Supporting Different Languages
SNOMED CT is a multinational, multilingual terminology. It has a built-in framework to manage different languages and dialects. Today, SNOMED CT is available in US English, UK English and Spanish. Large-scale translations into Danish, French, Swedish, and several other languages are currently taking place. Many focused translations also exist in other lanugages. In addition, IHTSDO members are also planning to translate the standard into other languages.
The basic objective of any SNOMED CT translation is to provide accurate representations of SNOMED CT concepts in way that is understandable, usable, and safe. Translations must be concept-based, as term-to-term translations usually yield literal expressions that are often meaningless. Instead, the translator analyzes each concept based on the position within the hierarchy, the descriptions, and relationships to other concepts before deciding on the most meaningful translation of a concept. IHTSDO is currently developing guidelines and other supporting documents to support countries undertaking translations.
