Localization and writing for a new medium: a review of digital style guides

Abstract

Over the last two decades, an increasing number of publications have described the differences between print and screen writing, both from prescriptive and empirical perspectives. These recommendations are of paramount importance to localizers, as the ability to adjust their writing style to different mediums, genres and communicative situations is one of the essential skills these professionals should acquire. This paper offers a review of recommendations in web and software writing style guides in order to provide a concise summary for localization professionals and trainees. The overview encompasses guidelines from language, localization type, company-specific style guides, and usability publications.