessive pronouns also poses no challenges.
English example
IsiXhosa example
Explanation
File already exists
(+) Ifayile seyikho
In the majority of cases, nouns are
preceded by prefixes in isiXhosa
The file already exists
This file already exists
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Not enough memory to complete
this operation.
(+) Umthamo awanelanga
ukugqibezela umsebenzi
Windows Vista cannot start your
system. If the problem persists,
contact your network
administrator.
(+) UWindows Vista akakwazi
ukuvula. Ukuba le ngxaki
iyaqhuba, dibana nomlawuli
wobuchwephesha
Punctuation
Comma
A comma (,) is frequently used in sentences and in most cases it is wrongly applied. Please note that a comma is
never preceded by a blank space and always followed by a blank space. It is used to list words or numbers and to
join two complete sentences into a single sentence. These are the main functions of a comma in a written text.
US English uses a period as the decimal separator, while many other languages use a comma. In isiXhosa, a
comma is used. Do not use a space for this purpose as a space separates the numeral from the abbreviation.
In paper sizes (the last example in the table below) the decimal separator and the abbreviation "in" for inches are
kept, since the sizes are US norms and should be represented accordingly.
English example
IsiXhosa example
5.25 cm
(+) ii-sm ezi-5.25
5 x 7.2 inches
(+) ii-intshi ezi-5 x 7.2
Letter Landscape 11 x 8.5 in
(+) iLetter Landscape ezii-in ezili-11 x 8.5
For thousands, English uses a comma while many other languages use a period (at Microsoft we normally do not
use a space for this purpose, but we use a period instead to avoid wrapping problems). In isiXhosa a comma is
used.
English example
IsiXhosa example
1,526
(+) 1,526
$ 1,526.75
(+) $1,526.75
Please adhere to the following guidelines when determining whether to include a period at the end of a list or
table entry:
1. If bulleted items are complete sentences: each ends with a period.
2. If bulleted items continue an introductory clause: do not use a period.
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3. For items in a list (chapters, sections, products, system requirements, etc.) that are neither sentences nor
continuations of sentences, do not use a period.
4. If your translation is longer than the US text, or if you split your translation into several independent
sentences, use common sense and insert a period if it improves the isiXhosa style.
5. Never put a period after just one word.
The same convention applies to instruction lists, captions, and callouts.
Colon
A colon (:) is used to indicate that what follows it is an explanation or elaboration of what precedes it.
Example: Doves; Sparrows; Chickens are all birds. / (+) Amahobe; Iingqabe; neeNkukhu ziintaka.
Dashes and Hyphens
Three different dash characters are used in English:
Hyphen
In isiXhosa there are no words in which hyphens are used, except for using English words when hyphenation
rules are adopted.
En Dash
Repeated words and two joint words, which are always considered as one word, are always separated by dash in
isiXhosa.
Example: Different things. / (+) Izinto ezizintlobo-ntlobo.
Example: Helicopter. / (+) Inqwelo-ntaka ([Inqwelo-ntaka, which literally means:- car/transport/cart-bird] is two
words combined to make one)
Em Dash
IsiXhosa does not have Em Dashes, but rather adopts the English version only when using English words mixed
with Xhosa in a sentence.
Ellipses (Suspension Points)
IsiXhosa does not have ellipses, but rather adopts the English version only when using English words mixed with
Xhosa in a sentence.
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Period
A full stop (.) is mainly used at the end of a sentence expressing a statement.
Example: Her mother said, “if you don‟t do your school work, you are going to fail”. / (+) Umama wakhe uthe,
“ukuba awuwenzi umsebenzi wesikolo, uza kutshona”.
Quotation Marks
There are two types of quotation marks used in isiXhosa, namely, a double (“…”) and single („…‟) quotation
marks. A double quotation mark is used to indicate direct speech and quotations. It is also used in cited words or
phrases, e.g. the word “format” is used in different contexts.
A single quotation is used to mark a quotation within a quotation. Please note that there is still no clarity or
consistency with regard to the use of these quotation marks. Sometimes, single quotation marks are used instead
of double quotation marks and vice versa. There are however, no strict rules with regard to the application of
these quotation marks as long as consistency is maintained throughout in their application.
It is worth mentioning that quotation marks are not commonly used recently in marking quotations as they are
substituted by italics.
Example: Mother said to him/her “Don‟t play with fire”. / (+) Umama uthe kuye “musa ukudlala ngomlilo”.
Parentheses
Example: One computer with two printers. / (+) Ikhompyutha enye eneeprinta ezimbini.
Singular & Plural
The noun classes determine plural fomartion.
Example: One computer with two printers. / (+) Ikhompyutha enye eneeprinta ezimbini.
Split Infinitive
This section does not apply to IsiXhosa.
