Introduction
************
This manual is still in _DRAFT_ state. Some sections are still
empty, or almost. We keep merging material from other sources
(essentially e-mail folders) while the proper integration of this
material is delayed.
In this manual, we use _he_ when speaking of the programmer or
maintainer, _she_ when speaking of the translator, and _they_ when
speaking of the installers or end users of the translated program.
This is only a convenience for clarifying the documentation. It is
_absolutely_ not meant to imply that some roles are more appropriate to
males or females. Besides, as you might guess, GNU `gettext' is meant
to be useful for people using computers, whatever their sex, race,
religion or nationality!
This chapter explains the goals sought in the creation of GNU
`gettext' and the free Translation Project. Then, it explains a few
broad concepts around Native Language Support, and positions message
translation with regard to other aspects of national and cultural
variance, as they apply to to programs. It also surveys those files
used to convey the translations. It explains how the various tools
interact in the initial generation of these files, and later, how the
maintenance cycle should usually operate.
Please send suggestions and corrections to:
Internet address:
bug-gnu-utils@gnu.org
Please include the manual's edition number and update date in your
messages.