Practical Tool: Bilingual formatting

Written documents

Options:

Tumble or "flip-side" format Advantage: conveys clear bilingual image
Disadvantage: cost
Flip-side example

Two columns side-by-side, one English, one French Advantage: conveys clear bilingual image Disadvantage: challenging to format


Two columns example
Two separate editions (Always inform the reader that the document exists in the other language, whether overleaf or on request. This notice also serves to promote the bilingual character of your organization.)
Advantage: cost effective
Disadvantage: does not convey a clear bilingual image


Two separate editions example
Switching from one language to the other within the same document Advantage: may be used to introduce a change in policy
Disadvantage: difficult to read, incomplete information


Switching in the same document example


Computer presentations (PowerPoint)

Options :

Alternation: one slide in English, one slide in French Advantage: conveys clear bilingual image
Disadvantage: information is incomplete in each language


one slide english, the other french example
Simultaneous presentation in both languages Advantage: conveys clear bilingual image
Disadvantage: higher production and equipment rental costs


Simultaneous presentation example

Internet site

Options :

Home page highlighting choice between the two languages Advantage: conveys clear bilingual image
Highlighted choice example

Busniness cards

Options :

Two-sided, one side in French, the other in English Advantage: clear bilingual image and attractive presentation
Two-sided example


One-sided with integrated languages Advantage: conveys clear bilingual image
Disadvantage: hard to display a lot of information


One-side with integrated language example
Two separate versions Disadvantage: does not convey a clear bilingual image; hard to make sure the recipient gets the right one


Two seperate versions example

Letterhead options :

Options :

Both languages at top, one above the other Advantage: clear bilingual image
Disadvantage: How to decide which language comes first?


Both languages at top one above the other example
Both languages at top, side by side Advantage: clear bilingual image
Disadvantage: a certain precedence given to the language on the left


Both languages at top, side by side example
Two separate versions Disadvantage: expensive; does not convey clear bilingual image


Two seperate versions example

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