Subjunctive
Example: All politicians can not use Excel. / (+) Bonke abapolitiki abakwazi ukusebenzisa i-Excel.
Symbols & Non-Breaking Spaces
A symbol is something such as an object, picture, written word, sound, or particular mark that represents
something else by association, resemblance, or convention.
The non-breaking space is also known as a hard space or fixed space. In HTML non-breaking space is created by
replacing the space with “&nbsp”.
29
Use a non-breaking space (CTRL+SHIFT+SPACEBAR) in any abbreviation.
If non-breaking spaces cannot be used (in Help files, for example) it is also acceptable to write these
abbreviations without a space to avoid having one letter move to the beginning of the next line.
Syntax
In procedural text, which tells the user to perform certain actions in a certain number of steps, the order in which
interface terms are to appear in the translation is usually top to bottom (for example, “menu,” “command,” “dialog
box,” “dialog box controls”). This order reflects the sequence in which the action needs to be performed, and it
should be maintained unless there are technical reasons preventing it.
This convention is less important in normal body text, which is usually written in a more personal tone and less
formal style, thus requiring the translator to be more creative.
English example
IsiXhosa example
On the View menu, click Filter
(+) Kwimenyu kaJonga, nqomfa uFilter
On the Tools menu, click Internet Options, and click
the Security tab
(+) Kwimenyu kaTools, nqomfa kuInternet Options
uze unqomfe kuSecurity tab
Descriptors
Use the descriptor (“menu,” “button,” “command,” and so on) only if the original text uses it or if it is needed for
clarifying the position of a term in the interface.
Sentences of the type “To do this and that, click on ...”
You may come across procedural instructions of the type "To do this and that, click on ...". You should rearrange
such sentences to first mention the action the user needs to do and then the purpose. The reason for putting the
action first is that the action usually matters most to the user. However, sometimes it is important to stress the
purpose of an action before describing it. In this case, you can start the sentence with the purpose, followed by
the action.
English example
IsiXhosa example
To open the shortcut menu, click View Source
(+) Ukuvula undlela-mfutshane wemenyu, nqomfa
kuView Source
To end the install, click Cancel
(+) Ukuyicima, nqomfa kuCancel
Verbs
Sometimes an English verb can be used as loan word in the target language, that is, isiXhosa in this case. Such
loan words usually follow the syntactic and morphological rules of the target language.
30
For the sake of exposition, let us assume that the verbs in red below are not translated in isiXhosa.
English example
IsiXhosa
examples
IsiXhosa
examples
IsiXhosa
examples
Copy
(+) Kopa
(+) Kopile
(+) Ukukopa
Print
(+) Printa
(+) Printile
(+) Ukuprinta
spell
(+) Pela
(+) Pelile
(+) Ukupela
Note the suffix –ile in the third column which is a tense marker and the class 15 prefix uku- in the last column.
Note also that the class 15 prefix uku- naturally functions in two ways; as a noun and as an action verb and in the
above contexts it functions as action verbs.
Word Order
Xhosa has Subject/ Verb/ Object word order but allows many variations of this order for stylistic and literary
purposes as well as emphasis.
Example: Mother is cooking food. / Umama upheka ukutya
Style and Tone Considerations
This section focuses on higher-level considerations for audience, style, tone, and voice.
Audience
Audience is the end user who uses the product.
Example:
Computer user / (+) Umsebenzisi wekhompyutha
Electronic equipments user / (+) Umsebenzisi wezixhobo zombane
Mobile user / (+) Umsebenzisi kanomyayi.
Style
Make sure each sentence is as direct and simple as possible, which is easy to understand by general user.
Translate your texts clearly and concisely in the target language. Follow the basic rules for technical writing in the
target language such as consistency of terminology, correct application of grammatical, syntactical and
punctuation rules. And respect cultural and local sensitivity. Create content that does not incorporate slang,
jargon, colloquial expressions, or culture-specific metaphors.
31
Tone
The tone of the isiXhosa translation should mimic the tone of the source product, but should also be respectful.
Any word forms that are specific to a particular dialect should be avoided.
Voice
The voice of Xhosa can only be felt by the Xhosa listener. T he are symbols showing voice.
Personal pronouns that are used in isiXhosa are: (+) mna,(+) thina, (+) wena, (+) nina, (+) yena, (+) bona;(
meaning I, we; you ( singular), you (plural); and he/she,them. These are used in special contexts like emphasis .
Their use is taken by subject concords which are formatives prefixed to verbs and are full words,
e.g. you are now connected to the internet= (+) ungenile ngoku kwi-intanethi.
English
Translation
You are now connected to the Internet.
(+) Ngoku uqhagamsheleke kwi-intanethi.
