Localization of Ubuntu diagram editor Dia into Estonian
Name
Pille Pärn
Abstract
The globalization process of our world in constantly accelerating. Computers have become everyday utility instead of luxury goods. More and more people all over the world have access to computers. Competition among software developers is harsh and more attention is paid to details like localization, which may give an advantage
over others. But to localize software for a new language and culture is a difficult task.
In the scope of this bachelor’s thesis the Ubuntu package Dia and it’s manual were translated into Estonian. Dia is a flexible structured diagram editor, which makes the everyday work easier in many fields including software, chemical and electrical engineering. Using the basic, special and custom diagram objects it is possible to create diagrams of more than 30 different types. Thus the translated package should find more users also now that it is translated. Definite target group for Dia would be students and freelancers. In addition to translation the program went through another round of testing and found issues were reported.
This task was especially interesting challenge for me. It tested thoroughly my time planning skills, English and German language knowledge, the ability to analyze great amounts of data in a relatively short time frame and the skill to create a correct translation even with incomplete context. The initial fear that this task is not enough IT related dissolved quickly - not only language skills, but also IT and science knowledge were required for this task.
The result of this thesis is translated software, which will certainly add value also to Estobuntu users after Dia is added there. There is no certain agreement on this, but after the translation goes through further testing then I presume it will be added in the future releases also into Estobuntu. In addition to software also the manual was translated, which will ease the adoption for new users.
Graduation Thesis language
Estonian
Graduation Thesis type
Bachelor - Information Technology
Supervisor(s)
Neeme Kahusk
Defence year
2013