Re: [PATCH] Chinese translation of Documentation/HOWTO

[WANG Cong <xiyou.wangcong@gmail.com>]

On Fri, Jun 22, 2007 at 11:58:58AM +0800, Li Yang-r58472 wrote:
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Rob Landley [mailto:rob@landley.net]
>> Sent: Friday, June 22, 2007 10:49 AM
>> 
>> On Thursday 21 June 2007 10:40:17 Li Yang wrote:
>> > This is a Chinese translated version of Documentation/HOWTO.
>Currently
>> > Chinese involvement in Linux kernel is very low, especially
>comparing to
>> > its largest population base.  Language could be the main obstacle.
>Hope
>> > this document will help more Chinese to contribute to Linux kernel.
>> 
>> I'm putting together a kernel documentation directory at
>http://kernel.org/doc
>> and I could easily add translations in there.  I just don't know if
>this is a
>> good idea.
>> 
>> The problem is, the submission of patches happens on the various
>kernel.org
>> mailing lists, which are all in English.  Kernel development is done
>in a
>> single common language: English.  (If you'd like to argue for it to be
>done
>> in another language, please make the proposal in Linus's native
>Swedish.)
>> 
>> Setting aside for the moment version skew and coverage issues when
>translating
>> Documentation, which aren't really serious blocking issues, my
>question is
>> this:  If developers aren't fluent enough with English to follow the
>> documentation, how can they follow any of the technical discussions
>necessary
>> to merge their patches back into the mainstream kernel?  Doesn't this
>> encourage the creation of patches that can't easily be merged back
>into the
>> kernel?
>
>So as I argued in a previous email, non-native English speakers tend to
>be more confused by the policies and processes.  I also don't think it's
>necessary to translate the technical documents.  To be a software
>developer, one has to be educated or experienced in technical terms.
>Technical discussion can be done without too much requirement to grammar
>and emotional expressing.  The translated document of policies and
>processes will help these people to understand the process better and go
>smoother in the process.
>

Yes, I agree.

Many people from China are trying to contribute to Linux kernel (like me),
a Chinese document which describes and explains the non-technical things
needed by Linux kernel will help them _much_ to join the development soon.
Also, IMO, a translation shows Linux kernel is friendly and open to
people from all over the world.

Regards!


WANG Cong

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