Developing a language game and translation

Language Brief
Finan Enterprises is creating a language board game for ages 8+. It is primarily a language education tool that in trials has shown itself to be great fun. What is more, early trials suggest that people learn language faster through this concept than through other materials.
We require linguists to help us create the content in select Latin based languages (initially). There are some important principles underpinning the game that allow players to “discover” the language as they play. It means that they can start with zero knowledge and build up by playing.
I am looking for linguists who can help provide content in English • Italian, English • French and English • Spanish (and vice versa).
The language ranges from basic to intermediate and we try to avoid irregularities or complication wherever possible. Words that translate easily from one language to another are good.
It is important that the linguists understand the fundamentals of language. Players will need to put simple sentences together (e.g. “I see the brown dog”), avoiding all unnecessary language difficulties. It means that the linguists will have a role in selecting, using prescribed criteria, a definitive number of nouns, adjectives, verbs etc that will work together. These words should be of use in everyday language.
The language will build up in stages. As the players play more, more will be revealed.
We have built a draft Italian model that can be used as a start template for all languages and this will be shared with the chosen team. The team will need to show skills and talents in specific areas. These are defined more fully below.
• We are looking for a person / team that are as passionate and as proud as we are in developing an A1 game concept that will help students take their language to the next level in a quick and fun way.
• They must have a complete grasp of the fundamentals of how language works and how component words work together.
• They will have an instinct for selecting words and language that translate well, without complication, and be of everyday use.
• They will be familiar with XL to create databases of words that will be used on special playing cards.
• They will liaise closely with us on a regular basis regarding development and share their findings and improvements.
• In total the team will help build a database of 400-500 words that provide the game content.
• They will translate rules and regulations and also provide wording in the native language for the box.
• We will disclose the game and how it works on appointment.

We anticipate the following time allocated to each language:

• 1 hour to receive the brief and understand the concept.

• 1 hour to share your thoughts at the start. We welcome any improvements you might suggest. You might also flag up any potential difficulties / irregularities we may encounter with specific languages.

• In the initial phase we anticipate 5 hours work per language for word selection (using prescribed criteria).

• 2 hours databasing word and building into defined stages.

• 1 hour double check content and balances.

• 1 hour play the game and make findings.

• The content will then be trialled by our team (this should also be done by your team as your check above) and suggestions and improvements fed back to you for further development. 2 hours.

• Translation of rules and box messaging, 2 hours.

• Further consultancy. If your team shows itself to fully understand the game, be proactive and adding real value to our project, then you may be employed further as a longer term consultant to further improve the game, cross check all contents, and be the “Language Manager” for its developments into the next tier of languages. We would agree terms of this at a later date.

• Further work can come from web development translation services. This will be discussed and contracted separately contingent on successful help in concept development.

These are estimates based on our own experience. We can discuss feasibility of all of the above on receipt of the brief.

It is our main objective to produce games that fundamentally work and are of genuine use to the customer. Accurate work is therefore an absolute imperative.

Finally, this is a fun game and we want to have fun making it........so we look forward to working with a team that enjoys the challenge and has fun with us in making it happen.