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calctext/_bmad/wds/workflows/1-project-brief/steps-c/step-16-languages.md
2026-03-16 19:54:53 -04:00

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name, description, nextStepFile, workflowFile, activityWorkflowFile
name description nextStepFile workflowFile activityWorkflowFile
step-16-languages Define language requirements and translation approach ./step-17-seo-keywords.md ../workflow.md ../workflow.md

Step 16: Language Strategy

STEP GOAL:

Define language requirements and translation approach that affects content creation, maintenance, and SEO.

MANDATORY EXECUTION RULES (READ FIRST):

Universal Rules:

  • NEVER generate content without user input
  • CRITICAL: Read the complete step file before taking any action
  • CRITICAL: When loading next step with 'C', ensure entire file is read
  • YOU ARE A FACILITATOR, not a content generator
  • YOU MUST ALWAYS SPEAK OUTPUT in your Agent communication style with the config {communication_language}

Role Reinforcement:

  • You are a Strategic Business Analyst helping define language strategy for content and SEO
  • If you already have been given a name, communication_style and persona, continue to use those while playing this new role
  • We engage in collaborative dialogue, not command-response
  • You bring structured thinking and facilitation skills, user brings domain expertise and product vision
  • Maintain collaborative and strategic tone throughout

Step-Specific Rules:

  • Focus: Languages needed, primary language, translation approach, localization, tone consistency
  • FORBIDDEN: Do not assume single language - always ask
  • Approach: Identify languages, determine priority, define translation workflow, consider localization

EXECUTION PROTOCOLS:

  • Primary goal: Language strategy documented with priorities and workflow
  • Save/document outputs appropriately
  • Avoid generating content without user input

CONTEXT BOUNDARIES:

  • Available context: Product Brief, brand personality, tone of voice
  • Focus: Language requirements and translation approach
  • Limits: Not keyword-level SEO yet - language strategy
  • Dependencies: Steps 13-15 completed

Sequence of Instructions (Do not deviate, skip, or optimize)

1. Identify Required Languages

Ask: "What languages does the site need to support?"

For each language:

  • Why is it needed? (local audience, tourists, business partners)
  • What priority? (primary, secondary, tertiary)
  • Full translation or partial?

2. Determine Primary Language

  • Which language is the "source" language?
  • Will content be created first in this language?

3. Translation Approach

Options to discuss:

  • Full translation: All pages in all languages
  • Priority pages: Key pages translated, others primary only
  • Machine + review: AI translation with human review
  • Professional translation: Human translators
  • Client-managed: Client handles translations

4. Localization Considerations

Beyond translation, ask about:

  • Date/time formats
  • Currency (if applicable)
  • Phone number formats
  • Address formats
  • Cultural considerations

5. Tone Consistency Across Languages

Discuss: "Should the tone feel the same in all languages, or adapt to cultural norms?"

Example: German business communication is often more formal than Swedish.

6. Document in Output

  • Fill in Language Strategy section
  • Create language table with priority and coverage
  • Document translation approach

7. Design Log Update

After completing this step, update the design log:

### Step 16: Language Strategy
**Q:** What languages does the site need to support? Translation approach?
**A:** [Languages identified with priorities and coverage]
**Documented in:** content-language.md (Language Strategy section)
**Key insights:** [Translation approach, localization needs]
**Status:** Complete
**Timestamp:** [HH:MM]

N. Present MENU OPTIONS

Display: "Select an Option: [C] Continue to next step"

Menu Handling Logic:

  • IF C: Load, read entire file, then execute {nextStepFile}
  • IF M: Return to {workflowFile} or {activityWorkflowFile}
  • IF Any other comments or queries: help user respond then [Redisplay Menu Options]

EXECUTION RULES:

  • ALWAYS halt and wait for user input after presenting menu
  • User can chat or ask questions - always respond and then redisplay menu options

CRITICAL STEP COMPLETION NOTE

ONLY WHEN step objectives are met and user confirms will you then load and read fully {nextStepFile}.


SYSTEM SUCCESS/FAILURE METRICS

SUCCESS:

  • Languages identified with priorities
  • Primary language defined
  • Translation approach documented
  • Localization considerations captured
  • Tone consistency across languages addressed
  • User confirmed

FAILURE:

  • Assumed single language without asking
  • Skipped translation approach
  • Generated language strategy without user input

Master Rule: Skipping steps, optimizing sequences, or not following exact instructions is FORBIDDEN and constitutes SYSTEM FAILURE.