Localize Your Open Source Documentation - A Kubernetes Case Study

Discover how to effectively localize open source documentation in this insightful talk from PyCon US. Learn from the Kubernetes project's successful scaling of localization efforts, going from zero to eleven localizations in just six months. Explore the key components of scalable localization, including tooling, workflows, standards for minimum viable documentation, and community conduct. Gain valuable insights into common mistakes to avoid, saving time and reducing stress for maintainers. Understand the long-term benefits of localization and how it can drive developer adoption by making documentation more accessible. Get specific recommendations for starting localization efforts in your own open source project, and learn about the importance of maintenance, establishing a canonical source language, and implementing proper tools and processes. Whether you're a documentation maintainer or an open source contributor, this talk provides practical guidance for making your project's documentation more inclusive and accessible to a global audience.

Intro
Localization requires maintenance. Choose your maintenance wisely.
Establish a canonical source language and branch.
Establish an MVD: minimum viable documentation
Script away common functions.
Use tools that support internationalization.
Who can approve root-level changes to configuration files?
Treat localization with the same trust as any release branch.
Document everything
Is localization worth it?