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Localization Guidelines
This section contains guidelines for localization into IsiXhosa.
General Considerations
Abbreviations
Common Abbreviations
You might need to abbreviate some words in the UI (mainly buttons or options names) due to lack of space. This
can be done in the following ways:
It should be noted that isiXhosa does not frequently use abbreviations and acronyms and consequently there are
very few abbreviations and no acronyms found in isiXhosa. In most cases, isiXhosa applies English abbreviations
as in the following examples: i-XNLU (isiXhosa National Language Body), i-ANC (African National Congress).
The few common abbreviations in isiXhosa include the following examples:
njl. (njalonjalo meaning and so on),
okt. (oko kukuthi meaning that is).
The Greater Dictionary of IsiXhosa, Vol 3, (pages xxiv – xxv) contains a list of abbreviations. Although these
abbreviations were created for purposes of the dictionary, they are widely accepted and are used in any relevant
context.
The following table lists common isiXhosa expressions and their associated, acceptable abbreviations.
Expression
Acceptable Abbreviation
Mnumzana
(+) Mnu.
Umzekelo (for example)
(+) umz.
Njalonjalo (and so on)
(+) njl.
Oko kukuthi (that is)
(+) okt.
Njingalwazi (Professor)
(+) Njing.
Gqirha (Doctor)
(+) Gqir.
Nkosikazi (Mesdames)
(+) Nksk
33
Nkosazana (Mistress)
(+) Nksz
Mnumzana (Mister)
(+) Mnu
Use the common abbreviations listed in this section, but avoid extensive use of abbreviations. Do not abbreviate
such words as “and,” “or,” “something,” “someone,” or any other word that users might not recognize. If you have
any doubt, spell out the word rather than using an abbreviation.
Accessibility
Microsoft provides people with disabilities (single-handed or with hearing or motion disabilities) with more
accessible products and services. These may not be available in IsiXhosa. Please check with your Microsoft
contact and remove these references from IsiXhosa text if necessary.
Acronyms
Acronyms are words made up of the initial letters of major parts of a compound term. Some well-known examples
are WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get), OLE (Object Linking and Embedding), or RAM (Random
Access Memory).
The term acronym refers to words that are made up of the initial letters of the major parts of a compound term if
they are pronounced as a new word. Some well-known examples of acronyms are WYSIWYG (What You See Is
What You Get), OLE (Object Linking and Embedding), or RAM (Random Access Memory).
Caution: Do not include a generic term after an acronym or abbreviation if one of the letters in the acronym
stands for that term. Even though this might occur in the US-English version, it should be “corrected” in the
localized version. The following examples show the redundancy in red for English terms.
English terms
Incorrect translation of isiXhosa
Correct translation of isiXhosa
(-) RPC call
(-) Umnxeba we-RPC
(+) I-RPC
(-) HTML language
(-) Ulwimi lwe-HTML
(+) I-HTML
(-) TCP/IP-Protocol
(-) IProtokhol ye-TCP/IP
(+) I-TCP/IP
(-) PIN Number
(-) Inani le-PIN
(+) I-PIN
Localized Acronyms
In online help or documentation, spell out the words that comprise an acronym or abbreviation the first time that
acronym is used in the text. You should include the language-specific translation, the US term, and the acronym
as in the following example:
1. I-Dat Access Objects (i-DAO) (Data Access Objects, DAO)
2. I-ActiveXData Objects (i-ADO) (ActiveX Data Objects, ADO)
34
In the above examples, isiXhosa follows the English pattern with the prefix i- and a hyphen in the acronym. Note
that the hyphen is necessary to avoid confusion and to indicate the English term in the context of isiXhosa. In
other words, it indicates that the prefix i- is not part of the English word.
In the user interface, there is usually not enough space for all three terms (US term, language-specific translation,
and the acronym); only in wizards, the acronym can easily be spelled out and localized on first mention. If there
are space constraints or there is no 'first' occurrence, it is up to you to judge to the best of your knowledge
whether the acronym or abbreviation can be left as is or should be spelled out and localized.
You should also consider that different users will have different levels of knowledge about a product. For example,
an Italian Exchange user will understand “DL,” but the average Italian Windows user might not understand “DL”
and would need to see “lista di distribuzione” (distribution list) instead. Try to be consistent within a product with
your use of acronyms and initializations.
Unlocalized Acronyms
Many abbreviations and acronyms are standardized and remain untranslated. They are only followed by their full
spelling, including their relevant prefixes, in isiXhosa if the acronym needs to be explained to the speakers of a
different language. In other cases, where the acronym is rather common, adding the fully spelled-out form will
only confuse users. In these cases, the acronym can be used on its own.
