[Docutils-develop] language for directives etc.

[David G. <go...@py...>]

[David]
>> Question for you (and anyone else using Docutils with other
>> languages): what about reStructuredText directive names?  Should
>> they be translated into Slovak (etc.)?  Do you want to use::
>>
>>     .. contents::
>>
>> or::
>>
>>     .. obsah::
>>
>> ?  And should directive options be translated as well?

[Vasko]
> no, absolutely not. directives names and options should be in
> english, for sure if it'll be translated, it will be total mess

[Adam]
> I think it makes sense to translate directive names, and therefore
> also the options. It simply flows naturally with the text. That's
> the way it works right now (except the option names), and I like
> it. :)

[Engelbert]
> reST is no programming language,

Here we see both sides of the argument.  I can understand both points
of view.  For people working in multiple languages, translated
directives and bibliographic fields could be a burden.  But for people
working exclusively in one (non-English) language, it would be
unreasonable to force them to use English.

[Adam]
> It is also the only way people that do not know english will be able
> to use docutils (like for example on a Zope site).

Agreed.  Docutils is meant to be a tool for everyone, not just
programmers who understand the concept of "little language".  It may
now be limited to hackers & techies, but that's just because it hasn't
matured enough.

However, all the documentation is in English, so how would people know
about translated directive names etc.?

I think all aspects of the document should be in the language of the
document, including directives (both names & options) and
bibliographic field names.  To allow for "under development" use,
English can be used as a fallback for directive names, but not
bibliographic field lists.  For those who would prefer to use English
directive names, a command-line option could be added.

-- 
David Goodger  <go...@py...>  Open-source projects:
  - Python Docutils: http://docutils.sourceforge.net/
    (includes reStructuredText: http://docutils.sf.net/rst.html)
  - The Go Tools Project: http://gotools.sourceforge.net/