Training module (WSI): Dual-language drafting features

In this module, you will learn about the features Lawmaker has to facilitate dual-language drafting of Welsh Statutory Instruments, in Welsh and English.

Tutorial

As a prerequisite to this module, you should have completed Training module (SI): Using the Project Tab or otherwise be familiar with the Project tab and the different types of document version (Working versions, Snapshot versions and Significant versions).

You should also have completed Training module (SI): The Editor view or otherwise be familiar with the basics of the Editor.

Working with renditions

Each document version in a WSI project contains space for two renditions, or versions of the same document, one Welsh and one English.

Please review the page Managing Welsh and English renditions.

Ensure you are familiar with:

• The concept of renditions in working, snapshot and significant versions;

• Creating a new document with a starting language selected; and

• Adding a new rendition to a Working version, either by creating a blank rendition, or by importing a translated XML document.

Note that when you create a WSI Project, you will be prompted to select a Starting language.

You should choose whichever language you are likely to begin drafting in.

It doesn’t fundamentally set the project as a ‘Welsh’ or ‘English’ project: it will just determine which rendition is created first.

Exporting a document for translation

Lawmaker allows you to export your document as an XML document for the purpose of translation, e.g., using Trados.

To do this, go to the Actions menu next to the version you wish to export for translation, and select Export for translation.

For details and screenshots, please review the page Exporting an English or Welsh rendition for translation.

Generating a dual-language PDF

To generate a dual-language PDF, you should first have a working version containing both a Welsh and an English rendition.

Then, from the Project tab:

1. Select the Actions menu next to the relevant working version;

2. Select Generate PDF;

3. (Optionally: change the settings in the Generate PDF window. The defaults settings are correct for a finalised PDF for publication.)

4. Click Generate.

When Lawmaker has successfully generated the PDF, a green pop-up window will announce that it is ready. You can View PDF from this window to open the PDF.

Alternatively, to open the PDF, find the PDF snapshot version and select Actions > View PDF.

Please note that you will not be able to generate a dual-language PDF from the Editor view - this will just generate a PDF version for whichever language rendition you have open.

Deleting a rendition

You might want to delete a rendition, but not the whole working version.

For example, you have an English and a Welsh rendition, and you want to delete the English rendition so you can upload a newly translated version which has corrections.

If you want to delete a rendition, do the following:

1. Actions > Delete document;

2. In the Choose which renditions to delete window, select Delete a specific rendition;

3. Under Rendition language, select the rendition you want to delete;

4. Click Delete.

Typing Welsh vowels with diacritics

Lawmaker has features allowing you to add diacritics for vowels.

If you are likely to need to create diacritics with vowels, please:

• Review the page Typing Welsh vowels with diacritics, and / or

• Watch the the below video demonstration.

https://youtu.be/FR-6P6GoJX0

Further information

You can find further detailed information at:

• Managing Welsh and English renditions

• Exporting an English or Welsh rendition for translation

• Typing Welsh vowels with diacritics

• Recommended workflow for drafting, translating, and registering Welsh Statutory Instruments

• Getting a WSI signed and submitted to TNA

Exercises

Getting started

Before you start the exercises, you will need a WSI project ready and open on the project tab. It doesn’t matter what ‘Starting language’ you chose when you created the project.

If you already have a WSI project ready, you can move on to the exercises below.

If you don’t have a project ready, follow the steps below.

Exercise 1 - Create a new working version

Create a new working version of your document, selecting a starting language of your choice.

Exercise 2 - Add the other rendition as a blank document

In the working version you just created, add the other rendition, starting with a blank document.

Exercise 3 - Generate a dual language PDF

Generate a dual-language PDF containing both of your renditions.

(Optional) Exercise 4 - Export for translation

You only need to do this exercise if you will be translating documents using software, or at least if you will be passing documents to colleagues who will translate them with software.

Setup

For this and exercise 5, you should have a realistic document to start with.

To set this up, do the following from the Project tab:

• Select Document Actions from the right of the Project tab;

• Select Import from legislation.gov.uk

• Copy and paste https://www.legislation.gov.uk/wsi/2025/1343/contents/made into the URL field;

• Select a folder and specify a Version Description, i.e., a name;

• Click Import.

Once you’ve done the above, you can start the exercise below.

Exercise

Export your newly imported English-language document for translation.

(Optional) Exercise 5 - Import translated document

You only need to do this exercise if you will be translating documents using software, or at least if you will be receiving translated documents and importing them into Lawmaker.

Setup

This exercise assumes you have access to translation software, e.g., Trados.

Translate your XML document created in Exercise 4 using this software.

Exercise

Import the translated document to your working version.