The following list contains examples of acronyms and abbreviations that are considered commonly understood;
these acronyms and abbreviations should not be localized or spelled out in full in isiXhosa:
1. ANSI (American National Standards Institute)
2. ISO (International Standards Organization)
3. ISDN
4. DOS
5. DSL
6. CD
7. DVD
The initial prefix i- must precede these acronyms and abbreviations to make them fit in the context of isiXhosa. If
you are unsure what an acronym or abbreviation stands for or refers to, please contact the Moderator responsible
for this Style Guide.
Applications, Products, and Features
Application/product names are often trademarked or may be trademarked in the future and are therefore rarely
translated. Occasionally, feature names are trademarked, too (e.g. IntelliSense™). Before translating any
application, product, or feature name, please verify that it is in fact translatable and not protected in any way.
35
Microsoft product names are usually trademarked and remain unlocalized. Product names and non-translated
feature names are considered proper nouns and are used without definite or indefinite articles in English. For
instance, attaching a genitive “s” to trademarked product names is not feasible as it could be interpreted as a
modification of such names. Additions to a product or component name are either added with a hyphen or a
periphrastic construction needs to be used. For example, instead of expressing a possessive relationship by using
the genitive marker “s” in English, a periphrastic construction should be used:
1. (-) Microsoft‟s products
2. (+) Microsoft products
3. (+) Products by Microsoft
Product names and non-translated feature names should also be treated as proper nouns in isiXhosa.
English example
IsiXhosa example
Windows Mail shares your Internet Connection
settings with Internet Explorer
(+) IWindows Mail yabelana neInternet Explorer
ngeesethings zeInternet Connection yakho
Website addresses will be sent to Microsoft
(+) Iiadresi zewebhusayithi ziya kuthunyelwa
kuMicrosoft
By contrast, translated feature names are used with a definite or indefinite article as they are not treated as proper
names.
English example
IsiXhosa example
Hide the Task Manager when it is minimized
(+) Tshonisa iTask Manager xa incitshisiwe
Check for updates in your installed Media Player's
language
(+) Khangela uhlaziyo kulwimi lweMedia Player
lwakho olufakelweyo
Note that although the two names, Task Manager and Media Player are translatable, it is preferred that they are,
in this context, not translated for purposes of clarity because the translated versions of these names will have a
potential of losing their meanings since they will be general.
Frequent Errors
This section does not apply to IsiXhosa.
Glossaries
You can find the translations of terms and UI elements of Microsoft products at Microsoft Language Portal
(http://www.microsoft.com/Language/en-US/Default.aspx).
36
Fictitious Information
Fictitious content is legally sensitive material and as such cannot be handled as a pure terminology or localization
issue. Below is some basic information and contact points when dealing with fictitious content:
Vendors and Localizers are not allowed to create their own fictitious names. You must either use the source
names or use the list of legally approved names.
Please contact your product team representative for further information on how to deal with fictitious companies,
names, addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, etc. in your product. For technical products, you may also
check with the product team representative whether localized fictitious content is required or not (e.g. Visual
Studio).
Recurring Patterns
This section does not apply to IsiXhosa.
Standardized Translations
There are a number of standardized translations mentioned in all sections of this Style Guide. In order to find
them more easily, the most relevant topics and sections are compiled here for you reference.
Verbs
Abbreviations
Acronyms
The importance of standardization
Standard Phrases in Error Messages
Error Messages Containing Placeholders
Titles
Copyright notice
Unlocalized Items
Trademarked names and the name Microsoft Corporation shouldn‟t be localized. A list of Microsoft trademarks is
available for your reference at the following location: http://www.microsoft.com/trademarks/t-mark/names.htm.
Using the Word Microsoft
In English, it is prohibited to use MS as an abbreviation for Microsoft. The general rule for IsiXhosa is that product
names are not translated if they include the word Microsoft and/or are trademarked (for example, Microsoft Draw
or Microsoft Graph). The Microsoft PM and/or Subsidiary should always be contacted for final approval before you
translate a product or component name.
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The terms “Microsoft,” “Windows,” and “Office” must always remain unlocalized; however, these terms may be
transliterated if you receive approval for the appropriate Microsoft PM and Subsidiary. Refer to the section of this
Style Guide that discusses trademarks for the complete list of product and component names that must remain in
English. Ensure that you apply the chosen product terminology consistently throughout your translation of a set of
content or an interface.
English text
IsiXhosa translation
Microsoft
(+) I-Microsoft
Microsoft Corporation
(+) I-Microsoft Corporation
Software Considerations
This section refers to all menus, menu items, commands, buttons, check boxes, etc., which should be consistently
translated in the localized product.
Refer to http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/aa511258.aspx for a detailed explanation of the Windows user interface
guidelines (English).
