Different languages use different word orders. For example, in English, adjectives precede the nouns they modify. In French, some adjectives might have a different meaning depending on the context and whether the adjective precedes or follows the noun it modifies. If you write the phrase "world population conference," the translator might not be able to determine whether the phrase means a conference on the population of the world or a conference on population in general with attendees from all over the world. If you design an application in French and localize to an English-speaking country, you must review and possibly adjust any labels, titles, or messages that contain adjective and noun combinations.

You should account for such adjustments when you design your interface and write your messages. To save time in translation, use variables to define labels, titles, or messages, and plan to make adjustments for translation in only one place. In some cases, you can use the SUBSTITUTE function to create phrases that you can reorganize in the translation process by using different substitution arguments for each portion of a phrase. For more information on the SUBSTITUTE function, see OpenEdge Development: ABL Reference.