Multilingual guidance
Translation principles
Approach Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo and Nigerian Pidgin as first-class product languages — translated for meaning, reviewed by speakers, tested with users.
Principles#
1. Source text must be plain first#
Idioms, jokes and corporate English fail in translation. Fix the English with plain language before translating. This reduces translation cost and error.
2. Use professional speakers, review with users#
Ensure you test translations with actual speakers before you publish.
3. Pidgin is a full language#
Nigerian Pidgin reaches across regions and literacy levels. Treat it with the same rigour as other Nigerian languages.
4. Plan for expansion#
Design buttons and layouts for +35% text length, and never truncate a warning to fit.
Related guidance#
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