User Interface
Translating UI items can be a challenge at times, in part because you do not always know the context or the exact
function of a particular UI item. This topic is intended to give some general guidelines about UI references.
Always use all available resources to establish the context for UI items. When working with LocStudio EDBs,
these resources are the following columns: Instructions, Resource ID, String ID, and sometimes Previous Source
and Term Note. If you need more context for a string, contact your Engineering Partner.
Checkboxes and Radio Buttons
Typically, check boxes should be nouns or nominal phrases, or verbs or verbal phrases, care being taken to
include the appropriate linking formatives of isiXhosa.
In the texts for checkboxes and radio buttons, it is not typical to address the user directly. Using a personal
pronoun such as ”you,” “vous,” or “Sie,” in languages that use this form of address in checkbox or radio button
texts should, therefore, be a relatively rare choice.
Within an interface, a checkbox can be selected or deselected.
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In addition, a radio button which in isiXhosa should be nouns, verbs, or even adjectives and pronouns, as well as
the phrases based on these categories, can be selected or deselected; within a list, if one radio button is selected,
none of the other radio buttons can be selected.
Punctuation in the source text often indicates whether a string is to be interpreted as a full sentence, but
unfortunately this is not always the case. As a general rule, text in checkboxes and radio buttons receive no
period at the end. If the period is there in the source text and if the string is a complete sentence, the localized
string should also end with a period. A period is also advised if the target string is a complete and complex or long
sentence (full sentence with sub-clauses or stretching over several lines).
Examples :
English example
IsiXhosa example
I accept the license terms.
(+) Ndiyayamkela imiqathango yephepha-mvume.
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I accept this agreement.
(+) Ndiyasamkela esi sivumelwano.
Confirm file format conversion on open
(+) Qinisekisa uguqulo lobume befayile.
4. (-) Microsoft‟s products
5. (+) Microsoft products
6. (+) Products by Microsoft
Dialog Box Contents
When translating dialog box contents, you are expected to use consistent terminology and language style in all
dialog boxes and ensure that your translations are consistent with translations in other localized applications.
However, in isiXhosa, the condition of consistency with translations in other localized applications can only be
fulfilled if the level of accuracy in them is as high as is set for this particular product. Otherwise, there may be a
need for adaptation and upgrading of translations in other applications, for example, in relation to agreement,
correct idiom, simplicity and avoidance of literal translations.
Also, applications that are not currently localized may be localized in the future, and the same translations will be
used in those applications.
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Dialog box titles should be consistent with the menus items or menu commands that call them. Typically, menus
are verbs or nouns; therefore, dialog titles should be verbs and nouns. This pattern is usually observed in the
source text, and the source text format is decisive here. If the source text does use a headline format (“Doing
xyz”), the isiXhosa equivalent to this format should be used.
Also, the translator must ascertain if the title is meant to be a noun or a verb. If a verb, whether it is more fitting as
an infinitive or a command (an imperative verb), or a subjunctive sentence.
Example:
English example
IsiXhosa example
Insert Table
(+) Fakela itheyibhile
Use parallel language for dialog box elements that are parallel in function, such as the contents of lists and tables.
Ensure that all items are similar in form, and use the same part of speech. For example, translate all items in a list
within a dialog box using an infinitive verb, or translate them all as noun/gerund, or translate them all as
imperative verbs. Rely on the rules for isiXhosa to determine how best to translate the contents of dialog box
elements such as lists and tables.
Menus, Commands, Buttons, and Other Interface Text
When translating menus, commands, and buttons, you should translate a verb as a verb (infinitive or citation
form), and a noun as a noun unless there is a good reason not to do so. Always try to establish whether a word is
a noun or a verb, using all available context and material. Some words can be both nouns and verbs (such as
“View” in English interfaces), so be sure you know the context in which the word is being used in the interface. If
the part of speech is ambiguous, there are often instructions that clarify whether you are dealing with a noun,
verb, or adjective in a given context.
English example
IsiXhosa example
Archive [noun]
(+) Uvimba wezindala (n)
Set [verb] Query [noun]
(+) Faka(v) umbuzo(n)
View [verb]
(+) Jonga(v)
Messages
Status Messages
What is a Status Bar Message?
A status bar message is an informational message about the active document or a selected command as well as
about any active or selected interface item. Messages are shown in the status bar at the bottom of the window
when the user has chosen a menu, a command or any other item, or has started a function. The status bar
messages refer to actions being performed or already complete (for example in Outlook below).
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Messages reporting that a process is executing usually use a verb in the “-ing” form plus three dots after the text.
In isiXhosa you should choose a verb tense and/or aspect that expresses the ongoing nature of the action and in
this case the verb will be in the present continuous tense with an accurate concordial agreement.
