How do I build a useful Arabic–English brand glossary?
Start with recurring product names, service descriptions, technical terms and phrases that affect the meaning of the offer. Record the approved English and Arabic forms, their intended meaning, an example sentence and any forms to avoid. Explain when context changes the wording instead of forcing every English term into one Arabic equivalent.
Give the glossary an owner and make it available to writers, designers and suppliers. For a fictional software company, distinguishing an account from a subscription may prevent misleading interface text and campaign copy. Test terms in real sentences and update the record when the product changes; an isolated word list is rarely enough.
A practical example
For a fictional approval platform, “request”, “approval” and “authorisation” may describe different actions. A two-column translation list is not enough if the product team uses those words inconsistently. Add a definition, a sample sentence and a note about where each term appears. Name the reviewer who resolves disagreements before they spread into sales and support copy.
How to apply this
- Start with frequent or easily confused terms.
- Add definitions and real usage examples.
- Record approved forms, prohibited alternatives and exceptions.
- Keep a named owner and a visible revision date.
What to watch for
A glossary should not force an awkward word into every sentence. Distinguish fixed product terminology from phrases that can change naturally with context. Where an official Arabic name or contractual term exists, verify it with the responsible source rather than inventing a more attractive alternative.
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