Locking content methods in Word are only relevant if the translators are using Microsoft Word as the tool to do the translation.

If they are translation professionals, they are more likely to be using some other tool which is better suited to the task. The fact that you are asking about RTF files also implies that they aren't using Microsoft Word.

Perhaps you need to do some investigation on the tool they are using and find out what they suggest as a way to avoid requesting translations of specific styles.

__________________
Andrew Lockton
Chrysalis Design, Melbourne Australia