If you have a Russian-language website built on the Drupal CMS and plan to launch localized versions in English and Chinese, we`ll cover one of the most important steps in detail: exporting content for translation, taking into account the specifics of online stores based on Ubercart and Drupal Commerce.
The initial task is as follows: there is an existing Russian-language website using Drupal as a CMS. The goal is to create complete and functional versions of it in English and Chinese. This applies not only to static pages ("About Us," "Contacts"), but also to all user-generated content, including news, articles, and products for online stores.
Key Stages of Website Localization
The localization process can be broken down into four key stages:
Content Export: Exporting all text from the website into a format that`s easy to work with.
Content Translation: Translators work directly with the exported data.
Template and structure setup: Preparing Drupal for multiple languages, checking and adapting the layout (e.g., for Chinese characters or text spelling).
Content import: Uploading completed translations back into the system and publishing them.
Content export
Content export is the foundation for translators` efficiency. It`s best to export data in structured formats such as JSON or an Excel spreadsheet (.xlsx/.csv). Excel is convenient for translators unfamiliar with technical details. You can create a table with columns: `ID`, `Russian text`, `English translation`, `Chinese translation`. This is visual and allows for easy progress tracking. JSON is well suited for programmatic processing. It`s a structured format suitable for automated import/export.
Export methods in Drupal:
Using the Views + Views Data Export module
Install the Views module (usually already installed) and the Views Data Export module.
Create a new View with the "Data export" display type. Configure filters to select the desired content types (nodes, terms, products).
Add the required fields for export: Title, Body Text, Tags, Product Attributes, etc.
In the export settings, select the output format: JSON or XLSX.
Execute the export. You will receive a file with all the content, ready for transfer to the translator.
For online stores (Ubercart / Commerce), in addition to the standard content, you need to export products.
Drupal Commerce: The Commerce Migration module provides tools for migrating and exporting product, order, and customer data.
Ubercart: The Feeds module or the same Views Data Export module are excellent for exporting products. You can create a separate view specifically for product entities.
Using the TMGMT (Translation Management Tool) module
This solution for managing translations directly within Drupal.
Final Stage of Website Proofreading
Once the content has been translated, proofreading and adaptation by a native speaker is necessary. Machine translation or translation by a non-native speaker often contains grammatical errors from Russian, unnatural turns of phrase, and semantic errors, especially for Chinese. In addition to grammar, the native speaker must consider the cultural specifics of the target audience`s region. Product names and slogans often require creative translation rather than literal translation. A native speaker should also test the finished website live after import to ensure it displays correctly and is easy to navigate.
