How to Translate FreeBSD Documentation into Other Languages on FreeBSD Operating System

FreeBSD is a powerful and widely used Unix-like operating system known for its advanced networking, security, and storage features. To make its extensive documentation accessible to a broader audience, FreeBSD encourages translation efforts. This guide will walk you through the process of translating FreeBSD documentation into other languages, covering the necessary tools, workflow, and best practices.

Why Translate FreeBSD Documentation?

Translating FreeBSD documentation is crucial for making the operating system more accessible to users worldwide. The primary benefits include:

1. Broader User Base: Non-English speakers can understand and utilize FreeBSD more effectively.
2. Increased Contribution: A well-documented system in multiple languages encourages more users to contribute to the FreeBSD project.
3. Enhanced Learning: Users who are not fluent in English can access high-quality technical materials in their native language.

Understanding FreeBSD Documentation Structure

Before starting the translation process, it’s important to understand how FreeBSD documentation is structured. FreeBSD documentation includes:

• Handbook: A comprehensive guide covering installation, configuration, and usage.
• FAQ: Answers to commonly asked questions.
• Manual Pages (Man Pages): Detailed reference documentation for FreeBSD commands and system calls.
• Website Content: Informational pages on FreeBSD.org.

All documentation is maintained in a Git repository and written in AsciiDoc or Markdown format.

Setting Up Your FreeBSD Translation Environment

1. Install Required Tools

To start translating, you need to install a few essential tools on your FreeBSD system:

pkg install git gettext po4a asciidoc

• git: Version control system for managing documentation files.
• gettext: Used for handling translation files.
• po4a: Converts documentation to translation-friendly formats.
• asciidoc: Processes AsciiDoc files used in FreeBSD documentation.

2. Clone the FreeBSD Documentation Repository

FreeBSD documentation is stored in a Git repository. Clone it using:

git clone https://git.FreeBSD.org/doc.git
cd doc

3. Create a New Translation Directory

Each language has its own directory under doc/ following ISO 639-1 language codes. For example, translations for Spanish would be stored in doc/es/.

Create a new directory if it doesn’t exist:

mkdir -p documentation/content/es/

Translation Workflow

1. Identify Files to Translate

The primary documentation files are found in documentation/content/en/. You will be translating these into your target language.

Example:

cd documentation/content/en/books/handbook/
ls

Choose a file (e.g., install.adoc) and create a copy in the corresponding language directory:

cp install.adoc ../../es/books/handbook/

2. Use po4a to Manage Translations

The po4a tool helps convert AsciiDoc files into .po (Portable Object) files, which are easier to translate.

Extract Strings for Translation

Run:

po4a-gettextize -f asciidoc -m install.adoc -p install.po

This creates a .po file containing all translatable strings.

Translate the .po File

Use any text editor or a specialized PO editor like poedit to translate the file.

pkg install poedit
poedit install.po

Alternatively, edit the file manually:

vi install.po

Replace English strings with the translated text while keeping the format intact.

Convert Back to AsciiDoc

Once translated, generate the final document:

po4a-translate -f asciidoc -m install.adoc -p install.po -l ../../es/books/handbook/install.adoc

3. Proofread and Validate

Before submitting, ensure that the translation is accurate and follows the correct format.

Check syntax using:

asciidoc -b html5 ../../es/books/handbook/install.adoc

If no errors appear, review the generated HTML to ensure correct rendering.

4. Commit and Submit Translations

Once satisfied, commit your changes and push them to the FreeBSD repository.

Configure Git

Set up Git if you haven’t already:

git config --global user.name "Your Name"
git config --global user.email "your@email.com"

Add and Commit Changes

git add ../../es/books/handbook/install.adoc

git commit -m "Translated install.adoc to Spanish"

Push to Your Fork

If contributing via GitHub or FreeBSD’s GitLab, push changes to your fork and create a merge request.

git push origin main

Then, create a pull request for review.

Best Practices for Translating FreeBSD Documentation

1. Maintain Technical Accuracy

Ensure translations accurately reflect the technical content without altering meaning.

2. Use Consistent Terminology

Refer to existing FreeBSD glossaries and previous translations to maintain consistency.

3. Follow Formatting Guidelines

Keep the structure of translated documents identical to the original to prevent formatting errors.

4. Collaborate with Other Translators

Join FreeBSD translation teams on platforms like the FreeBSD mailing lists and IRC to get support and feedback.

5. Regularly Update Translations

FreeBSD documentation evolves, so periodically review and update translations to reflect changes.

Resources for FreeBSD Translators

• FreeBSD Documentation Project: https://docs.freebsd.org
• FreeBSD Translations Mailing List: https://lists.freebsd.org
• PO Format Guide: https://www.gnu.org/software/gettext/manual/gettext.html

Conclusion

Translating FreeBSD documentation is a valuable way to contribute to the FreeBSD community and make the operating system more accessible. By following this guide, you can efficiently translate documentation, ensure quality, and contribute to the FreeBSD project. Whether you’re an experienced translator or new to the process, your efforts help improve FreeBSD for users around the world.