This document indicates how you can translate Discus 4.x into your language. By translating the files that are listed here, you will produce a board whose user interface is translated into your native language. In addition, we provide instructions here on how you can send your translation to DiscusWare so that it can be shared with users throughout the world.

1. Language files: Three language files contain words, phrases, and sentences that appear in various places in the user interface. General instructions for the customization of each of these files can be found within the files themselves. The following three files must be translated to have the user interface translated into your language:

   • language.conf
   • language_pro.conf
   • lang40.conf
   • lang41.conf (Discus 4.1 only)

2. Documentation files: Several documentation files, such as the "getting started" instructions, formatting instructions, and program credits, are commonly used within the Discus user interface. These files are all found within the "ui" subdirectory of the "template" directory.

   • bd-about.tmpl (program credits)
   • bd-formt.tmpl (formatting instructions)
   • bd-help.tmpl (main help screen)
   • bd-instr.tmpl (getting started instructions)
   • bd-menu.tmpl (main menu in framed installations)
   • bd-trble.tmpl (troubleshooting instructions)
   • bd-warn.tmpl (right frame of administration access screen)

3. Character conversion file: For some languages, especially those that do not use the latin character set (e.g., Asian languages), it is necessary to disable certain character conversions. Discus is programmed to convert certain non-English characters into their HTML equivalents. These conversions are stored by the charconvert.conf file. More documentation can be found in our charconvert.conf documentation.

4. Formatting tag file: Discus formatting tags are configured with the "webtags.conf" file. DiscusWare generally does not recommend editing or translating this file. However, the file can be translated if you wish. Be sure that your changes to webtags.conf are consistent with the changes you make in the formatting instructions.

1. Download Discus 4 from our site and install it on your site. It will be in English. Make sure that it works (you can post messages, etc.) on your site.

2. Translate the language.conf, language_pro.conf, and lang40.conf files. Translate lang41.conf if applicable. All dynamic user interface text should be in your language. Try searching for new messages or editing a user profile to see the results of your work.

3. At your convenience, in whatever order you want and at whatever time you want, you can translate the documentation files or the formatting tags file.

DiscusWare is pleased to receive and redistribute translations of Discus into various languages. To share a translation with DiscusWare, please observe the following:

• Add all of your translated files to a zip or tar archive.

  Use the "Contact Us" link at the upper right corner to let us know that you have a translation to share. We will e-mail you instructions to provide that translation to us.

• Where possible, do not deviate from the original meaning or formatting of the files. We will do our best to remove any site-specific language or formatting. However, if you intend to share your translation with us, it is best that you not add site-specific language and customization until after you've sent us the files.

• In the future, if you notice errors in the translation, please patch the file on your own site and then send us the revised file as indicated. Because DiscusWare does not speak your language, simply pointing out errors is generally not helpful for us to repair the problems.