Localisation v2.1

Do not translate mechanically. Preserve narrative function and character identity. A translation that conveys the literal words but loses the voice has failed, however accurate it is.

What to preserve

Character voice and register, narrative tone and Style DNA, canonical names and terminology, invented world terms and their internal consistency, humour, irony, tension, emotional intent, rhythm, and meaningful cultural context.

Preserve function over literal wording. If a joke depends on a cultural reference that does not transfer, the choice is to adapt the reference, replace the joke with one that carries the same intent, or cut it — and to record which was chosen. Do not carry a broken reference across.

Glossary

glossary/GLOSSARY.md is the authoritative record of canonical names, ranks, places, invented terms, ambiguous terms, and approved translations. Update it as terms are settled, not afterwards.

Terminology

Treat the Novel Bible glossary as canonical. Canonical names, ranks, techniques, places, and invented terms must be consistent and must not drift between chapters.

Flag ambiguous terminology rather than silently normalising it. A term that could be read two ways needs an author decision, because the two readings may support different plot.