Difficulties can arise if this convention is not kept in the US text and the status or progress message is not
immediately recognizable as such (although sometimes the Resource ID will tell). The standard syntax should be
applied to status bar messages wherever possible.
Examples:
English example
IsiXhosa example
Scanning files...
(+) Ikhangela iifayile…
Opening message…
(+) Ivula umyalezo…
IsiXhosa Style in Status bar Messages
In English, the status bar messages have different forms dependent on the information they must convey. In
IsiXhosa, menu and commands status bar messages should follow the format below.
Name
IsiXhosaName
Category
English Status Bar
message
IsiXhosa Status Bar
message
Edit
(+) Hlela
menu
Contains editing commands
(+) imenyu
Copy to
Folder...
(+) Kopela kwiFolda
menu
Copies the selected items to
a new location
(+) Ikhuphela izinto
ezikhethiweyo kwindawo
entsha
New
(+) -Ntsha
command
Creates a new document
(+) Yila uxwebhu olutsha
Make object visible?
(+) Yenze into ibonakale
Word is converting the
document. Press Esc to
stop.
(+) IWord iguqula
uxwebhu. Cofa uBaleka
ukuze uyeke.
Datasheet View
(+) Ukubona iphepha
lengcombolo
Done
(+) Yenziwe
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The importance of standardization
In the US product you can often find messages that are phrased differently even though they have the same
meaning. Try to avoid this in the localized IsiXhosa version. Use one standard translation as in the examples
below:
English term
Correct IsiXhosa translation
Press F1 to get Help
(+) Cinezela u-F1 ukufumana u-Nceda
If you want Help press F1
To get Help press F1
Not enough memory
(+) Akukho sithuba saneleyo
Insufficient memory
There is not enough memory
Save changes to %1?
(+) Ufuna ukugcina iinguqu kwi-%1?
Do you want to save changes to %1?
Error Messages
What Is An Error Message?
Here is an example:
Error messages are messages sent by the system or a program, informing the user that there is an error that
must be corrected in order for the program to keep running. For example, the messages can prompt the user to
take an action or inform the user of an error that requires rebooting the computer.
IsiXhosa Style in Error Messages
It is important to use consistent terminology and language style in the localized error messages, and not just
translate as they appear in the US product. New localizers frequently ask for help with error messages. The main
principles for translation are clarity, comprehensibility, and consistency.
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Standard Phrases in Error Messages
When translating standard phrases, standardize. Note that sometimes the US uses different forms to express the
same thing.
Examples:
English
Translation
Example
Comment
Cannot …
(+) Awunako
(+) Awunako ukucima
It is not easy for Xhosa
to just translate such
single terms as they can
refer to either a person
or thing. As such – in
most cases translation
refers to a person, and
that could be wrong.
(+) Akuphumelela uku-
(+) Akuphumelela
ukucima
See the comment
above
(+) Akunako ukufumana
(+) Akunako ukufumana
into
See the comment above
(+) Imemori ayanelanga
(+) Imemori
yekhompyutha yakho
ayanelanga
See the comment
above
(+) … ayikho
(+) i-intanethi ayikho
See the comment
above
Could not …
Failed to …
Failure of …
Cannot find …
Could not find …
Unable to find …
Unable to locate …
Not enough memory
Insufficient memory
There is not enough memory
There is not enough memory
available
... is not available
... is unavailable
Error Messages Containing Placeholders
When localizing error messages containing placeholders, try to find out what will replace the placeholder. This is
necessary for the sentence to be grammatically correct when the placeholder is replaced with a word or
phrase.Note that the letters used in placeholders convey a specific meaning, see examples below:
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%d, %ld, %u, and %lu means n/a
%c means n/a
%s means n/a
Examples of error messages containing placeholders:
"Checking Web %1!d! of %2!d!" means "Checking Web n/a
"INI file "%1!-.200s!" section" means "INI file n/a
When localizing error messages containing placeholders, find out what text will replace the placeholder when the
user sees the error message. This process is necessary because you must ensure the resulting sentence will be
grammatically correct when the placeholder is replaced with a word or phrase. Most source strings have
instructions that detail what text will replace the placeholder.
In the English source string, placeholders are found in the position where they would naturally occur in that
language. Since in English numerals typically precede the noun, the numeral placeholders typically precede the
noun in the source strings. If the numeral follows the noun it modifies in isiXhosa, you have to move the
placeholder after the noun. See the examples from Yoruba below
English examples
Yoruba examples
in %d days
n
%d minutes
s j 30
w n j
d
The letters and symbols used in placeholder text convey a specific meaning. Please refer to the following table for
examples of placeholder text and corresponding error message text that users will see.
Placeholder text
Error message text that users will see
%d, %ld, %u, and %lu
Number (such as 3 or 512)
%c
Letter (such as “f” or “s”)
%s
String (such as “Click here to continue.”)
