Interoperability between translation memories and localization tools by using the MultiLingual Information Framework

Abstract. The scope of research and development in the localization and translation memory process development is huge. Several formats have been developed witch are of specific interest for localization and translation, such as XLIFF and TMX. The associated software industry has thus developed several well-known tools committed to these formats: TRADOS, SDLX, DEJAVU, etc. When we closely examine these formats, we find that they have many overlapping features. They work well in the specific field they are designed for, but they lack the synergy that would make them interoperable when using one type of information in a slightly different context. The Multi Lingual Information Framework (MLIF) is being designed with the objective of providing a common conceptual model and a platform allowing interoperability among several translation and localization formats, and by extension, their committed tools. MLIF does not aim to substitute or compete with existing standards: MLIF should be considered as a common abstract high-level framework in which the overlapping features of several existing formats may be handled independently and separately. MLIF would save time and energy for different translation and localization groups and would provide synergy to work in collaboration. Moreover, MLIF is a way of opening the field of localization and translation at other communities (the multimedia community, for example) and, a way of finding there new outlets, actors or sources of innovation. 1