“Checking Web
1!d! of
2!d!”
“INI file " 1!-.200s!" section”
“Checking Web <number> of <number>”
“INI file "<string>" section”
English example
Message User will see
IsiXhosa example
Replace invalid %s?
Replace invalid data?
(+) Kufakwe i-%s engasebenziyo?
Replace invalid file?
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%s already exists
File already exists
(+) I-%s sele ikho.
Name already exists
%s is now set as your personal
contact.
Regina is now set as your
personal contact
(+) I-%s ngoku ibekwe njengomntu
oya kunxibelelana naye.
Mr. Kim is now set as your
personal contact
%s stopped working and was
closed
The application stopped working
and was closed
(+) I-%s iyekile ukusebenza yaze
yavalwa.
The program stopped working
and was closed
Please see more information about Plural in Strings with a Variable for Windows Live here.
Keys
The keyboard is the primary input device used for text input in Microsoft Windows. For accessibility and efficiency,
most actions can be performed using the keyboard as well. While working with Microsoft software, you use keys,
key combinations and key sequences.
In English, References to key names, like arrow keys, function keys and numeric keys, appear in normal text (not
in small caps). n/a
Access Keys/Hot keys
Sometimes, there are underlined or highlighted letters in menu options, commands or dialog boxes. These letters
refer to access keys (also known as hot keys) that allow you to run commands, perform tasks, etc. more quickly.
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Hot Key Special Options
Usage: Is It Allowed?
Notes
"Slim characters", such as I, l, t, r, f
can be used as hot key
yes
IsiXhosa adopts English versions.
Characters with downstrokes, such
as g, j, y, p and q can be used as
hotkeys
yes
IsiXhosa adopts English versions.
Extended characters can be used as
hotkeys
yes
IsiXhosa adopts English versions.
An additional letter, appearing
between brackets after item name,
can be used as hotkeys
yes
IsiXhosa adopts English versions.
A number, appearing between
brackets after item name, can be
used as hotkey
yes
IsiXhosa adopts English versions.
A punctuation sign, appearing
between brackets after item name,
can be used as hotkey
yes
IsiXhosa adopts English versions.
Duplicate hotkeys are allowed when
no other character is available
yes
IsiXhosa adopts English versions.
No hotkey is assigned when no more
characters are available (minor
options only)
yes
IsiXhosa adopts English versions.
Additional notes: n/a
Arrow Keys
The arrow keys move input focus among the controls within a group. Pressing the right arrow key moves input
focus to the next control in tab order, whereas pressing the left arrow moves input focus to the previous control.
Home, End, Up, and Down also have their expected behavior within a group. Users can't navigate out of a control
group using arrow keys.
Numeric Keypad
It is recommended that you avoid distinguishing numeric keypad keys from the other keys, unless it is required by
a given application. In case which keys to be pressed is not obvious, provide necessary explanations.
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Shortcut Keys
Shortcut keys are keystrokes or combinations of keystrokes used to perform defined functions in a software
application. Shortcut keys replace menu commands and they are sometimes given next to the command they
represent. In opposition to the access keys, which can be used only when available on the screen, shortcut keys
can be used even when they are not accessible on the screen.
Standard Shortcut Keys
US
Command
US English
Shortcut Key
IsiXhosa
Command
IsiXhosa
Shortcut key
General Windows Shortcut keys
Help window
F1
n/a
F1
Context-sensitive
Help
Shift+F1
n/a
Shift+F1
Display pop-up menu
Shift+F10
Bonisa imenyu yezizivelelayo
Shift+F10
Cancel
Esc
Rhoxisa
Esc
Activate\Deactivate
menu bar mode
F10
Chukumisa/Sukuyichukumisa
imowudi yebha yemenyu
F10
Switch to the next
primary application
Alt+Tab
Tshintshela kusetyenziso
lokuqala olulandelayo
Alt+Tab
Display next window
Alt+Esc
Bonisa ifestile elandelayo
Alt+Esc
Display pop-up menu
for the window
Alt+Spacebar
Bonisa imenyu yezizivelelayo
ukwenzela ifestile
Alt+Spacebar
Display pop-up menu
for the active child
window
Alt+-
Bonisa imenyu yezizivelelayo
ukwenzela ifestile yomntwana
osebenzayo
Alt+-
Display property sheet
for current selection
Alt+Enter
Bonisa ikhasi lepropati
ukwenzela okukhethiweyo
Alt+Enter
Close active
application window
Alt+F4
Vala ifestile esebenzayo
Alt+F4
Switch to next window
within (modelesscompliant) application
Alt+F6
Tshintshela kwifestile elandelayo
(uthotyelo olungenamowudi)
kusetyenziso
Alt+F6
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Capture active
window image to the
Clipboard
Alt+PrntScrn
Thatha umfanekiso wefestile
esebenzayo kwiKliphbhodi
Alt+PrntScrn
Capture desktop
image to the
Clipboard
PrntScrn
Thatha umfanekiso wedesktophu
kwiKliphbhodi
PrntScrn
Access Start button in
taskbar
Ctrl+Esc
Fikelela kwiqhosha u-Qalisa
kwithaskhbha
Ctrl+Esc
Display next child
window
Ctrl+F6
Bonisa ifestile yomntwana
elandelayo
Ctrl+F6
Display next tabbed
pane
Ctrl+Tab
Bonisa i-tabbed pane elandelayo
Ctrl+Tab
Launch Task Manager
and system
initialization
Ctrl+Shift+Esc
Qala uMphathi womSebenzi
noqalo lwesistimu
Ctrl+Shift+Esc
File Menu
File New
Ctrl+N
IFayili eNtsha
Ctrl+N
File Open
Ctrl+O
UkuVula iFayili
Ctrl+O
File Close
Ctrl+F4
UkuVala iFayili
Ctrl+F4
File Save
Ctrl+S
UkuGcina iFayili
Ctrl+S
File Save as
F12
UkuGcina iFayili njenge
F12
File Print Preview
Ctrl+F2
Imbonakalo yangaphambili
yokuPrinta iFayili
Ctrl+Z
File Print
Ctrl+P
UkuPrinta iFayili
Ctrl+P
File Exit
Alt+F4
UkuPhuma kwiFayili
Alt+F4
Edit Menu
Edit Undo
Ctrl+Z
Hlela ukucima okwenzekileyo
Ctrl+Z
Edit Repeat
Ctrl+Y
Hlela uPhinda
Ctrl+Y
Edit Cut
Ctrl+X
Hlela uSika
Ctrl+X
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Edit Copy
Ctrl+C
Hlela uKopa
Ctrl+C
Edit Paste
Ctrl+V
Hlela uNcamathisela
Ctrl+V
Edit Delete
Ctrl+Backspace
Hlela uCima
Ctrl+Backspace
Edit Select All
Ctrl+A
Hlela uKhetha Konke
Ctrl+A
Edit Find
Ctrl+F
Hlela uFumana
Ctrl+F
Edit Replace
Ctrl+H
Hlela uFaka endaweni yenye
Ctrl+H
Edit Go To
Ctrl+B
Hlela uYiya ku
Ctrl+B
Help Menu
Help
F1
Nceda
F1
Font Format
Italic
Ctrl+I
Kekeleyo
Ctrl+I
Bold
Ctrl+G
Ngqindilili
Ctrl+G
Underlined\Word
underline
Ctrl+U
Krwelela umgca ngaphantsi
Ctrl+U
Large caps
Ctrl+Shift+A
Oonobumba abaKhulu
Ctrl+Shift+A
Small caps
Ctrl+Shift+K
Oonobumba abaNcinci
Ctrl+Shift+K
Paragraph Format
Centered
Ctrl+E
Embindini
Ctrl+E
Left aligned
Ctrl+L
Iteskti ibhekisa ekhohlo
Ctrl+L
Right aligned
Ctrl+R
Iteskti ibhekisa ekunene
Ctrl+R
Justified
Ctrl+J
Ngqamanisiwe
Ctrl+J
Document Translation Considerations
Document localization may require some specific considerations that are different from software localization. This
section covers a few of these areas.
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Titles
In English the titles for chapters usually begin with "How to …" or with phrases such as "Working with …" or
"Using …". Titles should convey as much information as possible about the ensuing text to help readers locate
information quickly. If in English the heading begins with a gerund, try to use a nominalized form in isiXhosa.
English example
IsiXhosa example
Sending a file
(+) Ukuthumela ifayile
Using Styles
(+) Ukusebenzisa iindlela ezithile
Whenever possible, headings of lists and tables should consist of one or two words, preferably active nouns.
They should be concise, even if the original heading uses a longer phrase.
US heading
IsiXhosa heading
In order to
(+) Khona ukuze
Do this
(+) Yenza oku
How to use
(+) Indlela yokusebenzisa
First do this
(+) Qala wenze oku
Then do this
(+) Ukuze wenze oku
How to:
(+) Indlela yoku-:
Walkthrough
(+) Yihla nayo
Copyright
Copyright protection is granted to any original work of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression from
which it can be perceived, reproduced, or communicated.
The following translations must be used:
English text
IsiXhosa translation
Copyright
(+) Ilungelo lombhali
All rights reserved
(+) Onke amalungelo akhuselwe
Microsoft Corporation
(+) IMicrosoft Corporation
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